"THE WONDER YEARS" -- On 3/13, Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of One of the Most Beloved Sitcoms of All Time with Two Specially-Priced Sets

COMMEMORATE ONE OF THE MOST BELOVED SITCOMS
OF ALL TIME ON ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY WITH
TWO SPECIALLY-PRICED SETS OF THE WONDER YEARS

THE WONDER YEARS: THE COMPLETE SERIES
"Grade A+" -- People  Magazine

"A rare TV phenomenon..." -- USA Today

The 26-Disc Deluxe Edition Features All 115 Landmark Episodes and Nearly 23 Hours of Specially-Produced Bonus Features, Housed in a Mini School Locker Packed with Memories; the 22-Disc Slipcase Edition is Streamlined for the Sitcom Purist

Street Date: March 13, 2018

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS

The Wonder Years debuted in 1988 following ABC's broadcast of Super Bowl XXII, and, for six memorable seasons, the series affectionately captured the angst of growing up in suburban middle-class America in the late '60s, as seen through the life and times of Kevin Arnold (Fred Savage). It was unlike anything on television and audiences eagerly followed his evolution as a typical awkward teenager who remembered every moment of his transition from childhood with excruciating detail and remarkable hindsight. From his first kiss with Winnie Cooper (Danica McKellar) to his friendship with Paul Pfeiffer (Josh Saviano) and the ups and downs of the Arnold family, fans shared in laughter, love, and loss, but above all, wonder.

From 1988 to 1993, The Wonder Years was one of the most popular shows on TV, achieving a spot in the Nielsen Top 30 for four of its six seasons. And the critical accolades and awards would follow: after only a scant six episodes, the show captured an Emmy® for "Best Comedy Series;" and, at the age of 13, Fred Savage would become the youngest actor ever nominated as "Outstanding Lead Actor for a Comedy Series." The series would also go on to win 24 awards (and be nominated for 70 more), including multiple Emmy® Awards, a Golden Globe® and, in 1989, a Peabody® Award for pushing the boundaries of the sitcom format and using new modes of storytelling.

Now, as the groundbreaking series commemorates its milestone 30th Anniversary, there's never been a better time to add one of the "Top 20 Shows of the '80s" (TV Guide) to your home entertainment collection, with two specially-priced retail editions.

Both sets contain all 115 compete episodes from the series six year run -- remastered and engineered for optimal viewing -- along with complete show notes with episode synopses, cast member reflections, "Current Events," and more, as well as the soundtrack of over 300 classic period songs as they were featured in the original broadcasts includes such artists as: Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, The Byrds, Simon & Garfunkel, Aretha Franklin, James Taylor, and of course, Joe Cocker's unforgettable theme.

THE WONDER YEARS: THE COMPLETE SERIES DELUXE EDITION is whimsically packaged in a limited edition metal locker, a replica of those used by Kevin and Winnie in Kennedy Junior High School - and arrives complete with colorful Wonder Years magnets to custom-design each locker.   Also included are two "notebooks," each featuring detailed episode information and production photos, as well as a replica yearbook embellished with signatures from cast members, behind-the-scenes photos and classic show memorabilia, and liner notes penned by Fred Savage, series creators Neal Marlens and Carol Black and executive producer Bob Brush. For sitcom purists, THE SLIPCASE EDITION delivers all of the laughs and all of the memories in streamlined packaging.

BONUS FEATURES

Highlights from the cast reunion
Roundtable discussions with Danica McKellar, Fred Savage, and Josh Saviano
6 newly produced featurettes
Farewell set tour
One-hour ABC broadcast of the series finale
Exclusive interviews with the show's creators and cast including Fred Savage, Danica McKellar, Josh Saviano, Alley Mills, Dan Lauria, Olivia d'Abo, Jason Hervey, and more! 

PROGRAM INFORMATION
Format: Deluxe Locker Edition (26
Discs)/Slipcase (22 Discs)
Running Time: 58 hours
Genre: TV/Comedy
Aspect Ratio: 16x9 (1.78.1)
Audio: 5.1 Surround Sound
Language: English with Closed Captioning

"THE WONDER YEARS" -- On 3/13, Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of One of the Most Beloved Sitcoms of All Time with Two Specially-Priced Sets

"PASTOR PAUL", The "World's First American Nollywood Film", Arrives on DVD/Digital HD on 3/13

AFTER BEING CAST IN A RAMSHACKLE NOLLYWOOD MOVIE...

AN AMERICAN TOURIST IS POSSESSED BY A GHOST IN
THIS CHARMING COMEDY SET IN WEST AFRICA

"PASTOR PAUL"

Street Date: March 13, 2018
DVD SRP: $24.95

Called "The World's First American Nollywood Film," This Engaging Film from First-Time Director Jules David Bartkowski Arrives this March on DVD/Digital HD, Exclusively from IndiePix Films®

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

When a white tourist travels to West Africa, gets cast in a micro-budget version of Hamlet, and is possessed by a ghost anything can and does happen inPASTOR PAUL, a film that multi-hyphenate director/writer/actor Jules David Bartkowski calls "the world's first American Nollywood film."

Benjamin (played by Bartkowski) is a bumbling, geeky mathematician on a mission to discover the hidden formulas in the rhythms of African drumming when he's asked to act in a movie by Kubolor (Wanlov the Kubolor, one half of the Ghanaian hip-hop duo FOKN Bois), a famous Nollywood actor. Somewhat befuddled, Benjamin agrees.

On the set, however, he's stricken with seizures and speaks in tongues, horrifying the crew though inadvertently giving the director exactly what he wanted. Benjamin returns to his research, seeking out drummers in remote villages, until his possession reoccurs and he wakes up the next morning in an abandoned house. With a life that's quickly turned into a real-life Nollywood movie, will he be able to rid himself of this strange spiritual malady in time for the movie premiere?

Filmed in Ghana and Nigeria as a guerilla-style international co-production with the premier avant-garde arts collective in Ghana, Pidgen Unlimited, PASTOR PAUL explores the intersection of New African cinema, Christianity and witchcraft, while lampooning classic images of the white man in Africa. 

Jason Coffman of Daily Gridhouse.com says, "everyone on screen looks like they're having a blast, and that good-natured charm makes PASTOR PAUL a standout independent comedy" and an homage to the spirit -- and the spirits -- of Nollywood.

PASTOR PAUL

Running Time: 70 mins.
Rating: N/A
Genre: Comedy/World Cinema
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Audio: Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo

About IndiePix Films®
New York-based IndiePix Films® offers cineastes a highly-curated collection of the best independent films from around the world. Avenues for distribution include their signature streaming service, IndiePix Unlimited, dedicated commerce site, IndiePixFilms.com, which offers download-to-own, streaming rental and physical media direct to consumers, via national retail channels and select theatrical exhibition. IndiePix also owns Festival Genius, the premier platform for connecting film festivals to audiences through online ticketing, calendars, iphone apps, and more.

"PASTOR PAUL", The "World's First American Nollywood Film", Arrives on DVD/Digital HD on 3/13

Sean Connery/James Bond's One-Time-Only Goofy Grin

We've seen Sean Connery's Bond smile a lot in the Bond movies.

But in the gypsy camp sequence in "From Russia With Love" (1965)...

...there's a broad, almost goofy grin we've not seen before or since.

What was Connery reacting to in such an openly ecstatic way? (The dancer? She isn't in the shot.)

Whatever it was, we would never see Connery's Bond look that genuinely delighted again.


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Hope you enjoy it!

Sean Connery/James Bond's One-Time-Only Goofy Grin

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI on Digital March 13 & Blu-ray March 27 (New Trailer and Pics Here!)

“A spectacular, full-throttle joyride of thrills, exhilarating, screen-filling visuals” – Neil Pond, Parade

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI

Writer/Director Rian Johnson takes fans behind the scenes, revealing production secrets and never-before-seen footage and deleted scenes

BURBANK, Calif. (February 20, 2018) — Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi—the next action-packed chapter of the Star Wars saga— Earned critical acclaim and the No. 1 spot atop 2017’s list of highest-grossing films.

The visually stunning film welcomes the return of original characters, including Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, Yoda, R2-D2 and C-3PO and further explores the deepening journey of the saga’s new members, Rey, Finn, Poe, and Kylo Ren.

Now families can bring home the movie digitally in HD and 4K Ultra HD™ and via Movies Anywhere on March 13, two weeks before the 4K Ultra HD™ Blu-ray, and Blu-ray™ disc on March 27. 

This release also marks Disney’s first title available on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc in both Dolby Vision™ HDR and Dolby Atmos® immersive audio, delivering consumers a transformative viewing experience.

Director Rian Johnson takes fans on an intimate journey into the creation of Star Wars: The Last Jedi in a feature-length documentary, explaining his unique interpretation of the Force, detailing the painstaking process of creating Snoke, and deconstructing action-packed scenes from the film such as the epic space battle and the final confrontation.

Johnson also reveals two exclusive scenes, featuring Andy Serkis as Snoke prior to his digital makeover, as well as 14 never-before-seen deleted scenes, in addition to his audio commentary.

Bonus features include*:

⦁ The Director and the Jedi – Go deep behind the scenes with writer-director Rian Johnson on an intimate and personal journey through the production of the movie—and experience what it’s like to helm a global franchise and cultural phenomenon.
⦁ Balance of the Force - Explore the mythology of the Force and why Rian Johnson chose to interpret its role in such a unique way.
⦁ Scene Breakdowns
⦁ Lighting the Spark: Creating the Space Battle – Get a close-up look at the epic space battle, from the sounds that help propel the action, through the practical and visual effects, to the characters who bring it all to life.
⦁ Snoke and Mirrors – Motion capture and Star Wars collide as the filmmakers take us through the detailed process of creating the movie’s malevolent master villain.
⦁ Showdown on Crait – Break down everything that went into creating the stunning world seen in the movie’s final confrontation, including the interplay between real-word locations and visual effects, reimagining the walkers, designing the crystal foxes, and much more.
⦁ Andy Serkis Live! (One Night Only) – Writer-director Rian Johnson presents two exclusive sequences from the movie featuring Andy Serkis’ riveting, raw on-set performance before his digital makeover into Snoke.
⦁ Deleted Scenes – With an introduction and optional commentary by writer-director Rian Johnson.
⦁ Audio Commentary – View the movie with in-depth feature audio commentary by writer-director Rian Johnson.

* Digital bonus offerings may vary by retailer.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is packaged several ways to ensure fans get the most out of their in-home viewing experience. The Multiscreen Edition (formerly the Blu-ray Combo Pack) includes Blu-ray, and a Digital copy, giving viewers the flexibility to watch the film on different devices.

Those with 4K Ultra HD capability may opt for a 4K UHD Collector’s Edition, including 4K Ultra HD disc with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, Blu-ray disc, and a digital copy (where available).

Dolby Vision delivers greater brightness and contrast, as well as a fuller palette of rich colors. Dolby Atmos places and moves audio anywhere in the room, including overhead. Together on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc, viewers will practically feel the Force in their own home.

DISC SPECIFICATIONS:

FEATURE RUN TIME:           Approximately 152 min.
RATING:                                 PG-13 in U.S.; PG in CE; PG in CF
ASPECT RATIO:                     2.39:1
AUDIO:                               4K UHD (US): English 7.14 Dolby Atmos; English 7.1 Dolby Audio™; English 2.0 Descriptive Audio, Spanish 7.1 Dolby Audio
4K UHD (Canada): English 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos; English 7.1 Dolby Audio; English 2.0 Descriptive Audio, French 7.1 Dolby Audio
Blu-ray: English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Audio Language Tracks
DVD: English 5.1 Dolby Audio, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Audio Language Tracks
Digital 4K UHD: English Dolby Atmos (where available), English 7.1 Dolby Audio (where available), English, French & Spanish 5.1 Dolby Audio, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio (where available)
Digital HD: English, French & Spanish 5.1 Dolby Audio, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio (where available)
SUBTITLES:                         UHD / BD: English SDH, French & Spanish
                                             DVD: English SDH, French & Spanish
                                   Digital: English SDH, English Closed Caption, French & Spanish (where available)

SOCIAL MEDIA:  

Website: http://www.starwars.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/starwars
Twitter: https://twitter.com/starwars
Instagram: http://instagram.com/starwars
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/starwars

ABOUT STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI:

In Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the Skywalker saga continues as the heroes of The Force Awakens join the galactic legends in an epic adventure that unlocks age-old mysteries of the Force and shocking revelations of the past.

The film stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie, Kelly Marie Tran, Laura Dern with Frank Oz, and Benicio Del Toro. Star Wars: The Last Jedi is written and directed by Rian Johnson and produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman. J.J. Abrams, Tom Karnowski and Jason McGatlin are the executive producers.

ABOUT LUCASFILM LTD.
Lucasfilm Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production. In addition to its motion-picture and television production, the company's activities include visual effects and audio post-production, cutting-edge digital animation, interactive entertainment software, and the management of the global merchandising activities for its entertainment properties including the legendary STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES franchises. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in northern California.

MOVIES ANYWHERE (MA):
Movies Anywhere simplifies and enhances the digital movie collection and viewing experience by allowing consumers to access their favorite digital movies in one place when purchased or redeemed through participating digital retailers. Movies Anywhere brings together the movies from Sony Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox Film, The Walt Disney Studios (including Disney, Pixar, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm), Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. Participating digital retailers at launch are Amazon Video, Google Play, iTunes and Vudu. Movies Anywhere offers a library of over 7,300 digital movies at launch, including new releases, and will continue to expand the consumer experience as more content providers, digital retailers and platforms are added. Using the free Movies Anywhere app and website, consumers can connect their Movies Anywhere account with participating digital retailers and enjoy their favorite digital movies from the comfort of their living room and across multiple devices and platforms, including Amazon Fire devices; Android devices and Android TV; Apple TV; Chromecast; iPhone, iPad and iPod touch; Roku® devices and popular browsers. Consumers can also redeem digital copy codes found in eligible Blu-ray and DVD disc packages from participating studios and enjoy them through Movies Anywhere. 
 
ABOUT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS:
For over 90 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under the following banners: Disney, including Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel Studios; Lucasfilm; and Touchstone Pictures. The Disney Music Group encompasses the Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records labels, as well as Disney Music Publishing. The Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Disney on Broadway, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!

ABOUT DOLBY VISION
Dolby Vision transforms your TV experience with spectacular imaging—incredible brightness, contrast, and color that bring entertainment to life before your eyes via OTT online streaming, Ultra HD Blu-ray disc, broadcast, and gaming applications.

ABOUT DOLBY ATMOS
Dolby Atmos delivers moving audio—sound that can be precisely placed and moved anywhere in three-dimensional space, including overhead. It brings entertainment alive all around the audience in a powerfully immersive and emotive experience.

© 2018 & TM Lucasfilm Ltd. 

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI on Digital March 13 & Blu-ray March 27 (New Trailer and Pics Here!)

"MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN" Corkscrew Car Jump: NO Slide Whistle!

The cartoony slide whistle always ruined the effect of this great stunt for us.

So we took it out and replaced it with cool Bond music!

I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Hope you enjoy it!

"MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN" Corkscrew Car Jump: NO Slide Whistle!

DVD/VOD Release (5/8)--Breaking Glass Enters a "HOUSE OF EVIL" This May

"HOUSE OF EVIL"

Chilling Haunted House Horror’s North American
DVD & VOD Roll-Out Begins May 8

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Philadelphia, PA, February 16, 2018--Breaking Glass Pictures has acquired US rights to the retro, haunted house horror feature HOUSE OF EVIL. Breaking Glass acquired rights to the film in October in a deal negotiated between Breaking Glass CEO Rich Wolff and Frederic Demy of The Story Forge, LTD.

Described as a film that brings “a perfect blend of old school and modern horror” (Horrorscreams Videovault) which “builds to a satisfying climax that wraps itself contentedly in its Italian roots.” (The Schlock Pit), HOUSE OF EVIL was an official selection at the Ferrara Film Festival and the Italian New Horror Film Festival.

The film stars Andrew Harwood Mills (Retribution, Zombie Massacre 2: Reich of the Dead), Lucy Drive (Dead End, Cassette, Outside Bet), and Désirée Giorgetti (Alaska).

Based on true events, HOUSE OF EVIL follows a young couple who, in the 1970s, move into a large, remote house in the countryside with hopes of starting a family. However, it's not long before they are menaced by ghosts and a darker demonic presence.

“House of Evil is a true homage to classic Italian horror cinema”, said Wolff. “The film is a welcome addition to our genre library.”

HOUSE OF EVIL will arrive on May 8 on DVD and VOD platforms including iTunes, Amazon Instant, Google Play, Xbox, PlayStation, Vudu, Fandango, and through local cable/satellite providers.

House of Evil
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Running Time: 85 min., Rating: NR, Language: English, Audio: Dolby 5.1
SRP: $24.99; UPC: 855184007297

Cast:
Andrew Harwood Mills
Lucy Drive
Désirée Giorgetti
David White
Eleonora Marianelli

Director: Luca Boni, Marco Ristori
Written by: Lorenzo Paviano, Raffaele Picchio
Producer: Uwe Boll

DVD/VOD Release (5/8)--Breaking Glass Enters a "HOUSE OF EVIL" This May

THE BRUTE MAN (1946) -- Movie Review by Jason Hernandez

It's a poorly made, clumsily written, awkwardly paced, stiffly acted B-movie rush job, but THE BRUTE MAN (1946) deserves credit for being the only film to treat disfigured actor Rondo Hatton like a human being.

Yes, he's still a mad murderer who kills people with his bare hands. Yes, they're still calling him "The Creeper". Yes, he's still photographed like a beast in the shadows.

The twist is that this movie takes the old Bride of Frankenstein turn in which the monster meets a blind person who doesn't judge him. That's pretty lady piano instructor Jane Adams.

She's doesn't panic when Hatton, a complete stranger, breaks into her apartment. She also doesn't suspect that anything is amiss when the police knock on her door right afterward looking for him.

This is partly because she's a sweetheart and partly because this script was written faster than a bachelor's grocery list. Nobody here had time to try to make sense of this. The important part is that she develops a friendship with him. She humanizes him. He keeps coming back like a stray cat.

Along the way, we do begin to sympathize with the pituitary disease-ravaged Hatton. We learn his sad story. We start to root for him to evade capture and continue to strangle to death anyone he wants.

At the very least, we don't care if his next target, Tom Neal, wearing the worst fake mustache in film history, gets away or not.

This was Hatton's final film, released after his death. The commonly told story is that Universal originally made this and then didn't want to release it due to a combination of them shutting down their B-movie division, thinking that the film was terrible and not wanting to look like they're capitalizing off of Hatton's death.

I'm not sure that I buy all of that (particularly the last reason), but Universal did sell the film off to the Poverty Row mavens at PRC, who would release anything that was in focus for at least ten minutes of its run time.

The fifty-eight-minute wonder THE BRUTE MAN fits right in with all of the other slop they were slingin'.



Here's Rondo in parallel-view 3D (click for larger picture): 

THE BRUTE MAN (1946) -- Movie Review by Jason Hernandez

MICHAEL IRONSIDE in JON KEEYES' "THE HARROWING" - Berlin World Premiere

Film Mode Entertainment’s

THE HARROWING

Makes 2018 World Premiere Screening in Berlin

World Premiere Screening and EFM Market Debut of New, Mind-bending Horror/Thriller Stars Screen Legend MICHAEL IRONSIDE and is Directed by Horror Legend JON KEEYES

BERLIN (February 17, 2018) -- Clay Epstein’s Film Mode Entertainment presents the World Market Premiere screening and EFM debut of their newest thriller THE HARROWING in Berlin. The world premiere screening will take place on Friday, February 18th at 11:05 AM at dffb-Kino.

Written and directed by veteran horror director JON KEEYES (AMERICAN NIGHTMARE, FALL DOWN DEAD), the film stars the legendary MICHAEL IRONSIDE (TOTAL RECALL, SCANNERS), who among being nominated for almost a dozen awards, has become widely known for his depiction of fearsome villains in this genre.

The cast is further bolstered by MATTHEW TOMPKINS (SICARIO), and ARNOLD VOSLOO (THE MUMMY, G.I. JOE). The premiere screening in Berlin takes place on February 18th.

“We’re thrilled to screen THE HARROWING to distributors and audiences for the very first time in Berlin.” Said Epstein. “Horror and thriller fans are in for the ride of their lives with THE HARROWING - a gripping, mind-bending, nail-biter of a film that has a great deal of worldwide commercial appeal with the recent success of the genre.” 

Garnering over $733 million in ticket sales in 2017, the biggest box office year ever for horror, THE HARROWING is a perfect addition to the marketplace.

The horror/thriller follows a Vice Detective (TOMPKINS), who is wrongly accused of the ritualistic murder of his best friend.  Bent on finding the truth, he is plunged into Hell when he goes undercover and discovers the truth behind a demonic myth.

Jon Keeyes, Director: "As a life long genre fan, The Harrowing is a movie that is going to get audiences excited across the world. We've carefully crafted an intelligent, suspenseful, tense thriller that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats while driving them down a road of psychological twists and turns. Right out of the gate, we pull them in with an explosive opening sequence, and then keep them guessing as the mystery unfolds until we blow their minds in the final moments. Being able to construct such an intricate puzzle like this - that is both entertaining and thought provoking - has been a joy."

Matthew Tompkins, Producer: "The Harrowing is carefully constructed to be a powerful synergy of elements that make it one of those rare 'elevated' genre films with true crossover appeal to a wide variety of hardcore fans...The film is a potent mix of horror and supernatural elements that underpin a very smart, disturbing, and complicated psychological thriller...the idea of being able to drive the narrative utilizing all of these things, to truly pull that off, from both a commercial and artistic perspective, was a fantastic opportunity for us as Filmmakers."

The world premiere screening will take place on Friday, February 18th at 11:05 AM at dffb-Kino.

Film Mode Entertainment is representing worldwide rights on the film.

Film Mode Entertainment is a leading worldwide sales agent, production entity and distribution company, focusing on commercially driven feature films of all genres and budget sizes. Film Mode represents projects at all stages of the filmmaking process, often as Executive Producer, with the aim of helping producers and distributors achieve maximum exposure for their films. Film Mode’s recent successes include SUGAR MOUNTAIN starring Jason Momoa, THE GOOD NEIGHBOR starring Academy Award nominee, James Caan and GANGSTER LAND starring Sean Faris, Milo Gibson, Jason Patric, Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Peter Facinelli.  Upcoming releases include THE ESCAPE OF PRISONER 614 starring Golden Globe winner Ron Pearlman and VIKING DESTINY starring Academy Award nominee Terence Stamp. Additional titles include TIFF official selection HUMAN TRACES with Mark Mitchinson and Sophie Henderson and THE GIRL WHO INVENTED KISSING, starring Luke Wilson, Abbie Cornish and Suki Waterhouse.  DocMode, Film Mode’s Documentary label was launched to focus on award-winning Documentaries that impact the world.  BALLERINA, the first film under the label will have its American debut in 2018.   Film Mode is based in Beverly Hills, California.

MICHAEL IRONSIDE in JON KEEYES' "THE HARROWING" - Berlin World Premiere

"INTERCHANGE" Mystical Malaysian Supernatural Thriller Set For Digital Release Feb. 20

Terror Films' Sister Company Global Digital Releasing Takes on Mystical Malaysian Supernatural Thriller INTERCHANGE

LOS ANGELES, CA (February 16th, 2018) Global Digital Releasing has acquired North American rights to the award winning, Malaysian fantasy, crime-thriller Interchange. GDR has set the digital release date for Tuesday, February 20th, for this exciting supernatural thriller.

The film was written and directed by Dain Iskandar Said ("Bunahon"). The film stars: Ledil Putra, Prisia Nasution, Shaheizy Sam and Nicholas Saputra. Interchange made its North American premiere at TIFF in 2016. Since then, Interchange has made appearances at: L’Etrange Film Festival (Paris, 2016), BFI London International Film Festival (Thrill, 2016), Singapore International Film Festival (Opening Film, 2016) and the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival (Belgium, 2016). The film has met with critical claim, at many of these prestigious appearances.

The story follows Adam (Putra), a forensics photographer. He has become emotionally distraught and suffers from strange hallucinations, since witnessing the aftermath of a bizarre murder; he has retreated from the world. Then, a detective arrives at his doorstep informing him that another murder has occurred - one with undeniable similarities to the one that pushed him over the edge. Adam's help is requested to unravel the mystery - one involving: corpses drained of blood, unusual feathers and antique photographs that appear to capture Adam's beautiful new neighbor Iva (Prisia Nasution).

Adam is drawn further into Iva's mysterious world, while the detective delves deeper into his investigation. They discover the city's mystical underbelly of shamans and supernatural beings as century-old superstitions come to life.

WATCH THE TRAILER:

The film, which was acquired from XYZ Films. Interchange was written by: Redza Minhat, Dain Said, June Tan and Nandita Solomon (who also produced the film). The film will debut on: Amazon Instant, Amazon Prime, Vudu, Xbox and Google Play - on the 16th. This release will be followed by another on  iTunes, this March 3rd, 2018. More platforms will follow, including a VOD and DVD release.

Global Digital Releasing is sharing the official trailer, poster and some stills in anticipation of the film’s expansive North American debut.

The film’s official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GlobalDigitalReleasing

"INTERCHANGE" Mystical Malaysian Supernatural Thriller Set For Digital Release Feb. 20

Insane Car Jump Ruined in "THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN" (James Bond, 1974)

This James Bond film features one of the greatest car stunts ever.

The technical preparations for the "corkscrew" jump had to be precise. With several cameras rolling, the skilled driver pulled it off in one take.

And then they went and ruined it by adding... ...a cartoon slide-whistle sound effect. 

Composer John Barry later regretted adding the mood-killing sound effect.

Bond fans still cringe...and wonder what the moment would've been like without it.

(Let's find out!)


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material. Just having some fun with it. Thanks for watching!

Insane Car Jump Ruined in "THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN" (James Bond, 1974)

"SAMSON" From Pure Flix -- Opens Nationwide in Theaters Today

OPENING DAY ALERT--FRIDAY, FEB. 16 FROM PURE FLIX

'SAMSON'

BRINGS EPIC BIBLICAL STORY TO LIFE ON SCREEN NATIONWIDE

It’s one of the Bible’s best-known stories. Or is it? There’s more to Samson than muscles and a haircut.

Official Website

WATCH THE TRAILER:

From Pure Flix, creators of GOD’S NOT DEAD, comes SAMSON, the action-packed biblical epic starring Billy Zane, Golden GlobeÆ winner Rutger Hauer, Jackson Rathbone, EmmyÆ winner Lindsay Wagner, Caitlin Leahy and Taylor James in the title role.

SAMSON is based on the powerful, biblical epic of a champion chosen by God to deliver Israel. His supernatural strength and impulsive decisions quickly pit him against the oppressive Philistine empire.

After betrayal by a wicked prince and a beautiful temptress, Samson is captured and blinded by his enemies. Samson calls upon his God once more for supernatural strength and turns imprisonment and blindness into final victory.

A HERO OF OLD IS RELEVANT NOW
Pure Flix is a faith-film studio taking on contemporary issues in movies such as the hit GOD’S NOT DEAD. Now comes a page from ancient history. Samson’s journey of passion, betrayal and redemption reminds audiences that our failures do not define our future.

Pure Fix is the No. 1 independent producer of faith films, responsible for the phenomenally successful GOD’S NOT DEAD, among other well-known productions.

DIRECTOR
Bruce Macdonald

SCREENPLAY
Jason Baumgardner
Galen Gilbert
Timothy Ratajczak
Zach Smith

FEATURING
Billy Zane (TITANIC) as King Balek
Rutger Hauer (BLADE RUNNER) as Manoah, Samson’s father
Jackson Rathbone (The Last Ship, TWILIGHT) as King Balek’s son, Rallah
Lindsay Wagner (The Bionic Woman) as Samson’s mother, Zealphonis
Caitlin Leahy (Black-ish) as Delilah
Taylor James (JUSTICE LEAGUE) as Samson

About Pure Flix
Founded in 2005, led by Michael Scott, David A.R. White, Elizabeth Travis and Alysoun Wolfe, Pure Flix is the leading independent faith-and-family studio in the world. Recent releases include: The Case for Christ, God’s Not Dead 2, God’s Not Dead, Do You Believe?, Woodlawn, A Question of Faith and Same Kind of Different as Me. With offices in Los Angeles and Scottsdale, Pure Flix has produced, acquired, marketed, and distributed more than 100 faith and family-friendly films. Aiming to influence the global culture for Christ through media, Pure Flix is the industry leader in creating high-quality inspirational feature film content. The studio’s official website is Pureflixstudio.com.  The company also features a leading streaming video on demand service, with thousands of movies, originals, TV shows and more emphasizing faith, family and fun. For more information, go to Pureflix.com.

"SAMSON" From Pure Flix -- Opens Nationwide in Theaters Today

Arnold Schwarzenegger Joins Michael Fassbender in "KUNG FURY" for BLOOM

ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER JOINS MICHAEL FASSBENDER IN DAVID SANDBERG’S ACTION-COMEDY “KUNG FURY”

BLOOM Handling International Sales Which Commenced in Berlin Earlier This Week

BERLIN, GERMANY (February 15, 2018) – BLOOM announced today that Golden Globe® Winner Arnold Schwarzenegger (Terminator, The Expendables) will join Academy Award® Nominee Michael Fassbender (X-Men: First Class, Alien: Covenant, Steve Jobs) and David Hasselhoff (“Baywatch”, “Knight Rider”) in David Sandberg’s action-comedy Kung Fury, which Sandberg will also star in and produce under his Laser Unicorns’ banner, alongside Fassbender. David Katzenberg, Seth Grahame-Smith and Aaron Schmidt will produce under their KatzSmith Productions banner, following their enormous success with IT, which grossed over $700 million worldwide, becoming the largest grossing horror film of all time as of last year. Philip Westgren of B-Reel Films and Conor McCaughan will also produce. Pelle Strandberg is executive producing on behalf of Laser Unicorns.

Endeavor Content and CAA will handle North American sales. BLOOM is handling international sales and introduced the film to buyers at the EFM earlier this week.

It’s 1985, the best year ever. Miami is kept safe under the watchful eye of Kung Fury, the greatest damn cop of all time. Kung Fury’s Thundercops are the ultimate police force assembled from across history to defeat the villainous Kung Fuhrer, Adolf Hitler. After the tragic death of a Thundercop causes the group to disband, a mysterious villain emerges from the shadows to aid in the Fuhrer’s quest to attain the ultimate weapon. Kung Fury must travel space and time itself to save his friends, defend the prestigious Miami Kung Fu Academy, and defeat evil once and for all.

The original short film Kung Fury, which Hasselhoff also starred in, was a Kickstarter record-breaking success and was selected for Cannes Directors Fortnight and has gained over 40 million views worldwide.  The feature, which will be a sequel to the original short, is lensing this summer.

Schwarzenegger is a Golden Globe® Winning actor known for roles in franchises including Terminator and The Expendables. He will next star in the new Terminatior film from director Tim Miller for Paramount Pictures and most recently can be seen starring in Killing Gunther directed by Taran Killam.

Schwarzenegger is represented by CAA.

BLOOM’s diversified slate includes: Scott Cooper’s Hostiles which is currently in theaters and starring Christian Bale, Rosamund Pike and Wes Studi; Bill Holderman’s Book Club starring Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, and Candice Bergen which Paramount Pictures will release; Paul Weitz’s Bel Canto starring Julianne Moore; Jake Scott’s The Burning Woman, starring Christina Hendricks and Sienna Miller; Zhang Yimou’s Shadow; Matthew Heineman’s A Private War starring Rosamund Pike; Craig S. Zahler’s Dragged Across Concrete starring Mel Gibson and Vince Vaughn which will be released by Lionsgate; Strangers: Prey at Night from Johnannes Roberts; Andrea Di Stefano’s Three Seconds, starring Joel Kinnaman, Rosamund Pike, Common, and Clive Owen; and Victor Levin’s Destination Wedding starring Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder.

BLOOM recently entered into a first-look deal with filmmaker Jean-Marc Vallée and Nathan Ross’ Crazyrose banner, where they will partner on film, TV and documentaries. This deal gives BLOOM a strategic film & TV partner to enter into the original content and production space.  In Berlin, BLOOM will also be selling Yuval Adler’s The Operative and Sam Levinson’s Assassination Nation.

About BLOOM
BLOOM is a sales, production and financing outfit. The company represents and curates a diversified slate of films ranging from commercial, talent-driven, wide release movies, to specialty films from proven and trusted filmmakers, all the while keeping an eye towards fresh and emerging talent. In 2017, BLOOM was acquired by Endeavor Content (formerly WME | IMG).

Arnold Schwarzenegger Joins Michael Fassbender in "KUNG FURY" for BLOOM

BEFORE THE LIGHTS COME UP -- Movie Review by Porfle

Two chick-flick reviews in one month?  I think my masochistic tendencies have become inflamed by the dreaded inevitability of spring or something.  Good thing I watched the cannibal epic EATEN ALIVE between the two to help retain a semblance of (in)sanity. 

Still, BEFORE THE LIGHTS COME UP (2013) is amiably tolerable as an example of its genre, at least enough for me to get through it without actually jumping off a roof or anything.

Its male protagonist, former rock idol Ben Nelson (Ryan Schwartzman), is, on the other hand, so distraught that such a self-destructive course of action would come as no surprise.  (How's that for a segue?) 

Believed dead by his fans after some horrific accident, Ben has made the full slide into Skidsville to the point of selling both his super-strong pain meds and his prized guitar.

So what's left for him to do than move back in with his aspiring-actress sister Sam (Vanessa Rose Parker), with whom he has a volatile relationship, and her roommate, Ben's former lover Casey (real-life wife Jennica Schwartzman, RIDGE RUNNERS, PARKER'S ANCHOR) who still carries a torch for him despite having a boyfriend? 

Nothing potentially awkward about that--oh wait, yes there is.  In fact, the potential awkwardness of this arrangement will fuel the film's dramatic momentum like a speed freak on an exercise bike until the eventual fadeout. 

What happens in between is your usual romantic drama stuff, smartly directed (by Marc Hampson) and edited with a lean, flowing storytelling style that holds our interest throughout--visually anyway. 

The story itself is replete with moody passages, heart-to-heart talks, meaningful silences, cleansing outbursts of anger and frustration (along with bouts of big acting), bacon, purse pilfering, and lots of contemplation, all carried along by gentle acoustic music.

The seemingly idyllic, hugs 'n' empathy roommate relationship between Sam and Casey (who live in an impossibly luxurious house for women of their limited means) starts to erode in ways both predictable and unexpected, notably when Sam seethes with jealousy after Casey stumbles easily into an acting role that she herself has been working her rear end off to get.

Ben's arrival comes with a certain amount of suspense since we aren't even sure what's going on with him yet ourselves.  He remains closed off and distant at first, a mystery man whose past injuries and present emotional pain must be either dislodged or allowed to boil over on their own. 

Desperation, along with whatever all those brain scan flashbacks signify, have turned Ben into an unknown and quite probably unstable commodity.  All we know is that he's messed up, opaquely enigmatic, and wracked with fleeting flashbacks of those pesky brain scans and other bad things.

Will Ben ruin Casey's relationship with her current boyfriend? (She assures "Greg" he doesn't have anything to worry about, which means he definitely has something to worry about.)  Will Casey and Sam's "perfect roommates" status withstand the strain?

The characters look like real people, have first-world problems, and rarely get overly melodramatic about anything, which is good since some of the bigger acting scenes might've benefitted from one more take.

Funnily enough, the dialogue sounds most realistic when Sam's nagging Ben and Ben snaps back at her.  Things get amusingly awkward when the three of them are together, trying to be casually civil to  each other.  My favorite line is when Casey asks Ben, "Can we just skip the part about us being awkward about us, and just be friends?"

After all of this conflict and uncertainty simmers for about an hour and a half, the meandering storyline finally starts to draw itself together down the homestretch for a fairly interesting and somewhat trippy finale. 

BEFORE THE LIGHTS COME UP may not send everyone into paroxysms of rapture, but those who find emotional sustenance in this particular sort of storytelling should derive a generous dose of it here. 

Rent Or Buy It From Amazon Video

BEFORE THE LIGHTS COME UP -- Movie Review by Porfle

Michael Corleone Realizes He Has Nerves of Steel in "THE GODFATHER" (Paramount, 1972)

Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) goes to the hospital to check on his father after an assassination attempt.

He finds the Don's armed guards have all been banished by a crooked police captain.

Michael moves his father to safety, then enlists the aid of Enzo the baker, a family friend.

They pretend to be armed in order to ward off a gang of hitmen.

Enzo is so shaken and scared that Michael must light his cigarette.

That's when Michael notices that his own hands aren't shaking at all.

We're allowed to notice it, too.  Important as it is, it's a very subtle moment.


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it. Thanks for watching!

Michael Corleone Realizes He Has Nerves of Steel in "THE GODFATHER" (Paramount, 1972)

Tom Hagen Chows Down As Jack Woltz Rants in "THE GODFATHER" (Paramount, 1972)

Corleone family lawyer Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall) gets sent to Hollywood to negotiate with a stubborn film producer, Jack Woltz (John Marley).

Tom's been up all night, on the go all day, and hasn't had a decent meal for several hours. 
So when Woltz invites Tom to a lavish dinner, he makes the most of it.

As they dine, Woltz becomes increasingly incensed. He works himself into a rage. 
Knowing this is the last decent meal he'll have for a while, Tom continues to eat.

His bites get bigger.  He's wolfing that elegant meal down.
Nom nom nom...

Fully sated, Tom makes his exit.
But although he must skip dessert...

...Mr. Woltz later gets served the deluxe Horse Head Surprise. 


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material. Just having some fun with it.  Hope you enjoy it!

Tom Hagen Chows Down As Jack Woltz Rants in "THE GODFATHER" (Paramount, 1972)

Dog Lifts Leg in "THUNDERBALL" (United Artists, 1965): James Bond

Bond's in trouble...

Wounded, and chased by armed thugs...
...led by lovely but deadly Fiona Volpe (Luciana Paluzzi).

And as if that weren't enough...
Could that be Agent 00-K9, providing a distraction for Bond?

Oh well, they did say "Thunderball" would be Bond's wettest adventure yet.


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it. Thanks for watching!

Dog Lifts Leg in "THUNDERBALL" (United Artists, 1965): James Bond

Jean Harlow Dies During "SARATOGA", Stand-In Completes Scenes (1937)

Blonde bombshell Jean Harlow died in 1937 at the youthful age of 26.

The picture she was making with Clark Gable, SARATOGA, was incomplete.

Rather than recast, the studio finished her scenes using stand-in Mary Dees.

This was used as part of the picture's publicity campaign. 

The results are less than convincing...


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it. Thanks for watching!

Jean Harlow Dies During "SARATOGA", Stand-In Completes Scenes (1937)

Some Treasures Should Never Be Unearthed in "CURSE OF THE MAYANS", Arriving on DVD/Digital HD on 3/6

THIS MARCH, SOME TREASURES SHOULD NEVER BE UNEARTHED...

"CURSE OF THE MAYANS"

An Ancient Alien Evil is Unleashed in This Sci-Fi Thriller
Set in the Underwater Caverns of the Yucatan, Starring Olga Fonda,
Steve Wilcox and Carla Ortiz; Arriving on DVD & Digital HD
March 6, 2018

WATCH THE OFFICIAL TRAILER

For eons, the Mayans prophesized that on December 21, 2012 - the end-date of the 5,126-year cycle of the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar - there would be a cataclysmic, earth-shattering event. As it turned out, 2012 wasn't the end, but the beginning in CURSE OF THE MAYANS, a chilling sci-fi thriller set in the dark jungles and unexplored cenotes of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

In present day, American professor Dr. Alan Green (Wilcox) discovers a manuscript that may hold the keys to the lost Mayan culture. After traveling to Mexico, he hires an expert team of cave divers, led by Danielle Noble (Ortiz), to explore a submerged labyrinth of ruins left behind by the ancient civilization before their mysterious disappearance.

But when the team unwittingly stumbles upon an underwater prison and unintentionally frees the evil alien beings trapped within, they are forced to fight for their survival and prevent the extraterrestrial apocalypse predicted by the Mayans long ago.

Directed by Joaquin Rodriguez (Decadencia, Time Warrior, 666: The Beginning of the End), and starring Olga Fonda (9/11, Real Steel, "The Vampire Diaries"), Steve Wilcox (I Remember You, El Muerto), Bernardo Peña (Everlasting, Vengeance) and Carla Ortiz (Forgotten, The Man Who Shook the Hand of Vincente Fernandez), CURSE OF THE MAYANS was filmed on location at the sites of actual Mayan settlements.

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CURSE OF THE MAYANS

Format: DVD (Single) / Digital HD
Running Time: 88 mins.
Genre: Sci-fi / Thriller
Audio: Dolby 5.1
Aspect Ratio: 16x9 (1.78:1)

Some Treasures Should Never Be Unearthed in "CURSE OF THE MAYANS", Arriving on DVD/Digital HD on 3/6

Extreme Product Placement in the Marx Brothers' "LOVE HAPPY" (1949)

"Love Happy" was conceived as a solo vehicle for Harpo.

But, as usual, Chico needed the money.
And Groucho got lured into it too.

Before it was over, the producers were short on cash as well...
...and sold ad-space in the movie.

The big chase finale is wall-to-wall product placement.

(See if you can spot the blooper in the Mobilgas shot at 1:15.)


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it. Thanks for watching!

Extreme Product Placement in the Marx Brothers' "LOVE HAPPY" (1949)

Karloff Scream Used In Two "FRANKENSTEIN" Movies

In "Son of Frankenstein" (1939), the Monster (Boris Karloff) finds his friend Ygor (Bela Lugosi) dead...and his grief explodes in a piercing scream.

In the 1944 sequel "House of Frankenstein", Glenn Strange plays the Monster to Karloff's Dr. Niemann.

When the hunchback Daniel (J. Carrol Naish) attacks Niemann, the Monster seeks revenge.

Recognize Daniel's scream?  It's Karloff's from "Son of Frankenstein."

Boris' scream was so nice, they had to use it twice.


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it. Thanks for watching!

Karloff Scream Used In Two "FRANKENSTEIN" Movies

"MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - FALLOUT" Coming July 27 -- See the Official Trailer NOW!

YOUR NEXT MISSION, SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO ACCEPT IT...

"MISSION:IMPOSSIBLE - FALLOUT" is in theaters July 27, 2018

For more exclusives and behind the scenes content visit Tom Cruise's Official Instagram.

WATCH THE TRAILER:

SYNOPSIS
The best intentions often come back to haunt you.  MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - FALLOUT finds Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team (Alec Baldwin, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames) along with some familiar allies (Rebecca Ferguson, Michelle Monaghan) in a race against time after a mission gone wrong. 

Henry Cavill, Angela Bassett, and Vanessa Kirby also join the dynamic cast with filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie returning to the helm.

DIRECTED BY
Christopher McQuarrie

PRODUCED BY
Tom Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie, Jake Myers, J.J. Abrams

STARRING
Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Ving Rhames, Sean Harris, Angela Bassett, Vanessa Kirby, Michelle Monaghan, Alec Baldwin, Wes Bentley, Frederick Schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/missionimpossiblemovie
https://twitter.com/MissionFilm
#MissionImpossible

"MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - FALLOUT" Coming July 27 -- See the Official Trailer NOW!

Jack Palance Mounts His Horse Backwards in "SHANE" (1953)

In SHANE, Jack Palance played the evil gunfighter to Alan Ladd's reformed one.

Palance was memorable in the role of Wilson...but inexperienced as a horseman.

Getting down was no problem. Getting back on was another thing.

So they just used the shot of him getting down...in reverse.

Sometimes to go forward, you have to go backward.


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it. Thanks for watching!

Jack Palance Mounts His Horse Backwards in "SHANE" (1953)

Olive Films Announces February 2018 DVD & Blu-ray Releases -- "Birdman of Alcatraz" + Four More

Olive Films is proud to announce the following February 2018​ releases:

Birdman Of Alcatraz
Five On The Black Hand Side
Great Balls Of Fire!
The Hallelujah Trail
Hair

 

BIRDMAN OF ALCATRAZ

BIRDMAN OF ALCATRAZ       DVD         
CAT:                 OF1398
UPC:       887090139816
SRP:                 $24.95

BIRDMAN OF ALCATRAZ         BD          
CAT:                 OF1399
UPC:       887090139915
SRP:                 $29.95

US+CANADA
PREBOOK:        2/13/18
STREET:           2/27/18

BURT LANCASTER
(Elmer Gantry, Twilight’s Last Gleaming, The Island of Dr. Moreau)
KARL MALDEN
(Patton, On the Waterfront, TV’s The Streets of San Francisco)
THELMA RITTER
(Boeing, Boeing; Rear Window; All About Eve)
BETTY FIELD
(Bus Stop, Picnic, BUtterfield 8)
NEVILLE BRAND
(Stalag 17, Riot in Cell Block 11, Only the Valiant)
EDMOND O’BRIEN
(The Shanghai Story, The Barefoot Contessa, The Wild Bunch)
TELLY SAVALAS
(The Dirty Dozen, Kelly’s Heroes, TV’s Kojak)

Directed by
JOHN FRANKENHEIMER
(The Manchurian Candidate, Black Sunday, All Fall Down)

Birdman of Alcatraz received a total of four Academy Award® nominations in 1963 including Best Actor (Burt Lancaster), Best Supporting Actor (Telly Savalas), Best Supporting Actress (Thelma Ritter) and Best Black & White Cinematography (Burnett Guffey).

YEAR: 1962
GENRE: DRAMA
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH (with optional English subtitles)
LABEL: OLIVE FILMS
TOTAL RUNNING TIME: 149 mins
RATING: N/R
VIDEO: 1.66:1 Aspect Ratio; B&W
AUDIO: MONO

EXTRA
Audio commentary by Kate Buford, author of Burt Lancaster: An American Life

Birdman of Alcatraz, director John Frankenheimer’s (The Manchurian Candidate) biographical drama, stars Burt Lancaster (Elmer Gantry) as Robert Stroud, the “birdman” of the title, who, as the film begins, is incarcerated at Leavenworth Prison for murder, a sentence that will eventually lead him to Alcatraz. Seeing his days stretch out to life without parole for the murder of a prison guard, Stroud will pass his days in solitary confinement caring for a baby sparrow, an act which eventually blossoms into caring for an array of birds sent as gifts to fellow inmates.

Birdman of Alcatraz offers supporting performances by Thelma Ritter (who would receive an Academy Award® nomination for Best Supporting Actress) as Stroud’s mother; Karl Malden as prison warden, Harvey Schoemaker; Betty Field (Picnic) as Stroud’s future wife, Stella; Telly Savalas (The Dirty Dozen) as fellow inmate Gomez; Neville Brand (Stalag 17) as Bull, a prison guard who befriends Stroud; and Edmond O’Brien (The Wild Bunch) as Thomas E. Gaddis, the author of the book based on Stroud’s life. Birdman of Alcatraz was photographed by Burnett Guffey (Academy Award® winner for From Here to Eternity – 1954, Bonnie and Clyde - 1968) and scored by Elmer Bernstein.
 

FIVE ON THE BLACK HAND SIDE
 

FIRST TIME ON BLU-RAY!

FIVE ON THE BLACK HAND SIDE DVD   
CAT:                 OF1400
UPC:       887090140010
SRP:                 $19.95

FIVE ON THE BLACK HAND SIDE BD     
CAT:                 OF1401
UPC:       887090140119
SRP:                 $29.95

US+CANADA
PREBOOK:        2/13/18
STREET:           2/27/18

LEONARD JACKSON
(The Color Purple, Boomerang, The Brother from Another Planet)
CLARICE TAYLOR
(Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon; Play Misty for Me; Sommersby)
VIRGINIA CAPERS
(Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, What’s Love Got to Do with It, House of Women)
GLYNN TURMAN
(Cooley High, The River Niger, TV’s A Different World)
D’URVILLE MARTIN
(Black Caesar, Hammer, Hell Up in Harlem)
DICK ANTHONY WILLIAMS
(The Jerk, The Deep, The Mack)
JA’NET DUBOIS
(TV’s Good Times, I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, A Piece of the Action)
GODFREY CAMBRIDGE
(Friday Foster, Cotton Comes to Harlem, Watermelon Man)

Directed by
OSCAR WILLIAMS
(The Final Comedown, Hot Potato, Death Drug)

Five on the Black Hand Side quite literally starts with a bang when Godfrey Cambridge (in a cameo role as himself) rear ends a car while ogling a group of young women.

YEAR: 1973
GENRE: COMEDY
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH (with optional English subtitles)
LABEL: OLIVE FILMS
TOTAL RUNNING TIME: 96 mins
RATING: PG
VIDEO: 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio; COLOR
AUDIO: MONO

Fed up with patriarch Mr. John Henry Brooks Jr.’s (Leonard Jackson, The Color Purple) tyrannical rule, Mrs. Brooks (Clarice Taylor, Play Misty for Me) and the Brooks children -- Booker T. Washington (D’Urville Martin, Black Caesar), Gideon (Glynn Turman, Cooley High) and the soon-to-be-married Gail (Bonnie Banfield) are a family in revolt. But it’s the impending nuptials, along with fiancé Marvin’s (director Carl Franklin, One False Move) insistence that the wedding be a traditional African ceremony that’s the catalyst for all the dramedy.

Adding to the fun is Ja’Net Dubois (Willona on TV’s Good Times) as firebrand Stormy Monday. With a colorful assortment of eccentric friends and neighbors, and topics ranging from black identity to gender equality, you have “a real clean scene with a lot of laughter in between.”

Five on the Black Hand Side is directed by Oscar Williams (The Final Comedown), written by Charlie L. Russell (based on his stage play) and co-stars Virginia Capers (What’s Love Got to Do with It), Dick Anthony Williams (The Jerk), Sonny Jim (Malcolm X) and Godfrey Cambridge (Friday Foster).

GREAT BALLS OF FIRE!

FIRST TIME ON BLU-RAY!

GREAT BALLS OF FIRE!        DVD          
CAT:                 OF1402
UPC:       887090140218
SRP:                 $24.95

GREAT BALLS OF FIRE!           BD          
CAT:                 OF1403
UPC:       887090140317
SRP:                 $29.95

US+CANADA
PREBOOK:        2/13/18
STREET:           2/27/18

DENNIS QUAID
(Breaking Away, Undercover Blues, The Day After Tomorrow)
WINONA RYDER
(Heathers, Beetlejuice, TV’s Stranger Things)
ALEC BALDWIN
(The Departed, Beetlejuice, TV’s 30 Rock)
TREY WILSON
(Raising Arizona, Bull Durham, Twins)
STEPHEN TOBOLOWSKY
(Groundhog Day, Memento, Mississippi Burning)

Directed by
JIM MCBRIDE
(The Big Easy, Breathless, The Wrong Man)

Dennis Quaid (Undercover Blues) shares the screen in Great Balls of Fire! with Academy Award® nominees Winona Ryder (Best Supporting Actress, The Age of Innocence – 1994; Best Actress, Little Women – 1995) and Alec Baldwin (Best Supporting Actor, The Cooler – 2004).

YEAR: 1989
GENRE: BIOGRAPHICAL DRAMA
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH (with optional English subtitles)
LABEL: OLIVE FILMS
TOTAL RUNNING TIME: 108 mins
RATING: PG-13
VIDEO: 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio; COLOR
AUDIO: STEREO

Dennis Quaid (The Day After Tomorrow) and Winona Ryder (TV’s Stranger Things) star in the biographical drama Great Balls of Fire!, directed by Jim McBride (The Big Easy). Quaid portrays rock ‘n’ roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis in a film that traces his rise to fame and scandalous personal life, including his marriage to his 13-year-old cousin, Myra Gale Brown (Ryder). Seated comfortably between soap opera and docudrama, Great Balls of Fire! offers the viewer a look inside the life of a gifted artist and his Icarus-like rise in the music world. But what goes up …

Featured in supporting roles are Alec Baldwin (TV’s 30 Rock) as Lee’s cousin, the pre-televangelist Jimmy Swaggart, Trey Wilson (Raising Arizona) as legendary music producer Sam Phillips, Stephen Tobolowsky (Groundhog Day) as music promoter Jud Phillips, with Lisa Blount (An Officer and a Gentleman) and John Doe (Road House) as Lois and J.W. Brown, Myra’s parents.

THE HALLELUJAH TRAIL
 

THE HALLELUJAH TRAIL       DVD         
CAT:                 OF1404
UPC:       887090140416
SRP:                 $24.95

THE HALLELUJAH TRAIL         BD          
CAT:                 OF1405
UPC:       887090140515
SRP:                 $29.95

US+CANADA
PREBOOK:        2/13/18
STREET:           2/27/18

BURT LANCASTER
(From Here to Eternity, Elmer Gantry, Twilight’s Last Gleaming)
LEE REMICK
(Days of Wine and Roses, Anatomy of a Murder, The Omen)
BRIAN KEITH
(The Parent Trap, Nickelodeon, TV’s Family Affair)
MARTIN LANDAU
(Ed Wood, North by Northwest, TV’s Mission: Impossible)
JIM HUTTON
(Walk, Don’t Run; Major Dundee; Where the Boys Are)

Directed by
JOHN STURGES
(The Great Escape, The Magnificent Seven, Bad Day at Black Rock)

The Hallelujah Trail’s 70mm Panavision frame can scarcely contain the number of Academy Award® winners and nominees including director John Sturges (Best Director nominee, Bad Day at Black Rock – 1956), Burt Lancaster (Best Actor winner, Elmer Gantry – 1961), Lee Remick (Best Actress nominee, Days of Wine and Roses – 1963) and Martin Landau (Best Supporting Actor winner, Ed Wood – 1995).

YEAR: 1965
GENRE: COMEDY, WESTERN
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH (with optional English subtitles)
LABEL: OLIVE FILMS
TOTAL RUNNING TIME: 155 mins
RATING: N/R
VIDEO: 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio; COLOR
AUDIO: MONO

Burt Lancaster (Elmer Gantry) and Lee Remick (Days of Wine and Roses) star in The Hallelujah Trail, the widescreen comic western extravaganza directed by John Sturges (The Magnificent Seven) from a screenplay by John Gay (The Courtship of Eddie’s Father) based on the novel by Bill Gulick.

Under the watchful eye of its owner Frank Wallingham (Brian Keith, The Parent Trap), the Wallingham Freighting Company is bound for Denver with forty wagons of whiskey to quench the town’s thirst. But there are others who have plans of their own for the load of libations including temperance leader Cora Templeton Massingale (Remick), who wants it destroyed, the Sioux Indians who want it for themselves, ditto the Denver citizens militia, as well as the Irish teamsters hired as wagon drivers.

Fearing that the shipment may not reach its destination, Colonel Thaddeus Gearhart (Lancaster) assigns Captain Paul Slater (Jim Hutton; Walk, Don’t Run) to safeguard the cargo, unaware that Slater’s fiancée, Louise (Pamela Tiffin, Harper) – who also happens to be the Colonel’s daughter – has fallen under the powerful spell of Cora’s temperance message.

Rounding out the cast in this comic free-for-all are Donald Pleasence (Halloween), Martin Landau (Ed Wood), Dub Taylor (Bonnie and Clyde), John Anderson (Ride the High Country), Tom Stern (The Spy Who Came in from the Cold) and Val Avery (Black Caesar).

The Hallelujah Trail was photographed in the Ultra Panavision 70 format by three-time Academy Award® winner Robert Surtees (King Solomon’s Mines – 1951, The Bad and the Beautiful – 1953, Ben-Hur – 1960), costumed by eight-time Academy Award® winner Edith Head (The Sting – 1974), with a rousing score by Academy Award® winner Elmer Bernstein (Best Music, Original Music Score, Thoroughly Modern Millie - 1968).

The Hallelujah Trail is sourced from the best available elements.

 

HAIR
 

HAIR             DVD    
CAT:                 OF1406
UPC:       887090140614
SRP:                 $19.95

US+CANADA
PREBOOK:        2/13/18
STREET:           2/27/18

JOHN SAVAGE
(The Deer Hunter, The Onion Field, Salvador)
TREAT WILLIAMS
(Prince of the City, Smooth Talk, The Ritz)
BEVERLY D’ANGELO
(Coal Miner’s Daughter, National Lampoon’s Vacation, The Sentinel)
ANNIE GOLDEN
(Twelve Monkeys, I Love You Phillip Morris, TV’s Orange Is the New Black)
DORSEY WRIGHT
(The Warriors, Vamp Bikers, The Hotel New Hampshire)
DON DACUS

Directed by
MILOS FORMAN (Amadeus, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Man on the Moon)

Hair boasts an array of Academy Award® winners including its director, Milos Forman (Best Director for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Amadeus), film editor Alan Heim (Best Editing, All That Jazz) and costume designer Ann Roth (Best Costume Design, The English Patient).

YEAR: 1979
GENRE: MUSICAL, DRAMA
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH (with optional English subtitles)
LABEL: OLIVE FILMS
TOTAL RUNNING TIME: 121 mins
RATING: PG
VIDEO: 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio; COLOR
AUDIO: STEREO

From the opening strains of the “Aquarius” anthem, director Milos Forman’s (Amadeus) film adaptation of Hair proves that it is not only a masterful interpretation of the 1968 Broadway musical sensation, but that it is pure cinematic entertainment.

Based on the Gerome Ragni, James Rado and Galt MacDermot stage musical, Hair stars John Savage (The Deer Hunter) as country boy Claude Hooper Bukowski, a Vietnam draftee who embarks on an adventure of a lifetime when he meets a group of counterculture hippies: Berger (Treat Williams, Smooth Talk), Jeannie (Annie Golden, TV’s Orange Is the New Black), Hud (Dorsey Wright, The Warriors) and Woof (Don Dacus). Introduced to a world of free love and hallucinogens, Claude’s eyes are also opened to the darker side of class, race and big city life when he becomes infatuated with a beautiful debutante, Sheila (Beverly D’Angelo, Coal Miner’s Daughter).

At turns both comic and dramatic, Hair boasts a catalog of adeptly performed musical numbers including the title tune along with “Good Morning Starshine,” “I Got Life,” “Where Do I Go,” “Let The Sun Shine In” and a heartbreaking rendition of “Easy to Be Hard,” a showstopper for performer Cheryl Barnes in her screen debut.

Directed by Milos Forman, two-time Academy Award® winner for Best Director (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest – 1976, Amadeus – 1985), Hair is written for the screen by Michael Weller (based on the musical play by Gerome Ragni & James Rado and Galt MacDermot) with music composed, arranged and conducted by Galt MacDermot.

Featured players include Charlotte Rae (TV’s The Facts of Life), Nell Carter (TV’s Gimme a Break), Melba Moore (Lost in the Stars) and a special cameo appearance by director Nicholas Ray (The Savage Innocents). Technical credits include cinematography by Miroslav Ondrícek (Amadeus, Ragtime); choreography by Twyla Tharp (Amadeus); vocal arrangements by Thomas Pierson (Manhattan); film editing by Stanley Warnow (Woodstock) and Alan Heim, A.C.E. (Academy Award® winner, Best Editing, All That Jazz – 1980) with costumes by Ann Roth (Academy Award® winner, Best Costume Design, The English Patient – 1997).

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