3:10 to Yuma [Criterion Collection] (1957) Blu-ray Review

Posted April 25th, 2013 by Brandon A. DuHamel

This intense western, from an Elmore Leonard story, features Glenn Ford and Van Heflin in two powerful performances. The gorgeous black and white cinematography is made new again by a superb transfer from the Criterion Collection.

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Richard III [Criterion Collection] Blu-ray Review

Posted April 11th, 2013 by Lawrence D. Devoe, MD

The Criterion Collection gives us a nicely restored version of Sir Laurence Olivier’s rendering of Shakespeare’s villainous Richard III. While the sound is a bit boxy, the often gorgeous details and colors more than compensate for this one shortcoming. With outstanding British actors at the top of their game, this is a must watch for all movie lovers.

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A Man Escaped [Criterion Collection] Blu-ray Review

Posted April 8th, 2013 by Lawrence D. Devoe, MD

Director Robert Bresson creates an effective, grim, yet inspirational film about prison life in occupied France during World War II. Economy of dialogue and cinematography provide the proper amount of tension. The efforts of the Criterion Collection archivists result in a quite watchable restoration.

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Badlands [Criterion Collection] Blu-ray Review

Posted April 1st, 2013 by Lawrence D. Devoe, MD

Badlands is Terrence Malick’s take on the rather grim subject of mass murder, offset by the seeming youth and innocence of its protagonists. Leads Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek turn in tour de force performances and the cinematography with well restored prints is mesmerizing.

Ministry of Fear [Criterion Collection] Blu-ray Review

Posted March 7th, 2013 by Lawrence D. Devoe, MD

A classic WW II film noir, the Criterion Collection gives us one of Fritz Lang’s spy thrillers with decent remastering and a good period cast. If not at the top of the heap for this genre, it remains an engaging watch.

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Sansho the Bailiff [Criterion Collection] Blu-ray Review

Posted February 7th, 2013 by Brandon A. DuHamel

Criterion work their wizardry on this monumental Mizoguchi Kenji classic about human struggle.

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Ivan’s Childhood [Criterion Collection] Blu-ray Review

Posted February 4th, 2013 by Lawrence D. Devoe, MD

This 1962 film noir, director Tarkovsky’s debut effort, conveys the grim consequences of war as experienced by a 12-year old boy.The cast and cinematography create a powerful movies that still resonates 50 years later. A must-see for serious film connoisseurs.

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The Ballad of Narayama (1958) [Criterion Collection] Blu-ray Review

Posted February 3rd, 2013 by Brandon A. DuHamel

1958′a kabuki-inflected The Ballad of Narayama is like an essay on horrors of poverty and aging, written in brilliant color and sound.

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Pina [Criterion Collection] Blu-ray 3D Review

Posted January 28th, 2013 by Lawrence D. Devoe, MD

Director Wim Wenders gives us a marvelous portrait of the late avant-garde choreographer Pina Bausch. Mixing selections from several ballets with poignant reminiscences by her dancers, this is a disc not to be missed.

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