October 2017 - Cinema Sentries

The Ballad of Cable Hogue Blu-ray Review: A Bland Western

By Gordon S. Miller | October 31, 2017 |

For its fans, Warner Archive has created a satisfying high-definition presentation with interesting extras about the movie and its director.

The Dark Tower Is the Pick of the Week

By Mat Brewster | October 30, 2017 |

This week’s new releases include more horror films for Halloween, some packaged TV for Christmas, and a flopped Stephen King adaptation.

Book Review: The Autobiography of Jean-Luc Picard, edited by David A. Goodman

By David Wangberg | October 30, 2017 |

It’s as if Jean-Luc Picard wrote it himself.

Now More Than Ever: The History of Chicago DVD Review: New Documentary Paints an Incomplete Picture of the Band

By Kit O'Toole | October 30, 2017 |

While interesting, the movie lacks key voices that would have provided a multi-dimensional portrayal of the classic rock group.

Fathom Events Presents Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

By Mat Brewster | October 30, 2017 |

The best movie musical about a flesh-eating plant from outer space hits the big screen again for a limited engagement.

Young Doctors in Love (1982) Blu-ray Review: Do Not Resuscitate

By Luigi Bastardo | October 30, 2017 |

While the talent may have been fresh, it’s clear no one in Garry Marshall’s soap opera spoof scrubbed up first.

Fathom Events and GKIDS Present Spirited Away

By David Wangberg | October 29, 2017 |

Hayao Miyazaki’s Oscar-winning animated classic is a delight on the big screen.

Avanti! Blu-ray Review: Old Hollywood Could Still Tell a Fine Story in 1972

By Shawn Bourdo | October 29, 2017 |

The premise of Avanti! is simple and reminiscent of some of Billy Wilder’s best work.

The Princess Bride 30th Anniversary Fathom Events Review: A Fun Experience

By Todd Karella | October 28, 2017 |

A welcome return to the big screen after all these years.

Innocent Blood (1992) Blu-ray Review: A Parisian Vampire in Pittsburgh

By Luigi Bastardo | October 28, 2017 |

The Warner Archive Collection unveils a gorgeous new uncut transfer of John Landis’ star-studded horror/action/comedy.

The Honeymooners: Christmas Laughter DVD Review

By Gordon S. Miller | October 27, 2017 |

No denying these episodes are entertaining, but not sure who the intended audience is for this release.

Five Cool Things and The Square (2017)

By Mat Brewster | October 27, 2017 |

This week’s cool things include Wonder Woman’s creator, a Hitchcock comedy, and even stranger things.

Creep 2 Movie Review: Another Disturbing Entry into the Mind of a Lonely Murderer

By Cinema Sentries | October 27, 2017 |

Though not nearly as unnerving as its predecessor, Creep 2 carves new avenues in its look into the mind of a polite serial killer.

Don’t Torture a Duckling (1972) Blu-ray Review: Rural Murder Italian Style

By Kent Conrad | October 26, 2017 |

Lucio Fulci, famous for his gore and zombie films, brings his lurid vision to the Giallo.

Mansfield 66/67 Movie Review: Jayne’s Life Would Have Made a Great Reality Show

By Jade Blackmore | October 26, 2017 |

A playful, gossipy look at the not-so-unlikely pairing between publicity-seeking actress Jayne Mansfield and Church of Satan founder Anton LaVey.

Thoughtful & Abstract: The Walking Dead: “Mercy”

By Shawn Bourdo | October 25, 2017 |

“This was one of the most artsy-fartsy episodes I’ve ever seen on this show.” – Kim

Popcorn (1991) Blu-ray Review: Hot Buttered Death

By Luigi Bastardo | October 25, 2017 |

Synapse Films turns up the heat on one of early ’90s most underrated horror movies.

Festival (1967) Criterion Collection Blu-ray Review: Better Than Woodstock

By Mat Brewster | October 24, 2017

Documenting the Newport Folk Festival at the height of the folk revival, Festival is a feast for music fans.

The Hidden (1987) Blu-ray Review: The Best Movie John Carpenter Never Made

By Luigi Bastardo | October 24, 2017 |

The Warner Archive Collection proudly delivers this amazing horror/sci-fi/action/comedy hybrid starring young Kyle MacLachlan.

Book Review: Little Orphan Annie, Volume Fourteen (1948-1950): Sunshine and Shadow by Harold Gray

By Mat Brewster | October 24, 2017 |

A fun read for the whole family.

Thoughtful & Abstract Take on TV 2017

By Shawn Bourdo | October 24, 2017 |

Learn what Shawn and Kim have been watching this year.

The Big Knife (1955) Blu-ray Review: Cuts Like a Life

By Luigi Bastardo | October 24, 2017 |

Jack Palance, Ida Lupino, and a barely restrained Rod Steiger star in this dark exposé of ’50s Hollywood from Arrow Academy.

Geostorm 4DX Review: If You Intend to Weather This Storm, Do It in 4DX

By Gordon S. Miller | October 23, 2017 |

The visual effects are so captivating, I wouldn’t be surprised to hear the phrase “Oscar-nominated Geostorm” next year.

The Corpse Grinders Is the Pick of the Week

By Mat Brewster | October 23, 2017 |

This week’s new blu-ray releases include some really terrible (and terribly awesome) looking horror, the last of the Planet of the Apes trilogy, and more.

Justice League Action: SuperPowers Unite Season 1 Part 1 DVD Review: More Action, Less Filler

By Todd Karella | October 23, 2017 |

It’s like eating your dessert without having dinner.

The Ambassador (1984) Blu-ray Review: When Exploitation Gets Political

By Luigi Bastardo | October 22, 2017 |

Kino Lorber unleashes some Cannon Films cheese starring a boozed-up Robert Mitchum and a gravely-ill Rock Hudson.

The Lift (1983) / Down (2001) Blu-rays Review: Same Shaft, Different Play

By Luigi Bastardo | October 21, 2017 |

Blue Underground opens the doors to Dick Maas’ epically strange tale of a killer elevator, as well as his poorly-timed Americanized remake.

Alice Cooper: Welcome to My Nightmare Special Edition DVD Review: Highly Recommended

By Gordon S. Miller | October 20, 2017 |

A welcome addition to the collection of any Alice Cooper fan.

Five Cool Things and the Tragically Hip

By Mat Brewster | October 20, 2017 |

Cool things this week include two remakes, Grateful Deed members covering the Beatles, Italian horror, and more.

Three O’Clock High Collector’s Edition Blu-ray Review: An ’80s Classic That Too Many People Haven’t Seen

By Rons Reviews | October 19, 2017 |

In 1986, Ferris Bueller had a day where everything just kept working out for him. A year later, Jerry Mitchell had a day where nothing seems to work out for him.

Vampyr Criterion Collection Blu-ray Review: Come for the Film, Stay for the Book

By Steve Geise | October 19, 2017 |

The film excels at creepy atmosphere, but the included source novel is the more entertaining story.

Suddenly, Last Summer (1959) Blu-ray Review: It Happened One Time

By Luigi Bastardo | October 18, 2017 |

Odd, compelling, and strangely satisfying, this unique and controversial film returns to shock contemporary audiences for entirely different reasons.

Spider-Man: Homecoming is the Pick of the Week

By Mat Brewster | October 17, 2017 |

This week brings us a web-crawling superhero, a couple of Criterions, some raunchy ladies, and several nice boxed sets.

Terror in a Texas Town (1958) Blu-ray Review: Swedish Sterling Slays Slinger

By Kent Conrad | October 17, 2017 |

One of Dalton Trumbo’s last pseudonymous screenplays before the blacklist was broken, this is a stylish Western noir.

Ernie Kovacs: Take A Good Look: The Definitive Collection DVD Review

By Gordon S. Miller | October 16, 2017 |

A treat for fans of Kovacs and this era of television.

The Suspicious Death of a Minor Blu-ray Review: Two Genres, One Film

By Mat Brewster | October 15, 2017 |

An oddball mix of crime drama and horror (with heavy doses of slapsstick thrown in) make for an interesting mix.

The House (2017) Blu-ray Review: Silly but Slight

By Gordon S. Miller | October 14, 2017 |

The ensemble generates laughs, but the movie feels like watching improv actors early in the workshop phase rather than a polished product.

The Beguiled (2017) Blu-ray Review: Coppola Beguiles Viewers

By Steve Geise | October 13, 2017 |

Don’t let the period costumes scare you away; this film is a spellbinding thriller that transcends its setting.

Five Cool Things and The Last Jedi Trailer

By Mat Brewster | October 13, 2017 |

This week’s cool things include Italian horror, Brian De Palma horror, feminist horror, and a Jedi.

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson: Johnny and Friends 10-DVD Box Set Review

By Gordon S. Miller | October 12, 2017 |

At nearly 29 hours, it offers a lot of laughs for fans of Carson, comedy, and classic television.

All the Sins of Sodom / Vibrations (1968) Blu-ray Review: The Dawn of Erotica

By Luigi Bastardo | October 12, 2017 |

Film Movement has quite a pair to offer, just as all of Joe Sarno’s actresses do in this two-fer of classic sensual cinema.

Phenomena (1985) Blu-ray Review: Argento at His Most Bewildering

By Luigi Bastardo | October 11, 2017 |

Synapse Films releases Il Maestro’s bizarre cult classic in three different forms, including the rare U.S. “Creepers” cut.

A Fish Called Wanda Special Edition Blu-ray Review: Filled with Amazing Performances and Genuinely Funny Premises

By Rons Reviews | October 10, 2017 |

Catching this new release would be a great investment for both super fan and those who are going fishing for the first time.

Book Review: Unchained Melody: The Films of Meiko Kaji by Tom Mes

By Mat Brewster | October 9, 2017 |

A loving, informative reading on the films of a Japanese icon.

Certain Women Criterion Collection Blu-ray Review: A Truly Amazing Film

By Davy | October 9, 2017 |

A quiet, but powerful mediation on the Western crossroads and the women who inhabit them.

Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland DVD Review: Singer’s Final Years Explored

By Kit O'Toole | October 9, 2017 |

While the film presents a largely sympathetic portrait of the reclusive star’s last years, it never quite captures Jackson’s struggles during that period.