As in many a field, not everyone gets the full credit they deserve for the work they done. That’s no different in Hollywood where most of the work is done behind the scenes by many talented, creative people. There are many devotees of those who grace the silver screen, such as Cary Grant and Judy Garland, and some filmmakers deliver so much iconic material that they too become notable names, like Steven Spielberg and Jim Henson. But the vast majority of folks who are responsible for creating the art and entertainment that entertains us aren’t known by the general public. I appreciate those who work outside the spotlight and that’s why my Pick of the Week is Claydream.
Documentarian Marq Evans’s Claydream focuses on the career of Will Vinton and the rise and fall of his award-winning studio. While animation aficionados know him, Vinton’s name isn’t as well known as his creations from ’80s and ’90s are. The most notable characters are product pitchmen, the California Raisins and Domino’s The Noid. The Blu-ray has the added bonus of containing the entirety of Will Vinton’s Animated Short Filmography from the 20th Century, which may be more important than the documentary.
Also out this week that looks interesting:
Mickey & Friends: 10 Classic Shorts – Volume 2: Ten classic Disney cartoons starring Mickey Mouse alongside Donald Duck, Goofy, Minnie Mouse, and his dog Pluto.
The Old Man and the Sea: Spencer Tracey stars as a Cuban fisherman in director John Sturges’s adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s novella.
Young Sherlock Holmes: I remember enjoying this “first” adventure of Sherlock and Watson back in 1985. Am curious if it holds up.
Evil Dead Rise: I am a fan of Raimi’s Evil Dead movies and TV show, but that’s in part to Bruce Campbell’s Ash. I haven’t seen either of the new Evil Dead films, and even though I am not much of a horror hound, I am curious.
Please Baby Please: The cinematography in the film’s trailer is captivating and reveals an imaginary world that looks taking a chance on as newlyweds find themselves exploring sexual and gender identities.
