Vinegar Syndrome Review: Dolemite (1975, D'Urville Martin)

  "Bone-crushing, Skull-splitting, Brain-blasting ACTION!”

Dolemite (Rudy Ray Moore, The Human Tornado) has spent a couple of years behind bars after being set up by rival pimp Willie Green ( D'Urville Martin, Black Caeser). His luck changes when his madam Queen Bee (Lady Reed, Disco Godfather) pays the prison warden a visit providing evidence of Dolemite's innocence. With the warden now rightfully suspecting that Green and a few crooked cops including the hot-headed Mitchell (John Kerry, Black Dynamite) are behind Dolemite's imprisonment, he organises an early release so that Dolemite can clear his name. Unfortunately however, it's not all good news as Green is also responsible for killing Dolemite's young nephew. With revenge well and truly on his mind, Dolemite instantly (well, after some back seat limo action at least.) puts a plan in to action. No matter if it's a brother or a no-business, born insecure, honky junkyard motherfucker, Dolemite is kicking ass and taking names. It won't all be plain sailing though because the word is out and both Green's men, the slimy Mayor Daley (Hy Pyke, Blade Runner) and crooked cops alike all have Dolemite in their sights!

Where in the name of all things funky do you start with a film like Dolemite!? Well, probably it's reputation and cult status. From inspiring the likes of Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction) and Snoop Dogg, to being played at drunken bad movie nights; Dolemite is a film that every cult film fan should have at least heard of. There's the infamous crude overall filmmaking techniques (BOOM IN THE SHOT!) and the even more infamous and crude dialogue spat out with comedic precision from Rudy Ray Moore. If this film is to be summed up in one word, that word has to be politically-incorrect. In this age of Social Justice Warrior culture and collectivism, there is no way in Hell that you'd be able to make this film nowadays. There's more racial tension here than a Black Lives Matter Tumblr thread! If that stuff isn't your thing, maybe you can revel in the sheer mastery that is the martial arts on show. You haven't seen anything so gloriously amateruish in your rat-soup-eatin' life! Of course, it's not just the boys having fun, there's plenty of hard hitting action from Dolemite's army of Karate Kickin' ladies. This film has it all! If you want a truly psychotronic experience that actually lives up to the reputation, you shoul stop reading this and go buy yourself a copy now, but I'm not finished yet. You dig?

  Dolemite is all about cheap thrills and one of those thrills is the way the film was made. Clumsily staged shots thanks to Nicholas Josef von Sternberg (Tourist Trap) are complimented brilliantly by sub-par acting. Even the boom mike puts in a memorable performance! Although a cheap looking film, there is genuine style with great set design by Rudy Ray Moore himself and wonderfully loud fashion. As well as that, there's a genuinely brilliant score and original music from Arthur Wright (Savage!) that not only elevates the film, but will have you clicking your fingers and tapping your toes. This blaxploitation gem has all the style your pathetic honky ass can handle. Dolemite is about the experience. Sure, you can invite your friends round have a good timke laughing at the film, but when you take in to consideration the time and effort put in, you can't be help appreciate this shoddy little number. Rudy Ray Moore was destined to be a star and this film put him well and truly on the map and in to the hearts of cult films. This is one groovy little number you don't want to miss!

Although the film was somewhat widely available prior to this release, Vinegar Syndrome have put together the definitive edition. The film is presented and restored in 2k and considering it's crude elements, looks and sounds fantastic. To go along with that you also get the option to watch the alternate full frame “boom mic” version of the film which should provide an extra bit of entertainment to you trash conniseurs! In terms of extras there is a wonderfully in-depth and entertaining commentary track provided by Rudy Ray Moore bigorapher, Mark Jason Murray, an equally insightful and entertaining documentary about Rudy Ray Moore and the film, an extented interview from Queen Bee, trailers for both the film and its sequel The Human Tornado, a short then and now location featurette and the reversible artwork consisting of the original poster and newly commisioned art from Jay Shaw. As you can see, this baby got back! This is a must-own release for both hardcore fans and newcomers a like. Vinegar Syndrome have once again done a wonderful job. Do yourselves a favour and find out why Dolemite is his name and why fuckin' up motherfuckers is his game!Dolemite is available as a DVD & Blu-Ray combo from Vinegar Syndrome.

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Vinegar Syndrome Review: Pretty Peaches (1978, dir: Alex de Renzy)

  “Introducing Desireé Costeau as 'PEACHES'”

Hugh (John Leslie, DRACULA SUCKS) is about to marry Lily (Flower, SHIELA'S PAYOFF) and he wants his bubbly daughter Peaches (Desireé Costeau, HOT RACKETS) from his first marriage, to be a part of the festivities. Thankfully the stepdaughter-stepmother relationship starts off well with the trio hitting up the nearest slot machines. Unfortunately, Peaches comes to the realisation that she now has to potentially compete for her father's love and attention. After sinking down a few shots she does the sensible thing and jumps in her jeep to let off some steam. Whilst on her little bender, Peaches is involved in an accident and subsequently left unconscious. Thankfully, however help is on hand as Kid (Joey Silvera, CARNAL HAVEN) and Jesse (Ken Scudder, CHAMPAGNE FOR BREAKFAST), two good Samaritans who are having their car problems “nurse” her back to health. Once Peaches has regained consciousness, she realises that she is suffering from amnesia. Seeking their opportunity to have their own personal plaything and the potential of making some good old fashioned ransom money, they invite her to stay with them and help her get better. Kid suggests she pay his “Uncle Percy” a visit. Instead of help, Peaches finds herself on the wrong end (as if there's a right one) of a forced enema. After such a traumatic experience, her spirits are lifted when she finds a potential job as an erotic dancer. Unfortunately, what starts out as an above board (if not slightly scuzzy) audition turns in to Peaches being forced in to an all-girl dominatrix show (it happens to best of us). Just as things are reaching breaking point for Peaches, she has a chance encounter with a handsome psychiatrist (Paul Thomas, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR) who may hold the key to not only healing Peaches, but reuniting her with her worried father as well bringing her genuine happiness. No matter what the outcome, this is a de Renzy film so it's only going to get even stranger!

  Pretty Peaches is certainly a stand out film. Where else are you going to find a warped adaptation of Voltaire's Candide that plays sexual atrocities off as a goofy comedy? Yes indeed, all of the physical, emotional and psychological abuse dished out to the naïve Peaches is played for laughs! Being a de Renzy film, it wouldn't surprise me if it was purely intentional. Therefore, it may not sit right for some of the more sensitive amongst you, but it sure did make this corrupted soul smirk! From being bubbly and innocent to a complete emotional mess, Costeau plays Peaches perfectly. You really go from swooning to feeling genuine sympathy in a heartbeat. She suffers pretty much every sexual shame you could imagine; raped whilst unconscious, forced enemas, bondage... All that's missing is being shat on! The film is brilliantly cast and as well as those already mentioned, seeing the likes of Blair Harris (TROPIC OF DESIRE) and Sharon Kane (BABYLON BLUE) really help to elevate the film even more. Of course, the lovely Desireé Costeau is the star of the show (not even her bob cut hairstyle can put you off!) and steals every scene she is in. You will be eating out of her hands! All in all, this is a bizarre little comedy that will make you question your existence because of some of the things you WILL genuinely laugh at. It's a simple story that's well written and even though it's a porno with a feature length running time; you won't need to press that fast forward button. You're probably not really going to get off on the action, but it's definitely “interesting” to say the very least. The ironic thing is, de Renzy is capable of much seedier and sinister delights! There's a reason why this film is a classic. There's a reason why most consider this de Renzy's greatest film.

  A wonderful film like this deserves the gold star treatment and golly gosh has Vinegar Syndrome done just that! Restored fully uncut in 2k from 35mm elements, the film looks and sounds fantastic. Of course, there's some minor damage here and there, but it's only there if you are actively looking for it just to bitch on forums. Not only does the film look and sound wonderful, but there's some great special features too. There's a rare interview with Alex de Renzy himself in which he talks about the film, his career and those he had the pleasure to work with. There's also an interview with film historian Dr. Ted Mcilvenna, founder of the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality which gives us more of an insight in to the prolific de Renzy and a bit of a dick tease regarding multiple unedited documentaries from the great director. Aside from those two wonderful interviews, there are also trailers for Pretty Peaches 2, Femmes de Sade and Baby Face 2. As you can tell, it's a wonderful release and a must own.

Pretty Peaches is available as a stand alone DVD or part of a limited edition Pretty Peaches Blu-ray as well as being available on Exploitation.tv

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Vinegar Syndrome Peekarama Review: Anticipation (1981) / Flesh Pond (1982)

ANTICIPATION
(1981, dir: Carlos Tobalina)

“Beyond Temptation...”

  Joyce (Sheila Parks, Casanova II) and Jerry (Jesse Adams, Deep Rub) are newlyweds who, after some mind numbingly awkward conversation, make love for the first time. After breaking in the cheap motel bed (how romantic!), the pair talk about Jerry's brother Steve (Joey Silvera, Carnal Haven), who apparently had problems with his parents when he announced that he was marrying a girl with a reputation by the name of Wendy (Karo Akamoto in her only role). We also find out that he is set to be released from prison for accidentally killing (or so he thought, just watch, it makes sense) the lover of his cheating wife. Once released, the brothers are reunited and introduced to their new sisters-in-law. Whilst on a trip to what looks like the coldest beach ever, Joyce and Steve begin to have forbidden thoughts for each other. Actually, so does Jerry and Wendy! After some awkwardly narrated daydreaming from everyone involved, Jerry and Steve confide in each other and their mother that they love other women. Before they can act on it, they get invited to Serena's party (seemingly playing herself, Pleasure Palace). Will their secrets be revealed? It's sure going to get messy!

  I'm just going to say it. This is possibly one of the dullest Tobalina flicks I have watched to date. The concept is great and has so much potential, but Lawrence Lance's (thankfully his only writing credit) handling of the script is uninspired and clearly rushed. To say it's paper thin is an offence to the trees that were sacrificed in order to make the napkin this tripe was written on. I won't even comment on how iff target the humour is. The only real entertainment to be had with Anticipation is the slightly worse than usual acting throughout. Not even Joey Silvera, a performer who can act, seems to be giving his all. There's some fairly standard sex throughout and yes, there's the usual orgy which goes on for way too long. There are actual instant replays in the final sex scenes that add an odd charm to the film. Look out for some very awkward, bordering on incest action at the end of the film. The only genuine quality the film has is the music selection which I believe is comprised of original music by Jay Rando (Interlude of Lust) and library tracks selected by Matt Webber (his only credited role). That being said, as much as I love great library music, not even the dirty funky bass lines can save this ultimately forgettable Tobalina quickie.

FLESH POND
(1982, dir: Carlos Tobalina)

“Consumed by pools of passion...”

Paco (Hermon Tobalina in his only role) and his unnamed friend (Reggie Gunn, Lips) have just escaped from prison. They stumble upon a quint little brothel ran by a woman named Drea (Drea, Hot Buns) and decide to hold herself and her patrons hostage. Not only that, but they demand to be entertained whilst they work their next move. Festivities begin when Rita Ricardo (as herself, My Sinful Life) has some fun with her doll companion Johnny Rubber. After that kinky warm up, the action really begins with good old Tobalina fashioned group action, under the firm dictation of the increasingly frustrated Paco. Things are going great (I guess) until Paco's friend gets caught in the crossfire, if you know what I mean? After A LOT of group bonding, Paco is forced to tell of his story to the group thanks to the persistent interest of one of the patrons, a magazine publisher (William Margold, Dracula Sucks). The convicts claim that they have been framed, to the mixed reaction of their captive audience. What's in store for the potentially innocent escapees? Will everyone come out of this situation alive? You know what? It may not be worth it.

I said that Anticipation was one of Tobalina's dullest. Well, this one has just taken that crown. Yes, this was quite frankly awful. Just like Anticipation, there is so much room for creativity. How can you mess up a scenario like this so badly!? You may find this one very hard to keep up with, not because of the complexity of the story, far from it! Everyone looks bored in this production. For such a hostile situation, everyone seems completely indifferent. I won't lie, I had my finger on the fast forward button a lot. This is essentially one continuous group scene with some lazily added 'plot' sequences and recycling of footage. Yeah, this film is more than forgetful. If it wasn't for one or two creative pieces of cinematography from Tobalina himself, the unfortunate money shot and library music, this would have been potentially the worst piece of golden age action I have seen. To Tobalina's credit though, he knows how to sell a film and is quite frugal overall. I bet he made his money back easily on this one, shame it's such a piece of crap.

This is probably the weakest Vinegar Syndrome release I have reviewed so far. I have a love / hate relationship with the films of Carlos Tobalina and these two films perfectly demonstrate why I can hate his work. It's such a shame because these are great initial premises and there are versatile themes throughout. It's just so uninspired in terms of execution. There's only really enjoyment for those looking for unintended laughs, but that's no real saving grace. Vinegar Syndrome are my favourite distribution company. Even though I found the films genuinely awful, I have no negative words to say about Vinegar Syndrome at all in terms of this release. They have dedicated a lot of time and resources releasing the filmography of Carlos Tobalina. Not every film can be a classic, it just appears that by chance, two of his weakest appear here. In terms of presentation, it's another great job with only minor defects. It doesn't help that these films were shot so badly. In terms of extras, we get theatrical trailers for both films. That I definitely approve of! Overall, this release is only really for completests and hardcore fans of Carlos Tobalina. If you're not too familiar with Tobalina's work, give this one a pass for now.

Anticipation and Flesh Pond are available as a double feature DVD from Vinegar Syndrome.

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Champagne for Breakfast (1980) Review (Vinegar Syndrome DVD)

CHAMPAGNE FOR BREAKFAST

1980, dir: Chris Warfield

“The called her “Champ”... and she was!”

 

Leslie Bovee (Maraschino Cherry) stars as Champagne, a young, attractive and majorly successful advertising executive and vice president of her fathers cosmetic company. She's on the search for a new chauffeur. Thankfully, she may be in luck. Enter Harry ((he'll be doing that a lot), a simple everyday Joe, played by John Leslie (Dracula Sucks). Harry works as a small time chauffeur, but also applies to be a bouncer at a strip joint. Even though he makes a GREAT first impression with his new potential employer and her friend, John puts professionalism before leisure and pleas to his employment agent Gladys Whitmore, played by Kay Parker (Untamed), that his job provides him with too many horny women! Unfortunately for him, Gladys is also a bit of a 'freak'. Sick of it all, Harry hears of Champagne's search and does what any sensible person would do. Yes, you guessed it! Pretend to be gay to secure the job! It obviously works (take notes everyone!) and he's given the job. Straight away he's tasked with driving her to a local bar for a little pick-me-up. Aside from driving her from sexual liaison to sexual liaison, he also takes the role of being her bouncer, masseur and all round gay BFF. Of course, being so hands on with the lovely Champagne leads Harry to develop some strong feelings and sexual urges of his own. Can Harry keep up with his 'professional' work ethos? Will he get found out? What capers will he and Champagne get in to on the way? You're going to have to get yourself comfortable, pour yourself a glass of bubbly and find out for yourself. You Devil you!

  Overall, Champagne for Breakfast is a thoroughly enjoyable piece of comedic porno chic. Chris Warfield (Sexworld) has crafted a genuinely stylish and funny film. This comes as no surprise as the film has an intelligent and witty script penned by John Hayes (Baby Rosemary), as well as great performances from both Leslie and Bovee. Leslie's portrayal of a gay character is never over the top or a misfired caraicature. He is instantly likeable and you are happy to follow his story. Bovee's Champagne is a strong minded woman who is elegant and has an innocence that makes her steal nearly every scene that she is in. Credit also has to go to the supporting cast. The likes of Kay Parker, Bonnie Holiday (Fantasies), Paul Thomas (Pretty Peaches) and Sharon Kane (Babylon Blue), to name just a few, all put in great performances (no matter how big or small) and make this a star-studded event. Not only that, but Elton Fuller's (Purely Physical) cinematography and the overall art direction from Vincent Earle (TheRibald Tales of Canterbury) and related crew make this a very aesthetically pleasing piece of film. There is also a great use of both interior and exterior locations. These stylish aesthetic touches, as well as the theme tune from Jack Stern (C.H.O.M.P.S) and the library music score make this film really stand out. If you want comedy in a porno setting that genuinely works, this film delivers. It's witty when it needs to be, just as it's slapstick when it needs to be. There's also a great segment of dark humour involving Paul Thomas that will have smiling from cheek to cheek (you sicko! You know who you are!). Naturally, with cast that this film has, the sex is of the highest quality and very varied. Champagne gets involved with a group of rent boys, a builder and of course a female friend. There's also some good action for Harry involving a car wash with a difference. With a runtime of around 102 minutes, there's thankfully a great balance of high quality smut and genuine story. This is a very stylish, funny and satisfying film that would go great as a double feature with the likes of Maraschino Cherry or Barbara Broadcast.

The film is presented in the original aspect ratio and has been restored in 2k from the original 35mm negative. It's safe to say that the film looks and sounds great. It's definitely an upgrade from Alpha Blue's Kay Parker Double Feature DVD (as if that would be a surprise!). In terms of special features you get both hard and soft trailers as well scenes from the soft version of the film. If you are a fan of this film, this is an essential upgrade to say the least. If you are looking to get in to the world of porno chic, this is also an essential release as the film stands up with the best of them. I have to raise a glass (I HAD to include another pun) to Vinegar Syndrome for this release. A beautiful restoration job of a genuine gem of a film. Go out and buy this one as soon as you can!

Champagne for Breakfast is available directly from Vinegar Syndrome here and most of your favourite online retailers.

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BFI Flipside: Captured (1959, John Krish)

Captured is a 1959 film directed by John Krish. If the name doesn't ring a bell, I'm sure you have seen at least one of his rather full on and disturbing child safety videos. Chances are, if you where a kid growing up in the seventies your nightmares where fuelled by John Krish. Anyway, we can relive those nightmares later because it's time for me to actually review this title.

The film was commissioned by the Army Kinema Corporation for the sole purpose of teaching our soldiers how to withstand and overcome the event of becoming a POW. It was restricted from public viewing until 2004 where it was screened to the public for the first time. The thing that surprised me the most was just how cinematic this piece of film is. Of course, you wouldn't expect that at first glance because instead of opening up with credits to those involved, the audience is greeted to the words "This film is RESTRICTED" and our introduction comes from a military officer who is us letting us know what we can expect over the course of the next hour.

Captured has a fine balance of education and drama. Those who are fans of the of the output from The Documentary Movement in the 1930's and 1940's will definitely enjoy (f that's the right word for a film of this nature and the subject matter) this one. As will fans of war films in general. The film is clearly well researched and the the characters in the film are equally well written. I could definitely see this piece doing it's job back when it was first released and having an effect on those watching it.

One thing that did surprise me was just how graphic this film could be. Of course by today's standards the on screen violence and interrogation techniques shown are very tame but you have to take into account this was long before the Internet and long before the rise of the extreme horror film. One of the scenes that stands out is the water boarding scene. This scene is executed brilliantly and genuinely had me clearing my throat an awful lot as I watching. Of course, physical violence isn't the only factor in atrocities on show. We also have to deal with some genuinely powerful psychological elements. The actors playing the band of soldiers being held by the Chinese do a great job in making you feel a bond that is slowly being destroyed by the Chinese, the results are genuinely devastating.

Overall, I was just spellbound by what I witnessing. This is to me a fantastic piece of cinema that gives the best Italian neo-realism cinema of the 1940's a run for it's money. Krish has managed to create a piece of art in it's own right as well doing what the Army Kinema Corporation expected. Amongst all the on screen suffering the overriding theme of standing together and uniting as one really shines through. I won't spoil how the film finishes mainly because there is no real end but trust me a smile and possibly a tear will occur. Captured is a fantastic ultra real humanist tale that should be experienced and thanks to marvellous BFI we finally can in what I have to say is one of the most beautiful looking and sounding transfers I have experienced of a film from this era and nature. A real triumph that for me is one of the releases of the year.

Not only do we get treated to a simply gorgeous presentation but the BFI have also provided a wealth of tremendous special features which include an informative and sizable booklet to accompany the film as well as some of Krish's other works and a documentary about the film maker himself:

H.M.P - 1976:

A 52 minute fly-on-the-wall style recruitment film commissioned by the prison service.

Sewing Machine - 1973:
A 1 minute hard hitting road safety video aimed at children

The Finishing Line - 1977:

The somewhat infamous railway line safety video which haunted children for years.

Searching - 1974
An extremely disturbing safety aimed at children warning them of the dangers of matches.

Shooting The Message - 2013A new and extensive interview John Krish about his career and films

Captured is out now on Blu-ray and DVD combo from the BFI

More information about this release as well as links to purchase it can be found here.

Youtube Review

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Late Night In The Berberian Sound Studio

Saturday morning. It's 2 o'clock in the morning. The lights are off and the air heavy. Darkness surrounds me and the only light in the room is seeping through the TV screen. Yeah, I can't really do dramatics that well but I had to draw you in. Recently I finally got to watch Berberian Sound Studio. I picked up the fantastic release from Artificial Eye (I will provide a link to their website at the end) which has a whole load of special features. This is a film that I had been interested in for a while. I had wanted to watch it a lot earlier because I still at the time of this post, need to compile a top 10 list of 2012. The expectations where so high with this which is something I should stop doing because I sometimes get majorly annoyed or disappointed. Before popping the disc in, I had just finished watching the woeful Sinister. Only thing that's sinister about that flick is the time you're wasting watching it. That being said, the score was really nice but everything else, no. So as you can probably tell, the bar was set low.

Well, what did I think of this film? I absolutely loved it! From the opening scene all the way through to the final name on the credits. However, it's not just because it's a genuinely well made, written and acted film. It goes a lot deeper than that and it actually affected me on a very personal level which is a rare thing for a film to do. The first and most important thing (and probably the most obvious thing) to talk about is the sound. This is essentially a film about sound so you know that the sound engineering and general use of sound is a key factor in the movie. I was watching this at 2 o'clock in the morning with the lights off so you can expect the sound was even more effective. I have never been so hypnotised by a film in such a long time. The score from Broadcast is flawless. Not only is it a great body of work that also sounds like music from time by composers like Cipriani, Goblin and De Masi but it is just used so phenomenally to devastating effect. It's even more powerful knowing that Trish Keenan died, especially when you hear her voice on the songs. You could easily listen to this film and be taken on a journey. I like to experiment and play around with sound in my spare time, so hearing the range of sounds on the score and the chilling distorted, reverb heavy attacks of sound within the film itself added such another level to the score. If you are a fan of the just as unnerving Goblin soundtrack for Suspiria, with it's whispers and screams you will adore the Broadcast score. Overall, the audio alone in this film is genuinely unnerving at times and throughout, images where playing out in my head. Not to mention how the sounds lingered as I tried sleep after making it halfway through the film.

Yes you read that right. I fell asleep halfway through this film. Not because it was boring, far from it. It was such an intense experience that I just had to take a break. It sounds silly I know but it was just one of those moments where what you are experiencing on screen is overwhelming. After finally getting to sleep, I am sure the sounds replayed in my dreams… but it seems whatever those dreams where… they just vanished into obscurity. The following night, I finished the film. Once again, I was sat glued to my TV at 2 o'clock in the morning with no lights. The atmosphere was the same and the feelings I had felt the night before where with me again. The words I am writing here aren't coming close to the experience I had watching this film. The intensity and darkness of this film could match, even outdo most horror films. Not a drop of blood is spilt in this film and there are no demon like creatures or nightmarish characters. The only acts of violence are carried out on things like lettuces. However, this is such a sinister film at times. That feeling I felt the first time watching Suspiria was all too familiar. That feeling of being trapped in a nightmare. Of course in Suspiria it's Argento's use of light, set design and storytelling, the overall visual intensity combined with other worldly like score from Goblin. In Berberian, that marriage of sight and sound is still there but again, it's the sound alone that had the most impact. You almost feel like Suspiria could be the film Toby Jones is working on.

I could ramble on and not get anywhere near close enough to explaining that aspect of Berberian's power. Hopefully, the following paragraphs won't be so hard to express. Aside from the technical aspects of this film, I found myself being affected personally by this film. The major theme I picked up and related to was being a stranger and being surrounded by unfamiliarity. I spent a good 6 to months last year in Germany. I was surrounded by people whose language I still do not fully understand. I was surrounded by a different way of life that was far from my own here in England. Of course, Germany, especially my beautiful girlfriend's apartment is like my second home but those first few weeks was such a surreal experience for me and seeing Toby Jones (of course in a much more serious and different situation than myself) brought back those feelings. It was such a surreal experience revisiting that time and it's something that will stay with me every time I watch this film. The other thing that really struck a chord with me (now this is going to sound weird but hear me out!) was the feeling that everything being played out on screen was done in the very early hours in the morning. I love doing stuff with friends and family when it is late at night, in the early hours of the morning. I also love being in a city when there is no one around and the only company you have is the distant sound of traffic. That ambiance for me is such a beautiful and surreal thing and in a way I felt that when watching Berberian. A dimly lilt room, only a few people around, how can not have an effect?

I hope a few of you guys reading this can at least get what I'm trying to say about the personal stuff and especially about how powerful the use of sound and the score by Broadcast. Overall, this is just a fantastic film and it works on so many levels. It is definitely the best film of 2012 and if you have yet to watch it, please go out and do so. If you love Italian horror and giallo cinema of the era or loves the work of the film composers from those films, you will get a kick out of it. It's not a homage or anything like that so be warned. Of course, it might not be for you and it might just seem too "arty" but it's such a deep experience and even if you don't like the film itself, I demand you to get a hold of the soundtrack and just shut yourself off from the world and listen, that will stay with you for a long time. It certainly keeps popping up in my mind. Will I be watching this film again any time soon? I don't think so. I have only just recovered from my first experience with this film. All I can say is that this is British independent cinema at it's finest.

Trailer:

My video on the film:

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A Woman Called Abe Sada Rapid Eye Movies Release

A Woman Called Abe Sada

(dir. Noboru Tanga, 1975)

Rapid Eye Movies, Germany

Today we look at the second of three releases sent to me from the German company that where generous enough to send me some DVDs to look at. Today we are looking at a film based on a true story from the 30's. Again, I won't be talking about the film itself, maybe at a later date. We are looking at the release itself, just like the Hanzo release. So without further a do… let's look at the release!

As you can see, this release is of the same quality of the Hanzo release we looked at first. You get the fantastically designed slipcase containing a gorgeous and simple cover design. Unlike the Hanzo release, this isn't a piece of poster artwork but a new design. As you take off the slip we get some gorgeous photography on the digipack, especially inside. As usual you get the wonderful array of postcards and flyer showcasing various films from the Rapid Eye Movies films catalogue. Not sure wether you will get the exact same cards in each edition as it seems a bit random which is awesome because you can potentially use doubles. The poster again showcases what seems to be an original Japanese design which is gorgeous and again would look lovely in a frame. Well that's the presentation and supplementary material, let's have a look at how the film actually looks!

Again, this release looks really gorgeous, especially for a DVD release. The sound is just as great but like the previous review, I cannot stress enough that this being a German release for a German audience so you only get Japanese audio and German subtitles. Again, these releases are for the people who know the language or for collectors. In terms of extras you get various info about the film and of course trailers for the film and catalogue. Again, finding other features on other releases will be tricky so you really cannot complain. Overall, the film itself looks and sounds good and is a full uncut print from what I gather.

If you are a fan of this film or Asian cinema in general, this could be a potentially a nice release for the collection as long as you have a cheaper copy of a different edition in case you don't know Japanese or German. Overall, Rapid Eye Movies have done yet another fantastic job with this film for the Nippon Classics. Click those links down below and check out Rapid Eye Movies!

RAPID EYE MOVIES SITE

RAPID EYE MOVIES YOUTUBE

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Hanzo The Razor: Sword Of Justice From Rapid Eye Movies

Hanzo The Razor: Sword Of Justice

(dir. Kenji Misumi, 1972, 90 minutes)
Rapid Eye Movies, Germany

Hello guys and girls. Today we are looking at the first of 3 films from the Nippon Classics sent to me by a German company called Rapid Eye Movies. Now first of all, these will not be reviews of the films themselves as this trilogy of posts is showcasing these releases to people who are collectors and who already know about the film. If you want a review of the films, let me know. Like I said I will just be going through the releases themselves. We will be looking at the packaging, presentation, transfer and special features. So let's get straight to it with the first in depth look, Hanzo The Razor, Sword Of Justice. Below are some snaps of this gorgeous release.

As you can see, you get a gorgeously presented edition of this film. A beautifully designed slipcover showcasing the fantastic Japanese poster for the film which houses a fantastic digipack which boasts some stills from the film. The inside showcases one of the infamous images from the film. The digipack is slim but not too slim and makes it a fantastic size for the shelf and the collection. With the addition of the slipcover, these editions will look fantastic on the shelf. When you open up the digipack you will also find a flyer showcasing other titles from the Nippon Classics selection as well as an assortment of postcards with iconic stills from various Asian cult classics, the postcards are of high quality and are a welcomed addition. Probably the best extra you get is the double sided poster which again has the original Japanes poster design on the front and a original design on the back talking about the film itself. Overall, these are really nice additions and this will please the collectors out there wether or not you decide to actually use the poster and postcards. All in all, these editions are put together brilliantly with collectors in mind. So no we have looked at the packaging and presentation, let's look at the film itself.

 As you can tell by the stills, the transfer is fantastic. The audio is great too. Now, this being a German release, this intended to be watched by either someone who knows or is Japanese or German as the only audio option you have is the original Japanese an the subtitles are only in German. This really isn't a big deal for me personally as the edition itself is what I find most exciting and you can always pick up a cheap DVD. Just remember to bare that in mind if you are going to buy this title. Special features wise, you get the trailer for the film, some information on the film and also some trailers for other releases from Rapid Eye Movies. To some, that might not be a lot but I always welcome at least a trailer on any release and from what I have gathered not many other releases have anything more than a trailer. Overall, if you know Japanese or German (I should know a lot more by now) then  this release is perfect for you.

Overall, I am really impressed with this release. All the supplementary materials you get and the presentation alone make this a welcomed addition to the collection. I cannot stress enough that this release is of course aimed for a German audience so only collectors or lovers of Hanzo should really pick this up. Rapid Eye Movies have done a fantastic job with this release and have given the German public and us collectors  a great release of a film that is deserving of this treatment. You should definitely check out Rapid Eye Movies by clicking the links below and see what they have to offer and to potentially get your hands on this film. There really is nothing negative I can say about this release. Fantastic presentation and has a gorgeous DVD transfer.

RAPID EYE MOVIES SITE
RAPID EYE MOVIES YOUTUBE

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