International Cinema (Koch Lorber) at DDD - Save upto 46%
05-01-07, 09:56 PM
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International Cinema (Koch Lorber) at DDD - Save upto 46%
05-01-07, 10:54 PM
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Code:
16.19 Changing Times 43.19 Dolce Vita 18.89 Donkey Skin 14.57 Fratricide 16.19 Fresh Bait 16.19 Intervista 18.89 Kingdom 16.19 La Moustache 16.19 Le Petit Lieutenant 53.99 Lina Wertmuller Collection 13.49 May 6th 16.19 Moloch 13.49 Muriel 16.19 Nathalie 8.09 On Guard 16.19 Our Brand Is Crisis 16.19 Pornographer 18.89 Red and The Black 8.09 Safe Conduct 16.19 Seven Beauties 8.09 Sister My Sister 13.49 Slightly Pregnant Man 13.49 Sombre 16.19 Tenth District Court 16.19 Teorema 18.89 Tous Les Matins Du Monde 16.19 Triple Agent 8.09 Very Annie Mary
05-02-07, 01:38 AM
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Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist
Some great titles (and discs) here. Some bad ones as well. Let me know if comments are needed.
Thank you for providing a script yet again.
Pro-B
Thank you for providing a script yet again.
Pro-B
Thanks in advance
05-02-07, 01:44 AM
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Originally Posted by AmonTwin
I, for one, always appreciate any insight/recommendations you may have from the list...
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
Thanks.
05-02-07, 02:34 AM
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Originally Posted by AmonTwin
I, for one, always appreciate any insight/recommendations you may have from the list...
05-02-07, 02:50 AM
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Even though Changing Times, Andre Techine’s latest project, teams aging stars Deneuve and Depardieu, and regardless of the fact that the story is rather likeable, this clearly isn’t one of the director’s best. Intimacy and unshared love are again the focus of attention here but I’d rather look for either Artificial Eye’s Alice et Martin or Les Egares a.k.a Strayed (Wild Reeds still remains a taboo due to the poor transfer). On top of everything else the R1 presentation is of average at best quality (dirt, color fluctuation, etc).
La Dolce Vita- I don’t know if there is anything else that could be said here (banding issue still present) – hardcore fans of the film will probably have to wait for the HD release to meet expectations.
Donkey Skin – a true French classic. Unfortunately the presentation is a far cry from what this film deserves. Furthermore even the recently released Optimum collection of Deneuve titles in the UK offers a print with more than a few zaps. I would recommend that you stay away from the R1 disc.
Fratricide- wrote a review for this film – gritty, with some very disturbing scenes, somewhat mimicking Fatin Akin’s Gegen Die Wand a.k.a Head-On. The picture follows the story of two brothers from Kurdistan living in Germany. Great reviews at Locarno. Good transfer. Recommended.
Betrand Tavernier’s L’Appat a.k.a Fresh Bait. Top-Notch production with lovely Marrie Gillain (Ni Pour, Ni Contre…), unfortunately the transfer is a PAL-port. If you are looking to own the film then I recommend the English-friendly French disc, if you only are curious about seeing it and can tolerate the improper conversion (that would be for tube viewers) I would not feel that uncomfortable recommending it to you. Either way this is a very strong film!
Intervista- I don’t think there is much that needs to be added here, this is an important film. Unfortunately the presentation leaves plenty to be desired yet it clearly is a step above some of the older Koch releases. Recommended.
Kingdom- I personally do not own these releases so unfortunately can not provide you with any constructive comments.
La Moustache- also wrote a review for it. Great film with an excellent-storyline full of unpredictable twists. A mix of thriller and neo-noir with a top performance by Gerard Lanvin. Excellent contribution by Emmanuelle Devos (Read my Lips). Great, properly-converted, progressive transfer! Highly recommended.
[i]Le Petit Lieutenant[/]- have a review coming for this one, won a Cesar for Nathalie Bay last year! More later!
The Lina Wertmuller Collection- first of all I am extremely biased when it comes to the old lady. I love each and everyone of her films - some more, some less. The collection however is a mixed bag of average to above average transfers (you could look up my individual reviews for specs on the transfers). When all is said and done however this set offers some classic films (Swept Away and Seven Beauties are enough of a reason to own it). As far as I am concerned this is a must own set…but I am biased when it comes to Italian cinema. Swept Away and Seven Beauties indeed offer the new, remastered prints.
May 6th- the last film Dutch, highly-controversial, director Theo Van Gogh completed before he was murdered. Ironic to say the least!! It is a flawed story indeed but the acting is good enough and the extras on the disc (the documentary on Dutch politics in particualr) are enough of a reason to own this disc. Too bad the director’s more intimate The Interview is yet to be released in the US (Dutch disc is English-friendly though). With a progressive, properly converted print. Recommended.
Moloch- Sokurov gained a lot of exposure in the US after his groundbreaking Russian Ark but this film isn’t one of his best. The transfer also suffers significantly. It is difficult for me to recommend it to you. A Pal-port.
Muriel- excellent film and Alain Resnais is always worth watching. Clearly not in the league of Last Year at Marienbad. The transfer has its faults but it is a notch above the standard Koch Lorber Films have been associated with.
Nathalie- well, this film received plenty of buzz on the forum (for a number of reasons). The acting is good, Emmanuelle Beart is great, though the storyline is lacking a bit. If you are looking to own the film I would strongly recommend the French, English-friendly release (avoid the R2 UK disc). This is a good substitute for those that are not Region-free but again, the best version is the French disc (the best looking packaging as well).
On Guard- I am a big fan of Daniel Auteuil but this remake of the classic Le Bossu (1960), a bushwhacker comedy-adventure with Bourvil and Jean-Marais, isn’t my cup of tea. Opinions vary so perhaps you will find the remake more suitable…I don’t. This does not mean that the film isn’t well done, it is very entertaining with some great camera work. If budget allows…see it (transfer is also rather weak with notable combing, properly converted UK disc available).
Our Brand is Crisis- unfortunately I can not comment on this film/release.
The Pornographer- one of the more scandalous recent release by Mr. Bonelo featuring explicit scenes for which the UK watchdogs got in trouble with the fans. Once again I find the director’s also recently released (also by Koch Lorber Films) Tiresia much stronger. This is a good film however which I must warn you is every bit as edgy and “revealing” as Catherine Breillat’s Anatomy of Hell. UK disc is cut, the US isn’t.
Red and the Black- Well, I will simply state that I flat-out disliked this production (a TV piece) which teams a number of favorite actors. Avoid.
Safe Conduct- one of the jewels in my collection. Outstanding film for which there aren’t enough praises. Winner of a dozen European top awards including the prestigious Silver Bear in Berlin. One of the Bertrand Tavernier’s best films!! Unfortunately the R1 disc is a PAL-port. I strongly recommend that you get a hold of UK’s AE release.
Seven Beauties- see the Lina Wertmuller comments.
Slightly Pregnant Man- Terrible film, bad transfer, I have no idea how Mastroianni got involved with this project. Avoid at all costs!!
Sombre- this is a terrific film from one of the best directors from the new-New Wave in French cinema. I have no idea what the R1 disc looks like but I suspect it is of good quality as it was released shortly after the fabulous La Moustache. DVDTALK review is upcoming. I recommend.
10th District Court- a documentary screened at Cannes. I very much enjoyed this picture, though it is nor everyone’s cup of tea. It follows a judge and his proceedings in a court room in Paris (all of the footage is from real trials). Sheds a great deal of light at the French legal system. Will only recommend to either law students or those fascinated with French law.
Teorema- I would likely upset most on this forum but my opinion is that Pasolini’s picture isn’t worth owning at this time. Why? The transfer isn’t what this film deserves and I fairly certain sooner or later a special edition of this film will surface (with the recent two set of Pasolini works being released in the UK chances are very good). My advise-wait!
Triple Agent- spectacular Rohmer!. I did a review for it and to sum it all up just about everything in this production clicks. Excellent story, very slow pacing, dialog-driven, but again, a great production. The transfer is also very well done though I noticed some very minor “ghosting”. This one comes strongly recommended if you like Rohmer’s style.
Ok, Good Night!
Pro-B
La Dolce Vita- I don’t know if there is anything else that could be said here (banding issue still present) – hardcore fans of the film will probably have to wait for the HD release to meet expectations.
Donkey Skin – a true French classic. Unfortunately the presentation is a far cry from what this film deserves. Furthermore even the recently released Optimum collection of Deneuve titles in the UK offers a print with more than a few zaps. I would recommend that you stay away from the R1 disc.
Fratricide- wrote a review for this film – gritty, with some very disturbing scenes, somewhat mimicking Fatin Akin’s Gegen Die Wand a.k.a Head-On. The picture follows the story of two brothers from Kurdistan living in Germany. Great reviews at Locarno. Good transfer. Recommended.
Betrand Tavernier’s L’Appat a.k.a Fresh Bait. Top-Notch production with lovely Marrie Gillain (Ni Pour, Ni Contre…), unfortunately the transfer is a PAL-port. If you are looking to own the film then I recommend the English-friendly French disc, if you only are curious about seeing it and can tolerate the improper conversion (that would be for tube viewers) I would not feel that uncomfortable recommending it to you. Either way this is a very strong film!
Intervista- I don’t think there is much that needs to be added here, this is an important film. Unfortunately the presentation leaves plenty to be desired yet it clearly is a step above some of the older Koch releases. Recommended.
Kingdom- I personally do not own these releases so unfortunately can not provide you with any constructive comments.
La Moustache- also wrote a review for it. Great film with an excellent-storyline full of unpredictable twists. A mix of thriller and neo-noir with a top performance by Gerard Lanvin. Excellent contribution by Emmanuelle Devos (Read my Lips). Great, properly-converted, progressive transfer! Highly recommended.
[i]Le Petit Lieutenant[/]- have a review coming for this one, won a Cesar for Nathalie Bay last year! More later!
The Lina Wertmuller Collection- first of all I am extremely biased when it comes to the old lady. I love each and everyone of her films - some more, some less. The collection however is a mixed bag of average to above average transfers (you could look up my individual reviews for specs on the transfers). When all is said and done however this set offers some classic films (Swept Away and Seven Beauties are enough of a reason to own it). As far as I am concerned this is a must own set…but I am biased when it comes to Italian cinema. Swept Away and Seven Beauties indeed offer the new, remastered prints.
May 6th- the last film Dutch, highly-controversial, director Theo Van Gogh completed before he was murdered. Ironic to say the least!! It is a flawed story indeed but the acting is good enough and the extras on the disc (the documentary on Dutch politics in particualr) are enough of a reason to own this disc. Too bad the director’s more intimate The Interview is yet to be released in the US (Dutch disc is English-friendly though). With a progressive, properly converted print. Recommended.
Moloch- Sokurov gained a lot of exposure in the US after his groundbreaking Russian Ark but this film isn’t one of his best. The transfer also suffers significantly. It is difficult for me to recommend it to you. A Pal-port.
Muriel- excellent film and Alain Resnais is always worth watching. Clearly not in the league of Last Year at Marienbad. The transfer has its faults but it is a notch above the standard Koch Lorber Films have been associated with.
Nathalie- well, this film received plenty of buzz on the forum (for a number of reasons). The acting is good, Emmanuelle Beart is great, though the storyline is lacking a bit. If you are looking to own the film I would strongly recommend the French, English-friendly release (avoid the R2 UK disc). This is a good substitute for those that are not Region-free but again, the best version is the French disc (the best looking packaging as well).
On Guard- I am a big fan of Daniel Auteuil but this remake of the classic Le Bossu (1960), a bushwhacker comedy-adventure with Bourvil and Jean-Marais, isn’t my cup of tea. Opinions vary so perhaps you will find the remake more suitable…I don’t. This does not mean that the film isn’t well done, it is very entertaining with some great camera work. If budget allows…see it (transfer is also rather weak with notable combing, properly converted UK disc available).
Our Brand is Crisis- unfortunately I can not comment on this film/release.
The Pornographer- one of the more scandalous recent release by Mr. Bonelo featuring explicit scenes for which the UK watchdogs got in trouble with the fans. Once again I find the director’s also recently released (also by Koch Lorber Films) Tiresia much stronger. This is a good film however which I must warn you is every bit as edgy and “revealing” as Catherine Breillat’s Anatomy of Hell. UK disc is cut, the US isn’t.
Red and the Black- Well, I will simply state that I flat-out disliked this production (a TV piece) which teams a number of favorite actors. Avoid.
Safe Conduct- one of the jewels in my collection. Outstanding film for which there aren’t enough praises. Winner of a dozen European top awards including the prestigious Silver Bear in Berlin. One of the Bertrand Tavernier’s best films!! Unfortunately the R1 disc is a PAL-port. I strongly recommend that you get a hold of UK’s AE release.
Seven Beauties- see the Lina Wertmuller comments.
Slightly Pregnant Man- Terrible film, bad transfer, I have no idea how Mastroianni got involved with this project. Avoid at all costs!!
Sombre- this is a terrific film from one of the best directors from the new-New Wave in French cinema. I have no idea what the R1 disc looks like but I suspect it is of good quality as it was released shortly after the fabulous La Moustache. DVDTALK review is upcoming. I recommend.
10th District Court- a documentary screened at Cannes. I very much enjoyed this picture, though it is nor everyone’s cup of tea. It follows a judge and his proceedings in a court room in Paris (all of the footage is from real trials). Sheds a great deal of light at the French legal system. Will only recommend to either law students or those fascinated with French law.
Teorema- I would likely upset most on this forum but my opinion is that Pasolini’s picture isn’t worth owning at this time. Why? The transfer isn’t what this film deserves and I fairly certain sooner or later a special edition of this film will surface (with the recent two set of Pasolini works being released in the UK chances are very good). My advise-wait!
Triple Agent- spectacular Rohmer!. I did a review for it and to sum it all up just about everything in this production clicks. Excellent story, very slow pacing, dialog-driven, but again, a great production. The transfer is also very well done though I noticed some very minor “ghosting”. This one comes strongly recommended if you like Rohmer’s style.
Ok, Good Night!
Pro-B
Last edited by pro-bassoonist; 05-02-07 at 03:09 AM.
05-02-07, 03:11 AM
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You can't go wrong with La Dolce Vita, although I don't especially like that ugly "special edition" packaging. If I recall correctly I paid around $19.99 for the previous (devoid of ugly packaging),which contains pretty much everything this one has. It's a great movie, well worth whatever it costs you, regardless!
05-02-07, 07:36 AM
#10
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There are a few titles that I want here, but I think I may hold off. The prices seem a little high for this sale.
If DVD Planet has the 20% off sale like it did the same time last year as DDD, you can get these cheaper so I may take the chance and wait.
If DVD Planet has the 20% off sale like it did the same time last year as DDD, you can get these cheaper so I may take the chance and wait.
05-02-07, 12:56 PM
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I loved The Kingdom ... the DVDTalk review is pretty spot on: http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=18421
