Displaying items by tag: Joe Marchese

Quick update on yesterday’s news: A number of readers have asked why Schindler’s List and Munich weren’t included in Universal’s newly announced The Steven Spielberg Director’s Collection Blu-ray box set. So we contacted the studio and got this statement:

“The Steven Spielberg Collection showcases the Director’s journey at Universal making some of the biggest blockbusters in film history that have thrilled, entertained and delighted audiences around the world. Due to the historical significance and deeply serious nature of the films, Schindler’s List and Munich were not included so as to not understate their unique impact.” [Read on here...]

[Editor’s Note: After the recent passing of Eli Wallach, I was surprised to learn that Bits contributor Joe Marchese was an acquaintance of the actor, having worked with him on the stage.

Joe wanted to write a personal remembrance of Wallach for The Bits and we’re very happy to share that with all of you here now.]

[Read on here…]

We’ve got two more Blu-ray reviews for you to enjoy today, starting with Joe Marchese’s look at Cohen Media Group’s The Vivien Leigh Anniversary Collection, which includes Dark Journey, Fire Over England, Sidewalks of London, and Storm in a Tea Cup. Tim Salmons also checks in with his thoughts on B3MP’s recent Blu-ray release of George Pal and Arnold Leibovit’s 1987 stop-motion gem The Puppetoon Movie. Enjoy! [Read on here…]

All right, we’ve got a nice piece of release news for you guys today, as well as a trio of new Blu-ray reviews for you to enjoy. Let’s have the reviews first…

The good Dr. Jahnke has checked in with his thoughts on a true classic of French New Wave cinema: Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless, newly re-issued in Dual Disc (Blu-ray and DVD in the same package) by our friends at Criterion.

Also today, I’ve offered up my take on what might be my favorite film of 2013: Alexander Payne’s Nebraska, now available on Blu-ray from Paramount. Having grown up in the Plains States, I can say with some authority that I’ve not seen it so perfectly captured on film since the Coen Brothers’ Fargo. The film is poignant, filled with great character performances, and it’s damn funny too. Nebraska made me laugh hard and often. I hope you enjoy it.  [Read on here…]

All right, our Hell Plaza Oktoberfest review for the day is Dr. Jahnke’s take on Anchor Bay’s new Halloween: 35th Anniversary Edition on Blu-ray!  That’s also the Blu-ray title we’re giving away today over on the Jahnke’s Electric Theater page on Facebook, so be sure to head on over there for your chance to win (the giveaway is open from Noon to 3 PM Pacific)!

Also today, our own Joe Marchese has turned in a review of Kino Lorber’s new The Blue Angel on Blu-ray – a 1930 German classic from director Josef von Sternberg starring Marlene Dietrich.  Enjoy!  [Read on here…]