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South Pacific [Blu-ray]

For its Blu-ray release, South Pacific underwent a complete photochemical restoration of its original 65mm negative, and underwent an 8k high definition scan of the brand new interpositive.  For the first time in high definition, you can enjoy Leon Shamroy’s widescreen photography of the Hawaiian locations and be dazzled by director Joshua Logan’s famous filtered sequences.  The original soundtrack will, for the first time ever, be presented in uncompressed, Lossless DTS audio.

Tags: Batman Anthology, Batman Forever, Batman Michael Keaton, Batman Returns, Brazzi, Color Filters, Danny Devito, Dark Knight, Disk 1, Gaynor, Hawaiian Locations, Jack Nicholson, Joshua Logan, Kim Basinger, Lossless, Michael Keaton, Michelle Pfeiffer, Original Soundtrack, Pacific Blu, Theatrical Version

The 400 Blows [Blu-ray] The knowing yet innocent face of Jean-Pierre Leaud, the 14-year-old star of The 400 Blows, is the heartbreaking core of Francois Truffaut’s most intimate film. As Antoine Doinel, Leaud begins his career as director Truffaut’s alter-ego, a young boy neglected by his mother and stepfather who, to cover his absence at school, tells a lie that leads him to run away from home and end up in reform school. There’s nothing remarkable or surprising about the plot; the power of this film comes from how completely it draws you into Antoine’s life. Antoine is a vivid, natural presence, one of the most compelling collaborations between a writer/director and an actor. The movie seems to capture him as he lives. Antoine endures his parent’s indifference, humiliations at school, deprivation and juvenile delinquency–yet the movie never feels pitying or condescending, as if it were trying to rub your nose in Antoine’s suffering. On the contrary: His resilience is what grabs you, his refusal to be broken down as he struggles towards a more adult understanding of the world. Truffaut and Leaud made many excellent films together (Day for Night, Two English Girls), including further chapters in Antoine’s life (Bed and Board, Stolen Kisses), but none were quite as simple, rich, and devastatingly potent as The 400 Blows. (The title, incidentally, refers not to abuse or anything sexual, but is a French idiom for a wild and unruly youth or “raising hell.”) –Bret Fetzer
Customer Review: A film that will literally blow you away…
In all my movie watching and movie reviewing I tend to praise a lot of work. As you glance over my past reviews (if you so chose to ever do so) you will see a lot of `five-star’ or `Grade A’ reviews, yet in all honesty there are rarely times when I am so enamored by a film I am moved to claim it a masterpiece. Sure, I may say that a film is a genre masterpiece (I think I made that claim when speaking of `The Dark Knight’) but for a film to transcend genre and become a clear and present masterpiece of film it has to have that extra something that is rarely found in films; that extra connective tissue that links its importance, its soul to our soul and thus becomes a part of us.

Tags: 400 Blows, Alter Ego, Antoine Doinel, Collaborations, Dark Knight, Francois Truffaut, Grabs, Honesty, Indifference, Innocent Face, Jean Pierre Leaud, Juvenile Delinquency, Kisses, Masterpiece, Natural Presence, Old Star, Raising Hell, Resilience, Two English Girls, Writer Director

Chris Botti in Boston [Blu-ray] Studio: Sony Music Release Date: 03/31/2009
Customer Review: Ear Candy…
I’m not certain that Chris Botti could release anything that I wouldn’t rate a 5 so understand my bias. I have most of his audio CDs and I would rate this DVD near the top. Botti, in his own icy-cool signature, soulful and soothing sound – draws from jazz, pop and classical musical in his line-up. This CD was recorded at an event which took place on September 18th 2008 at Boston’s famous Symphony Hall where Botti is joined by the Boston Pops Orchestra. In addition to new and seemingly even more compelling spins on his classic instrumental trumpet solos (“When I fall in Love”; “Time to Say Goodbye”; “Ave Maria”), Botti invites a unique cast of artists to join him on stage including Sting, Josh Groban, Steven Tyler (Aerosmith), Yo-Yo Ma, John Mayer and Katherine McPhee (American Idol) – with my favorites being “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” with Botti/McPhee and “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You” with Botti/Sting and John Mayer’s rendition of Sinatra’s “Glad to Be Unhappy.” Botti is at the top of his game in this performance – crisp, warm and soothing – and the man can hit and stick the high notes. Sit back, relax and be prepared to be entertained – - Botti has the magical ability to take you away to a happy place.
Customer Review: Be aware of the discussion
I also watched this concert on PBS, and agree with other reviewers that the performances and production values are first rate. The problem is the incessant talking between performances. It breaks the continuity and ruins the show for me. The chatter should be at the end of the disc in the “special features” section. Just my opinion…

Tags: Aaron Eckhart, Batman Mask, Boston Pops Orchestra, Chris Botti, Dark Knight, Ear Candy, Heath Ledger, Katherine Mcphee American Idol, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Magical Ability, Mcphee American Idol, Music Release, Production Values, Sony Music, Soothing Sound, Steven Tyler Aerosmith, Symphony Hall, Time To Say Goodbye, Trumpet Solos, Yo Yo Ma

The Italian Job [Blu-ray] Though it bears little resemblance to the original 1969 thriller starring Michael Caine, the 2003 remake of The Italian Job stands on its own as a caper comedy that’s well above average. The title’s a misnomer–this time it’s actually a Los Angeles job–but the action’s just as exciting as it propels a breezy tale of honor and dishonor among competing thieves. Inheriting Caine’s role as ace heist-planner Charlie Croker, Mark Wahlberg plays straight-man to a well-cast team of accomplices, including Mos Def, Jason Statham, and scene-stealer Seth Green in a variation of the role originally played by Noel Coward. As the daughter of Croker’s ill-fated mentor (Donald Sutherland), Charlize Theron is recruited to double-cross a double-crosser (Edward Norton in oily villain mode), and once again, speedily versatile Mini Coopers play a pivotal role in director F. Gary Gray’s exhilarating car-chase climax. It’s perhaps the greatest product placement in movie history, and just as fun the second time around. –Jeff Shannon
Customer Review: Action flick must have
I love any movie with Jason Statham. This movie is action packed and fast paced. This is a great movie to add to your collection.
Customer Review: Disappointed
This DVD was purchased as a Christmas present. I just found out that it is defective. Now it’s too late to exchange it.

Tags: Action Flick, Adventures Of Pinocchio, Car Chase, Charlie Croker, Charlize Theron, Dark Knight, Donald Sutherland, Edward Norton, Gary Gray, Grand Opera, Italian Job, Jason Statham, Jeff Shannon, Jonathan Dove, Mark Wahlberg, Noel Coward, Opera North, Scene Stealer, Seth Green, Straight Man