The Birds–one of the most terrifying thrillers directed by Alfred Hitchcock–marks the 60th anniversary of the film’s 1963 release. The master of suspense is at it again. Over 20 years after winning an Oscar for Rebecca, Hitchcock turns to Daphne du Maurier once again. One element to appreciate is how Hitchcock uses comedy to build up to the eventual suspense. But even though there is no shortage of sheer terror on display in the thriller, it…
"The Birds: Alfred Hitchcock Thriller Marks 60th Anniversary"
Black Sunday, the 1977 terrorism thriller directed by John Frankenheimer, gets a new Blu-ray release by way of Arrow Video. Arrow Video presents the thriller on the new Blu-ray in 1080p HD. There are two options for audiences to listen to the film. One is in its original restored lossless mono audio, which is being presented for the first time on Blu-ray. Audiences also have the option of choosing between restored lossless 5.1 and 2.0…
"Black Sunday: Terrorism Thriller Gets A New Blu-ray"
The Oscar-winning All Quiet on the Western Front is now available for audiences to bring home in a Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD Media Book. It’s not surprising that the film did so well during awards season, including the first-ever Best Picture nomination for a German film. When the first adaptation–directed by Lewis Mileston–was released by Universal Pictures in 1930, it won Best Picture at the Oscars. Of course, it also premiered to protests in…
"All Quiet on the Western Front Arrives On 4K Ultra HD"
Schmigadoon! moves away from the 1940s and 1950s musicals and takes viewers into the grittier Schmicago of the 1960s and 1970s. The transition into the next pair of decades means not being as brightly colored like the 1940s and 1950s. That’s not to say that it’s not entirely gritty because of Schmicago’s take on musicals like Godspell and Hair. In any event, this season owes a lot to both Chicago, Cabaret, and Sweeney Todd. There’s…
"Schmicago: Schmigadoon!’s Second Season Is Grittier"
Suspicion is one of four Alfred Hitchcock films to star Cary Grant but Joan Fontaine earns the only acting Oscar in Hitchcock’s filmography. While North by Northwest is my favorite Hitchcock film, Suspicion is where it all began for Grant’s relationship with the filmmaker. Their relationship might have started sooner but Grant’s schedule meant not being able to star in Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Given their similar backgrounds from growing up in England, it’s no…
"Suspicion: A Romantic Psychological Thriller"
Strangers on a Train is another thrilling Alfred Hitchcock classic and sits in its rightful place in the upper tier of his filmography. Is there anything that the master of suspense cannot do? Hitchcock and cinematographer Robert Burks are on command in every single frame of the film starting with the focus on the shoes. Burks earns an Oscar nomination for his cinematography and let me tell you, he absolutely deserves it. This is Hitchcock’s…
"Strangers on a Train: Another Thrilling Hitchcock Classic"
All About Eve features a trio of powerhouse performances from Oscar winners Bette Davis, Anne Baxter, and Celeste Holm. “Fasten your seatbelts. It’s going to be a bumpy night.” – Margo Channing (Bette Davis) While Joseph L. Mankiewicz bookends the film with the fictitious Sarah Siddons Society honoring Eve Harrington (Anne Baxter), the film quickly jumps into her backstory. Mankiewicz presents Eve’s climb through the eyes of three different characters. Anyway, Harrington was a big…
"All About Eve: One of the Greatest Films Ever Made"
While an extended version came out in 2005, The Outsiders marks the 40th anniversary of its original theatrical release in 1983. “When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house, I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman, and a ride home.” – Ponyboy Curtis (C. Thomas Howell) I’ve had the 4K UHD edition of both The Outsiders and The Outsiders – The Complete Novel on hand…
"The Outsiders Marks 40th Anniversary"
Oscar-nominated/BAFTA-winning screenwriter Jeff Pope spoke with Solzy at the Movies about The Lost King, which is now playing in theaters. Pope reunites with his Philomena co-screenwriter Jeff Pope to pen the script for The Lost King. It’s a Philomena reunion all around because Stephen Frears handles directing duties behind the camera. This time around, it’s another feel-good story as Sally Hawkins portrays Philippa Langley, an amateur historian investigating the burial location of King Richard III.…
"Jeff Pope talks The Lost King"
Oscar-nominated/BAFTA-winning screenwriter Steve Coogan spoke with Solzy at the Movies about The Lost King, an upcoming IFC Films release. Coogan reunites with his Philomena co-screenwriter Jeff Pope to pen the script for The Lost King. It’s a Philomena reunion all around because Stephen Frears handles directing duties behind the camera. This time around, it’s another feel-good story as Sally Hawkins portrays Philippa Langley, an amateur historian investigating the burial location of King Richard III. Coogan…
"Steve Coogan talks The Lost King"