Twilight Time Discussion Thread

[Twilight Time]

Originally Posted by ROclockCK

TT has posted Nick Redman's extended career-spanning BAFTA L.A. interview with director Michael Apted (at 50 minutes, it's long but engrossing, especially regarding Apted's one-of-a-kind "Up" documentaries for Granada TV).

But this sidebar piece left me wondering - as usual - what the 'connection' might be - if any - in terms of TT's own product schedule. Was this just another extension of Redman's comprehensive range of interests in film, or a possible tip-off that TT might be considering a Michael Apted film for the TT collection? Off the top, I can think of 2 fine candidates from the Columbia/TriStar/Sony catalogue: Enigma (with its superb Tom Stoppard screenplay and bittersweet John Barry score), and Thunderheart (with its ace Roger Deakins' cinematography and evocative James Horner score).

Probably a coincidence...just Rock idly free-associating again. But with TT now panning Sony's post 90s+ catalogue for overlooked HD nuggets, that pair really stood out in terms of their potential for retro-showcase.

Thanks so much for sharing the interview, ROclockCK -- no connection really to TT's schedule, I routinely do these kind of one-on-one sessions for BAFTA -- but now you mention it, we'd love to do Thunderheart, but it's not on our to-go list as yet...have a great Sunday.

All best,

Nick.

[filmmusic]

Originally Posted by JHas

I watched my copy of Nicholas and Alexandra yesterday, was very impressed with the video quality and the film itself. Never saw it before but am a huge fan of that period of history as well as epic films. It really does feel like a long lost David Lean film. Solid acting in all roles, especially Tom Baker is who is great as Rasputin. I'm sure this one won't be quick to sell out, but I'm glad I got it right away just in case.

Haven't ordered it yet, but looking forward to, along with Christine and The Fury.
Had seen this in my childhood but I don't remember a thing.
But I'm buying it since I also love epic period films..
It's good to know that it's a good quality release!

[Lordy]

Has anybody seen a pre-order for the Philadelphia BD on the Screen Archives web-site? I haven't yet and am wondering why I've been unable to find it.

[PowellPressburger]

Originally Posted by Lordy

Has anybody seen a pre-order for the Philadelphia BD on the Screen Archives web-site? I haven't yet and am wondering if I've been unable to find it.

They usually post pre-orders a month to 3 weeks before the release date. For instance Christine is coming out in March but the pre-order is this Friday.

[ROclockCK]

Originally Posted by Twilight Time

Thanks so much for sharing the interview, ROclockCK -- no connection really to TT's schedule, I routinely do these kind of one-on-one sessions for BAFTA -- but now you mention it, we'd love to do Thunderheart, but it's not on our to-go list as yet...have a great Sunday.

All best,

Nick.

Thanks...but "drat".

[rdodolak]

Originally Posted by ROclockCK

TT has posted Nick Redman's extended career-spanning BAFTA L.A. interview with director Michael Apted (at 50 minutes, it's long but engrossing, especially regarding Apted's one-of-a-kind "Up" documentaries for Granada TV).

Speaking of interviews, here are a few interesting interviews with Nick Redman in regards to the Soundtrack industry.

Fox Records: Record Producer Nick Redman Speaks Out (1994)

and Bruce Kimmel's interview with Nick Redman.

haineshisway.com: Interview Section - Nick Redman

[Twilight Time]

Originally Posted by rdodolak

Speaking of interviews, here are a few interesting interviews with Nick Redman in regards to the Soundtrack industry.

Fox Records: Record Producer Nick Redman Speaks Out (1994)

and Bruce Kimmel's interview with Nick Redman.

haineshisway.com: Interview Section - Nick Redman

Wow, thanks rdodolak--this is turning into Nostalgia Sunday! Having just briefly glimpsed excerpts of these 2 interviews, I have to profess profound embarrassment...and as usual nothing seems to change over the years. By coincidence, and I'll be noting this on my FB page tomorrow, this coming week marks the 20th anniversary of my running Fox Music's archival restoration program, which has now in a sense broadened to include TT's Fox movie titles...when we started there was no way of knowing where it would end up or how long it would run, and I guess we still don't know...
I do appreciate all the support we've received, which motivates us to continue...

All best,

Nick.

[Akijama]

Nick, is Woody Allen double bill a possibility from you guys? I'm referring to Manhattan Murder Mystery and Husbands and Wives.

[Lordy]

Originally Posted by PowellPressburger

They usually post pre-orders a month to 3 weeks before the release date. For instance Christine is coming out in March but the pre-order is this Friday.

Thanks, PP

[arcadeforest]

Originally Posted by JHas

I watched my copy of Nicholas and Alexandra yesterday, was very impressed with the video quality and the film itself. Never saw it before but am a huge fan of that period of history as well as epic films. It really does feel like a long lost David Lean film. Solid acting in all roles, especially Tom Baker is who is great as Rasputin. I'm sure this one won't be quick to sell out, but I'm glad I got it right away just in case.

Good to hear - will have to wait until after I preorder Christine (even though I want to see Nicholas and Alexandra more at this point).

[oildude]

I also watched Nicholas and Alexandra last night. This is the film that director Franklin J. Schaffner made between Patton and Papillon, and like those two, N&A is an intimate character drama surrounded by epic events. The acting is simply superb, from the two leads, Michael Jayston and Janet Suzman, to the children, various ministers, and other supporting roles. Standout supporting roles include: Michael Bryant in a chilling and yet humanly vulnerable portrayal of the violence-minded Lenin, and child actor Roderic Noble as the tragic tsarevich, Alexei. A young, dark haired Ian Holm (Bilbo from Lord of the Rings) also has a brief but memorable appearance as a commissar. And above all there is Tom Baker as Rasputin, giving an Oscar-worthy performance as the depraved charismatic monk.

Although I have read and enjoyed Massie's book, this is the first time I have seen the film. It is remarkably faithful to the book, and is one of the most accurate historical films ever made. The main differences, common to many historic films, is to compress some of the time lines and to reduce the number of characters. N&A is a fantastic drama, parts of it are as moving as anything ever put on film. There are several scenes that burn into memory, including the event of Bloody Sunday, when a crowd of subjects marches on the Winter Palace to present a petition to their tsar. Nicholas II is portrayed accurately as a flawed and willfully stubborn monarchist, who is determined to lead Russia as best he can while preserving the absolutism of royal power. His decisions are often clouded and poisoned by the violent nature of turbulent times catching up to a Russia that is painfully slow to modernize, while his attempts to keep secret from the public a dreadful family tragedy out of fear its revelation will make the dynasty appear weak are, in hindsight, misguided and only add to the downward spiral of his reign. While a decent man, he is nevertheless reviled by many of his subjects.

I am not sure why N&A has never achieved the level of recognition of other similar epics, even among those from Schaffner. It could be because large parts of the film take place indoors (the interior sets are splendid, and look stunning in high def) and much of it is dialogue driven, giving it a more subdued visual sweep compared to films like Lawrence of Arabia. N&A also came along at a time when movies were moving away from this type of film.

The PQ is beautiful, with rich colors, fine grain, and period details that make many scenes complete visual treats. The film score is magnificent and my only nitpick is I wish it had a more expansive presentation than mono. Nevertheless, it is faithful to the original.

TT has hit another one out of the park. Thanks Nick and company for bringing this “lost” epic back to life, and allowing a new generation to rediscover its power and majestic beauty.

[ROclockCK]

Originally Posted by rdodolak

Speaking of interviews, here are a few interesting interviews with Nick Redman in regards to the Soundtrack industry.

Fox Records: Record Producer Nick Redman Speaks Out (1994)

and Bruce Kimmel's interview with Nick Redman.

haineshisway.com: Interview Section - Nick Redman

Whew...what a funky, circuitous, yet weirdly appropriate route to the Blu-ray catalogue market! Guess it just goes to show that we will be who we were, who we are...in one way or another, life's choices always seem to be variations on a related underlying, recurring theme.

Both those interviews were news to me too rdodolak. So thanks indeed for sharing!

[ROclockCK]

[rdodolak]

Originally Posted by ROclockCK

[Show spoiler]

and inside booklet cover to complement the cover.

[ROclockCK]

Originally Posted by rdodolak

and inside booklet cover to complement the cover.

[Show spoiler]

I'm so glad TT has the good taste to continue packaging B&W films with monochrome artwork. It's a small collector detail, but very much appreciated.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by ROclockCK

I'm so glad TT has the good taste to continue packaging B&W films with monochrome artwork. It's a small collector detail, but very much appreciated.

That is a very nice touch, yes.

I understand why studios and other distributers shy away from that but I wish they wouldn't.

[Page14]

Originally Posted by ROclockCK

[Show spoiler]

+1 on the

[RiFiFi1955]

I hear a lot of talk about pre-ordering Christine this Friday but not too much about The Fury. Is there not that many people out there that love this film as much as me?

[benbess]

Originally Posted by oildude

I also watched Nicholas and Alexandra last night. This is the film that director Franklin J. Schaffner made between Patton and Papillon, and like those two, N&A is an intimate character drama surrounded by epic events. The acting is simply superb, from the two leads, Michael Jayston and Janet Suzman, to the children, various ministers, and other supporting roles. Standout supporting roles include: Michael Bryant in a chilling and yet humanly vulnerable portrayal of the violence-minded Lenin, and child actor Roderic Noble as the tragic tsarevich, Alexei. A young, dark haired Ian Holm (Bilbo from Lord of the Rings) also has a brief but memorable appearance as a commissar. And above all there is Tom Baker as Rasputin, giving an Oscar-worthy performance as the depraved charismatic monk.

Despite having read Massie's book, this is the first time I have seen the film. It is remarkably faithful to the book, and is one of the most accurate historical films ever made. The main differences, common to many historic films, is to compress some of the time lines and to reduce the number of characters. N&A is a fantastic drama, parts of it are as moving as anything ever put on film. There are several scenes that burn into memory, including the event of Bloody Sunday, when a crowd of subjects marches on the Winter Palace to present a petition to their tsar. Nicholas II is portrayed accurately as a flawed and willfully stubborn monarchist, who is determined to lead Russia as best he can while preserving the absolutism of royal power. His decisions are often clouded and poisoned by the violent nature of turbulent times catching up to a Russia that is painfully slow to modernize, while his attempts to keep secret from the public a dreadful family tragedy out of fear its revelation will make the dynasty appear weak are, in hindsight, misguided and only add to the downward spiral of his reign. While a decent man, he is nevertheless reviled by many of his subjects.

I am not sure why N&A has never achieved the level of recognition of other similar epics, even among those from Schaffner. It could be because large parts of the film take place indoors (the interior sets are splendid, and look stunning in high def) and much of it is dialogue driven, giving it a more subdued visual sweep compared to films like Lawrence of Arabia. N&A also came along at a time when movies were moving away from this type of film.

The PQ is beautiful, with rich colors, fine grain, and period details that make many scenes complete visual treats. The film score is magnificent and my only nitpick is I wish it had a more expansive presentation than mono. Nevertheless, it is faithful to the original.

TT has hit another one out of the park. Thanks Nick and company for bringing this “lost” epic back to life, and allowing a new generation to rediscover its power and majestic beauty.

Thanks to you and JHas for the good reviews of this film!

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by ROclockCK

That's a good looking cover.