American Gigolo (1980)

[baheidstu]

Originally Posted by AnamorphicWidescreen

I didn't see AG back in the '80's (as a teen), but if I had I'm sure I wouldn't have gotten much out of the film - other than the scenes with the gorgeous women

I first saw the film back in the 200X's - and, as an adult, I definitely "get" this a lot more. There is something intriguing about being a guy who not only lives off of women, but who takes pride in doing so. That being said, the movie also shows the "dark side" of such a lifestyle - which I found added a good dose of realism to the film:

[Show spoiler]When Julien (Gere) is being set up for the murder of a former "client", you can see how everyone that he was in good graces with prior to that - ends up dropping him like a hot potato. I.e., his "relationships" are very tenuous & based on services rendered, and that's it. This is why the politician's wife supporting him & staying by his side (despite the permanent damage this did to her & her husband's reputation) was especially touching- she was the only one that believed in Julien, due in large part because she had fallen for him - very poignant theme here. I don't consider this unrealistic, just unlikely - though definitely not impossible. Remember, she pursued him due to her being intrigued by him, etc.

Also, you're spot-on with the '80's trendsetting seen in the film. In fact, I would have to say this is one of the quintessential '80's American films - despite the fact that it was probably all filmed in '79.

It's definitely quintessentially early 80s, what I call the "brown 80s" because I seem to remember everything being so brown (clothing styles, wood paneling in everyone's basements, brown decor everywhere you went, even women seemed to just wear those unflattering thick beige pantyhose) in contrast to the neon drenched mid to late 80s.

[AnamorphicWidescreen]

Originally Posted by baheidstu

It's definitely quintessentially early 80s, what I call the "brown 80s" because I seem to remember everything being so brown (clothing styles, wood paneling in everyone's basements, brown decor everywhere you went, even women seemed to just wear those unflattering thick beige pantyhose) in contrast to the neon drenched mid to late 80s.

Good point about the color(s). I was a pre-teen in the early '80's, and my dim memories of the colors during that time correspond to yours - I also remember those ugly brown station wagons that were around during that era.

You're right, by the mid-late '80's the color scheme had changed - the best reflection of this was in the iconic Miami Vice TV series.

[balthazar_bee]

Nothing against American Gigolo -- I think it's pretty great -- but I'd say Schrader actually improved on his trademark story/ending in The Walker. Be nice to see that get to blu-ray in North America.

But wait, wait, wait -- what am I saying? If we're talking about Schrader films that need to get a blu-ray release, the most glaring example is the absolutely devastating Affliction -- career-best work from Schrader, Nolte and Coburn.

And I wouldn't say no to Light Sleeper, Blue Collar, or heck, what about the Schrader-penned Scorsese vehicle Bringing out the Dead?

[AnamorphicWidescreen]

Good points - Schrader is one of my top-five favorite film directors/writers, and his great films have been extremely underrepresented on home video.

At least Affliction, Bringing out the Dead (one of my all-time favorite '90's movie, and IMHO Nic Cage's best film) & possibly Blue Collar (I think) have Anamorphic DVD R1 releases.

Patty Hearst (1988) was unavailable on home video for years, but I believe it just got a DVD-R release. Better late than never.

However, AFAIK Light Sleeper has only been released on a crummy pan & scan DVD - long OOP these days.

And, the underrated Light of Day (1987) has never gotten any DVD/Blu release(s) - probably because of copyright issues re: the music featured in the film.

[baheidstu]

There is a blu-ray release of Blue Collar in Germany. I cannot comment on its quality or if it's region free or locked, however.

[dsamilton]

This is now on the Criterion Channel. I would love see Criterion release this on blu ray in the coming months

[jshaide]

Originally Posted by balthazar_bee

Nothing against American Gigolo -- I think it's pretty great -- but I'd say Schrader actually improved on his trademark story/ending in The Walker. Be nice to see that get to blu-ray in North America.

But wait, wait, wait -- what am I saying? If we're talking about Schrader films that need to get a blu-ray release, the most glaring example is the absolutely devastating Affliction -- career-best work from Schrader, Nolte and Coburn.

And I wouldn't say no to Light Sleeper, Blue Collar, or heck, what about the Schrader-penned Scorsese vehicle Bringing out the Dead?

BLUE COLLAR is supposed to be released by Kino at some point in the future.

[Egbert Souse]

Watched this on Criterion Channel. Fun movie, especially for how Schrader quite clearly is showing the inspiration from Bresson's Pickpocket, as well as Godard's Un femme mariee and Vivre la vie.

[Gacivory]

Originally Posted by Egbert Souse

Watched this on Criterion Channel. Fun movie, especially for how Schrader quite clearly is showing the inspiration from Bresson's Pickpocket, as well as Godard's Un femme mariee and Vivre la vie.

Winter seems to be the plan.

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.p...ostcount=33531

[augustblues]

Originally Posted by AnamorphicWidescreen

And, the underrated Light of Day (1987) has never gotten any DVD/Blu release(s) - probably because of copyright issues re: the music featured in the film.

Light of Day is high on my wishlist for a Blu-ray release! Saw it countless times on VHS but haven't seen it in many years. Michael J. Fox films continue to get Blu-ray releases, so hopefully LOD will eventually get one.

[Jorvic]

This is still high on my most-wanted in 4K UHD. The scene when Julian Kay meets Michelle Stratton in the hotel bar and the Palm Springs Rheiman house visit would look great with HDR. As would the scenes showing the Beverley Hills Hotel and the Hertz rent a car.

Wonderful noirish L.A. world in the film.

Gere's best-ever role.

[balthazar_bee]

4K would be great, but I'd settle for a new blu-ray transfer. The shortcomings of the old one would seem to make it a prime candidate for the Paramount Presents line either way.

[CouncilSpectre]

Agree. I watched the existing blu last weekend. It’s fine, but clearly dated.

Considering it’s one of Gere’s iconic roles/performances, I’d love to see this one by way of a modern transfer, or a 4K scan.

And re 4K Gere, Breathless too please…!

[disco1979]

Watched this again last night. Not a bad transfer, but it really deserves a new scan and a UHD. It's such a gorgeous looking film, it really deserves better treatment.

[Jorvic]

Schrader is one of my favourite directors. This is one of his best works. Per earlier post in thread, was hoping we might have at least of heard something about a new release (preferably on 4K UHD) by now.

Don't think the film quite gets its due for how important it is from a stylistic perspective for certain strands of '80s cinema and beyond.

[CelestialAgent]

Arrow are releasing a 4K UHD

[carlosrosa1029]

Originally Posted by AnamorphicWidescreen

Good point about the color(s). I was a pre-teen in the early '80's, and my dim memories of the colors during that time correspond to yours - I also remember those ugly brown station wagons that were around during that era.

You're right, by the mid-late '80's the color scheme had changed - the best reflection of this was in the iconic Miami Vice TV series.

This movie was filmed in 1979 so that's why you don't get that 80s' feel. That didn't happen till 1983 when we had FLASHDANCE and SCARFACE. Then in 1984 we got MIAMI VICE on tv and the 80s' look took off.

[LeSamourai.]

Originally Posted by AnamorphicWidescreen

However, AFAIK Light Sleeper has only been released on a crummy pan & scan DVD - long OOP these days.

I assume you are referring to region A releases and probably already know this but in case you did not: Light Sleeper was released on Blu-ray by Indicator (Powerhouse Films)- the standard edition is still available. I picked up the limited edition in 2021 and watched this film for the first time- it's a great film and I love it.

[Shane Rollins]

Did a whole bunch of posts get struck? Like two whole pages worth? They were discussing the artwork and shipping, and now they're all gone.

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by Shane Rollins

Did a whole bunch of posts get struck? Like two whole pages worth? They were discussing the artwork and shipping, and now they're all gone.

They were moved tot the 4K thread. That thread was locked for months, so when it was re-opened all the pertinent posts about its release were moved there.