Official Film Noir on Blu-ray Thread

[nitin]

Originally Posted by silverlakephil

I just want to give a heads up to the upcoming TNT mini series, I Am The Night, which has been described as Neo-Noir.

https://www.tntdrama.com/i-am-the-night

The Cast & Director Of TNT's "I Am The Night" Discuss The Limited Series - YouTube

The show is definitely neo-noir, the main plot ties into the Black Dahlia murder. The quality of the writing though is not very good IMHO.

[noirjunkie]

Watch this trailer. What does it say to you? Neo-noir through and through, right?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbrOMrjhyvI

Wrong. This is the most misleading trailer of the year. I just saw this film, and the only term I can think to use as a label for it is "fiasco." Rarely have I seen a contemporary film take such a big swing and whiff so spectacularly. I can safely say that while the noir elements in the trailer exist in the film, they do not represent, at all, what the film is actually doing--or more accurately, trying to do.

If all of this sounds frustratingly vague, it's because if I even hinted at the film's actual plot, it would spoil everything. However, without spoiling anything, I can confidently say that the film lacks any semblance of internal logic, which fatally undercuts its true thematic aims. It set out to tell a story, and it certainly did that, but the story it wanted to tell was so ridiculous, so crazy, and so flat-out nonsensical that it's a miracle someone ever greenlit it in the first place. I almost have to tip my cap to the sheer audaciousness of the filmmaker's vision. If you're a fan of films that aim big and fail in every conceivable way, check it out. Otherwise, steer clear.

EDIT: Okay, I can't help it. If you've decided you're definitely not going to see it, I'm providing the film's big spoiler under the tag.

[Show spoiler]The entire storyline you see in the trailer takes place inside a video game that a kid creates in which his dad (who is dead in real life) comes back to life in the game, and the entire purpose of the game is for him to catch a big fish. However, at some point, his dad (played by Matthew McConaughey)--who, by the way, is basically working as a male prostitute in addition to his day job of unsuccessful fisherman--becomes sentient (or maybe not; it all gets very muddied and illogical at this point) and decides to kill the abusive husband you see in the trailer, because the husband in the video game is reflective of his real-life abusive stepdad. McConaughey kills the husband, which parallels the kid killing his own dad in real life, an action for which he suffers absolutely no repercussions. Then father and son are reunited in the game (again, maybe). It's insane.

[nitin]

I saw Cold in July last night, a neo-noir set in the 80s and also with a south western flavour.

It's entertaining and well made enough, but ultimately doesnt amount to anything all that memorable. Has a Carpenteresque score and a Justified type vibe.

[lemonski]

Originally Posted by nitin

I saw Cold in July last night, a neo-noir set in the 80s and also with a south western flavour.

It's entertaining and well made enough, but ultimately doesnt amount to anything all that memorable. Has a Carpenteresque score and a Justified type vibe.

There was a lot of buzz about it when it came out, but I'm with you - I think I enjoyed it but now I couldn't begin to tell you what it was about.

[welcometothepartypal]

Originally Posted by lemonski

There was a lot of buzz about it when it came out, but I'm with you - I think I enjoyed it but now I couldn't begin to tell you what it was about.

Same here. I'd give it another go at some point. Feel the same about Blue Ruin.

[Gerby]

I really enjoyed Cold In July, i don't tend to buy many of todays films on blu but that was a definite pick up for me.
Have to say i found Bad Times At The El Royale a bit of a slog.

[noirjunkie]

Some good news from the MVD thread. The noir box set that's coming in April will indeed be the first in a series.

Originally Posted by MVD Rewind Guy

I did have a hand in this: https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Noir-...lu-ray/226593/. They are coming from VCI / Kit Parker / Mill Creek exclusively from MVD. We have a couple volumes of these "Noir Archive" collections coming and I was involved and helped with this release.

[blkhrt]

Originally Posted by silverlakephil

I just want to give a heads up to the upcoming TNT mini series, I Am The Night, which has been described as Neo-Noir.

https://www.tntdrama.com/i-am-the-night

Has anyone watched any of this yet? Thoughts? I have the first two episodes on DVR but haven't had a chance to watch it.

[nitin]

Gumshoe turned out to be much more esoteric and enjoyable than I was expecting (I was expecting an above average noir spoof but this manages to have its cake and eat it too). The supporting cast is a large reason for that and there is a very tight balancing act that Frears manages to achieve by playing his story and characters straight but still managing to spoof the genre with genuinely odd dialogue.

Indicator’s disc is a well reproduced older Sony master that largely looks terrific and does justice to the location shooting in early 70s Liverpool.

[erlinmeyer]

Originally Posted by blkhrt

Has anyone watched any of this yet? Thoughts? I have the first two episodes on DVR but haven't had a chance to watch it.

Thought the only episode to air was quite good. Recognized a few areas that were filmed to look 50 years ago. I captured many attitudes that were prevalent back in those days. It seemed a little slow in the development of the story, but with her going to LA it should pick up. Loved the photography. Waiting for episode 2 next week.

[usuallee]

Originally Posted by blkhrt

Has anyone watched any of this yet? Thoughts? I have the first two episodes on DVR but haven't had a chance to watch it.

Watched the first episode of I Am the Night, it was compelling. I don't think the 2nd one is out yet? I was intrigued, beyond the fact that it looks interesting, by the involvement of Patty Jenkins and Chris Pine. They do good work, as does the rest of the cast. It's a good show, I'm gonna keep watching.

As an aside, I LOVE the miniseries format like this show is, or an anthology series where each season is a discrete story, as in true Detective or American Crime Story. You can enjoy a story that's more in-depth than a movie, but the the same time it's a finite length. You don't have to commit to endless episodes where they run out of ideas (Lost), or worry about whether or not the show will be abruptly canceled (Too many to list).

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by noirjunkie

Watch this trailer. What does it say to you? Neo-noir through and through, right?

[Show spoiler]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbrOMrjhyvI

Wrong. This is the most misleading trailer of the year. I just saw this film, and the only term I can think to use as a label for it is "fiasco." Rarely have I seen a contemporary film take such a big swing and whiff so spectacularly. I can safely say that while the noir elements in the trailer exist in the film, they do not represent, at all, what the film is actually doing--or more accurately, trying to do.

If all of this sounds frustratingly vague, it's because if I even hinted at the film's actual plot, it would spoil everything. However, without spoiling anything, I can confidently say that the film lacks any semblance of internal logic, which fatally undercuts its true thematic aims. It set out to tell a story, and it certainly did that, but the story it wanted to tell was so ridiculous, so crazy, and so flat-out nonsensical that it's a miracle someone ever greenlit it in the first place. I almost have to tip my cap to the sheer audaciousness of the filmmaker's vision. If you're a fan of films that aim big and fail in every conceivable way, check it out. Otherwise, steer clear.

EDIT: Okay, I can't help it. If you've decided you're definitely not going to see it, I'm providing the film's big spoiler under the tag.

[Show spoiler]The entire storyline you see in the trailer takes place inside a video game that a kid creates in which his dad (who is dead in real life) comes back to life in the game, and the entire purpose of the game is for him to catch a big fish. However, at some point, his dad (played by Matthew McConaughey)--who, by the way, is basically working as a male prostitute in addition to his day job of unsuccessful fisherman--becomes sentient (or maybe not; it all gets very muddied and illogical at this point) and decides to kill the abusive husband you see in the trailer, because the husband in the video game is reflective of his real-life abusive stepdad. McConaughey kills the husband, which parallels the kid killing his own dad in real life, an action for which he suffers absolutely no repercussions. Then father and son are reunited in the game (again, maybe). It's insane.

I saw Serenity last weekend, and was itching for a fine neo-noir beforehand, but...not quite.

Here's my review that I wrote upon returning home from the theater...

Baker Dill, a scruffy fishing boat captain played by Matthew McConaughey, spends his days on a secluded tropical island, where he takes customers on charter expeditions, drinks away his meager earnings in order to forget about his traumatic wartime experiences, reminisces about his estranged son, and searches for a mythical giant tuna. His first mate, played by Djimon Hounsou, is exasperated with the captain's obsessive quest, while his occasional lover, played by Diane Lane, provides extra cash when he needs it.

Dill's life changes when his ex-wife and high school sweetheart, Karen, played by Anne Hathaway, arrives on the scene with a desperate proposition. In exchange for $10 million in cash, Dill must take Karen's sadistically abusive husband, played by Jason Clarke, on a fishing trip and throw him overboard to the sharks. Meanwhile, a mysterious bespectacled man, played by Jeremy Strong, wanders around the seaside community in a suit and searches for the fisherman.

For a while, the 2019 thriller, Serenity, which was directed by Steven Knight (Locke), had me hooked. I loved the pulpy film noir aesthetic of its first hour, with Hathaway's blonde femme fatale luring our unkempt protagonist down a dark road of sultry desires in the sweat-drenched heat of the island dusk, and I would have enjoyed watching the familiar, yet entrancing scenario play out to its inevitable “This will not end well.” conclusion.

Like the elusive fish that our protagonist yearns to catch, however, this film takes our line and draws us in with riveted anticipation, only to get away from us at the last minute and leave us exasperated on the edge of the boat, wondering what just happened and regretting that the effort was all for nothing. I cannot go into too much detail about the plot without spoiling this film's surprises, but its radical narrative shift during the final half hour left me with a yawn instead of a gasp of awe. Rules are sometimes meant to be broken, but I wish that this particular story had adhered to its coded script.

Serenity is not a bad movie, but I returned home from the theater with an empty net.

[blkhrt]

Originally Posted by erlinmeyer

Thought the only episode to air was quite good. Recognized a few areas that were filmed to look 50 years ago. I captured many attitudes that were prevalent back in those days. It seemed a little slow in the development of the story, but with her going to LA it should pick up. Loved the photography. Waiting for episode 2 next week.

Originally Posted by usuallee

Watched the first episode of I Am the Night, it was compelling. I don't think the 2nd one is out yet? I was intrigued, beyond the fact that it looks interesting, by the involvement of Patty Jenkins and Chris Pine. They do good work, as does the rest of the cast. It's a good show, I'm gonna keep watching.

As an aside, I LOVE the miniseries format like this show is, or an anthology series where each season is a discrete story, as in true Detective or American Crime Story. You can enjoy a story that's more in-depth than a movie, but the the same time it's a finite length. You don't have to commit to endless episodes where they run out of ideas (Lost), or worry about whether or not the show will be abruptly canceled (Too many to list).

It appears you are right that there has only been one episode. My DVR has two recordings on it, so I am curious to see what the other is! Thanks for the feedback.

[Reddington]

For anyone interested, the BFI's Sight & Sound magazine has a cover feature on Barbara Stanwyck this month.

I don't subscribe, but B&N carries it (certainly in my area).

https://www.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/...rch-2019-issue

[silverlakephil]

Indicator/Powerhouse Films will release Max Ophul's The Reckless Moment in April.



The legendary Max Ophuls (Letter from an Unknown Woman, La Ronde) directs this tense and stylish 1949 film noir melodrama. Joan Bennett (Scarlet Street, Suspiria) stars as a suburban housewife who covers up a murder to protect her teenage daughter, only to find herself blackmailed by an immoral small-time crook, played by James Mason (North by Northwest, The Deadly Affair).

INDICATOR LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES:

High Definition remaster
Original mono audio
Making an American Movie (2010, 42 mins): an analysis by Lutz Bacher, artist and author of Max Ophuls in the Hollywood Studios, on The Reckless Moment
Maternal Overdrive – Todd Haynes on 'The Reckless Moment' (2006, 22 mins): the award-winning writer-director discusses one of his favourite films
Focus on James Mason (2018): Sarah Thomas and Adrian Garvey explore the distinguished actor’s long career
Image gallery: on-set and promotional photography
New and improved English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing
Limited edition exclusive booklet with a new essay by Samm Deighan, an overview of contemporary critical responses, and film credits
World premiere on Blu-ray
Limited Edition of 3,000 copies
All extras subject to change

[CBHampson]

Originally Posted by silverlakephil

Indicator/Powerhouse Films will release Max Ophul's The Reckless Moment in April.



The legendary Max Ophuls (Letter from an Unknown Woman, La Ronde) directs this tense and stylish 1949 film noir melodrama. Joan Bennett (Scarlet Street, Suspiria) stars as a suburban housewife who covers up a murder to protect her teenage daughter, only to find herself blackmailed by an immoral small-time crook, played by James Mason (North by Northwest, The Deadly Affair).

INDICATOR LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES:

High Definition remaster
Original mono audio
Making an American Movie (2010, 42 mins): an analysis by Lutz Bacher, artist and author of Max Ophuls in the Hollywood Studios, on The Reckless Moment
Maternal Overdrive – Todd Haynes on 'The Reckless Moment' (2006, 22 mins): the award-winning writer-director discusses one of his favourite films
Focus on James Mason (2018): Sarah Thomas and Adrian Garvey explore the distinguished actor’s long career
Image gallery: on-set and promotional photography
New and improved English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing
Limited edition exclusive booklet with a new essay by Samm Deighan, an overview of contemporary critical responses, and film credits
World premiere on Blu-ray
Limited Edition of 3,000 copies
All extras subject to change

Well this is a pleasant surprise. Saw this a couple months ago and really enjoyed it

[leonmarks]

Originally Posted by silverlakephil

Indicator/Powerhouse Films will release Max Ophul's The Reckless Moment in April.



The legendary Max Ophuls (Letter from an Unknown Woman, La Ronde) directs this tense and stylish 1949 film noir melodrama. Joan Bennett (Scarlet Street, Suspiria) stars as a suburban housewife who covers up a murder to protect her teenage daughter, only to find herself blackmailed by an immoral small-time crook, played by James Mason (North by Northwest, The Deadly Affair).

INDICATOR LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES:

High Definition remaster
Original mono audio
Making an American Movie (2010, 42 mins): an analysis by Lutz Bacher, artist and author of Max Ophuls in the Hollywood Studios, on The Reckless Moment
Maternal Overdrive – Todd Haynes on 'The Reckless Moment' (2006, 22 mins): the award-winning writer-director discusses one of his favourite films
Focus on James Mason (2018): Sarah Thomas and Adrian Garvey explore the distinguished actor’s long career
Image gallery: on-set and promotional photography
New and improved English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing
Limited edition exclusive booklet with a new essay by Samm Deighan, an overview of contemporary critical responses, and film credits
World premiere on Blu-ray
Limited Edition of 3,000 copies
All extras subject to change

Maybe there's something wrong with me, but I have tried this film three times and, even with the great James Mason, have always found it to be boring and pedestrian and extremely overrated. Any thoughts on why it always comes up as a great film of the noir canon?

[crazednoir]

Originally Posted by leonmarks

Maybe there's something wrong with me, but I have tried this film three times and, even with the great James Mason, have always found it to be boring and pedestrian and extremely overrated. Any thoughts on why it always comes up as a great film of the noir canon?

I don't know why you see it that way. different strokes for different folks,

I like the film and I'm glad its coming out on Blu-ray

[MifuneFan]

Arrow Academy have just announced plans to release The Big Clock (1948) on May 14th!

(commissioned and reversible original art shown)

Adapted by acclaimed screenwriter Jonathan Latimer from a novel by the equally renowned crime author Kenneth Fearing, The Big Clock is a superior suspense film which classily combines screwball comedy with heady thrills.

Overworked true crime magazine editor George Stroud (Ray Milland, The Lost Weekend, The Pyjama Girl Case) has been planning a vacation for months. However, when his boss, the tyrannical media tycoon Earl Janoth (Charles Laughton, Witness for the Prosecution), insists he skips his hols, Stroud resigns in disgust before embarking on an impromptu drunken night out with his boss's mistress, Pauline York (Rita Johnson, The Major and the Minor). When Janoth kills Pauline in a fit of rage, Stroud finds himself to have been the wrong man, in the wrong place, at the wrong time: his staff have been tasked with finding a suspect with an all too familiar description... Stroud’s very own!

Directed with panache by John Farrow (Around the World in 80 Days), who stylishly renders the film’s towering central set, the Janoth Building, The Big Clock benefits from exuberant performances by Ray Milland and Charles Laughton, who make hay with the script’s snappy dialogue. A huge success on its release, it is no wonder this fast-moving noir was remade years later as the Kevin Costner vehicle No Way Out.

SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS

• High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation transferred from original film elements
• Uncompressed Mono 1.0 PCM audio soundtrack
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• New audio commentary by film scholar Adrian Martin
• Turning Back the Clock, a newly filmed analysis of the film by the critic and chief executive of Film London, Adrian Wootton
• A Difficult Actor, a newly filmed appreciation of Charles Laughton and his performance in The Big Clock by the actor, writer, and theatre director Simon Callow
• Rare hour-long 1948 radio dramatization of The Big Clock by the Lux Radio Theatre, starring Ray Milland
• Original theatrical trailer
• Gallery of original stills and promotional materials
• Reversible sleeve featuring two original artwork options

FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film by Christina Newland

Credit to Akijama

[CBHampson]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

Arrow Academy have just announced plans to release The Big Clock (1948) on May 14th!

FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is, other than Born To Kill, my most wanted upgrade. I love this movie