Home Video Exclusives

[JohnIan101]

Past Tense


A brand new entry!

This week we all fancy and have someone else drive for us and into our heart in "My Chauffeur"...



The motion picture opened on January 24th, 1986. It was made with a budget of $145,371,538 (estimated) and grossed over 4 million during its U.S. theatrical run. It made its money back with minor profits when including foreign receipts. The film opened number three at the box office, the following week is fuzzy - not on the top ten.

The feature opened against "Rocky IV", "Runaway Train", "The Color Purple", "A Nightmare On Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge", "The Jewel Of The Nile" and "Iron Eagle".

Small deviation; the studio Crown International was super naughty when the film came out. They had lied about their opening box office receipts. Saying ticket sales on release week, made it number one. A ticked off Steven Spielberg launched an investigtion claiming his then feature "The Color Purple" could not have been beaten by this cheap flick.

Turns out, he was correct. The revised digit is number three. And Crown International got slammed for lying, an industry 'do not'.

For this entry I'm going to be talking about Vinegar Syndrome's special edition DVD/BD combo (region free).



This has no insert, but the wraparound is double printed (reversible art); new retro cover art by Derek Gabryszak and classic poster image - above.

It came in a transparent Blu-Ray case, holding one disc on each side.

- - -

There was a single exclusive and was from Vinegar Syndrome.



If you bought the set from them online; the first 1,500 copies came with a limited edition slipcover (mirrors the wraparound), printed on double-thick cardstock, non-embossed. The film's name and cover girl's lips are done in gloss. The slipcover has weight to it.

This sold for $32.98 and streeted (as it were) on July 25th, 2017.

Was lucky to get mine. It was ordered on July 14th, 2018 and received about a week later. They still a few copies still in stock. Sway.

Hey, this IS an exclusive and counts for a Past Tense write up.

- - -

Footnotes.

Before I cover the movie - which I can imagine most are clueless. I should talk about the previous DVD releases.

It has been put out several times over; from individuals to part of feature collective (theme) sets. But it is the Vinegar Syndrome which has the film remastered from the original 35mm negative to a new 2k scan.

The audio is Mono which was a common thing for a 1980s flick.



The first official release was in 1999 from Rhino Home Video.

This sold for $19.95, but was in full screen only.

It came with an insert and twelve chapters.

There were two extras. 1) Animated bios. 2) Slide show gallery. I never owned this. So I can not answer. The 2017 combo has a gallery - is this the same one from the '99?



The next was in 2006 from BCI Eclipse, a home video company which no longer exist. They were okay, had some good stuff and solid bonus materials for them.

This did present the film in anamorphic widescreen. The catch?

Zero bonus features.

In fact this didn't even come with an insert.

Doing research, discovered, "Crown International Classics" was a line of budget DVDs - each with a $9.98 price tag. Such flicks as "Weekend Pass" (1984), "Tomboy" (1985), "Hunk" (1987), "My Tutor" (1983), "Jocks" (1986) and "Liar's Moon" (1982) which appear to have all been released in 2006.

A side note; "Liar's Moon" is being sold on Ebay, new - still sealed for $125.00 (in July '18). This is bare bones, a Matt Dillon title; one of his very early movies.

I'll be brief since this next part is too much, sooooo many compilation sets.



The one of the first collections came out from Mill Creek Entertainment in 2009 for $14.98.

"Too Cool for School Collection" had four double sided DVDs with "The Van" (1977), "The Pom Pom Girls" (1976), "Malibu Beach" (1978), "Cavegirl" (1985), "Weekend Pass", "Hunk", "My Tutor", "Jocks", "Tomboy", "The Beach Girls" (1982), "Coach" (1978) and of course "My Chauffeur".

"Comedy Collection: 8 Movie Pack" (a.k.a. "80s Comedy Collection") from Lionsgate in 2012 was a two disc set. This has "My Chauffeur", "You Can't Hurry Love" (1988), "Touch And Go" (1986), "Date With An Angel" (1987), "All Of Me" (1984), "From The Hip" (1987), "Shanghai Surprise" (1986) and "Weekend Pass".

Hell, even BCI did it too - "School Dazed: 8 Movie Collection" in 2007; "My Chauffeur", "My Tutor", "Hunk", "Tomboy", "Jocks", "Weekend Pass", "The Pom Pom Girls" and "The Van". A two disc set.

There are too many compilation releases, not gonna cover them all. You get the idea.

Repeating; none of them feature "My Chauffeur" remastered.

- - -

Rant.

So...

What is this about?

Casey Meadows (Deborah Foreman) wants more than working at an Italian restaurant; this is California - land of the famous and infamous.

But not a world seen from behind the doors of the eatery as their dishwasher.



She gets a job offer, an opportunity to work at Brentwood Limousine Limited and jumps on it; her chance to see what Hollywood has to offer, driving the rich and celebrities. At least that's what she hopes.

The reality is much different.

Casey gets the position, becomes their first woman driver. And their youngest, since the rest of the limo staff is above middle age.



The situation is an uphill battle since her demeanor is rather unconventional. And management wanting her fired by giving her rough assignments, hoping she will fail.

But through gumption doesn't falters; she wins over her co-workers, but not her manager (Howard Hesseman).

And finds something she didn't expect - love.

This is a slice of 1980s cinema, the fluffy - but quite entertaining kind. This less about a solid story line as it is a series of vignettes stringed together involving Meadows' driving her clients in a Rolls Royce around and the trouble she finds herself in. From Mullholland Drive to Beverly Hills; trying to both contain absurd situations as well as keeping herself from ripping into jerks.



It's her quick wit that save the day and job. A great mix of romance and screwball humor involving over the top customers; a sexed up British rocker, a creepy diplomat and pervy client. All the while keeping her style and spunk.

This is charming in short with a well received twist ending. Folks get their well deserved comeuppance.

Lots of moments with big smiles. Back in the day, this was shown repeatedly on cable.

Deborah Foreman's big break was with "Valley Girl" in 1983 where she played the perfect 'girl next door'. Girls wanted to be her. Guy wanted to have (do) her. Foreman knew how to rock charisma, she's adorable and funny.

David Beaird [writer/director] avowedly set out to imitate the screwball comedies of the 1930s and 1940s and has succeeded admirably, thanks to adorably spunky Deborah Foreman and her stuffy foil, Sam J. Jones. They make quite a pair.

- Variety; December 31st, 1985

Now some may have issues with the times, saying it's dated. Films like these should be seen with the lens of perspective and enjoy the ride - otherwise, you bring so much baggage, everything is bitter.

Yes, a young 'Penn & Teller' have cameos as bit characters, one of their first on screen performances.

And there it is, not a big one, but gets the job done. By the way, at one point this was titled, "A Class Act" and "Limo".

Come back here on September 6th, 2018 for another exploration in pop collectorship; that's a word, right?

[JohnIan101]

Best Buy - August 26th, 2018


The Walking Dead: The Complete Eight Season (available now)
Exclusive lenticular packaging; BD only $39.99

[JohnIan101]

Best Buy - September 2nd, 2018


The Walking Dead: The Complete Eight Season (available now)
Exclusive lenticular packaging; BD only $39.99

[JohnIan101]

Past Tense - Beloved Literature Gets A Modern Facelift Part II


Along the way meet author Bram Stoker and the woman who becomes Doyle's Irene Adler, actress Eileen Temple.

Ends with a cameo by baby Hitler. *nods*

Highly recommend, came SO close to the lens - movie to be released in 1994, but the deal fell apart. Frost wrote the screenplay.

He wrote the sequel, "The Six Messiahs" (1995). Good too; Graves seeks to bring about the apocalypse in Utah. Doyle is in America on a Sherlock Holmes book tour; takes place years after he has gotten famous from his book series. Wants to retire the character - be known for something other than Holmes' author.

Sparks return.

Both books can be bought cheaply on Amazon, paperbacks, sway.

Would've included the cover, but it's just text "The List Of 7" (with a big '7') on a black background.

- - - - - - - - - -

Rant.



Enjoyed the movie. Once again, actor Mark Strong shows he can be a serious villain as the wicked Lord Blackwood. I wrote about him in the PT entry for "Robin Hood" (2010).

Well, this was a thing at the time - queers.

Star Robert Downey Jr. was on "Late Night With David Letterman" promoting the movie on December 21st, 2009 (CBS) where he entertained a question from the host...

Now, from what I recall, there was always the suggestion that there was a different level of relationship between Sherlock and Dr. Watson.

- Letterman

Downey...

Why don’t we observe the clip and let the audience decide if he just happens to be a very butch homosexual. Which there are many. And I’m proud to know certain of them.

That comment cause a bit of controversy.

Film's poster did not help - looks like Jude Law is blowing a kiss at the viewer.



How gay?

Kinda gay; Watson (Law) and Holmes here; are very familiar with each other. Could be a strong bromace and nothing more. Didn't hurt the story. Adding to the mire was Holmes disturbing Watson's relationship with his girlfriend, Mary Morstan (Kelly Reilly). As I said, could be a bromance; Sherlock could be feeling, he's loosing his best bud (Watson was moving out of their flat).

Like when Tory (Donald Glover) left for his sea adventure leaving Abed (Danny Pudi) alone with their fandom; all fun and games with a buddy, makes perfect sense. But when you're doing stupid crap by yourself - quiet depressing ("Community" reference).

Lets be honest, his normal day to day behavior; Sherlock doesn't have friends, just acquaintances.

- - - - - - - - - -

Tangent.

2018 marks a franchise, I had not seen since junior high in the mid 1980s - back when cassette (and renting) were king.



Talking about the Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce, "Sherlock Holmes" movies. They did fourteen from 1939 - 1946 from two different studios; 20th Century Fox then to Universal Studios.

"The Hound Of The Baskervilles" (1939)

"The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes" (1939)

"Sherlock Holmes And The Voice of Terror" (1942)

"Sherlock Holmes And The Secret Weapon" (1943)

"Sherlock Holmes In Washington" (1943)

"Sherlock Holmes Faces Death" (1943)

"The Spider Woman" (1944)

"The Scarlet Claw" (1944)

"The Pearl Of Death" (1944)

"The House Of Fear" (1945)

"The Woman In Green" (1945)

"Pursuit To Algiers" (1945)

"Terror By Night" (1946)

"Dressed To Kill" (1946)

Rathbone was done with the character and only agreed to the last film - as his final outing. He was getting typecast. Bruce was delighted to continue, no problems; enjoyed the ride.

"Dressed To Kill" was their last entry. While Rathbone perhaps could've been coaxed with money - their main advocate, Roy William Neill (producer and director) had died from a heart attack in October of 1946. Without him, the franchise came to an end.

I do wonder if there were plans afoot for another mystery before Neill's death... just in case Rathbone changed his mind. DTK was released on June 7th of '46. Perhaps a scriptment or even a screenplay draft.

The first two were made in 20th Century Fox as period tales, Victorian era. The rest moved them into then modern times, saying the characters were timeless and could exist today.

For most fans, pre-Millennials, when you say 'Sherlock Holmes' they think of the Rathbone/Bruce films, goes even deeper. From 1939 to 1950 on the AM radio - "The New Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes". The duo had made two hundred twenty half hour episodes; aired on Mondays at 8:30pm.

Rathbone's last Sherlock was "The Singular Affair Of The Baconian Cipher" (May 27th, 1946). The same year as "Dressed To Kill" came out. After that Tom Conway took over the radio role, then was John Stanley and Ben Wright.

Nigel Bruce rode the gravy train as Dr. John Watson till 1947, replaced with Joseph Kearns, Joseph Kearns, Ian Martin, Wendell Holmes and Eric Snowden.

These shows are now in public domain; can be found as complete collections (MP3s) on DVD-Rs on Ebay, which is where I got mine. Decent and quite contained stories.

Should be noted; shows are told by Watson - sometime in the future to an interviewer at Watson's Californian home (retired), long after Sherlock had died. A short conversation then fully dramatized flashback. A bit meta too; often Watson would mention that the interviewer (week's sponsor) had a habit of focusing on a product.

What amazed me watching them is how much continuity is used in the films, much of it subtle.

"Sherlock Holmes Faces Death"; Dr. Watson left their flat (roommates) becoming the physician in charge of a convalescent hospital for military officers, using a donated home - a castle. Without his bud, Holmes is bored as hell. Going so far to ponder a case he's not even working on - just killing time.

Drawing in chalk a person's outline so he could shoot at it while tied up on the floor - concluding that a person bound could give a fatal gun shots.

This outline and the gun shots carry through the rest of the films in Holmes flat, just in the background. If you saw that film, you knew how it came about.

And referencing other films, previous cases. Didn't need to be there, quite welcomed. A labor of love and shows.

The plots were not basic, many of them had me wondering what direction they were going. It was truly built around a mystery and clues to solve them - not stupid crap. Hadn't seen these in over thirty years, might as well be new to me.

This is on DVD and BD - "The Complete Sherlock Holmes Collection". But there's a story here.



These remastered black and white films (restoration co-financed by Hugh Hefner) came to DVD in three volumes (October 27th, 2003/November 25th, 2003/January 274th, 2004) from MPI Home Video for $69.98 each, these came with booklets. Also on VHS too in '03.

Re-released once again in 2006 for $79.99; now as a digipak inside cardboard box. '06 had something worthwhile, a new commentary added for "Dressed To Kill" (1946) by still living actress, Patricia Morison. But now removes all the booklets. It did come with a note glued to the inside of the box: "A Message From The UCLA Film And Television Archive" about the remasters (pix further down).

Should be noted '06 was re-pressed that same year, still poorly packaged; a hybrid (textured, fake leather, black and white cover) cardboard, quasi-alpha case, too easy to damage. Did not come with the note.

Once again in 2008; easy to damage case, price unknown.



The 2010 re-re-re-release (September 19th; $129.98) is the better one. It now comes with a non-embossed cardboard slipcover over a standard DVD case, holding the five disc. I wasn't too happy, so I changed it to a different five case (original felt loose, the nubs). Same discs as '06, no changes.

DVDs have the same UPC for each "Complete" set. Yeah, it's messed up. Just go by the year, get the 2010.

Also on Blu-Ray, released on 2011 (March 29th; $129.98); many have noted that the DVD was made from a different restoration and has less debris and scratches.

Come with six commentaries; interview with Robert Gitt, preservation officer from "UCLA Film And TV Archive" on the restoration; galleries, theatrical trailers and archival footage of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Good stuff. This was something I wanted for years, but could not until this year find a price I was comfortable with.

One hundred thirty is nothing to sneeze about. And from the point of adult me - a blind buy.

Zero regrets, glad I own it. Lived up to my expectations. *nods*

Oh yeah, in 2003 MPI also released each of the films on their own with slipcovers for $19.98 each.

I'll be flat out lazy, not gonna fix the distortion - slight image tinkering.



Here's that restoration note from a fellow enthusiast, KultKitschen.

There you go. Yeah, this took a life of its own.

Come back here on September 20th, 2018 for a brand new entry. Hint, more of the same. Hey, that's... something.

[JohnIan101]

Target - August 26th, 2018


Deadpool 2 (available now)
Exclusive not suitable for children's book; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $27.99
Exclusive not suitable for children's book; BD/DC combo $22.99

- - - - - - - - - -

CD available 8/31

"Troye Slvan - Bloom" with two exclusive bonus tracks $11.99

[JohnIan101]

Target - September 7th, 2018


"Paul McCartney - Egypt Station" CD with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $14.99

[JohnIan101]

Past Tense - Beloved Literature Gets A Modern Facelift Part I


Time to dispense hyper judo chops - Victorian style in the reimagined "Sherlock Holmes"...



The motion picture opened on December 25th, 2009. It was made with a budget of $90,000,000 (estimated) and grossed over $209 million during its U.S. theatrical run. The film opened number two at the box office, the following week it kept its ranking.

The feature opened against "Avatar", "Alvin And The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel", "The Princess And The Frog" and "The Blind Side".

No slipcover nor insert.

- - -

Single exclusive (times two) from Target; streeted on March 30th, 2010.



They sold the DVD with an exclusive slipcover and limited edition mini comic book (only 30,000 made).

Well, not so much a comic book as it is a reproduction of film producer Lionel Wigram's studio pitch in graphic form.

The back of the slipcover mirrors the back of the wraparound.



Slipcover was not embossed or foiled. The comic "Reinventing Sherlock Holmes" has a glossy cover and is fifty-four pages. This set sold for $22.99. The visual treatment was written by Wigram with artwork by John Watkiss.

Comic came under the slipcover - too big to fit inside the case, that's how it remains in my collection.

- - - - - - - - - -

Footnotes.

Lets do this; three pages from the treatment - characters (you're welcome)...



A creative idea, instead of giving a screenplay or scriptment, a comic book was created to sell the movie to the studios. Don't make them read 100 plus pages or have them give it to someone else to read for them. An easy, quick way to get your point across.

I'll admit it's a bit sad, but to play devil's advocate; do you have any idea how many scripts come across their desks on any given day? You need to stand out to get noticed.

Anyhow, it was Warner Brothers who bit - in case you didn't know.

The 2009 motion picture was written by Michael Robert Johnson, Anthony Peckham and Simon Kinberg (based on a story by Wigram and Johnson), directed by Guy Ritchie.

The studio pitch was based on an much earlier version of the film. The made movie bares little resemblance to the proto-tale. In fact, it was heavy on the supernatural.

Plot?

You asked...

- - -

Unmade yarn centers on the disappearance of Crown Princess Alexa of Germany - in England for a visit. Ask to participate during a stage magic show (in the audience); made to disappear in a box. But Alexa does not reappear to the magician's shock - only her hat rematerializes. Search begins.

Days later, Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard appears at the sleuth's home asking for help, difficult case. The man is bored - in between jobs takes up the cause.

Holmes' investigation takes him to a masquerade ball thrown by General Lord Blackwood. While snooping he runs into foe/lover/bad girl, Irene Adler. She is on the dime, hired by the Russians who are looking for stolen property - taken from Grigori Yefimovich Rasputin himself.

The object is the "Talisman Of Saliphas". Before they can get acquainted - interrupted. Adler flees.

Watson did his own probe; if believed, Saliphas pre-dates known civilization by at least 1000 years. An object of allege dark properties; who gives a human sacrifice to the jewelry can conjure a demon who will bestow to the owner, powers; influence and invincibility/luck. Previous owners include Alexander The Great, Genghis Khan, the last reported holder was Napoleon - lost the talisman at the Battle of Waterloo.

Demon ceremony can only be performed every seventy-four years, aligning with the fly by of Halley's Comet. The celestial is coming next week.

Holmes dismisses as rubbish, but believes fanatics may sacrifice the princess for believed glories. Later that night, Holmes has an uninvited guest, Lord Blackwood. He hypnotizes Sherlock and shows what will befall him if he doesn't get that artifact (and give it to him) - disturbing images. Blackwood snaps his fingers, Holmes is alone once more in his home.

Blackwood has great mental prowess, but Holmes remained conscience during the persuasion - impaling himself in the palm with a pocket knife, pain kept him focused. The General does not know his influence didn't hold. The important question - who has the Saliphas?

...Irene Adler.

Holmes finds the dubious woman, they bicker then fight (punching and martial arts); once over, reveals she did her job and gave it to the Russians, who have left for St. Petersburg. Time is running out for Princess Alexa. Don't have time to worry about Irene; Holmes and Watson hold her in handcuffs - the trio dash to Russia on a steamer.

Once in St. Petersburg - new problem, the artifact is around Rasputin's neck. Force to trust the woman, Irene sneak into the esoteric's room and tires to lift the necklace from the soothsayer. She is caught in mid-grab by the mystic, a fight occurs as the trio escape from Rasputin's guards.

They manage a getaway, the girl is indeed naughty, took the talisman.

Back in London they are ambushed by Blackwood; leaving Dr. Watson and Holmes in certain death - taking Ms. Adler.

If one sacrifice will bring the demon to him, imagine what TWO will accomplish. Nearly getting killed, the men break free and now Holmes has an invested stake in the case - death of his would-be girlfriend; has to deduce where the ceremony will take place (hours away).

We discover that Lord Blackwood is a practicer of the dark arts which is why he was successful in his various campaigns - becoming General.

The end game?

Blackwood plans to use Alexa's death to provoke a war with Germany. He will lead British troops to victories; beyond just Germany - an excuse to conquer Europe. And turning his armies against England, become the next Emperor. With the talisman he WILL succeed.

In Sherlock fashion, the shamus connects various random seemingly unconnected clues to located the rite.

But they arrive too late!

Blood has been spilled. TRUTH, not rubbish - a monstrous demon does emerges from the Saliphas.

In that moment both men are in shock, watching in horror as Blackwood prepares to give the princess a death blow from his dagger. The day is saved not by the duo, but by Rasputin's men who had been following Holmes. A gun battle happens between the armed groups.

In the melee, our heroes free Alexa and Irene who were nearly eaten by the conjured beast. Without the ladies, someone has to fill the void - it becomes Blackwood himself, consumed. The general's and Russian men are terrified by the unholy sight and flee screaming. With no master, the demon goes back into the talisman - powers nullified.

Holmes has a rude awaking and concedes that magik, though rare does in fact exist. There is abominable power in that object, must be kept secret. The artifact is hidden/locked inside the Tower Of London. Alexa is returned to her people; war averted.

Holmes and Ms. Adler part - their paths will cross again.

The end.

- - -



Wigram's scriptment reminds me of the 1980s paperback by Martin Caidin.

"The Messiah Stone" (407 pages; cover art by David Mattingly). Published from Baen Books (ISBN 0671655620) on April 1st, 1986; $3.95.

The quest was centered on gun-for-hire searching for a mythical object...

Doug Stavers plays the mercenary game, and every time he plays he wins: in Africa, Central America, Vietnam or in the USA. Now he's on the biggest hunt of his life: to find and seize a certain object that, incredibly, confers the power of absolute belief on its owner. Christ once wore it. So did Mohammed. The last to own it was Adolf Hitler. The next will rule the world. It's code name is "The Messiah Stone"

- back cover

The object did not require a blood sacrifice nor conjured a demon. It was the first of two books on Stavers' exploits.

Man, that studio pitch has the same feeling as another period novel, "The List Of 7" (1993, published by William Morrow) by Mark Frost. For X-Geners fanboys, the name Frost is known; he's the co-creator of ABC's "Twin Peaks". That dude.

I have to...

The book (368 pages) is a roundabout Sherlock Holmes story.

The year is 1884.

Young doctor, unpublished writer, Arthur Conan Doyle meets the fellow who becomes the inspiration for his famous character. Jack Sparks is spy for her Majesty, uncovering a threat to the royals - grisly murders. Quest for answers crosses path with Doyle - witnessed two murders at a seance; Doyle can aid him.

Yup, he is Watson.

They find a supernatural connection that could lead to the end of the Crown; satanists/occult, the undead, femme fatales, insane aristocrats and an evil genius pulling the strings, Maximilian Graves - original James Moriarty.

[JohnIan101]

Target - September 14th, 2018


CDs

"Tony Bennett And Diane Krall - Love Is Here" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $13.99
"Carrie Underwood - Cry Pretty" with exclusive photo book $14.99
"Paul McCartney - Egypt Station" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $14.99 (available now)

[JohnIan101]

Target - September 18th, 2018


Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
Exclusive photo book and bonus content; 4K BD/BD/DC combo $32.99
Exclusive photo book and bonus content; BD/DVD/DC combo $27.99

- - - - - - - - - -

CDs available now

"Carrie Underwood - Cry Pretty" with exclusive photo book $14.99
"Josh Groban - Bridges" with deluxe edition with 2 exclusive bonus songs $12.99

[JohnIan101]

Best Buy - September 18th, 2018


Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
Exclusive steelbook; BD/DVD combo $29.99
Exclusive steelbook; 4kBD/BD combo $32.99

[JohnIan101]

Past Tense


Brand new entry! Another slice of hyper judo chops with "Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows"...



The motion picture opened on December 16th, 2011. It was made with a budget of $125,000,000 (estimated) and grossed over $186 million during its U.S. theatrical run. The film opened number one at the box office, the following week it was number two.

The feature opened against "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1", "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" and "Hugo".

No slipcover issued. One small insert, Digital Copy code. It expired on June 12th, 2014.

- - -

Single exclusive.

As stated times over, Wal-Mart has made a habit of re-releasing existing titles with new slipcovers; masquerading as brand new.

Not gonna say if this is good or bad; since sometimes these never came with a slip.

First off, I wish I had took better notes. I didn't - my apology.

Wal-Mart originally offered this as part of their then new slipcovers for various Warner Bros. 'Father's Day' themed DVDs in 2014. That streeted in May of that month (sorry, can't be more specific) for $7.88.



A non-embossed cardboard slipcover which mirrored the rear case's wraparound. The front has a new boarder and text as you can see.

The idea is they use the slip like a greeting card gift; "Happy Father's Day"; To and From. Sway.

Original home entertainment streeted on January 1st, 2012.

- - - - - - - - - -

Rant.

Sequel is okay, own the DVD - could've been better. The first has a solid story, enjoyable. Here? The yarn is kinda weak. Trying to start a world war to profiting from all sides seems like a discard James Bond plot.



For me, was miscast to have Jared Harris as Professor James Moriarty. He is too old for the role. He was perfect as Captain Francis Crozier in "The Terror" (2018) though.

Do enjoy the actor's voice, the role should've gone to someone else.

What stands out is including Mycroft Holmes (Stephen Fry), Sherlock's brother. Few movies even mention him and fewer still include him as part of the story, points for execution.

My main negative.



Madame Simza Heron (Noomi Rapace) could be taken out without damaging the story. A role that could be interchangeable. I've been tainted by the internet. Can not say her name without thinking 'Noomi Rape-Face'.

[long sigh]

Ending reveal - Moriarty's diary was so damn convoluted - as if 'just because' was their mission plan. Can you add more complicated steps, please?

The point of having Rachel McAdams as Irene Adler? Character is killed so early and could've been replaced by another 'new' character doing the same. Adler should've been utilized, not a throwaway.



A third film is coming out in 2020. I look forward, hope it's an improvement and not - "The Mummy: Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor" (2008) of the franchise.

- - -

Minor detour - with the popularity of the reimagining, Paramount did not want to be left out. They repackaged one of their own Sherlock titles to cash in.

Poster on top and the poster for the previous Past Tense; the re-imagining has a muted and color specific palate.



"Young Sherlock Holmes" came to DVD on December 2nd, 2003 for $19.99; bare bones, not even the trailer. The only good thing - anamorphic widescreen.

Damn shame.

Should get remastered for DVD and BD with bonuses, history here. Dream sequence was the first time photo realistic CGI interacted with live action (1985).

Nominated for "Best Effects/Visual Effects" for the 1986 Oscars (lost to "Cocoon").



DVD was re-released on March 23rd, 2010 for $9.98 with a different wraparound reflecting the marketing for the 2009 film. I'll be honest, it is an improvement.

Too bad, the same disc - as in the same 2003 DVD, their unsold copies.

For a gen if a movie isn't streaming, does it exist? Reading various current reviews, what stands out is how many call it 'too dark'. Movies don't have to end with a bow and a smile. It's rated PG-13, I suppose PG-13 today is sanitized - when the good guys have a mixed victory it's hard for them to accept.

1870 - teenage Sherlock (Nicholas Rowe) is a student at Brompton Academy (England), introduced to new student, John Watson (Alan Cox), dorm roommate. We are shown campus life as Sherlock takes John under his wing. One of Holmes friends and mentor is retired Brompton professor, Rupert T. Waxflatter (Nigel Stock) who lives in an attic on Brompton campus. An inventor working on a propelled glider, his dream project.

Will not fly, crashes repeatedly - not detoured, continues on. He lives with his teenage niece, Elizabeth Hardy (Sophie Ward); Sherlock's girlfriend. Both are allowed to stay since Waxflatter taught there for decades. Also introduced to another mentor, Professor Rathe (Anthony Higgins) - Holmes' fencing instructor.

A series of deaths happen near campus; official ruling is suicides. Holmes' nature kicks in and he begins to investigate them as murders. His connections found among the men are shot down by policeman Lestrade (Roger Ashton-Griffiths) and gets expelled; framed on cheating an exam by a student rival.

Before exiting, Holmes witnesses Waxflatter behaving unnaturally - actions that lead to his death. Last words to Sherlock is "Eh-Tar". Something is afoot, not leaving London; meets in the attic with John and Elizabeth - trio plot a course of action.

Holmes and Watson discovers is a secret, ancient Egyptian cult; murdering and engaging in human sacrifices. The murders is pure revenge - the five dead men were the ones who in their youth were in Egypt; discovered a subterranean temple to Osiris while building a hotel.

Five women were about to be sacrificed. They acted and killed them all, saving the women. Not all, since a little boy and girl got away. Now adults seeking vengeance on those men and to continue the five female sacrifices.

The trio is found out and expelled - from life. The Osiris cult has ties to Brompton. Elizabeth is taken for the next sacrifice - final five. Both boys left for certain death. Outwitting their killer, the young men know they don't have enough time to reach Elizabeth to save her - across town.

But...

Waxflatter's contraption? He was joyful before this death, believing he had solved it. Sherlock and a frightful Watson get inside, launching from the attic. The machine works. They have speed and stealth on their side as they race to save the girl. One problem, professor didn't build landing gear. Probably the next stage in the design.

Boys save Elizabeth and set fire to the wooden, Rame Tep pyramid temple. Victory turns to disaster as the high priest attempt to kill Sherlock and is thwarted. Leading to a fight on the semi-frozen River Thames. Holmes nearly looses, but wins by poor footing, the man drowns, pushed below by heavy, thick ice.

Once again Holmes holds a beloved friend in his arms as they die.

Expulsion is rescinded; Holmes can't stay - too many memories, he transfers to another school. John stays at Brompton, now a better man - confident and strong.

Spoil it? Nah.

Left out important parts. What's next? Most films of this time did not have stingers. This did. The final thirty seconds is a set-up for a sequel. Like with the radio show - has bookend narration by an elderly, not seen Dr. Watson. How this adventure had shaped his life.

Young Watson was considering becoming a doctor, hadn't made up his mind. Those deaths - changed him.



Bombed at the box office - made $19 million on a $18 million budget that doesn't even cover promotional budget; TV and print ads.

Like so many films from the 1980s, home video gave it a second life - finding its audience, myself included.

Seek it; an imaginative, reinterpretation of a beloved classic; presenting the origins of many of the tropes and expectations of the famous characters. Plus a great adventure with excellent casting.

Screenplay by Chris Columbus - wrote "Gremlins" (1984) and "The Goonies" (1985), knows how to tell a teen adventure. And directed "Adventures In Babysitting" (1987).



Didn't know until researching, Nicholas Rowe reprised his role in a round about way. "Mr. Holmes" (2015) is an elderly Sherlock (Ian McKellen) solving one final case in 1947. At one point is watching a movie on his younger exploits - Rowe playing him on screen. *wink*

The movie within is "Sherlock Holmes And The Lady In Grey". No story with that title, unless it's a play on "The Woman In Green" (1945) film.

Indeed.

Know what's coming? Should be you scared???

Next week begins the fourth annual "Limited Edition Horror"; an entry for each Thursday. We got lycanthropes, vamps, demons and an unstoppable serial killer. Inch back here on October 4th, 2018 for your first shiver. Bring silver bullets.

[JohnIan101]

Best Buy - September 25th, 2018


Solo: A Star Wars Story
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD combo $34.99

Uncle Drew
Exclusive steelbook; BD/DVD/DC combo $24.99

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (available now)
Exclusive steelbook; BD/DVD combo $24.99

[JohnIan101]

Best Buy - October 2nd, 2018


The First Purge
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $32.99

The Purge: Election Year
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $17.99

The Purge: Anarchy
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $17.99

The Purge
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $17.99

Sicario: Day Of The Soldado
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $32.99

Hocus Pocus: 25th Anniversary (available now)
Exclusive steelbook; BD/DC combo $14.99

The Nightmare Before Christmas (available now)
Exclusive steelbook; BD/DC combo $14.99

Deadpool 2 (available now)
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $29.99

[JohnIan101]

Past Tense - Doing It Doggie Style Part II




Father Talbot wasn't a happy man.

Consider - his home was dusty and a mess. Didn't matter - was only going through the motions. He's had a depressing life. Nuff said.

Inspector Francis Abberline. Excellent casting with Hugo Weaving, Victorian era bad ass, wished he had more screen time.



And more interactions with title creature - hunter and prey, a situation that flips any given moment. Something missed when I saw on DVD back in '10. Abberline was a Scotland Yard Inspector who gave chase to another monster - Jack The Ripper.

Abberline is based on a real man. Did not know that. If you wanted a prequel, not "The Wolfman", but on an infamous serial killer - here's your guy, Weaving; reprise his role.

Oh my!



Good number of you are familiar with the letter; textual vomit went viral in February of 2010. Written by Kayla Patterson, emailed to Universal - a complaint. Would be remiss if I didn't. Those unfamiliar - dumbing down of America, prepare to have brain cells killed with prejudice...

To whom this may concern. This movie was a complete waste and I feel that it offends ALL Twilight Fans around the world, that including myself. For one, it was a COMPLETE remaking of the Wolf Pack from the Twilight Saga: New Moon. It gives the werewolves a bad name and makes them look like some deformed mutation of a rabid dog. I actually started to like werewolves after seeing Jacob Black and all his awesomeness on the big screen at the movies. That was until I saw your crappy remake of what you call to be a "were wolf". I don't see how you live with yourself for making it the way you did. If I made this movie, I would be ashamed to even admit that I owned it.

Another neuron died, but it cried first.

How can a werewolf be killed with a silver bullet? Better yet, have you saw the transformation of the man that is "supposed" to be the wolf? He sits in some chair and his entire body turns in to some mutated freak. If you would watch the transformation of Jacob Black, (Taylor Lautner) he doesn't come close to looking as fake, cheap and or mutated as the wolf man. You tell me, who looks to be the better werewolf. Your stupid Wolf Movie didn't even make the top Movie for the charts; Valentines Day WITH TAYLOR Lautner! Get that this is MY opinion and I felt I wanted to express it because I saw that your email was on your site. I wanted to let you know this is what i thought of the wolf man that sucks.

Why YES, she was a tween. My inner fanboy sobbed. Gonna take a shot in the dark; Little Miss Patterson never saw the original '41 motion picture or its sequels or ANY iterations. Frack, when the hell did "Twilight" become the standard for cinema vampires and werewolves? Glitter my ass!

Reading that twaddle, something came to my attention; millennials only concern themselves with movies that were made from the late 1990s on forward. Decades of cinema shun - proud of that conviction. Over the past few years I have run into many who can only be entertained if that entertainment was created within their lifetime or by their gen; everything else is OLD.

Good quote on Queen Ingénue from Rodney Brazeau in 2010 (MovieWeb)...

This is a prime example of the irrational ignorance that breeds Twilight such a rabid following.

Damn right!

Too bad they won't make a sequel - Inspector Abberline's curse. Yeah, spoiled it.

Nice...

The genre of monster films and horror films has been consistent throughout the history of the business. If you look at the decades; 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s... 70s - there's always cycles of westerns, war movies and comedies. But there have been horror films straight through. The only difference is in budgets whether they're 'A' pictures or 'B' pictures. Why are they so popular? I guess because they're really entertaining.

- director John Landis

- - - - - - - - - -

Tangent.

It's that time of the year. Yes indeed.

Time for sexy Halloween costumes!



First is "Kinky Big Bird". *long pause* Did anyone ask? I suppose there could some guys (or gals) into that. If there was a companion costume 'sexy Snuffleupagus', could work better, sort of.

Next is inventive, sexy "Billy". The puppet from "Saw" horror franchise films. Kinda creepy and naughty. 'Wanna play a game?' Great execution.

Man, all that pleather could get hot on a sweaty Halloween night.

- - - - - - - - - -

Recommendations.

I'm showcasing five Halloween suggestions for all four weeks; last post (week four) will hit six days before Halloween, may change my mind. You should already know what to watch.

Most can be found in your local video rental shops. Few can be found in stores. Best bet is to find them online, cheaply, through Ebay or Amazon's resellers marketplace, purchase used/new DVDs or BDs. Or pawn shops too.

Some on Netflix and such streaming services. And YouTube too. *wink*

"Cockneys Vs. Zombies" (2012)
East End, London; a family plot to rob the local bank with nobel intentions grows into something much more. The plan was to save their grandfather from having his retirement complex demolished. The scheme works for the most part; what they did not count on was the zombie apocalypse happening. Taking the loot and weapons, the gang hold up in the retirement home with other residents in a bloody siege. A horror comedy.
Shout! Factory - 2013 - NR

"Disturbing Behavior" (1998)
The Clark family moved from Chicago to their new idyllic home in Cradle Bay, Washington. Enrolled into high school, Steve gets introduced to the social-strata from new friends Gavin, UV and Rachel. But Gavin's persistent paranoia falls on deaf ears. Only after he undergoes a complete personality change does Steve and Rachel believe that a sinister force is at work. What they uncover is a nightmare; students forcibly remade into the academic upper class with plans for national and global dominance - puppets for the elite.
MGM Home Entertainment - 1998 - R

"Dracula: Season 1" (2013)
Not a movie, but a short run TV series which ran for ten weeks on NBC, but bombed in the ratings, not well known. A re-imagining of the Bram Stoker classic from producers of "Downton Abbey". Year is 1895; American entrepreneur, Alexander Grayson has come to London to seek fortune and fame with his new invention - wireless distribution of electricity. But his persona and working device is a long con. Centuries ago Vlad Tepes 'Dracula' was a member of a secret society, "Order Of The Dragon"; saved his nation from invaders - rewarded with a curse and the murder of his wife. They feared Dracula was getting too popular and could threaten their power. It is Professor Abraham Van Helsing who sought out his hidden tomb and resurrected the damned - to strike a deal. He too has been a victim of the Order, murdered his whole family. Together an uneasy alliance, born in hated to destroy their conspirators. Things move forward - that is until Grayson meets Mina Murray, fiancé of journalist Jonathan Harker. A woman, Grayson believes is the reincarnation of his wife. Helped by his man servant R.M. Renfield, Dracula engages in a deadly game of wanting it all. Even romancing his would be assassin, Lady Jayne Wetherby, who is in the dark of his true identity. Ends on a cliffhanger which would make it in sync with the novel; Harker, Van Helsing and company pursue Dracula to Transylvania who has Mina. Lush production values with excellent acting, a winning combination that failed to find its audience. NBC was banking on its success for another gothic series - 'The Wolfman' from executive producer Daniel Knauf, project canceled.
Universal Studios Home Entertainment - 2014 - NR

"Happy Death Day" (2017)
Theresa Gelbman is an irresponsible, terrible person. The college student finds herself in a loop, repeating the same day after her death by a serial killer. Each iteration gets her closer to the executioner's identity, but is killing her as her body endures traumatic injuries that 'day'. Efforts to save herself and the people around her, makes her grow. A violent, bloody version of "Groundhog Day" (1993).
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment - 2018 - R

"The Void" (2016)
Deputy Daniel Carter finds an injured man on the roadway, he's taken to the nearest medical center which is on it's last night - to be closed from fire damage, a new hospital is already open, but a distance away. Carter is joined by a state trooper who found a bloody farmhouse - where the man fled. Soon the locale is surrounded by robed cultists, killing anyone trying to leave. Much worse inside; law enforcement and skeleton crew encounter the cult’s leader who has discovered a way to create life. He plans to use the people inside as playthings as were the victims in the farmhouse. This was an independent, crowdsourced funded film with predominantly practical effects, augmented with light CGI for wire removal. Heavily influenced by John Carpenter films, "The Thing" (1982) and "Prince Of Darkness" (1987).
Screen Media Films - 2017 - NR

Sleep tight, more frights to come; see you next week about some fangs and don't worry about the noises under your bed. I'm sure, they'll be quiet so you can fall asleep.

[JohnIan101]

Best Buy - October 9th, 2018


Skyscraper
Exclusive steelbook; 4K BD/BD/DC combo $32.99

Hotel Transylvania 3
Exclusive glow-in-the-dark steelbook; BD/DVD/DC combo $37.99

The Nightmare Before Christmas: Anniversary Edition
Exclusive steelbook; BD/DC combo $14.99

Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection (Alex Ross art set) (available now)
Exclusive store release with art cards; BD only $39.99