DVD Collectors Online

Cigarette Burns, a review by addicted2dvd

Cigarette Burns
Film is magic. And in the right hands, it can be a weapon. For on-the-ropes movie programmer Kirby Sweetman ('Norman Reedus' of THE BOONDOCK SAINTS and BLADE II), the holy grail of cinema is LE FIN ABSOLUE DU MONDE, a legendary lost movie whose sole showing was rumored to have driven its audience to a homicidal frenzy. But as Kirby gets closer to the truth about the film, he's sucked into a private hell of grisly hallucinations and brutal acts of violence. Now the only surviving print of the film is within his grasp... and the most horrific screening of all is about to begin.

'Udo Kier' (SUSPIRIA,THE KINGDOM) co-stars in this gore-drenched mind-blower written by 'Drew McWeeny' & 'Scott Swan', and directed by horror legend 'John Carpenter', the creator of THE THING, THE FOG, ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK, THEY LIVE and HALLOWEEN.

My Thoughts:
This one happens to be the very first episode I ever seen. It is the episode that got me hooked on the series. And is one that I consider one of the better episodes. It is a very strong and interesting film. But at the same time it is definitely a bit on the weird side. That... of course... is not a bad thing. This episode is also pretty heavy on the gore. More so the second half of the episode... but it is definitely there. Of course the quality and the extras are right up there with the previous episodes.

For those interested... here is the trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S18e0dS1y8Q

(From Masters of Horror Marathon on May 26th, 2008)

White Lightning, a review by Jon

WHITE LIGHTNING (1973)
3 out of 5



Burt Reynolds plays Gator McClusky, imprisoned for running Moonshine. He hears his brother has been killed and suspects the corrupt sheriff (Reynolds regular Ned Beatty) is to blame. He cuts a deal enabling him to get back into running liquour so he can get close to exposing the corruption and getting his revenge.

There was a time Burt Reynolds was as big a star as Clint Eastwood. Hard to believe now, but they were neck and neck until they both had a rough run in the 1980s culminating in the horrible City Heat. Eastwood came out on top (turning out to be the best American director around probably helped), while Reynolds spent a little too long as the Bandit and bankruptcy beckoned. I loved Smokey and the Bandit and the style is similar though not played for laughs (Hal Needham was stunt director here). But I prefer the serious Reynolds. He made several films like this and he was as solid an action star as they come.

The story is straightforward action-thriller, mean dialogue and great supporting characters. The sheriff is a first class villain. I'm only guessing, but this has to be a big inspiration to The Dukes of Hazzard, with such a familiar setup, just made fun. I've heard this takes its cues from Robert Mitchum's Thunder Road, but there's something about the 70s that gives this movie it's almost grindhouse feel.

Great movie anyway, but the driving is first class. Reynolds has several chases as he 'blocks' for the moonshine runner. Several stand out stunts, including one Tarantino talked about on the Death Proof DVD. Reynolds put his complete trust in the driver to pull off a truly iconic image at the films close.

The DVD is as barebones as they come!

The Car's the star: Ford Custom 500


Trailer

Pop quiz... name the film that uses the White Lightning theme, that can be heard at the start of the trailer...


(From Car Movie Marathon on August 15th, 2008)

My PILOT Marathon, a review by Rich

The Royle Family - Series 1

Bills, Bills, Bills
Jim is annoyed when the latest phone bill arrives, before his daughter's wedding, and finds out someones been calling Aberdeen. Cheryl brings over the catalogue, and she and Denise decide to buy leather jackets. Meanwhile, Barbara is nervous about starting her new job at the bakers.




Sit down, put your feet up, light a fag and join Britain's first family in their sitting room, for the complete first series of The Royle Family.
The Royle Family is a real-life comedy set in a Manchester council house. Imagine a secret camera placed in the living room of an average working class family. The intense drama and emotions of everyday life, such as whose turn it is to go to the off-licence, is set against the continuous hum of the television. The rosy hue of their life is yellowed only by a nicotine haze.

When series 1 first aired on TV in UK I didn't bother with it, the whole premis of a 'sitcom' that was 99% based in a families front room sounded ridiculous. Fortunately I was convinced to watch series one on dvd and ever since I have been hooked and could not praise this masterpiece in British comedy enough. It rates only slightly below Fawlty Towers in my book, and similar to that series you can watch it again and again, and every time find something new to amuse.
The writing is inspired, the characters are so deep and convincing you recognise parts of yourself, family or friends in each one. The actors, each and every one of them, are top drawer and appear made for the roles. Their timing, facial expressions, appearance and demeanour oozes class and polish. You feel by series 2 that you know them very well, and fully relate to so many scenarios.
The first episode is a good introduction to the characters and the 'feel' of the series, but it is only after a few more episodes that you realise you are fully addicted.
Pure understated humour that will have you laughing for years, if you have never given this series a chance you are missing out on perhaps the best UK comedy in decades.
 

(From My PILOT Marathon on September 16th, 2009)