DVD Collectors Online

The Ladykillers, a review by Jon

The Ladykillers
5 out of 5


A criminal mastermind rents a room from an unassuming landlady, intending to use her house as base to operate the perfect crime from. He and his gang seriously underestimate her...

When reviewing The Man In The White suit

(From A Feeling for Ealing... on April 25th, 2010)

The Quiet Man, a review by Rogmeister

The Quiet Man
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Year: 1952
Length: 129 Min.
Stars:
John Wayne
Maureen O'Hara
Barry Fitzgerald
Ward Bond
Victor McLaglen
Extras:
- Commentary by Maureen O'Hara
- "The Joy of Ireland" Documentary with Maureen O'Hara
- "Remembering The Quiet Man" Montage
-2 Audio Versions (Including special enhanced restored version)
-"The Making of the Quiet Man" hosted by Leonard Maltin
- Trailers
Plot:
Sean Thornton (John Wayne) is an American who swears off boxing after accidentally killing an opponent. Returning to the Irish town of his birth, he finds happiness when he falls in love with the fiery Mary Kate (Maureen O'Hara). Though he is sorely tempted to fight her brother, the town bully (Victor McLaglen), Sean is determined not to raise his fists. Mary Kate and Sean wed but her brother refuses to pay the dowry. Sean would rather walk away than accept this challenge. Even when his new wife accuses him of cowardice, Sean stands firm. But when she boards a train to leave, he is finally ready to take matters into his own hands. The resulting fist fight erupts into the longest brawl ever filmed, followed by one of the most memorable reconciliations in motion picture history.

DVD Info:

Video: Full Frame (as it was originally shot)
Audio: Dolby Mono
Subtitles: None

My Thoughts:
A truly great movie, nominated for Best Picture and one that many people feel should have won. The film was shot in Ireland and has gorgeous cinematography. It's got drama, humor and, finally, action. I personally just love to hear the Irish accents this people talk with Ward Bond's style of speech a particular favorite. It has gentle moments to go along with the comedy and is definitely one of my all-time favorites. My one reservation in this edition is that the picture quality could be better. The focus is a bit soft and not nearly as sharp as you expect from a DVD. Of course, the movie is 57 years old now and perhaps this is as good as it can be...but perhaps not. If a new version (keeping Miss O'Hara's commentary) comes out with improved picture quality, I'll definitely add it to my list. I'd rate this a 10 but will have to take a point off due to the picture quality.  I think I did hear a rumor a few years back that a restoration of this film was in the offing so I hope that is true.

My Rating:
9 out of 10

(From Roger's Random Reviews on July 23rd, 2009)

My PILOT Marathon, a review by Rich

Apparitions

Episode One
Father Jacob is approached by a young woman who believes her father is possessed. He is initially skeptical but- against the advice of his church colleagues- agrees to perform an exorcism.





Very impressive pilot, the acting, especially Martin Shaw, is top notch, and the storyline and direction created a convincing and atmospheric horror/suspense backdrop. The initial episode dealing with certain characters possessed by satan, was unnervingly good and I was surprised by how good the effects were and that this passed a 15 certificate.
Will watch the remainder of this potentially great series during my October horror marathon.
 

(From My PILOT Marathon on September 7th, 2009)