DVD Collectors Online

Russian Ark, a review by Danae Cassandra

Russian Ark  (Russkiy kovcheg)
Year of Release: 2002
Directed By: Alexander Sokurov
Starring: Sergei Dreiden, Mariya Kuznetsova, Leonid Mozgovoy, Mikhail Piotrovsky
Genre: Drama

Overview:
Alexander Sokurov's (Mother and Son) cinematic tour-de-force follows a modern filmmaker who magically finds himself transported to the 18th century.There, he embarks on a time-traveling journey through 300 years of Russian history. Filmed with a cast of thousands, three live orchestras and a army of technicians, Russian Ark is the longest uninterrupted shot in film history, and the first feature film ever created in a single take.

My Thoughts:
This is an incredible, beautiful film.  Firstly, and most obviously, the technical aspect of its filming in a single shot is incredible, and that alone makes it worth a view for a serious film lover. 

The ark will sail forever.  History is not gone, it is not some static linear line of past and present, but instead is always with us.  These people are dead, yes, but they live as long as we remember them.  Past, present and future are one.  Even in sadness there is beauty, in joy there is horror.  Everything is connected.

Definitely a film I enjoyed, but it's very much an art film.  It moves very slowly, there isn't exactly much plot or a lot in the way of characters.  I would never think of recommending to the mass-market crowd.  For the serious film lover, I think it's an absolute must see.

Bechdel Test: Fail

Overall: 4/5

(From Within My (Mom's) Lifetime Marathon on January 26th, 2015)

Daredevil: Director's Cut, a review by addicted2dvd

Daredevil


My Thoughts:
I have seen this movie before... but it has been a long time. And then it was only the Theatrical Version of the movie. This is the first time I ever seen the Director's Cut. I definitely noticed quite a bit that was new to this version. And what was added in made the movie better then I remember the theatrical cut being. There is a lot of great fighting in this movie... but I must say my favorite had to be the playful fight between Matt Murdoch and Elektra in the playground. I thought everyone did a fine job in this movie. As for the casting I think they got a couple characters cast perfectly. I couldn't picture anyone else playing either Elektra or Kingpin. Anyway... I enjoyed the movie quite a bit... and thrilled I got it today for Father's Day.



(From Superhero Marathon on June 21st, 2009)

My PILOT Marathon, a review by Rich

Big Deal - Series One

Episode 1 - Red Lady, Black Night

Complete first series of the 1980s BBC comedy. Robbie Box (Ray Brooks) is a family man and an all-round nice guy, apart from one little problem - his gambling habit. Addicted to the bookies and to gambling dens, Robbie starts to make a concerted effort to give up. Also starring Sharon Duce and Ray Brooks.



Excuse me whilst I get some nostalgic 80's Britishness out of my system.....Tartan bitter, pound notes, bottled milk on every doorstep, choppers, harrington jacket, individual high-streets, mullets, sideburns and pints of skol - good times.
Back to the days when a middle aged, non-working gambling addict could be a hero, this series was a must see and it was good to revisit this programme. Ray Brooks was perfect for the role as the means good but always missing the big one lead, and his gorgeous girlfriend (I used to love older women) Sharon Duce who puts up with his antics.
Totally incorrect politically and ethically in todays age (unfortunately) it is entertaining stuff for 80's Brits, but I doubt it would hold much interest beyond this.
 


(From My PILOT Marathon on September 2nd, 2009)