Recent DVDs Reviews

Siddhartha (1972)

By John Demetry

Justine contends with lascivious lesbians, foppish fags, and bombastic bullies at every turn.

Shoeshine (Sciuscià) (1946)

By Stephen Tropiano

Focuses on the disintegration of a friendship between two Italian youths who fall victim to the state's juvenile detention system.

Good Rockin’ Tonight: The Legacy of Sun Records (2002)

By Scott Thill

Even though Sam Phillips recorded many black artists, there are hardly any, aside from Thomas, to be found in the film.

ABBA: The Definitive Collection [DVD]

By Marshall Bowden

Invaders From Mars (1953)

By Mike Ward

We don't know what's out there, but we're pretty sure it isn't up to any good.

Miles Davis: The Miles Davis Story [DVD]

By Marshall Bowden

Trapped (2002)

By Cynthia Fuchs

Scary as this sounds -- Courtney Love channeling Claire Standish or Andie Walsh -- it might explain a few things about what was going on in Trapped.

The Adventures of Prince Achmed (1926) - PopMatters Film Review )

By Chris Robé

Lotte Reiniger used film to... investigate the connections between past and present traditions.

Don’s Plum (1995)

By Nikki Tranter

And so the clichés begin.

Two Women (1998)

By Lesley Smith

Tahmineh Milani charts the tragedy of stunted aspiration and the social subjugation faced by female participants.

Sunshine State (2002)

By Cynthia Fuchs

If there's anyone you'd want to have talking you through his movie, it would be John Sayles.

The Rocking Horse Winner (1950)

By David Sanjek

The fascination of British filmmakers with the visually dynamic even occurs in films that seem concerned with quotidian subject matter.

Tesla: Time’s Makin’ Changes: Videos & More

By Michael Christopher

Bob Dylan: Bob Dylan Live 1975 - The Rolling Thunder Revue [2 CD + 1 DVD]

By Adrien Begrand

In the fall of 1975, the thirtysomething Dylan felt he had to challenge himself, as well as have some fun with his friends at the same time, and that feeling is palpable on this album. After 27 long years, we can finally properly hear the Master in his finest hour, and what a thrill it is.

Two Friends (1986)

By Elbert Ventura

A poignant expression of a friendship past exhaustion.

Forbidden Relations (1982)

By John Demetry

Forbidden Relations reminds us that empathy and aesthetics can be synonymous.

The Collector (1965)

By Kirsten Markson

The claustrophobic dramatization of the troubling encounter between a quiet sociopath and the woman he has confined in his ornate basement.

The Road to Wellville (1994)

By John G. Nettles

Contrary to Kellogg's message, self-denial is ultimately the disease, not the cure.

Earth vs. the Flying Saucers (1956)

By Mike Ward

It's ironic and wholly predictable that Keyhoe's protest against government and military censorship was, in fact, censored in Earth vs. the Flying Saucers.

The Big Picture (1989)

By Stephen Tropiano

'I don't know you, I don't know your work, but I think you're very talented.'"

Fast, Cheap & Out of Control (1997) - PopMatters Film Review )

By Scott Thill

. . . about the egomaniacal pursuit of what some in the military call 'command and control.'"

Enough (2002)

By Cynthia Fuchs

J-Lo rocks combat boots.

Vanya on 42nd Street (1994)

By Elbert Ventura

Elastic yet precise, Malle's film has the vitality and vividness of a Renoir -- it breathes.

Son of the Bride (Hijo de la Novia) (2001)

By Kate Johnson

It affirms the institution of marriage -- and of a loving marriage.

The Scorpion King (2002)

By Cynthia Fuchs

The Rock, director Russell says, has a 'deep commitment' to acting, bringing as much passion to the role as he does to his athletic endeavors -- good to know.

KISS Exposed (1987)

By Michael Christopher

When you work all day / You gotta Uh! All Night / Uh! -- Uh! -- Uh! -- Uh! -- Uh! -- Whooo!.

Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001)

By Cynthia Fuchs

Christophe Gans' Brotherhood of the Wolf is the sort of visual marvel that DVDs were made for.

Various Artists: Pure 80’s: The DVD

By Robert Jamieson

Snatch (2000)

By Cynthia Fuchs

Snatch is all about attitude and style. And guys, lots of guys.

The Lady and the Duke (L’Anglaise et le duc) (2001)

By John Demetry

Rohmer dehumanizes the mob, and encourages the audience to participate in the objectification. It's the aesthetic equivalent of the guillotine, chopping off spectator imagination.

Go Tigers! (2001)

By Michael Christopher

Go Tigers! not only encourages the audience to cheer on its subjects, but also shows their vulnerabilities.