by Ryan Lewellen
By now, you’ve undoubtedly read a handful of 2015 Top Ten Lists. You clapped, you scratched your head, you punched your computer screen, and then you moved on. The year is over. You saw what you saw, and you thought what you thought. Those year-end lists might have convinced you to check out Carol or Son Of Saul during a pre-Oscars second run, but for the most part, you’re going to wait for these titles to hit home video (or Netflix/Itunes). That’s because, despite the internet’s stalwart attempt at killing it, home video is eternal. The advent of the personal movie collection has forever changed the legacy of individual films. The inventers of VHS probably had no clue their humble concept (and humbler product) would lead to innovations which would inspire companies like The Criterion Collection, and Scream Factory to snatch up the rights to simultaneously distribute and pay homage to significant works of cinema. They were the start, however, and now innumerable films, from the forgotten, to the iconic, are available in gorgeous high definition. Writing for Cinapse has made my own collection fat with old curiosities, completely unfamiliar titles, and my most favorite childhood films. That is mostly thanks to the many boutique labels kind enough to share their love of cinema with us, and so, this year I have decided to revisit my favorites. They weren’t all discs I covered here, but they are my top five new Blu-ray releases of 2015.
Go buy them in stores.
FROM A WHISPER TO A SCREAM
The troubling sight of Vincent Price’s severed head was something I knew I had seen before, but the film it represented was something I had not. I am always ready to take a chance on Price, and this one paid off in spades. This low-budget anthology flick instantly joined the ranks of my favorite horror movies. The stories are clever, outrageously twisted, and would absolutely please the most fiendish gore-hounds. As I mentioned in my full review, it’s a little sad Vincent Price is under-served by the otherwise excellent material, but hey, this is still the late legend’s final horror movie, and he could hardly have picked a cooler one. The movie is great, and the story behind its production is even better, as told by a feature-length documentary on Scream Factory’s release.
SCANNERS
The Criterion Collection has taken film preservation/appreciation to an unparalleled level of class. The packaging alone, always outsourced to respected graphic designers, is enough to make any cinephile swoon. Swoon ye shall for their brand-new 2K restoration of David Cronenberg’s MIND-BLOWING telekinetic espionage thriller. The video is stunning, and sound is perfect, and the special features are more than what we have come to expect from this label. Including a new documentary on the special effects, a Cronenberg appearance on a 1981 Canadian television show, and a new interview from the fascinating and serene Michael Ironside, this release is precisely the stuff of which collectors’ dreams are made.
FIRST MEN IN THE MOON
Over the past 18 months, Twilight Time has become one of my most favorite distributors of home video. They don’t quite reach Criterion heights of presentation, but with any new release from these fine folks, you can count on seeing an intriguing film, lovingly rendered, packaged with quality artwork and a few excellent special features. Film Historian Julie Kirgo always pens an essay for the booklet insert, and often records an insightful commentary with fellow critics. With this release, however, special effects artist, Randall William Cook, sat down with Ray Harryhausen (who was seeing his film for the first time in HD), and though the elderly genius was a little too far-gone at that stage in his life to really be on the ball and deliver, it is never-the-less a treat to hear him chat about the movie. The charming and funny-yet-under-seen film is a must-own for any Harryhausen fan.
THE HUNGER
It was just a few days ago that I final settled on adding this to my list. I knew something from my friends at The Warner Archives had a spot reserved, but it wasn’t until I realized Performance was released the year prior that I remembered how much I enjoyed this bizarre stylistic exercise. Now it seems all the more appropriate to be acclaiming this Blu-ray with the heartbreaking passing of one of its stars: David Bowie. He played in some of the coolest movies ever made, including this gorgeous and sultry debut from Tony Scott. The Archives releases aren’t known for their supplements, but this one does feature a lively commentary, split between Scott, and Susan Sarandon. This made my list primarily because it’s the kind of film which begs to be seen on Blu-ray. If you haven’t yet seen it on film (and I can’t be sure that’s possible now, anyway), get yourself a copy of The Hunger on disc. It’s one of those 80s smokey-neon-beauty-gasms shot in breathtaking glamour. It’s not a perfect film, but it is kind of like watching a perfume ad with a brain.
COMMANDO (DIRECTOR’S CUT)
I know… one of these things is not like the others. Not only did I not review this for Cinapse (though, Austin Did), this is not exactly what we might call a “Boutique Label Release”. Still, it’s one of my favorite Blu-rays from 2015, and it’s going to be one of yours, as well. Commando is the quintessential 80s actioner. From the seemingly impervious nature of the hero, to the inconceivably over-the-top thrills, this movie started the decade’s new wave of action cinema, as well what we would expect from rising star, Arnold Schwarzenegger. If you’ve seen it, you love it. If you haven’t, go buy 20th Century Fox’s Best Buy-exclusive Steelbook Director’s Cut (mouth…ful). In this case, “Director’s Cut” translates to “The already ultraviolent tool shed scene is pushed to cartoonish levels of absurdity”. I admit that’s not a major reason to re-up, but this release is worth it just for the commentary track from kooky director, Richard L. Lester. I have rarely laughed aloud, by myself, listening to a commentary, but a few choice soundbites from Mr. Lester had me rolling. Genuinely, though, he shares plenty of interesting, if completely facile, memories from shooting the film.
It was a good year, and I already have a few releases I can’t wait to review this year. Austin Vashaw will have a far more comprehensive list of the top loot from 2015, so be sure to check that out as well.
What did you sink your eyes into this year?
