- Joined
- Jul 21, 2019
- Messages
- 2,347
- Likes
- 3,508
Doing Time is a prison movie which winds up having quite a bit to do with taking great interest in the smallest of things, an in particular, food:
Amongst others, these ones stick out in my mind:
Blade Runner
Interstellar
The Martian
But two centuries of colonial rule and apartheid wasn't exactly a win for the indiginous people in what would become South Africa.All things considered, they took it quite well.
Master & Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)
Wikipedia describes this as "an epic period war drama... set during the Napoleonic Wars". And if that's the kind of thing you're into, then this will be right up your alley! It's also just a good ride from start to finish. I believe this movie also won some awards for its sound, which is excellent. Though I can't fully appreciate all the surround effects, since I listen mostly on headphones. Some of the cannon blasts can really hit you in the gut though. Even on headphones. So watch out y'all!
Image quality on the 2k Blu-ray is somewhat dark and dingy and monochromatic. With some occasionally brighter daylight scenes. Detail is somewhat variable. And probably not as high as some more recent releases, which were mastered in higher resolution formats. So the picture isn't quite as impressive as the sound. If you own a display with goods blacks and contrast ratio though, such as OLED, then this is still a pretty decent watch.
The cast is also superb, with Russell in the lead in one of his best roles (though he's done many other excellent films, and I even enjoyed his turn as Robin Hood). But he also gets some great help from a top-notch supporting cast.
This was co-produced by Miramax, btw, which has obviously had some troubles in recent years, due to allegations against one of the company's co-founders, Harvey Weinstein. And that may be one of the reasons this movie fell off alot of people's maps. It was also produced by 20th Century Fox, Universal, and Samuel Goldwyn Films though. And it could probably use a little sprucing/remastering on some of its visuals, and maybe also its sound at this point.
I highly recommend this though, particularly for the sound, story and performances. But also for some great action on the high seas.
Yeah the key thing for owning a movie is does the movie warrant and/or stand up to multiple viewings. But there are so many different reasons why a movie would be rewatchable. Here's a list and why I find each one rewatchable.
Mad Max Fury Road. This is the only movie where I watched then immediately went back to the beginning and watched the whole thing over again. There are so many reasons to rewatch: amazing cinematography, great sound design and sound track, mind blowing action sequences, subtle world building and small details you can pick up in later viewings.
Chicago. I think musicals are inherently rewatchable if it has catchy song and dance performances. And Chicago has that, plus a cool vibe and great performances throughout.
Aliens. I can't even count how many times I've watched this. Just a perfect action flick. I might call Alien the better movie, but I've watched Aliens a lot more.
Tremors. Another movie I've watched a billion times. I just love stories that involve everyday people working together to survive extraordinary situations. So many great characters, scenes, and sequences. The Rec room scene is worth it alone.
Lion King. One of my most memorable theater going experiences. I felt I got my money's worth just in the opening sequence. And another case where the music alone makes the movie infinitely rewatchable. You could probably add several movies from this Disney era: Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, etc - but this is my favorite of the bunch.
Matrix. Spectacular visuals, action sequences, and world building. Its one of those movies that really requires a couple watches just to fully understand, and you can pick up other details with each additional viewing.
Brazil. If you put Monty Python into a dark dystopian nightmare world you get "Brazil". Many interesting shot choices, but its the dark ironic comedy and social commentary that keeps me coming back for more watches.
Usually I am not somewhere that streaming is possible. Nor do I want to be. But I own a number of these movies and can play them anywhere I am, at any time I like.No movies are worth owning - just stream them when you want
Since most people here are probably music lovers here's a list of my favorite musical and music-related DVDs:
The Blues Brothers (1980)
Good musical performances
Good comedy
Dolby Stereo
The Blues Brothers 2000 (1998)
More good performances & comedy
The supernatural stuff in the sequel is a little goofy
Dolby 5.1
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
(Queen)
Dolby 5.1
Bugsy Malone (1976)
A very cute musical-gangster-comedy where all of the actors are pre-adolescents
The male vocals sound processed (probably pitch-shifted)
Dolby 5.1
Chicago (2002)
A fun musical
Dolby 5.1
Eddie And The Cruisers (1983)
Fictional band reminds me of Bruce Springsteen
Dolby Stereo
Eddie And The Cruisers II (1989)
Dolby Stereo
Evita (1996)
Good music
Antiono Banderas is great
A good story based on true history
Good cynical-political humor
Dolby 5.1
The Girl Can’t Help It (1956)
Comedy and possibly the 1st rock & roll movie
Dolby Stereo
Green Book (2018)
A great true story
Dolby 5.1
Searching For Sugar Man (2012)
A true story that's "hard to believe"
Dolby 5.1
This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
The classic rock & roll comedy with good hard rock
Dolby 5.1
What’s Love Got To Do With It (1993)
(Tina Turner)
Dolby 5.1
...P.S.
Maximum Overdrive (1986)
Soundtrack by AC/DC
This is supposed to be Steven King's worst movie but I get a kick out of it. (I'm not much of a horror movie fan so maybe that's why.)
Dolby 5.1
Chris Lee was a very scary Dracula. My favorite was actually Louis Jourdan in the three hour BBC/PBS version which was the very first to really stick to the book. Beautifully done.
Horror of Dracula (1958)
Speaking of Hammer. I own most of the classics on DVD or BD. But the original 1958 Dracula is still one of the best imho.