| As Hollywood starts to haul out its overhyped blockbusters, movie fans tired of long lineups at the cineplex stay home with their DVD players and beat the heat. If an unrated version of Coyote Ugly isn’t what you’re in the mood for, maybe one of these titles will get you through the summer.
· The Argonomist (2004, dir. Jonathan Demme, ThinkFilm): This moving documentary uses news footage and interviews to tell the story of the exiled founder of Radio Free Haiti, Jean Dominique.
· The Browning Version (1951, dir. Anthony Asquith, Criterion): This British drama showcases Michael Redgrave as a self-doubting boarding school teacher. Based on the play by Terence Rattigan.
· The Collected Shorts of Jan Svankmajer (2005, dir. Jan Svankmajer, Kino): This collection gives audiences a great excuse to check out the mind-bending animation of the renowned Czech animator.
· Game Over: Kasparov and the Machine (2005, dir. Vikram Jayanti, Velocity): It’s man versus machine in this documentary, where Gary Kasparov, the world’s greatest chess player, takes on Deep Blue, an IBM supercomputer.
· Heaven Can Wait (1943, dir. Ernst Lubitsch, Criterion): The incomparable Lubitsch helms this all-star comedy about a playboy (Don Ameche) at the gates of Hades who tries to prove he is worthy of admittance. This DVD features a new transfer and a wealth of insightful bonus features.
· Imaginary Heroes (2004, dir. Dan Harris, Sony Pictures Classics): Sigourney Weaver and Jeff Daniels star in this film fest favourite that explores family, feelings and addiction.
· The Karate Kid (1984, dir. John G. Avildsen, Columbia): Classic? Maybe not, but this is the film that established Ralph Macchio and made a whole lot of teenage boys practice "waxing on" and "waxing off."
· L'Argent (1983, dir. Robert Bresson, New Yorker): Viewers are often divided over Bresson, but this take on class warfare, based on a story by Tolstoy, is regarded as one of his best.
· Mildred Pierce (1945, dir. Michael Curtiz, Warner Home Video): This film noir starring Joan Crawford is a classic for a reason. This edition comes with the feature-length documentary Joan Crawford: The Ultimate Movie Star.
· Sasquatch Horror Triple Feature (2005, dir. various, Image): How can you say no to Sasquatch: Legend of the Big Foot, Snow Creature and Snow Beast. You can’t. |
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