Revisiting BRINGING OUT THE DEAD in 4K

BRINGING OUT THE DEAD (4K UHD)

1999 / 121 min

FROM PARAMOUNT

Review by Princess Pepper😺

That bastion of accuracy, Wikipedia, currently defines Bringing Out the Dead as a “supernatural horror drama film.” Of course, anything you read on that website should be taken with a grain of salt, but in revisiting the film for the first time since 1999, I have to concede it does sometimes have a horror aesthetic. Or more accurately, the entire thing unfolds like some kind of nightmarish fever dream.

Still, Wikipedia may want to reconsider their policy of allowing anybody to edit the site.

As for the movie itself…we here at Free Kittens hold director Martin Scorsese in the highest regard. Not everything he’s made has been great, but with the possible except of New York, New York, they’ve all been worth seeing. 1999’s Bringing Out the Dead remains one of his less-heralded efforts - for good reason - though it does have its share of admirers, who’ll certainly like this 25th Anniversary 4K edition, #47 in the Paramount Presents series.

But while Bringing Out the Dead doesn’t rank among Scorsese’s greatest pictures, it arguably features one of Nicholas Cage’s greatest performances. As burnt-out, tormented paramedic Frank Pierce, he perfectly conveys the character’s weariness, depression, cynicism and, most significantly, perpetual guilt over failing to save a young girl’s life months before…a tragedy that haunts him every night. Displaying just the right measures of desperation and vulnerability, this is Cage at his most dynamic. 

"Nice shot, Frank! Fifty points!"

Elsewhere, the setting, dark tone and episodic nature of the film reminds me a little of Taxi Driver, minus the terrifying protagonist. But unlike that classic, this one is populated by too many broadly-drawn secondary characters, compounded by some overwrought performances (especially those of Ving Rhames and Tom Sizemore). Maybe that’s intentional in order to convey the black comedy elements of Paul Schrader’s screenplay, but it’s sometimes handled with the subtly of a mallet. 

Still, we’ll take second-tier Scorsese over most other directors’ magnum opuses any damn day of the week, and though it’s a bit overlong, Bringing Out the Dead remains a gritty, engaging and occasionally haunting film with some stunning moments (both creatively and technically). Like other recent Paramount Presents releases, it boasts an excellent 4K transfer and includes a great batch of new bonus features, along with some carried over from previous versions.

Just don’t call it a horror movie.

EXTRA KIBBLES

4K, BLU-RAY & DIGITAL COPIES

NEW FEATURETTES - Filmmaker Focus features director Martin Scorsese, who is always worth listening to; A Rumination on Salvation is a new interview with Nicholas Cage; Cemetery Streets is a new interview with screenwriter Paul Schrader; City of Ghosts is a new interview with cinematographer Robert Richardson.

ON SET - Individual archival interviews with actors Patricia Arquette, Ving Rhames John Goodman, MarcAnthony and Tom Sizemore.

BLUE DESERT: Looks Aren't Everything

BLUE DESERT (DVD)

2013 / 92 min

FROM INDIEPIX

Review by Mr. Bonnie, the Baffled😾

This Brazilian sci-fi film is visually striking, both naturally, with numerous scenes of red desert hills vividly contrasting a piercing blue sky, and through creative production design, depicting a future world of ethereal technology and aesthetic eye-candy.

However, looks aren’t everything.

Blue Desert is an utterly baffling film about a young man named Ele (Odilon Esteves), who’s tormented by his mundane daily existence and seeks to find transcendence. Also serving as the narrarator, Ele is repeatedly reminding us of his quest as he goes through life trying to empty his mind of societal clutter. He also has visions of an old man in the desert, whose goal is to paint it all blue. Hence the title, I guess, though the significance of these scenes are never clear…

…nor is anything else, really, including a lengthy and interminable sequence in a nightclub that we’re forced to endure twice. This is where he meets a mysterious woman, Alma (Maria Luisa Mendonça), who leads him through a perplexing conversation about love before making out with him. Then she disappears. Later, the same sequence is played again, only with their roles reversed. The entire time, an MC spouts pretentious gobbledegook about…well, your guess is as good as mine. Ele's best friend pops up now and again to verbally spare with him, but neither he nor Alma have any discernible relevance to the narrative.

Ele loses his beach ball.

I'm saying 'narrative' like I could actually follow it. I don’t have a problem with ambiguity, or even a filmmaker’s attempt to leave viewers completely perplexed. However, director Eder Santos should at least keep things interesting. Not only is Blue Desert confusing, it’s a colossal bore and moves at a snail’s pace. Characterization is almost non-existent and the only significant thing revealed about the main character is he likes to tinker with robots. It’s just a series of hallucinatory sequences strung together by indecipherable dialogue that sounds profound, but maybe someone smarter than me can explain what the hell any of it means. Speaking of which, some of that dialogue is apparently lifted directly from a book by Yoko Ono, which should tell you something. 

The film ends as it begins, in the barren desert beneath a blue sky. There’s no climax, no discernible resolution and absolutely no clarity. Ultimately, watching Blue Desert is like going on a date with someone who’s drop-dead gorgeous, but might be the dullest person you ever met.

THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK (4K): Somewhere In There Is A Great Film

THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK (4K UHD)

2004 / 119 & 135 min (2 cuts)

FROM ARROW VIDEO

Review by Stinky the Destroyer😺

If nothing else, this is the best The Chronicles of Riddick has ever looked on home video, with an excellent 4K transfer of both the theatrical version and the director’s cut. For at least the first viewing, even the overblown world-building elements that originally sank this sequel are visually striking enough to maintain interest. 

Additionally, this three-disc set is loaded with substantial new bonus features to go along with a plethora of archival ones, including a terrific feature-length retrospective documentary where everyone involved is still enthusiastic over the decision to make Riddick (Vin Diesel) a mythic character in an epic saga. Their enthusiasm is kinda contagious and I really enjoyed their recollections of creating a film that was intentionally different from the first.

And you know what? I believe there’s still a pretty great film somewhere in that Dune-like mess that became The Chronicles of Riddick. Had the gritty, violent middle act been expanded to become the entire story, it could’ve been the Pitch Black sequel it’s antihero deserved. The scenes taking place on the prison planet, Cremetoria, with its 700 degree days and minus 300 degree nights, make for some intriguing and suspenseful set pieces. No supernatural elements, no semi-zombified armies and - best of all - far less emphasis on elaborate spectacle. Just Riddick taking on mercs while rescuing Jack/Kyra (Alexa Devalos) from this subterranean hell. This lengthy segment remains the best part of the film...like the cream filling in a Twinkie.

The rest picks up five years after the events in the first film and Riddick has a huge bounty on his head. Meanwhile, a hostile army known as Necromongers, led by Lord Marshall (Colm Feore), are picking off planets one-by-one, laying waste to entire civilizations and killing anyone to doesn't convert to their faith. The next planet in their path is Helion Prime, the home of New Mecca, where people from all over the galaxy have congregated to live in peace. They are also the folks who put the bounty on Riddick. 

After checking in, Riddick realizes he misplaced his luggage.

It turns out Riddick is the last of the Furyans, the only race that Necromongers are afraid of. Judy Dench, in a wasted role as an omniscient “Elemental”, pleads for Riddick's help, just as the Necromongers land on Helion and start kicking ass. Meanwhile, several of Lord Marshall’s trusted underlings are secretly plotting against him, mercs are still chasing Riddick down, the good folks of Helion Prime are systematically being turned into Necromongers and Riddick is tormented by visions of his homeworld, as well as his destiny (which is to get even, of course).

That’s three times the plot of Pitch Black and not the direction I would have gone with a sequel. Wall-to-wall action & special effects take the place of atmosphere & characterization, when a tight & grungy story would have at least retained the tone of the original. Instead, director David Twohy simply plops a familiar character into a new (and much bigger) story, but Riddick's character is not much of an antihero here. In Pitch Black, he’s a remorseless criminal. In this sequel, Riddick is served-up as some kind of “chosen one.” Oh well, at least everyone came to their senses for the third film and reverted Riddick back to his ruthless, antisocial self. 

The Chronicles of Riddick is a decent film with visually stunning moments and a terrific middle act. It’s just too busy to be an effective sequel to Pitch Black. Still, this is another great release from Arrow Video that fans of the franchise will surely love. 

EXTRA KIBBLES

NOTE: Free Kittens Movie Guide was provided with a promo disc for review purposes. Physical supplemental material included with the final product (booklets, artwork, inserts, etc) were not available for review.

THEATRICAL & DIRECTOR'S CUT - The latter runs about 15 minutes longer, with additional scenes mostly related to Riddick’s Furyan past.

THEATRICAL CUT (in 1.78:1 aspect ratio)

AMBITION ON ANOTHER SCALE: CHRONICLING A BLOCKBUSTER SEQUEL - By far the best of the bonus features, this is an new feature-length documentary about the making of the film. Includes numerous interviews with cast and crew, including writer-director David Twohy, actors Keith David & Linus Roache, artists Brian Murray & Matt Codd, miniature FX designer Ian Hunter and digital matte artist Dylan Cole.

NEW INTERVIEWS - Individual interviews with David Twohy, Keith David and Brian Murray.

ARCHIVAL FEATURETTES - Creation of New Mecca; Riddick Rises; Keep What You Kill; Visual Effects Revealed.

ARCHIVAL INTERVIEWS - With most of the main cast, as well as David Twohy and producer Kroopf.

VIRTUAL GUIDE TO THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK - As told by some of the characters.

TOOMBS’ CHASE LOG - Narrated by Toombs (Nick Chinlund, who played him in the film).

2 AUDIO COMMENTARIES - 1) By David Twohy & Vin Diesel; 2) By actors Karl Urban & Alexa Devalos.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES FOOTAGE

DELETED SCENES

INTRO BY DAVID TWOHY

2 TRAILERS

INSIDE OUT 2: A Comeback, Of Sorts

INSIDE OUT 2 (Digital)

2024 / 96 min

FROM DISNEY

Review by Stinky the Destroyer😺

On Digital NOW and 4K, Blu-ray & DVD 9/10.

On one hand, I’m happy that Inside Out 2 was hugely successful, especially after years of films that either underperformed at the box office, or worse yet, were immediately regulated to Disney+. It recalls the glory days when each Pixar movie was practically an event and a must-see in theaters (even if you didn’t always have kids in tow).

On the other hand, this is Pixar playing it safe, revisiting a tried-and-true brand name. And I get it. Most of their biggest films of the past decade have been sequels, which I suppose is fine, since God knows they aren’t the only studio with franchise aspirations. Not to sound like a crusty old boomer, but I remember the days when Pixar itself was the franchise. The films may have been different, but each had the studio’s unique, indelible stamp.

Still, with the possible exception of Cars 2, Pixar’s has never made a truly bad sequel. Even Toy Story 4 managed to avoid being superfluous and was a lot better than it had a right to be. Inside Out 2 is superior to that one. It might even be the best Pixar sequel since Toy Story 2, even though it sometimes takes a similar conceptual path as Turning Red.

Emotional baggage.

In this one, Riley is a 13-year-old at the onset of puberty and all the new emotions that come with that tumultuous age…Embarrassment, Envy, Ennui (boredom) and, most significantly, Anxiety, who threatens to to take complete control over Riley’s decisions and actions. These feelings are welcome additions to the story, as they amusingly depict what we all go through at that age. If nothing else, their introduction certainly justifies this sequel. The brief appearance of Nostalgia, a running gag in which she’s repeatedly told to leave, suggests maybe a second sequel is possible (?).

Inside Out 2 is not as fresh or inventive as the original, which is to be expected. The world inside Riley's head is still an elaborately rendered wonderland, especially “The Vault,” where things she once loved are locked up (old kiddie shows, video game characters). But overall, this one doesn’t reach the emotional highs and lows as the first film, though there are certainly moments where Riley’s anxiety is infectious. Still, Inside Out 2 is an enjoyable, entertaining sequel. 

EXTRA KIBBLES

FEATURETTES - New Emotions is about the new characterss introduced to reflect being a teenager; Unlocking the Vault goes into the making of the film’s best sequence.

6 DELETED SCENES - These are largely unfinished animatic sketches.

MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH MARRIAGE: Charming, Perceptive and Visually Unique

MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH MARRIAGE (Blu-ray)

2022 / 108 min

FROM MVD VISUAL

Review by Princess Pepper😺

Signe Baumane is a Latvian director who appears to specialize animated films that are either semi-autobiographical or inspired by personal experience. To be honest, I’d never heard of her or My Love Affair with Marriage, which is her second feature-length film. But if this is any indication, she has a unique visual style…and maybe a voice that needs to be more widely heard.

The film creatively combines hand-drawn animated characters and 3D backgrounds. If nothing else, it’s almost always visually engaging, partially because we don’t see a lot of films that look like this. In many ways. My Love Affair with Marriage looks like a quaint, colorful children’s film, particularly during early sequences depicting the protagonist’s childhood.

However, this is not a children’s film. It tells the story of Zelma, beginning with her childhood, then moving with her parents and sister to Latvia, where she eventually experiences the usual biological changes (with ongoing voice-over narration that goes into deep biological detail). That, as well as the influence of her environment and peers, has Zelma feeling somewhat compelled to find love.

My Love Affair with the Dave Clark Five.

The story chronicles Zelma's 23 year journey, dealing with what her body is telling her verses what she perceives as social expectations that come with becoming a woman...how to act, how to look, puberty, what men like, losing her virginity, etc. Much of this is depicted through her relationships with others, including the variety of men in her life (and a couple of marriages). The film explores many worthy and relevant themes, such as sex, gender roles, abuse, societal demands, politics and death.

Often whimsical and funny, the film takes some dark, tragic turns as well, and it's all accompanied by a barrage of fantasy-tinged songs effectively woven into the narrative (as opposed to simply being dropped in). It’s during those musical numbers that the animation is the most engaging. However, sometimes this is tough sledding. It goes on a little too long and the voice-over narration occasionally feels intrusive. Elsewhere, some key supporting characters in Zelma's life are comparatively one dimensional (though that may be by design).

Actually, I need to amend what I said about this not being a children’s film. Zelma’s biological changes and life experiences are frankly depicted, but certainly relatable. Once children begin asking questions about themselves - whatever age that is - might be the perfect time for open-minded parents to share it with them. That being said, My Love Affair with Marriage is a charming, perceptive and visually unique animated film.

EXTRA KIBBLES

PENNY STAMPS DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES - Writer/director Signe Baumane is featured in this hour-long feature, where she discusses all aspects of the film.

TRAILER 

MAKING APES: The Story Behind The Make-Up

MAKING APES: THE ARTISTS WHO CHANGED FILM (Blu-ray)

2019 / 87 min

FROM GRAVITAS VENTURES

Available at www.MovieZyng.com

Review by Princess Pepper😺

I first saw the original Planet of the Apes on TV when I was a kid, totally amazed at how realistic all these talking primates looked. Too young at the time to appreciate how groundbreaking those make-up effects were, I simply accepted them as characters, not made-up actors. 

Over five decades later, the illusion remains unbroken. John Chambers and Tom Burman’s creations are as convincing today as they were in 1968. Not even the great Rick Baker could improve upon them for Tim Burton’s 2001 remake, and nobody involved with the reboot franchise even bothered to try (choosing the CGI route instead).

1998’s Behind the Planet of the Apes remains the definitive documentary on the original film series, as well as its cinematic and cultural impact. Making Apes covers some of the same bases in less detail, while also including the more recent films. But as the title suggests, the primary focus of this one is the make-up effects. More specifically, the guys who created them.

PetSmart's September Employee of the Month.

The film is just as much a biography of Chambers and Burman’s careers - before, during & after Apes - as a behind-the-scenes look at their handiwork. Since Chambers passed away in 2001, much of their history is recalled by Burman (who also co-wrote & co-produced). He candidly discusses the their roles in the production of the original Planet of the Apes in considerable detail, as well as his sometimes volatile relationship with Chambers (who apparently wasn’t always the easiest guy to get along with). 

The film also features dozens of interviews with historians, filmmakers, surviving colleagues & actors involved in the series, as well as a plethora of testimonials from modern-era make-up artists who cite Chambers & Burman’s work as their biggest inspiration. Interviewees include Rick Baker, Joe Dante, John Landis, Guillermo del Toro, Howard Berger, Greg Nicotero, Richard Donner and Leonard Maltin.

For the most part, Making Apes is pretty interesting, but it features less footage highlighting the creative process and application than one might expect (though there are plenty of stills). What matters is we still walk away with renewed appreciation for what these artists were able to accomplish at the time, paving the way for everyone who followed.

THE POOP SCOOP: Creepy Kibbles For The Spooky Season

🙀PARAMOUNT SCARES VOL. 2 arrives on 4K Ultra HD October 1 from Paramount.

Everyone loves a sequel!  PARAMOUNT SCARES is back with another limited-edition collection of terrifying films, all available for the first time in 4K Ultra HD.  PARAMOUNT SCARES VOL. 2 arrives October 1, 2024 from Paramount Home Entertainment. This collectible box set includes four killer films that offer an exciting mix of all that the horror genre has to offer.  From a knife-wielding maniac in FRIDAY THE 13TH PART II, to the twisted thrills of ORPHAN: FIRST KILL, the terrifying zombie hordes of WORLD WAR Z, and the psychological terror of BREAKDOWN, this must-own collection delivers loads of chills and thrills. Each film in the 8-disc collection has been newly remastered and is presented on both 4K Ultra HD Disc and on Blu-ray in an individual case and special sleeve exclusive to the set, all housed in a premium box with original artwork.  PARAMOUNT SCARES VOL. 2 also includes more than 2.5 hours of bonus content, the unrated version of WORLD WAR Z, access to a Digital copy of each film, and exclusive collectible items. 

🙀LONGLEGS Coming to 4K, Blu-ray & DVD September 24 from Decal Releasing.

LONGLEGS, the surprise sleeper hit, is coming to 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on September 24 from Neon & Decal Releasing. Hailed as the "scariest film of the year," LONGLEGS was written and directed by Perkins and stars Maika Monroe, Blair Underwood, Alicia Witt, and Nicolas Cage. To date, Longlegs has grossed an impressive $71 million at the U.S. box office, and over $100 million globally. Dave Caplan produced and financed Longlegs through his C2 Motion Picture Group banner. Producers include Nicolas Cage along with his production company Saturn Films, Dan Kagan, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, and Chris Ferguson. Synopsis: In pursuit of a serial killer, an FBI agent uncovers a series of occult clues that she must solve to end his terrifying killing spree. 

🙀MAXXXINE arrives October 8 on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital from Lionsgate.

In 1980s Hollywood, adult film star and aspiring actress Maxine Minx finally gets her big break. But as a mysterious killer stalks the starlets of Hollywood, a trail of blood threatens to reveal her sinister past.The murderous finale of Ti West’s X trilogy (X, Pearl) also features a star-studded ensemble including Elizabeth Debicki, Moses Sumney, Michelle Monaghan, Bobby Cannavale, Halsey, Lily Collins, with Giancarlo Esposito and Kevin Bacon. The third and final installment of Ti West’s X trilogy finally comes home when MAXXXINE arrives October 8 on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital from Lionsgate. With the previous titles in the trilogy receiving critical and audience acclaim, star Mia Goth shares that “it’s the biggest story of the three with the highest stakes” and Maxine is “just a force to be reckoned with.”

🙀DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW 1 & 2: ULTIMATE COLLECTOR'S EDITION Double Feature on 4K & Blu-ray September 10 from VCI Entertainment.

On September 10th, VCI Entertainment presents Dark Night of the Scarecrow, and its 40-years-in-the-making sequel, Dark Night of the Scarecrow 2, bundled together in a Dark Night of the Scarecrows 1 & 2: Ultimate Collector’s Edition on 4K UHD and Blu-ray, packed with special features. When it made its premiere the week of Halloween in 1981, Dark Night of the Scarecrow was one of the highest rated TV movies of all time. Forty years in the making, Dark Night of the Scarecrow 2 returns to the small town where the events of the first film took place. The special features for both the 4K UHD and Blu-ray editions include a new 2023 Dark Night of the Scarecrows Triple Fan commentary track, hosted by Heath Holland (Cereal at Midnight podcaster) and featuring Robert Kelly, a noted film historian, and super-fan Amanda Reyes, an expert on TV movies, author, and podcaster; the original Dark Night of the Scarecrow commentary track with writer J.D. Feigelson and director Frank DeFelitta; a new 2023 Dark Night of the Scarecrow commentary by J.D. Feigelson; “Bubba Didn’t Do It: 30 Years of the Scarecrow” by Daniel Griffith; Dark Night of the Scarecrows cast reunion Q&A recorded at the 2011 Frightfest Film Festival; 1981 CBS World Premiere broadcast Promo; 1985 CBS Network re-broadcast promo; and a photo gallery.