Exiled from their home nations, four strangers from separate corners of the earth agree to undertake a dangerous mission to transport unstable dynamite through the dense jungle of South America in order to earn their passage home. When the slightest bump in the road could equal instant death, the real question is not whether these men will survive this nerve-shredding ordeal but who will they have become if they return at all? After the success of The French Connection and The Exorcist, William Friedkin began work on his biggest project to date. Seizing the moment, he embarked on an ambitious and lengthy shoot in the dense jungles of the Dominican Republic and like Werner Herzog with Fitzcoraldo and Francis Ford Coppola on Apocalypse Now, Friedkin battled the elements, came face-to-face with nature and emerged victorious. Now, 40 years since its release, Sorcerer is regarded by critics and ï¬lmmakers alike as a true lost cinematic masterpiece a feat of ï¬lmmaking that encapsulates the revolutionary artistry of 1970s American cinema that is a triumph to behold Special Features: Sorcerers A Conversation with William Friedkin and Nicolas Winding Refn (74 mins) The Mystery of Fate A letter from director William Friedkin Newly commissioned artwork to celebrate the 40th Anniversary Reversible sleeve containing the newly commissioned and original theatrical artwork
The 1976 Oscar winner for Best Picture, John G Avildsen's Rocky is the story of a down-and-out club fighter who gets his million-to-one shot at a world championship title. In the title role, Sylvester Stallone (who also penned the screenplay) draws a carefully etched portrait of a loser who, in Brando-esque fashion, "coulda been a contender". Rocky then becomes one thanks to a publicity stunt engineered by current champ Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), while finding love courtesy of timid wallflower Adrienne (Talia Shire) along the way. Burgess Meredith revives the spirit of 1940's genre pictures through his scenery-chewing performance as Rocky's trainer. An enormous entertainment, Rocky is irresistible in its depiction of an underachiever who has the courage to start all over again--a description that could have been applied to Stallone's own life at the time. --Kevin Mulhall
This box set contains the Special Edition of all 5 Rocky films! Rocky (Dir. John G. Avildsen 1976): Nominated for 10 Academy Awards and winner for Best Picture audiences and critics alike cheered this American success story of an ""everyman"" triumphing over all odds. Featuring a dynamic musical score a thrilling fight scene and four Oscar-nominated performances this rousing crowd-pleaser will send spirits soaring. Fighting for love glory and self-respect
John Milius charts a decade of social change as three surfing buddies use the sport as a personal touchstone for their lives whilst growing up in the turbulent 1960s. Irresponsible hot-dogging legend Matt (Jan-Michael Vincent),serious and stable Jack (William Katt) and mad misfit Leroy, aka "Masochist" (Gary Busey), are teenage surf bums in 1963, living at the beach in a perpetual summer under the sway of surfboard-maker Bear (Sam Melville), guru, mentor, and keeper of the lore. But times are changing and boys grow up in the shadow of Vietnam while adulthood pushes them into hard decisions. John Milius mixes the nostalgia of American Graffiti with the reverence of a John Ford cavalry drama. Surfing becomes a kind of spiritual quest spoken of in awed mythic tones and photographed with the epic grandeur of a rite of passage. Milius's heavy-handed direction andr everent attitude slows the films and will turn off some viewers but Milius fans will appreciate his macho stylings and philosophical musings, and surfing fans will love the spectacular surfing footage, including the dazzling stylings of world champion Gerry Lopez (who Milius later cast in Conan the Barbarian). Lee Purcell costars as Matt's supportive wife, with Patti D'Arbanville, Barbara Hale and Robert Englund in supporting roles. Look for Ford stock player Hank Worden in a small role and Milius himself in a cameo role selling marijuana in Tijuana. --Sean Axmaker
Following the disturbing story of blue-collar serial killer Frank (Joe Spinell), William Lustig's violent slasher movie has become a cult classic in the ranks of the horror film fandom. In a plot which weaves in elements of Peeping Tom and Taxi Driver this early 80s horror fully delivers both a chilling character study and a gory exploitation piece.Dark, grimy and oppressively claustrophobic Maniac remains a firm favourite and an unmissable shocker. Presented here fully uncut for the first time ever from a stunning new 4K Restoration.Product FeaturesLimited Edition SlipcaseLimited Edition Booklet4K Restoration in 1.85:1 Aspect RatioHigh Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentationDTS-HD MA 7.1 Re-mixDTS-HD MA 2.0 Original AudioOptional English SDHAudio Commentary with Producer/Director William Lustig and Producer Andrew GarroniAudio Commentary with Producer/Director William Lustig, Special Make-Up Effects Artist TomSavini, Editor Lorenzo Marinelli, and Joe Spinell's Assistant Luke WalterAudio Commentary by the Hysteria ContinuesMANIAC OuttakesReturning to the Scene of the Crime with William LustigAnna and the Killer Interview with Star Caroline MunroThe Death Dealer Interview with Special Make-Up Effects Artist Tom SaviniDark Notes Interview with Composer Jay ChattawayManiac Men Interview with Songwriters Michael Sembello and Dennis MatkoskyThe Joe Spinell StoryMr. Robbie: Maniac 2 Promo ReelMANIAC PublicityMANIAC ControversyTheatrical TrailersTV SpotsRadio SpotsReversible Sleeve with new artwork by Joel Robinson and Original Poster Artwork
A grossly underrated slasher gem! The infamous Joe Spinell best known for his iconic role in Maniac delivers his 'career defining performance' (Bill Gibon DVD Talk) as an depraved obsessed fanatic. Vinny Durand (Spinell) trails beautiful actress Jana Bates (fellow Maniac-alum Caroline Munro) to the Cannes Film Festival determined to have her star in his first film. As Durand's disturbing fascination grows a mysterious killer begins slaughtering all people in Jana's entourage. Is the obsessed fanatic and the psychotic killer one in the same? Will this be Jenna's Last Horror Film? This stellar treatment of this forgotten classic includes engaging Spinell-memorializing supplemental material and is a must-own for any horror film enthusiast. Special Features: All Region Codes Booklet Notes by Calum Waddell Audio commentary with associate producer Luke Walter moderated by Evan Husney Optional Introduction by Lloyd Kaufman president of Troma Studios and creator of 'Toxic Avenger' 'My Best Maniac' conversation with Joe Spinell's friend Luke Walter Interview with 'Maniac' director William Lustig 'Mister Robbie' promotional trailer for the never produced 'Maniac II: Mister Robbie' Trailers for the Film: 'Fanatic' TV spots 'The Last Horror Film' 'The Soul of Troma' Trailers Reversible Sleeve Incorporating Original Artwork
During a high-stakes east-west karate tournament coach Chuck suspects the match is rigged against him. When looking around the other team's locker room gets him shot he calls in Cal and J his partners from California. After exercising a little persuasion and a lot of brute force they discover who's behind it all. Now the only problem is getting back the money Chuck is owed.
A tough and contemporary story of intrigue set in Paris London and New York. Wulfgar a feared terrorist announces his prescence in New York and two cops Deke Desilva and Willis Fox are given the task of finding him and putting an end to his reign of terror. A deadly game of cat and mouse ensues which leads to an explosive confrontation.
A Los Angeles taxi driver picks up a woman in his cab, not knowing that she's on a suicidal revenge mission. He manages to escape with her before getting killed, but deranged gangsters are searching for them.
The story of Rocky Balboa, as presented in this five-movie Rocky anthology, looks suspiciously like a barely fictional parallel to Sylvester Stallone's own career. Such a strong vein of autobiography is hardly surprising, really, since Stallone wrote all five movies and directed II, III and IV. The original was a feel-good patriotic update on the American Dream, mirroring Stallone's own journey as a lucky break drags a man from the gutter into stardom; Rocky II was the story of a man who is subsequently plagued by the need to prove that his first success wasn't a fluke, and represented Stallone's attempt to keep his career afloat amidst a sudden explosion of blockbuster movies and superstar actors; the third featured a rival to his position echoing the friendly battle kept up with Schwarzenegger for box-office dominance; Rocky IV appeared at the same time as Rambo: First Blood Part II and was a veritable shower of self-glorification; and the fifth entered old age as gracefully as it could with younger blood ready to pounce from all directions. Balboa may have been "a little punchy", but Stallone was clearly the brains behind the Rockymovies' success.On the DVD: For picture and sound, it's to the first disc connoisseurs should turn. Transfer and 5.1 soundtrack are a notch above instalments III and IV. Inexplicably, II and V are only in three-channel surround. Disc 1 is also the place for the extras. Although the others feature their own trailer and a half-heartedly animated menu, the first has a montage menu that matches the excellent packaging and links rather easily to a hidden feature ("Rocky Meets Stallone"). There's a fascinating 12-minute "behind the scenes" short with director John Avildsen showing fight test footage and two short tributes to the late Burgess Meredith and cinematographer James Crabe. The commentary might seem a little crowded, featuring Avildsen, producers Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff, Talia Shire, Burt Young and Carl Weathers. The best feature is a 30-minute interview with Stallone, who remembers writing from an 8x9 room in Philadelphia and being inspired by an Ali fight. There are confessions about injuries, casting and his dog Butkus! As a 25th Anniversary special edition, the first disc alone is excellent value. --Paul Tonks
The 1976 Best Picture Award-winner Rocky has the look of a contemporary on-the-streets movie like Taxi Driver, but the heart of a fairytale. For the Bicentennial Year, world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), a Muhammad Ali-like stars-and-stripes blowhard, cynically offers a title shot to an unknown over-the-hill Philadelphia club fighter, Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). Unlike the sequels, Rocky is a rare American sports movie to realise there's more drama and emotional resonance in losing than winning. The unique finale suggests that going the distance against the odds is more of a triumph than a conventional victory. Stallone, then an unknown as actor and writer, crafts the script to his own strengths--mumbling, Brando-like sincerity combined with explosive physicality expressed in his use of a side of beef as a punch-bag or wintery jogs around Philly. Surprisingly little of the film is taken up with ring action, as we follow Rocky's awkward courtship of pet-store minion Adrian (Talia Shire) and uneasy relationship with her slobbish brother (Burt Young), while Burgess Meredith provides the old pro licks as the curmudgeonly trainer. Though it led to a slick, steroid-fuelled franchise, it has a pleasing roughness, exemplified by the memorable funk/brass band score and the array of fidgety, credible method acting tics. On the DVD: 1.85:1 16x9 print, which represents the sometimes-slick, sometimes rough look of the cinematography; feature commentary with supporting cast and crew (Burt Young admits to rubbing vermouth into his neck to make himself repulsive), video interview with Stallone, a retrospective featurette (which includes news footage of the Ali fight that inspired the story), 8mm test fight footage with a flabbier Stallone, tributes to Burgess Meredith and cameraman James Crabe, trailers for Rocky and all the sequels (which makes a solid précis of the whole series). All this and a "special hidden feature" (a comic sketch with Sly meeting Rocky).--Kim Newman
Of all the Philip Marlowes, Robert Mitchum's in Farewell, My Lovely resonates most deeply. That's because this is Marlowe past his prime, and Mitchum imbues Raymond Chandler's legendary private detective with a sense of maturity as well as a melancholy spirit. And yet there is plenty of Mitchum's renowned self-deprecating humour and charismatic charm to remind us of his own iconic presence. As in the previous 1944 film version, Murder, My Sweet, Marlowe searches all over L.A. for the elusive girlfriend of ex-con Moose Malloy, a loveable giant who might as well be King Kong. In typical Chandler fashion, the weary Marlowe uncovers a hotbed of lust, corruption and betrayal. Like Malloy, he's disillusioned by it all, despite his tough exterior, and possesses a tinge of sentimentality for the good old days. About the only current dream he can hold onto is Joe DiMaggio and his fabulous hitting streak. Made in 1975, a year after Chinatown (shot by the same cinematographer, John Alonzo), Farewell, My Lovely is more straightforward and nostalgic, but still possesses a requisite hard-boiled edge, and the best kind of angst the 1970s had to offer. (By the way, you will notice Sylvester Stallone in a rather violent cameo, a year before his Rocky breakthrough.) --Bill Desowitz, Amazon.com
Frank Zito (a career performance by co-writer/co-executive producer Joe Spinell of 'Rocky' and 'The Godfather' fame) is a deeply disturbed man haunted by the traumas of unspeakable childhood abuse. And when these horrific memories begin to scream inside his mind Frank prowls the seedy streets of New York City to stalk and slaughter innocent young women. Now Frank has begun a relationship with a beautiful photographer (Caroline Munro of 'The Spy Who Loved Me') yet his vile compulsions remain. These are the atrocities of a human monster. This is the story of a maniac. Experience 'Maniac' like you've never seen or heard it before. Directed by William Lustig and featuring landmark gore effects by Tom Savini ('Dawn of the Dead') this notorious classic was censored all over the world for its graphic violence and remains banned in England and Germany to this day. But 'Maniac' is more than just one of the most relentlessly depraved films of our time; It is quite possibly one of the most disturbing horror movies ever made...
A grossly underrated slasher gem! The infamous Joe Spinell, best known for his iconic role in Maniac, delivers his 'career defining performance' (Bill Gibon, DVD Talk) as an depraved, obsessed fanatic. Vinny Durand (Spinell) trails beautiful actress Jana Bates (fellow Maniac-alum Caroline Munro), to the Cannes Film Festival determined to have her star in his first film. As Durand's disturbing fascination grows, a mysterious killer begins slaughtering all people in Jana's entourage. Is the obsessed fanatic and the psychotic killer one in the same? Will this be Jenna's Last Horror Film? This stellar treatment of this forgotten classic, includes engaging Spinell-memorializing supplemental material, and is a must-own for any horror film enthusiast.
The lunatics are running the asylum in The Ninth Configuration--but are they really lunatics? Is Colonel Kane (Stacy Keach) really a noted psychiatrist assigned to supervise patients in an experimental government clinic or is he really "Killer" Kane, a decorated US Marine who committed atrocities in Vietnam before going insane? These are just some of the puzzles that will eventually be solved in this giddy and often brilliant drama created by William Peter Blatty, who wrote The Exorcist before going on to direct this adaptation of his own novel, Twinkle, Twinkle, Killer Kane. A satirical study of war's traumatic aftermath, the film uses battle psychosis as the springboard for a delirious and scathingly intelligent human tragedy, laced with some of the wittiest dialogue you're ever likely to hear. The film boasts a veritable menagerie of crazy characters, all brought vividly to life by a stellar supporting cast. One patient is preparing a production of Shakespeare with an all-dog cast. Another is convinced he's Superman and the resident doctor can't seem to find his trousers. But there's a method to this madness and it takes a barroom brawl--one of the most memorable in film history--to provide the harsh slap of reality to Blatty's elaborate group therapy scheme. When the true purpose of The Ninth Configuration is revealed, the film (and particularly the fine performances of Keach and Wilson) offers a depth of compassionate sanity that may well take you completely by surprise. --Jeff Shannon, Amazon.com
Arctic prospector Jack McCann (Hackman) after fifteen years of solitary searching becomes one of the world's wealthiest men when he literally falls into a mountain of gold in 1925. Twenty years later he lives in luxury on a Caribbean island that he owns. But his wealth brings him no peace of mind as he copes with Helen his bored alcoholic wife; Tracy his dear but headstrong daughter who has married a dissolute philandering social-climber; and Miami mobsters who want his islan
A beautiful actress with a cult following visits the Cannes film festival only to be hunted by her 'number one fan' a demented director who demands that she star in his next movie...
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