ballweg

I originally saw the Apu trilogy in 1961 in a little theater in Berkley. Sat through a straight showing of all three films and walked out after six hours in awe. It was a defining day in the development of an avid film buff. I have waited three years for the DVDs to be released, and hoped against hope that Criterion would get the rights, but it was not to be. Sony has released an unadorned, Mirchant and Ivory Foundation restoration: but they are finally available. I bought all three of the Trilogy the day they were released, but have been reluctant to put them on. So many of my memories of "great" films have made me wonder what I was on when I saw it to think that was great. Think "Brewster McCloud." My experience of Pather Panchali and the full trilogy was a memory I didn't want diminished in any way. Tonight I came home from work, put the Pather Panchali in and sat totally rapt for the full two hours. The DVD production values and the print quality are really bad in spots, but all that fades as one of the really great art films takes over, and the immersion in the lives behind the film works its magic. Film doesn't have to be an act of corporate commerce: Pather Panchali is living proof that film can be a medium of great art.

Just watched "The English Patient" again on DVD and was trying to remember why the overall IMDB rating is so low. Read through the viewer comments and am convinced that this is one of those films that the "Matrix" loving crowd will call "boring" while older audience will love it. Mind you, I like the Matrix, but doubt it is going to be as good to folks in 20 years as they think. In my opinion, this is a classic movie; great source material, good adaption (though not paced for the MTV crowd), incredible photography, excellent acting, directing, and editing. It moves like a David Lean epic, and I can't think of a better way to compliment it. Wouldn't it be nice if folks that are calling this "boring" and "a waste of time" would identify what they think is a good movie? Oh, you liked "Dumb and Dumber" but thought "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" was a classic. Yeh, I really want to put my faith in your opinion Sparkie. The English Patient, despite winning 9 Oscars, will be around in 30 years.

The Japanese Classic epic. (I've heard it referred to as the Japanese "Gone with the Wind" in terms of impact.) Not for all tastes, but easily one of the greatest movies of all time. Played the American art houses briefly when it came out, in the early 60's, and 35 years later I bought a DVD player just so I could see this movie again. It held up well to my memory of originally coming out of it totally stunned, and is actually better than my memory of it. At the time I was impressed with the historical spectacle and fight scenes , but they are minor compared to the character development and total visuals.

The director, Hiroshi Inagaki has had few releases in the US, but if you like Kurosawa, rent or buy this DVD. The transfer is excellent, the color amazing for the period. Long and slow by today's formulas, but if you give it the full 207 minutes, you will find yourself coming back multiple times.

A 1962 "Crouching Tiger..."