Blu-Ray Review: Day of Anger

Day of Anger BRDVDWhen UK-based Arrow Video finally decided to launch in North America this year, it picked a trio of excellent films to kick off what’s going to be a wild run of classics and desired library additions. As all three films arrived at the same time, I had to flip a coin to choose which one to review first and Tonino Valerii’s magnificent 1967 spaghetti western Day of Anger (I giorni dell’ira) won the review draw.

This was one of those genre films I’d heard about for years but have never seen until this beautifully restored (from the original 35mm Techniscope camera negative) version and it’s very highly recommended whether or not you’re a western fan. Excellent performances all around, some stirring set pieces, excellent art direction and cinematography all wrapped up with a superb Riz Ortolani score that will stick in your head for days makes this one a must-see (and must buy if you’re a collector). Continue reading

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Tuesday’s Off: The Toad, The Throat and The Devil

MVD Stuff
 

Blech. So. I’ve been dealing with a bit of a cold and woke up this morning feeling as if I’d swallowed a very large toad who’d swallowed a porcupine. Oh, and that greedy toad wrapped itself in a dried out sponge overcoat with a loofah outer shell. Ouch. Anyway, today has been a Throat Coat kind of day, it’s snowing outside (again, whee!) and that show will turn to rain later, making outside a cold gray sloppy soup to walk around in tomorrow. Did I mention it’s going to snow tomorrow as well? No? Well, just read that last sentence again, please.

The only GOOD thing to happen today was I got a nice package of movies to review from MVD Visual. Thanks, Clint! Let’s see now, I haven’t seen Mark of the Devil in AGES, so that’s up first. Off to get another cuppa Throat Coat, pop a zinc tablet and see if there’s an orange left in the fridge. I was wondering why my usual productivity was way down this past month and I believe it’s this crappy weather not helping my brain much. Boo. Okay, off to see some tortured logic featuring Herbert Lom, Reggie Nalder, Udo Kier and the gang. Back in a bit…

MVD Visual & Arrow Films Make For A Perfect Pairing For Genre Fans

MVD Arrow Films Trio 

All you UK movie collectors can now cease with the bragging about Arrow Films and their wonderful collection of cult favorites because MVD Visual is teaming up with them to distribute at least some of those films in North America. The first three out of the game will be Day of Anger [I Giorni dell’ira, aka Gunlaw], Blind Woman’s Curse and Mark of the Devil, all restored to their original cinematic glory. Each Blu-Ray/DVD will retail for 39.99, but as you know, shopping online will get you a lower price (as in follow those links above and save ten bucks, folks!)

I have memories of seeing two out of three of these flicks, but I’ll save my impressions for review time. Color me thrilled at the prospect of expanding my film library as well as some of your horizons in the not too distant future…