Garv’s Pick of the Week: Big Night (Paramount)
For the release week of January 31st:
Garv’s Pick of the Week: Big Night [Blu-ray / Paramount]: How did it take this long for Paramount to release a Blu-ray of the best movie of 1996? This lively indie dramedy, directed by actors Stanley Tucci and Campbell Scott, is a feast for the senses and one of the greatest examples of cinematic food porn. Tucci co-stars with Tony Shalhoub as first-generation Italian immigrant brothers trying to keep an authentic Italian restaurant from failing in the 1950s. Both actors have never been better. Ian Holm, Minnie Driver, Isabella Rossellini, and Allison Janney lend support.
Additional Titles of Interest —
Requiem for a Heavyweight [Blu-ray / Mill Creek]: Rod “Twilight Zone” Serling scripted this excellent drama about a washed-up boxer (Anthony Quinn) trying to find employment outside the ring, while his amoral manager (Jackie Gleason, in a standout dramatic performance) tries to ring every buck out of the poor pugilist. Mickey Rooney and Julie Harris also star.
Peter Falk 4-Film Comedy Collection [Blu-ray / Mill Creek]: The films in this Blu-ray set are a mixed bag, but they all feature Peter Falk, which is not nothing. The included titles are Luv, The Cheap Detective, Big Trouble, and Happy New Year.
The Italian Job [4K UHD/ Kino Lorber]: This Peter Collinson-directed heist film, starring Michael Caine gets a 4K UHD upgrade.
The Lady from Shanghai [Blu-ray/ Kino Lorber]: Orson Welles’ 1947 film noir gets it’s fourth Blu-ray release. This one has three audio commentaries and other extras, so there’s that.
The Asphyx [Blu-ray/ Kino Lorber]: It’s only the second Blu-ray release for this underrated 1972 horror movie. Robert Powell and Robert Stephens star.
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