Garv’s Pick of the Week: The Ipcress File (Kino Lorber)
For the release week of October 27th:
Garv’s Pick of the Week: The Ipcress File [Blu-ray / Kino Lorber]: The popularity of James Bond franchise spawned a lot of imitators, including the James Coburn Derek Flint movies and the Dean Martin Matt Helm flicks. However, the best of the competing spy films were the Harry Palmer movies, starring Michael Caine, and that series started with 1965’s The Ipcress File. Unlike the other James Bond knockoffs, the Harry Palmer films were smarter and more subtle than the franchise that began the trend.
Additional Titles of Interest —
Daughters of Darkness [4K UHD + Blu-ray + CD / Blue Underground]: The remaining titles of interest this week have all been offered on Blu-ray before, but are now getting an upgrade or re-release. This cult erotic vampire film gets a 4K UHD upgrade. A Blu-ray and the soundtrack CD are included in the package.
The Swimmer [Blu-ray + DVD + CD / Grindhouse Releasing]: This cult film, starring Burt Lancaster, previously received a special edition Blu-ray from Grindhouse Releasing. If you missed that out-of-print release, you have a second chance to pick it up. I do have the earlier release. It’s about time I get around to watching it.
Africa Screams [Blu-ray / ClassicFlix]: This 4K restoration of one of the lesser Abbott & Costello films has been available directly from the ClassicFlix website, but starting this week it is available through Amazon and other retailers. While the team made better films, this public domain title was in desperate need of a clean-up and has likely never looked better. The disc is also packed with a hearty package of extras, including a rare radio broadcast, a live TV skit, interviews, outtakes, a scan of a A&C 3-D comic book (with red/blue glasses for viewing), and much more. If you love the team, you’ll want this release. Plus, it is the only film that features supporting roles for both Stooge Shemp Howard and Joe Besser!
Joe Kidd (Special Edition) [Blu-ray / Kino Lorber]: Three Clint Eastwood Westerns that were released previously as bare-bones Blu-rays get a Special Edition release with audio commentaries by director Alex Cox, along with other extras.
High Plains Drifter (Special Edition) [Blu-ray / Kino Lorber]: Ditto.
Two Mules for Sister Sara (Special Edition) [Blu-ray / Kino Lorber]: Double ditto.
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