Garv’s Pick of the Week: The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (4K UHD, Kino Lorber)
For the release week of December 20th and 27th:
Garv’s Pick of the Week: The Taking of Pelham One Two Three [4K UHD / Kino Lorber]: I love that in the 1970s (and in the decades prior) a colorful character actor could topline a movie. This crackerjack 1974 thriller is a prime example. Walter Matthau stars as a Transit Authority Inspector who has to deal with the ransom requests of a group of criminals that have hijacked a New York City subway train. Robert Shaw leads the baddies. The film was later remade, starring actors that were more classically good looking, with a more conventional script and flashier camera work (yawn). Give me character faces any day. You’ll be able to savor every detail of Walter Matthau’s countenance, thanks to the increased bit-rate in this 4K UHD upgrade.
Additional Titles of Interest —
Cinema’s First Nasty Women [Blu-ray / Kino Lorber]: This four-disc set features 99 rare silent films (more than fourteen hours worth) that cover the subjects of feminist protest, rebellion, and gender identity. The included shorts range from slapstick comedy to thrillers.
The Hospital [Blu-ray / Sandpiper Pictures]: A pitch black satire of the medical establishment from the writer of Network. A serial murderer is killing off patients in George C. Scott’s hospital by the most effective method — scheduling them for surgeries performed by the incompetent physicians. Diana Rigg co-stars, which is always a plus.
The Bridge at Remagen [Blu-ray/ Sandpiper Pictures]: I haven’t seen this one, but I usually enjoy Word War II films made in the Sixties. George Segal, Ben Gazzara and Robert Vaughn star.
Wild Bill [Blu-ray/ Sandpiper Pictures]: Nine years before he directed the pilot to HBO’s Deadwood, Walter Hill directed another Western featuring Wild Bill Hickok. Jeff Bridges stars as the title character.
WarGames [4K UHD / Shout Factory]: If you’re asked if you want to play a game, stick with tic-tac-toe.
Maigret: Season 1 [Blu-ray/ Kino Lorber]: Many actors have portrayed Georges Simenon’s popular detective. This 1960 television series starred Rupert Davies in the role.
The Banshees of Inisherin [4K UHD / Disney]: I don’t usually mention new release titles, but a new film from Martin McDonagh is a cause for celebration.
Being that there aren’t very many titles released in the week between Christmas and New Year’s, I am including these titles scheduled for December 27th in this week’s post:
Nobody’s Fool [4K UHD/ Kino Lorber]: Paul Newman had one of his very best roles in Robert Benton’s small town comedy/drama.
Twilight [Blu-ray/ Kino Lorber]: Paul Newman and Robert Benton reteamed for this story of an aging private detective. Gene Hackman and Susan Sarandon co-star.
){kind=link}