Notes from a DVD Geek

by Jeremy Lassen

It’s a new month and we’ve got plenty of great new DVD’s coming in.  The first one I wanted to bring to your attention is the totally over-the-top Bio-zombie thriller called Sars Wars.  It’s a Thai production, and is funny as hell and way too enjoyable for its own good.

On the Anime side of the house, we’ve just got in Cowboy BeBop #1.  This is the beginning of one of the landmarks of modern serial Anime and should not be missed.

From Korea, we have Forbidden Warrior, which is a costume/period/fantasy piece that delivers the goods.  Epic battles between good and evil, crazy wire stunts and a solid story.

From Japan, we have Godzilla, Final Wars, which is a must-see for any monster movie fan, as it is the latest Japanese installment (from 2004) of the series that started it all.  Also not to be missed is the new US disk: Godzilla - Gojira Deluxe Collector's Edition, which features the original Japanese version of the first Godzilla movie, side by side with the bastardized, re-cut US version of the 1956 classic.  This one is a really nice package and it features a ton of extras.

For an enjoyable little romp that is sure to set all your Pagan/Wiccan friends' teeth on edge, The Craft just came in.  The funny thing about this movie is that it preceded the whole Willow the Witch stuff on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but is very much in that vein.  This is much more fun, and much funnier then it has any right to be.

Speaking of being better then it has any right to be, the Dark Castle Remake of The House on Haunted Hill has just been released as a double feature with the original House on Haunted Hill.  If you are missing either of these films, be sure to pick up this disk, 'cause it's (excuse the pun) priceless to see Vincent Price in the first film, and then watch Geoffrey Rush do a brilliant homage/sendup to the master.  Great stuff.

Back to Japan, for a crazy horror exploitation flick by one of Japan’s weirdest and most prolific directors, Takashi Miike.  If you’re not familiar with his work, think of him as John Carpenter meets David Lynch, from Japan.  Ichi the Killer is a great place to start sampling the weirdness that is Miike.

And finally, from Europe there’s Dario Argento’s foray into the Masters of Horror series: his contribution to this series is called “Jenifer” and is a nice addition to Argento’s catalog, which has been kind of spotty of late.

And finally, something for the kids.  MGM is looking to cash in on the Pirates of the Caribbean craze, and has released new super extra special editions of The Princess Bride… one with a “Princess Buttercup” themed-package, and one with a “Dread Pirate Roberts" package.  We’ve got both editions in stock.  Have fun storming the Castle!