Entries in DVD (3)
Clue (1985)
Rob Dean On Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 12:45PM Double Dip Demands is a column in which I propose films that deserve a re-release on DVD/Blu-Ray with more special features, better transfers and other nerdy bits. Some of the films have no DVDs out there for Region 1 viewers, and some of them have a really crappy version that's bare bones or poorly put together. Who speaks for these films? I do.
The Film: Clue (1985)
Cast & Crew: Jonathan Lynn (dir. and co-writer); John Landis (co-writer); Eileen Brennan, Lesley Ann Warren, Martin Mull, Michale McKean, Tim Curry, Christopher Lloyd, Madeline Kahn, Colleen Camp, Howard Hesseman
Plot Synopsis (Via IMDB): Clue is a movie about 6 guests, a butler, and a maid, who are all involved in the murders of 6 people. The guests all meet at Hill House, where you learn that Professor Plum works in D.C., where everyone else lives. Colonel Mustard is a client of Miss Scarlet, who is the ex-employer of Yvette, the maid, who had an affair with the husband of Mrs. White, etc. When Mr. Boddy, who is blackmailing each guest, gives the guests each a weapon, he tells them they should kill Wadsworth, the butler, to avoid being exposed. With Mrs. Peacock's craziness, and Mr. Green's clumsiness, the whole group finds themselves tangled in a web of murder, lies, and hilarity.
Is it Out Currently? Yes on DVD with only the 3 alternative endings as an extra.
Why Does it Deserve Special Features? Clue is a hilarious comedy that is fondly remembered yet often overlooked. The movie is an ensemble piece and has plenty of work for each actor to do and leave an indelible mark. It also has the luxury of operating on multiple levels - it's not just the manic pace of the physical comedy or slapstick (though there is that), but also word play, innuendo, absurdism, character based schtick, plus a Go-Go as a singing telegram. The tightly wound script is a good example of the comedy that adheres closely to other genres in order to satirize - in this case it's the drawing room murder, or the Agatha Christie type "famous people meet up and someone dies" film. Clue arrived at a time when it was absurd to make a movie base on a board game, and yet the writers rose to the challenge and delivered a movie that is infinitely more fun and entertaining than the board game could ever be. Nowadays, everything is being optioned as a film (including Hasbro's latest rush to turn Battleship and Candyland into movies), for good or ill. A new disc would be a good way of highlighting what was done right in this adaptation and as a fitting tribute to its many fine performers. Also, the current DVD that is out looks like crap and the new version would at least clean up the picture and sound.
What Should be on the Disc?
Garth Marenghi's Darkplace
Rob Dean On Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 12:30PM Double Dip Demands is a column in which I propose films that deserve a re-release on DVD/Blu-Ray with more special features, better transfers and other nerdy bits. Some of the films have no DVDs out there for Region 1 viewers, and some of them have a really crappy version that's bare bones or poorly put together. Who speaks for these films? I do.
The Film: Garth Marenghi's Darkplace (2004 UK TV series)
Cast & Crew: Matthew Holness (Creator/Writer/Actor), Richard Ayoade (Creator/Writer/Actor); Matt Berry, Alice Lowe
Plot Synopsis (via IMDB): This spoof TV series is an unearthed 80's horror TV show, complete with poor production values, awful dialogue and hilarious violence. The series is set in a Hospital in Romford, which is situated over the gates of Hell.
Is it Currently Out? Yes/No. It is available in UK with an extras-packed disc, but is not available for Region 1 players (i.e., Amurrica)
Why Does it Deserve Special Features? Garth Marenghi's Darkplace is a brilliant satire series that mocks 80s cheesy action TV series, pompous pulp writers, bad genre television and the self-importance inherent in revisiting old works. Matthew Holness and Richard Ayoade - who created and wrote the series in addition to appearing as Garth Marenghi/Dr. Rick Dagless and Dean Learner/Thornton Reed, respectively - have a perfect understanding of the multiple genres in their sights and do a good job of adhering to the rules and limitations of them. Then, in addition to mocking the shows and their cheesy budgets/poorly realized scripts, Holness and Ayoade throw in several metatextual elements with the multiple layers of characters playing characters (badly). It's a hilarious and utterly singular show that is occasionally seen on [adult swim] (in fact, I think it'll be on the [adult swim] schedule this July). As the series is over with these 6 episodes, and since all involved have proven their abilities in creating this many layered universe - and their success in other ventures like The IT Crowd, The Mighty Boosh, Submarine, etc. - it would be worthwhile to get these brilliant comedians back together for one more go at this cult show.
What Should Be on the Disc?
Idiocracy
Rob Dean On Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at 12:30PM Double Dip Demands is a column in which I propose films that deserve a re-release on DVD/Blu-Ray with more special features, better transfers and other nerdy bits. Some of the films have no DVDs out there for Region 1 viewers, and some of them have a really crappy version that's bare bones or poorly put together. Who speaks for these films? I do.
The Film: Idiocracy (2006)
Cast & Crew: Mike Judge (writer/director); Luke Wilson, Maya Rudolph, Dax Shepard, Terry Crews
Plot Synopsis (via IMDB): Private Joe Bauers, the definition of "average American", is selected by the Pentagon to be the guinea pig for a top-secret hibernation program. Forgotten, he awakes 500 years in the future. He discovers a society so incredibly dumbed-down that he's easily the most intelligent person alive.
Is it Out on DVD Currently?: Yes - but in a bare bones release with no real extras to speak of.
Why Does it Deserve to Have Special Features?: Idiocracy is Mike Judge's parodic take on the dystopic future Sci-Fi movie. Much like his previous film (and future Cult Classic) Office Space, Fox did a crap job promoting it in theaters and hasn't shown it much love on home video - despite the fact that it's generally beloved, infinitely quoteable and unfortunately relevant to our society. It's funny, insightful, original and unique in its willingness to gleefully indict people and corporations. There are many aspects of the world Judge has created that are worthy of exploring. Additionally, with so many funny people involved and with so many comically absurd situations in the film, it's a fair bet that there'd be a lot of good material available to entertain Idiocracy fans.
What Should be on the Disc?