09/30/04
Openings: SHARK TALE, LADDER 49, GOZU, BROADWAY: THE GOLDEN AGE, GOING UPRIVER: THE LONG WAR OF JOHN KERRY.

DVD pick: STAR WARS TRILOGY by special guest reviewer Mattakin Skywalker-Keating

The Force is with you, young Star Wars fan, but beware of the dark side: George Lucas’ Star Wars Trilogy was released last week (9/21) on DVD.

The good: 5.1 Surround Sound which certainly adds a plus one to lightsabres, laser blasts and the famous TIE fighter/X-wing dogfight scenes. Disc four features the epic documentary Empire of Dreams, which gives quite an insight to the ever-expanding Star Wars universe. Speaking of insight, it should be noted that (for the first time) fans of Lucas’ operatic space saga can finally geek-out on the rather informative full length Lucas commentary. Irving Kershner (director-ESB) and Ben Burtt (sound) add elements of depth and ingenuity to their commentary on The Empire Strikes Back; and Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) brings a refreshingly unique comedic styling to her commentary–especially on Return of the Jedi.

The bad: this 4-disc set is chock-full of unacceptable special additives for "continuity purposes" according to Mr. Lucas. For instance, love quoting Boba Fett? (Who doesn’t, right?) Well, get used to a newly dubbed-over bounty hunter voiced by Temuera Morrison aka Jango Fett in Star Wars: Episode Two–Attack of the Clones. Also, super fans will notice the Dark Lord of the Sith (James Earl Jones) now sports an entirely new audio track in Star Wars: Episode IV–A New Hope.

The ugly: At least Greedo doesn’t shoot first! Now, for some George Lucas reason, Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Greedo (Maria de Aragon) fire simultaneously in the famed showdown at the Mos Eisley cantina.

The uglier: The ROTJ–Special Edition song and dance routine in Jabba’s palace remains wholly un-watchable.

The ugliest: Wrapping up the entire saga (just when fans have effectively forgot the prequels) the spirit-ghosts of Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi and the now redeemed Anakin Skywalker appear to our hero Luke Skywalker on the forest moon of Endor. Previously portrayed by Sebastian Shaw, the digital apparition of Anakin is now the shaggy-haired post-teen Hayden Christensen (Attack of the Clones and the forthcoming Star Wars: Episode Three–Revenge of the Sith). Dare I say the One-With-The-Force spirit of Jar-Jar Binks would be far more agreeable! Er...mesa think that bad idea too....

If you like bulls-eyeing womprats in your T-16, odds are you’ll love the newly enhanced 4-disc Star Wars Trilogy DVD anyway. May the box set be with you!

Mattakin Skywalker-Keating

eric - who promises a return to form next week after a month of dismal film attendance.
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9/10/04
THX1138: I haven’t yet seen this reissue of the George Lucas debut film but if memory serves me well this is first rate science fiction. Think Brave New World meets 1984. Staring Robert Duvall and Donald Pleasence. Rated R. The Grade: A-
RESIDENT EVIL: APOCALYPSE This is pretty much what you’d expect. Zombie movie sequel with some nice bits and lame bits. If you like the first one you’ll like this one. Starring Milla Jovovich and Sienna Guillory. Rated R. The Grade: C
Also opening: CRIMINAL, MEAN CREEK.

DVD Picks:
DA ALI G SHOW - DA COMPLEET FIRST SEAZON Whacked!
DAWN OF THE DEAD Cool zombies!
DESPERATE LIVING Classic John Waters.
SLACKER Director Richard Linklater approved special edition of this famous indy feature.
STRANGERS ON A TRAIN Hitchcock with a screenplay co-written by Raymond Chandler.

eric
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9/3/04
DANNY DECKCHAIR - If you’re in the mood for a charming, no-brainer, romantic comedy then this film is the ticket. Never mind the horrible title. Charismatic actors, specifically Rhys Ifans and Miranda Otto, make this Australian flick a neat treat. It ain’t rocket science it’s just good, quirky fun. Rated PG-13. The Grade: C+
SUSPECT ZERO - This is an intense, lurid picture that seems to come up half-ass in many areas but is just different enough than standard fare to be worth a peek. Ben Kingsley is compelling while Aaron Eckhart and Carrie-Anne Moss come off as merely adequate. An intriguing plotline about serial killers tracked by a serial killer has its moments but never quite takes off. The visuals are at times stunning but a bit affected. Rated R. The Grade: C+
Also opening: I’LL SLEEP WHEN I’M DEAD, VANITY FAIR, and WICKER PARK.

DVDS PICK: (What a week!)
THE CELEBRATION
LEMORA - A CHILD’S TALE OF THE SUPERNATURAL
MEAN STREETS
NIGHT GALLERY - THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON
STAR TREK - THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON

eric
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