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Jun 30, 2017
Charm and Engaging Characters Make Up For a Lack of Cinematic Refinement
1 of 1 found this helpful There are five installments in the Phantasm series, all of which are included in the BluRay box. The first one was released in 1979 and generated a cult following despite a limited budget and patchy plot line, the later of which was sufficient to generate a sense of mystery and sympathy for the characters, who are regular townsfolk engaged in an otherworldly battle the the evil Tall Man. Popular character Mike was played by then-13 year old Michael Baldwin, who discovered what the Tall Man was up to. He took center stage as Phantasm 1 came to a fascinating conclusion.
The reasonable success of Phantasm 1 lead to backing by Universal for a Phantasm 2 in 1988, which was not quite as intriguing - and more gory - than its predecessor. Michael Baldwin does not return for the sequel since Universal wanted a working actor. James Le Gros took up this part, and conveys a certain charm, but quite frankly, Baldwin is somewhat missed.
Michael Baldwin did return for Phantasm III - IV, produced over the 1994 - 2016 time frame, all three of which convey the amped-up intensity of Phanstasm II.
Tall Man Angus Scrimm passed away in 2016, nearly 90 years old.
The presentation in this Blu-Ray collection is first rate. Liner notes are generously provided in a small paperback book. Each disc is superbly remastered, and contain copious amount of commentary (which were produced at various times, not specially for the box).
If you like this series, don't hesitate to consider this BluRay box set. Newcomers to Phantasm should be aware that these films have a indie, restricted budget feeling to them, and consider accordingly.
Oct 01, 2012
Faithfully Lovecraftian
H.P. Lovecraft adaptations have a spotty history on film, but here's another spirited entry by the same forces who brought us 'The Call of Cthulu', which ranks relatively high on the Lovecraftian cinematic totem pole. 'Whisperer.. ' is a tale involving other-worldy forces from just outside our solar system. They're responsible for mass animal slaughter and other strange goings-on in a New England setting. The townsfolk divide into two factions - those who look for basic scientific explanations, and those who sense more probing is needed. Perhaps they're just up against cosmic forces that are not well understood.
Like its Cthulu predecessor, it is filmed in black and white, giving it a suitably dark Miskatonic mood. This time around, the monster likes to fly, so don't expect more Cthulu-like slime, but there's plenty of rainfall to compensate.
This is a generous package overall. The bonus disc provides behind-the-scenes coverage, as well as extended and deleted portions which did not make the final cut. As Lovecraft goes on screen, this is as good as it gets. It is also available in Blu-Ray, but the regular transfer looks just fine on my Hi-def equipment. I'd also question whether Lovecraft really benefits from crystal clarity, but the choice is yours.
Dec 15, 2017
Bruckner With a Strong Personality
1 of 1 found this helpful I have been familiar with Celibidache's Bruckner for years. It is extreme in reaching for the 'spiritual' dimension in Bruckner's music. This typically means broad tempi which change very little. This rather static approach to the music will appeal to some and not to others.To my ears, it works better in some of the symphonies than others. The 6th is one of the best ever recorded, but for the 5th and 7th, one can find other performances that are more satisfying.
This set was very expensive when originally issued a few years ago, but can now be found at relatively low prices, at which this becomes a viable set for Brucknerites who can appreciate its effective moments. Those starting a Bruckner collection and wanting just single recordings would be advised to select individual performances from many good single CDs available. Going that route, the Celi 6th, available as a single disk, is highly recommended.