May Quick DVD Picks
Alice, Sweet Alice: Ah, the creepiest 1970’s film starring Brooke Shields hits DVD at last – no, not Pretty Baby. This 1976 horror gem (originally released as Communion) tells the sordid tale of young Alice (Paula Sheppard), an adolescent accused of the murder of her younger sister (Shields) which sets of a bizarre, and disturbingly filmed, series of events deeply rooted in Catholic guilt. For lovers of offbeat horror, it’s a must see; the film also features possibly the creepiest mask ever to grace the face of a slasher – take that, Ghostface! Includes a director/editor commentary and alternate opening titles.
An Officer & A Gentleman: Collector’s Edition: A fine slice of romance and an all-too rare example of a chick flick with balls, Taylor Hackford’s 1982 film is all the more remarkable given the fact that hot lovebirds Debra Winger and Richard Gere couldn’t stand each other in real life. Fact! They succeed in fooling us all as a down on his luck Navy recruit and the factory working gal whom he sweeps off her feet. Meanwhile, Louis Gossett Jr.’s nut-crunching turn as Gere’s drill instructor won a richly deserved Oscar, as did the deeply sappy yet heart-tugging “Up Where We Belong,” crooned by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes. (Remember when songs that actually topped the charts won Academy Awards? Fancy that.) Includes director’s commentary and various featurettes.
El Topo: You know, the term “cult classic” gets bandied about often these days, perhaps more than it should. It scarcely bears more relevance, however, than in referring to Alejandro Jodorowsky’s 1970 allegorical western, steeped in Biblical references and Eastern philosophy. Tracing a vigilante’s betrayal, awakening and subsequent revenge, it is a masterpiece of shocking imagery, stark visuals and a haunting score so good that John Lennon once requested it be recreated so that Apple Corps could release it. (It was also, allegedly, his favorite film.) Finally after years of being out of print and only available on bootleg DVD and video, Anchor Bay gives El Topo the love; it’s included, as well, in a six-title Jodorowky set also released today.
Fletch: The Jane Doe Edition: Has Chevy Chase lost it? It’s a question that most fans of his streak of greatness in the 70’s and 80’s never seem to want to answer, though most can probably admit he hasn’t turned in a great performance in quite some time. (Although frankly, I thought he was great in Snow Day, which is pretty terrific for a kids film. No, seriously, check it out. Stop giggling.) And he was perhaps never better than in Fletch, the 1985 comedy that allowed him to play a man of a thousand faces (kinda) and the perfect vehicle for Chase’s talent for spazzing and mugging with utter sincerity. Aww, we miss ya John Cock… tos… ton. (It’s Scotch/Romanian!) Includes interviews with cast and crew and featurettes.
Other recommended titles for May 1st: • 28 Days Later: Special Edition; Around the World in 80 Days: Special Edition; The Best of Ozzie & Harriet Dreamgirls: Collector’s Edition; The Films of Alejandro Jodorowsky; Little Children; Mahogany; Shirley Valentine; Tyrone Power Box Set
—Nicole Campos
