DVD Review: The Iron Ivan

The Iron Ivan recounts the tale of Russian wrestler Ivan Poddubny, a man who began his career in the circus in the late 1800s and would go on to win basically every match he entered, in his homeland as well as in France and the United States. He started from humble beginnings and would eventually capture the heart of a people. The Iron Ivan stars Mikhail Porechenkov as Ivan, Katerina Shpitsa as Mimi/Masha and Alexander Mikhailov as Ivan’s father.

It begins in 1878, in the village of Bogoduhovka, with Ivan as a child. When he is cornered by a group of boys, he looks defiant, angry. He crouches, as if to attack, but then breaks through their ranks and runs. They call after him, “Coward!” And apparently his father shares this viewpoint, for when he runs to him to tell him what happened, his father whips him for not fighting. The film then jumps to 1925, when Ivan is arriving in the United States by boat. He is greeted by a man who recognizes him, so we know he has achieved some degree of fame. And though he is in his fifties, we learn that he is to continue his wrestling career in the U.S.

From there the film goes back to 1896 to show how he got his start. And this for me is some of the most interesting material. Ivan worked as a stevedore, and is present when the boat carrying the circus arrives, a certain trapeze artist named Mimi catching his eye. I’ve long found circus folks to be fascinating, and there are some funny moments backstage with the wrestlers, indicating it’s all an act. When those in the audience are invited to test their strength against the winner of the first wrestling bout, Ivan steps into the ring. He wins his match almost immediately, stunning the crowd, and is offered a contract to remain with the circus while it is in town. Perhaps it’s the money, but this also gives Ivan a chance to get to know Mimi, who sets him straight about a few things regarding the circus (such as the fact that her real name is not Mimi). When Ivan is instructed to lose his last fight, he refuses, and with the help of the local police chief, manages to collect the prize money. The movie goes back and forth in time from the late 1800s/early 1900s to the 1920s, showing the progress of two different parts of his career, addressing the similarities but highlighting the differences.

The film is partly a love story, but it is also about a man who is still looking for approval from his father. The boy who was called a coward never backed away from a fight again, but then his career as a fighter is also met with disapproval. When he requests permission to marry, his father does not grant it. That scene is actually quite good, adding another layer to his relationship with Mimi (by the way, Katerina Shpitsa is adorable as Mimi). And later when he finally loses a match, though unfairly, he goes a bit mad, and the film provides his viewpoint, in an unsettling sequence. This movie handles the tragic sequences really well, as in one scene where we stay with Ivan rather than witness what happens in the ring, so we experience the event as he does.

There are a couple of odd things about the DVD that I feel I should mention. When characters speak in English or French, the English subtitles remain at the bottom of the screen, but someone dubs the dialogue in Russian. So you can actually hear the English dialogue underneath the Russian translation. It’s a bit disconcerting, but fortunately doesn't happen all that often. Also, the picture at times jolts a bit, like frames are missing, but that may just be my copy.

The Iron Ivan was released on DVD on June 13, 2017 through MVD Visual. The film is presented in its original Russian language, with optional English subtitles. The DVD contains no special features.

DVD Review: My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Magical Movie Night

The Equestria Girls, the ponies’ teenage human counterparts, seem to be having just as many adventures as do the ponies these days. The new My Little Pony DVD, Equestria Girls: Magical Movie Night, presents three special episodes, each connected to the others, as well as related to earlier Equestria Girls specials. Join Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Sunset Shimmer as they spin their special brand of magic.

“Dance Magic”

In the first episode, “Dance Magic,” the girls are trying to raise money to repair Camp Everfree (which you Bronies and Pegasisters will remember from Legend Of Everfree). They’ve done all they can, and yet are only halfway to their goal. Rarity soon learns of a music video contest that offers a substantial cash prize, and is inspired by the sight of a red dress. Unfortunately, she reveals her idea to the competition from Crystal Prep, girls who are not as trustworthy as Twilight Sparkle and the gang. There are several cute moments, like when one of the students from Crystal Prep tells Rarity, “That sounds like a very good concept,” with another adding, “If you’re going for way-too-over-the-top,” to which Rarity innocently and happily responds, “Thanks!” And later when Rarity attempts to rally the girls to confront the students from that school, she says, “Who’s with me?” She then adds: “No, seriously, who is with me? I have no idea how to get to Crystal Prep.” And of course I love Pinkie Pie’s music video idea. This episode, as you might surmise, contains a song.

“Movie Magic”

In “Movie Magic,” the girls get to visit the set of the new Daring Do adventure movie, as the director went to Camp Everfree himself and wanted to reward those who helped save the camp. They meet Juniper, the director’s niece, who shows them around. Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie goes on a search for the elusive cupcake fountain. But things are not all roses and cupcakes, as the shoot has troubles, including missing costumes and props. The girls take it upon themselves to solve the case, and goofy fun ensues.

“Mirror Magic”

In “Mirror Magic,” Juniper returns, and is not happy with Twilight and the gang, holding them responsible for her being at a dead-end job at the mall when she should have achieved stardom. Plus, the music video the friends created is apparently a hit, for it is playing at the mall, further tormenting Juniper. Well, a magic mirror that shows her as she wishes to be might change things for Juniper. Meanwhile, Sunset Shimmer is summoned back to Equestria to pick up a new journal, and ends up also picking up Princess Twilight’s pupil, Starlight Glimmer, who just may be some help when things get weird. This, for me, is the best and most interesting of the three stories. And Pinkie Pie is hilarious. “Wow, we are a really forgiving group.”

Special Feature

The DVD includes a sing-along for “Dance Magic,” the song from the group’s music video.

My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Magic Movie Night is scheduled to be released on August 8, 2017 through Shout! Factory.

Blu-ray Box Set Review: The Pink Panther Film Collection

I loved the Pink Panther films when I was growing up, and watched a few of them multiple times. Now with the release of The Pink Panther Film Collection, we have a chance to not only enjoy the films again, but also to learn more about the productions through a variety of special features, many of which are new to this set. This six-disc box set contains the six Pink Panther movies starring Peter Sellers (so, not included are Inspector Clouseau, Curse Of The Pink Panther or Son Of The Pink Panther, or the two re-makes), as well as plenty of bonus material. In fact, there is a lot more bonus material than what is mentioned on the back of the box (I will list all of the special features, disc by disc). This set is part of Shout! Factory’s Shout Select series.

Disc One: The Pink Panther

Even before the film starts, this disc makes me happy, with that wonderful theme by Henry Mancini playing over the menu. In fact, two of this series’ most important and memorable elements have little to do with the films’ plots: the music and the opening animated sequences. In this first film, the delightful animated sequence takes place all within the diamond after which the movie is named. The film is about a diamond thief nicknamed the Phantom who authorities are certain will attempt to steal the Pink Panther. The authorities, however, are represented by one Jack Clouseau (Peter Sellers), who might be able to piece things together if only he could figure out how his wife could afford a mink coat from her housekeeping savings. But Clouseau is only one of several interesting characters we’re introduced to in the lengthy, playful early sequences. The film also stars David Niven, Robert Wagner, Capucine and Claudia Cardinale. Yes, some scenes go on way too long (particularly the seduction scene with Charles and the Princess), but the movie holds up and features some incredibly funny sequences. “Take your filthy hands off my asp.”

Disc One Special Features

The Pink Panther Story is a half-hour featurette from 2003, and it includes an interview with Blake Edwards. Edwards talks about growing up in the business, about the cast (including some big changes, with two leads leaving during production), about the way he likes to frame a shot, and about the score.  And of course there is plenty about Peter Sellers, and about his talent for voices. There are also interviews with Walter Mirisch, editor Ralph E. Winters, stunt coordinator Joe Dunne (who often doubled Sellers) and script supervisor Betty Abbott Griffin.

Behind The Feline: The Cartoon Phenomenon is about the animated opening sequence, as well as the series of theatrical animated shorts that came about as a result of its popularity. This is also from 2003, and is approximately eleven minutes. A Conversation With Robert Wagner: Coolest Cat In Cortina is an interview with Robert Wagner, in which he talks about getting cast in the film, about his fellow cast members, and about getting hurt on the film, blinded by detergent used in the bathtub scene. This is approximately eleven minutes. An Italian Indian: The Pink Panther Princess, a new feature, is an interview with Claudia Cardinale, in which she talks about Blake Edwards and about the film. She provides some interesting anecdotes, particularly the one about the magic cigarette. This, too, is approximately eleven minutes.

Diamonds: Beyond The Sparkle is a short featurette about diamonds, about the ways they are evaluated, and includes a bit on the history of diamonds. It’s approximately seven minutes. The Tip Toe Life Of A Cat Burglar is a conversation with former jewel thief Bill Mason, in which he tells anecdotes about specific jobs. The special features also include the film’s trailer, a still gallery and a poster gallery. There is also a commentary track by director Blake Edwards. When Peter Sellers first appears on screen, Blake Edwards calls him “the enigma of my life.”

Disc Two: A Shot In The Dark

Not originally envisioned as a Pink Panther movie, A Shot In The Dark nevertheless introduces some of the important recurring characters of the series, including Chief Inspector Charles Dreyfus (Herbert Lom) and Kato (Burt Kwouk) (the name would be spelled as Cato in the later films). It also stars Elke Sommer as Maria Gambrelli, George Sanders as Benjamin Ballon, and Tracy Reed as Dominique Ballon. The entire opening sequence is wonderful, with different characters moving up and down various staircases, ending with gunshots. That leads to the animated title sequence (this time without the Pink Panther, of course). While this movie might not be as fun a ride as the first one (partly because it lacks the great cast of the original film), it features some of the best lines of the series. “I believe everything, and I believe nothing. I suspect everyone and I suspect no one. I gather the facts, examine the clues, and before you know it, the case is solved.” And of course this is the first of the films to include the phrase “a bump upon the head.” It’s also the first of the movies in which Clouseau assumes disguises.

Disc Two Special Features

Back To The Start: Origin Of The Pink Panther is an interview with executive producer Walter Mirisch. He talks about working with Blake Edwards, and tells the stories behind both the first film and this one, as well as about meeting Peter Sellers, and about the way Sellers worked. This is a new feature, and is approximately twenty-three minutes. There is also a segment of Blake Edwards appearing on The Dick Cavett Show, where he shows outtakes from A Shot In The Dark.

The special features also include five trailers, including two that are for a double feature of The Pink Panther and A Shot In The Dark. There are also three photo galleries, as well as an audio commentary track by Jason Simos of the Peter Sellers Appreciation Society.

Disc Three: The Return Of The Pink Panther

The Return Of The Pink Panther came out more than a decade after the first two, and wastes no time in getting back to the Pink Panther diamond. In the opening scene, tourists are shown the famous diamond, and one woman asks if the museum worries that someone might steal it. She also asks why it’s called the Pink Panther, for those who might have forgotten the first film during the intervening years, and that leads to the delightful opening credit sequence, with the animated pink panther and that great theme. And then of course someone does steal the diamond, and a monogrammed glove is left in its place, leading Clouseau to assume that it’s the work of Sir Charles, the Phantom (in this film played by Christopher Plummer rather than David Niven). Clouseau has been demoted and then suspended, but is re-instated for this case. He employs a number of disguises, and looks especially funny at the club. There are some wonderful details. For example, when Clouseau tosses the bomb toward his neighbor’s apartment, watch the guy on the television. He actually reacts to the explosion too, which is hilarious. And there is a seriously funny improvement on the “follow that car” gag. There is also some total silliness, like the bit with the light bulb. And Chief Inspector Dreyfus goes even more mad. The cartoon panther makes another appearance at the end.

Disc Three Special Features

A Bit Of Passion And A Lot Of Laughs is an interview with actor Catherine Schell, in which she talks about getting the job and offers a humorous anecdote about her contract. She also talks about her friendship with Peter Sellers. This new feature is approximately twenty-two minutes. There is also an interview with production designer Peter Mullins. This movie was the first Pink Panther he worked on, and his favorite, though he talks about moments from the productions of other Pink Panther films as well. This new feature is approximately twenty-eight minutes.

The Return Of Laughter is a promotional featurette. Interestingly, the narrator says, “Inspector Clouseau is on the trail of the Pink Panther,” inadvertently mentioning the title of a future film in the series. This includes some behind-the-scenes footage, and is approximately eight and a half minutes. In addition, the special features include three trailers (one of which shows outtakes from the film), television spots, radio spots, and three photo galleries. There is also an audio commentary track by Jason Simos of the Peter Sellers Appreciation Society.

Disc 4: The Pink Panther Strikes Again

The Pink Panther Strikes Again is the one I remember watching the most while growing up. It begins with former chief inspector Dreyfus doing better at the mental hospital where he has been staying. That is, until Clouseau shows up to speak on his behalf, at which point Dreyfus goes further into madness. But somehow he manages to escape, and his goal – now more than ever – is to kill Clouseau, who is now Chief Inspector. To that end, he becomes a criminal mastermind, kidnaping a professor and his daughter and forcing the professor to help him build a doomsday device to conquer the world (“Have a sweet”). Yes, this is all in order to get Clouseau. Ah, Peter Sellers and doomsday devices! What does any of this have to do with the Pink Panther diamond? Absolutely nothing. But no matter. It’s fun. This is an incredibly goofy and delightful film, featuring some of my favorite lines “This is Chief Inspector Clouseau’s residence. This is Chief Inspector Clouseau speaking on the phone.” And there is a reference to the so-called “Heidi Bowl,” when President Ford says, “Call the FBI, the CIA and the Pentagon; find out who won the game.” Herbert Lom is wonderful in this film. And Lesley-Anne Down is stunning in her full-length fur coat. “There is a beautiful woman in my bed and a dead man in my bath.” Omar Sharif appears as an assassin (though is uncredited), and Julie Andrews can be heard singing. This is also the movie in which Clouseau puts on his hunchback disguise, complete with inflatable hump.

Disc Four Special Features

Panther Musings: A Life in Films is a new interview with Lesley-Anne Down, in which she talks about getting her start as a child, and about her career goals, and how she doesn’t work anymore. Of course she also talks about her work on The Pink Panther Strikes Again, including a funny anecdote about getting the role. This is approximately twenty-two minutes. A Cut Above: Editing The Pink Panther Films is a new interview with editor Alan Jones. He gives us his personal feelings about the series, and talks about how Blake Edwards was a big fan of Enter The Dragon, and how that led to the fights between Clouseau and Cato. There is also a bit of behind-the-scenes footage in this featurette. This is approximately twenty-five minutes.

Clouseau: The Greatest Fumbler In The World is a promotional featurette including interviews with Blake Edwards and Peter Sellers, as well as behind-the-scenes footage. It is approximately seven minutes. The special features also include four trailers, five television spots, four radio spots, and three photo galleries. There is also an audio commentary track by Jason Simos of the Peter Sellers Appreciation Society.

Disc Five: Revenge Of The Pink Panther

In Revenge Of The Pink Panther, a criminal organization calling itself the French Connection plans to show its strength by eliminating Clouseau. The theme during the opening credits sequence has an updated, late 1970s sound, which is kind of weird, but fun. Then, while Clouseau is purchasing new disguises, he is handed a bomb. “Special delivery: a bomb. Were you expecting one?” He must avoid getting killed by hired assassins, as well as avoid attacks by his faithful servant Cato. When it seems that Clouseau has been killed, Dreyfus makes a sudden and complete recovery (though wasn’t he killed in the previous film?), and is reinstated in his previous position (even though he destroyed a building and threatened the entire world in the previous movie). Clouseau lets the world think he’s dead, so that he can investigate his own murder. That leads to plenty of disguises and wonderful lines like, “I’m working under the covers, you know.” I love what Cato does with the place in Clouseau’s absence, and I am particularly fond of Tanya the Lotus-Eater and her furry bed. (But what happened to the Russian chick from the last movie?) There are some goofy gags, like his special car which lasts half a block. And there is a brief appearance by Andrew Sachs as a hospital inmate (you probably know him as Manuel from Fawlty Towers). As with the previous film, this one has nothing to do with the Pink Panther diamond.

Disc Five Special Features

This disc includes two trailers, five television spots and five radio spots. There are also three separate photo galleries, including photos from Alan Jones’ personal collection. And there is an audio commentary track by film historian William Patrick Maynard.

Disc Six: Trail Of The Pink Panther

Trail Of The Pink Panther was made after Peter Sellers’ death, but features footage of him cut from some of the earlier films (and some footage straight from those films). It’s the only Pink Panther movie I saw in the theatre upon its initial release (I was ten years old), so it does have some nostalgia value. But it’s a largely pointless and unnecessary film. It opens with another theft of the Pink Panther diamond, this robbery happening much more quickly and easily than that at the beginning of Return Of The Pink Panther. The opening titles sequence has a Pac-Man theme for a while, clearly a product of its time. The film stars David Niven, Herbert Lom, Richard Mulligan (as Clouseau’s father), Burt Kwouk and Capucine. It also stars Joanna Lumley as a television reporter who is doing a story on Clouseau after his plane goes missing and he is presumed dead (a decade later, we’d all fall in love with Joanna Lumley as Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous). Star Trek fans will recognize Denise Crosby, and Star Wars fans will enjoy a performance by William Hootkins as a taxi driver. The Pink Panther diamond is not recovered, or even mentioned much. By the way, the film is dedicated “To Peter… The one and only Inspector Clouseau.”

Disc Six Special Features

This disc includes two trailers and three photo galleries. There is also a commentary track by film historian William Patrick Maynard.

The Pink Panther Film Collection was released on June 27, 2017 through Shout! Factory, as part of the Shout Select series.