DVD Review: Art House

My girlfriend and I have been talking lately about the kind of house we’d like to one day live in. For now, it’s more a matter of trying to make our current apartments seem less horrible and more home-like. The artists who are the subject of the documentary Art House made their living spaces works of art, and are inspiring me to take a more serious – and more joyful – look at the way I’m living and at my goals for changing my living space to better suit my personality. It may very well have the same effect on you.

Art House is divided into several sections, each section dedicated to the living space of one artist (or group of artists). It begins with Russel Wright, and his home, named Manitoga. The camera gently, respectfully moves in on details of the home and the area surrounding it, the images set to music, allowing us to take it all in, to develop our own opinions without much narration to guide our thoughts. There is just a little information on each artist, presented as title cards before we see the living spaces.  Alastair Gordon does provide a bit of narration at certain moments throughout the film, but not much. Other information is given from short interviews with family members and apprentices, these interviews coming after we’ve seen some of the images. Ann Wright, Russel Wright’s daughter, talks about the long process of construction of the home. Russel thought of it as his personal living space, and it’s a bit sad when Ann tells us, “I feel like I was a person in his living space” (though she kind of laughs as she says it). I love the way nature and natural things are incorporated into the design of Manitoga. It’s beautiful.

Cosanti, the living and work space of Paolo Soleri, is a remarkably different type of space with a different feel, in part because of the difference in location. Again, this film allows us the time to take it in before anyone speaks of the artist’s work. The first building constructed is called Earth House, and it has a strong relation to the natural surroundings. The film is like a meditation, on possibilities for living. At least, that’s how it feels to me. This documentary is not so much about the artists’ biographies as it is about the spaces where these people lived and worked.

Some of the homes seem more personal than others, such as that of Raoul Hague, perhaps because of the photos and other artifacts displayed on the walls. (All those clocks would have driven me insane. I’ve never understood the passion some people have for clocks.) Eliphante, the home built by Michael Kahn and his wife, Leda Livant, was created from repurposed materials, and is beautiful, even kind of magical (though slightly twisted too). I want to see more of this structure. That’s perhaps my only complaint about this film. I wish the camera would take us through every room of these structures.

Certain spaces and rooms and structures shown in this film have more of an impact on me than others. I’m particularly drawn to the spiral staircase of Wharton Esherick’s home. It has a natural and eternal feel. And there is a room in Crow House – the home of architect and painter Henry Varnum Poor – that I absolutely love. It’s the kind of place I want to create (or find) for my girlfriend and myself. There are dark beams against white in the ceiling, with a warm red archway.

Art House is based on the book Artists’ Handmade Houses by Michael Gotkin and Don Freeman. Don Freeman directed the film, and also was the director of photography, still photographer, editor and producer of the film.

Special Features

The DVD contains a photo gallery, with the subject of each photograph identified clearly on the side of the screen. There are also short written biographies of the artists, of the documentary’s director, and of Alastair Gordon.

Art House was released on DVD on April 19, 2016 through First Run Features.

DVD Review: Summer Of Fear

Down A Dark Hall was the book that turned me on to author Lois Duncan when I was in fifth grade. But Summer Of Fear was my favorite. I watched the made-for-television film when it was re-broadcast (I was too young the first time around, in 1978), though then under the title Stranger In Our House. While I don’t think I realized it had been directed by the same guy that made Last House On The Left (yes, I saw that movie when I was quite young), I certainly realized it starred the same girl that was in The Exorcist, and that was part of the film’s appeal. But the larger part of the appeal was its suspenseful tone, which felt faithful to the book. And now I’m finally getting another chance to enjoy Wes Craven’s film version of Summer Of Fear, thanks to the new DVD release by Doppelganger Releasing and Music Box Films.

Summer Of Fear tells the story of a young woman named Rachel (Linda Blair), whose life is upended by the arrival of her cousin Julia (Lee Purcell) after the sudden deaths of Julia’s parents. Julia is a stranger in her home, as Rachel, her parents and her siblings haven’t seen her in ten years. While they all try to accommodate who they assume is a grief-stricken relative, it isn’t long before Rachel begins to have her doubts about Julia.

Upon her arrival, Julia immediately starts complimenting Rachel on her possessions, running her fingers over the photograph of Rachel’s boyfriend. It could be innocent, but there’s a creepy vibe right from the start, with that shot of her fingers almost caressing the photo, lingering over it, and Rachel has to take the photo away from her. And then Julia lies down on Rachel’s bed, making herself at home, even after verbally turning down Rachel’s offer of that bed. While Rachel’s brother clearly has a crush on his cousin, not everyone is so happy to have the new houseguest. Sundance, Rachel’s horse, attacks her. And when Rachel discovers a human tooth among her cousin’s possessions, she begins to wonder about her. Rachel comes down with a sudden illness, and so has to miss a dance she’d been looking forward to. Julia takes her place, the dress that Rachel made strangely fitting her better than it had fit Rachel. Rachel makes some other discoveries, and it’s not long before she suspects her cousin might be up to no good.

This story is still frightening. The idea of someone taking over your life, your world, while those around you don’t see it is terrifying. Especially when you’re young, and you have no one to turn to, because the source of the horror is in your home, and those people you’d expect to protect you – your parents – deny the problem. This film is quite suspenseful. Also, it features an early performance by Fran Drescher. She plays Rachel’s friend, Carolyn. And there is a stunt with a horse that is still stunning to watch.

Special Features

The DVD includes a commentary track by Wes Craven and executive producer Max Keller. Max talks about how he started the project, and how they needed to have Linda Blair attached to it. That was why they changed the dog in the book to a horse for the film, as Linda Blair was fond of riding. Wes talks about how important this film was in his career, this being the first time he was able to shoot on 35 mm, and this being the film that got him into the Director’s Guild. Max mentions the two different versions of the film – the international theatrical edition is what is on this DVD, with the TV version sporting the other title, Stranger In Our House. It’s actually a really good commentary track, with plenty of interesting anecdotes, like about losing the horse footage on the day of shooting. And of course they discuss that crazy horse stunt. Wes says, “It was not planned for the horse to fall on top of her, but that’s what ended up happening.” Holy moly!

There is also a new interview with Linda Blair, in which she talks about the project, and about the process by which she gets a role. She talks about working with Wes Craven, and about her fellow cast members on this film. She mentions that the slap from Carol Lawrence (who plays her mother in the film) was real. She also talks about that stunt with the horse.

The special features also include a photo gallery and the trailer.

Summer Of Fear was released on October 10,2017 through Doppelganger Releasing and Music Box Films.

DVD Review: Lewis Black: “Black To The Future”

The world is a putrid, absurd, horrid mess at the moment. Everyone is aware of this, perhaps no one more so than comedian Lewis Black. Known for his rants, Lewis Black is – in my opinion – the best living comedian, and his particular bent, his particular humor is exactly what we need these days. He can express the anger we all feel in a way that eases tension rather than increases it. His new DVD, Black To The Future, captures a live performance that Lewis Black did at The Marquis Theater in New York last year during the time of the election, and in it he addresses both major candidates, as well as a variety of other topics. The DVD also includes a bonus performance from 2014, in which he fields questions from fans.

Lewis Black wastes no time and opens his show by reading a poll that said 13% of potential voters would rather have the world destroyed than have either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump become president. “The only good thing that has come out of this election cycle, quite honestly, is that it has made time seem longer.” Many people have commented on the fact that reality has gotten so far out of whack that satire almost seems unnecessary, that we are actually living the fucking joke. Lewis Black touches on this idea early on in the performance: “To be honest, having spent this year watching what’s going on, I have no idea what my job is anymore. Everyone in this room already has thirty Trump jokes that are probably better than any one that I thought of. What the fuck do you need me for?”

But of course we do need him, maybe now more than ever before. He addresses several important subjects, including guns and mental illness. He says: “I believe that we all learned about mental illness the same way that I did. I think we did that through dating.” Yes, absolutely. And he points out a sign of a widespread mental illness: “I read a while back that six hundred forty million dollars was spent by Americans purchasing Valentine’s Day gifts for pets. That’s the sign something’s fucking wrong.” Toward the end, he returns to the election, with some due dread. He rips into the risible idea that Donald Trump is a masterful businessman. “He bankrupted a casino,” he reminds the crowd. “I mean, that’s impossible, unless you locked the door and just stood in front.” I love when he tells the audience directly, “If you vote for Donald Trump, you’re going to go to hell.” And, yes, he talks about Hillary Clinton and offers his opinion on why everyone dislikes her.

The performance is approximately fifty minutes, and during the closing credits there is a shot of Lewis Black addressing someone who is leaving. I wish that whatever led to that moment was included. By the way, Grateful Dead fans will be interested to know that this special was directed by Justin Kreutzmann, Bill’s son.

Bonus: The Rant Is Due

The DVD includes a second performance in which he answers questions from his fans, moderated by Kathleen Madigan, who sits off to the side, drinking wine. Lewis Black says, “I can’t drink because then the anger becomes real.” Before fielding questions, he talks about trying to get his 95-year-old mother to watch the special online. “My mother can’t sleep at night because she’s trying to rearrange the universe in her own image.” The first question he’s asked is about social media, which sets him off on a delightful rant, one which I especially appreciate. He points out that Facebook and Twitter aren’t media. “A newspaper is media. This is like a collection of fucking scrapbooks and shit.” He also answers questions about marijuana, teaching, different countries and running for political office. This performance was filmed at The City Winery in Napa, California in 2014, and is approximately fifty minutes.

Lewis Black: Black To The Future was released on October, 13, 2017 through MVD Visual.

DVD Review: Cinematic Titanic: The Complete Collection

In 1999, Mystery Science Theater 3000 came to a close (sort of), and a void was left, a void that needed to be filled by people talking back to the screen during bad movies. And in 2007 along came Cinematic Titanic, created by some of the same folks responsible for bringing us MST3K. So we were lifted from our despair. Sure, there were some changes. There were no robots, and this time they seated themselves in the bottom corners of the screen, and they basically got right into the film rather than doing invention exchanges and so on. But it felt familiar and it felt right. And we had a female voice added to the mix. For this series, there are five people riffing instead of three: Trace Beaulieu, Frank Conniff, Joel Hodgson, Mary Jo Pehl and J. Elvis Weinstein. Cinematic Titanic: The Complete Collection gives us all twelve episodes – both the studio recordings and the live recordings – on six discs, plus a couple of bonus features. Fans of Mystery Science Theater 3000 should certainly appreciate this set.

1. The Oozing Skull

One of the opening credits for The Oozing Skull reads, “Hemisphere Pictures,” leading the group to joke, “We’ve got half a mind to make a movie.” A doctor in the film tells a man, “As soon as you are passed away, your body will be flown to the United States.” The gang adds, “Coach.”  The doctor describes a new tool by saying, “It has permitted me to cut through the skull without damaging the brain.” The gang adds, “What we do is go through the feet.” When a midget on screen says, “He won’t get far on foot,” the gang responds, “But he’s using both feet.” The joke about “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’” had me in tears, I was laughing so hard. While they don’t have non-movie segments, they do pause the movie a few times, once to do a joke about Al Hirt. As in Mystery Science Theater 3000, there are plenty of pop culture references. In this episode, they refer to The Benny Hill Show, M.A.S.H., THX-1138, West Side Story, The Lovin’ Spoonful and David Bowie.

2. Doomsday Machine

The opening of this episode acknowledges the lack of robots in the series. Then later there is a joke about the MST3K robots. When we see the doomsday machine, someone comments: “A gumball machine head on a robot? I’m sorry, that is lame.” Doomsday Machine stars Casey Kasem, so yes, there are plenty of jokes about countdowns and various songs. It’s a particularly bad film. An opening title reads, “Executive Producer Oscar L. Nichols,” and Mary Jo Pehl points out, “That’s the only Oscar this movie gets.” They stop the film a couple of times during this episode, and they make references to Get Smart, The Jetsons, Star Wars and Planet Of The Apes. “You’re ruining the apocalypse for everyone.”

3. The Wasp Woman

In the brief introduction, they give a bit of information on the film. And during the film’s opening credit sequence, when Roger Corman’s name appears on screen, they say, “Hey, directed by Corman, so you know that was three days well spent.” The cheap aspect of the film is fodder for riffing throughout. When one character says, “Now I see how you built all this,” Mary Jo Pehl responds, “Three non-union stagehands and a case of beer.”  During a pointless driving scene, Mary Jo Pehl says, “Maybe they could drop us off near a better film.” Yes, Mary Jo seems to have most of the best lines in this one. There are references to Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Star Trek and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. They stop the film twice.

4. Legacy Of Blood

As with The Wasp Woman, a bit of information on the film is given at the beginning. When a character begins his speech with the word “Dead,” the group quips, “I would have gone with ‘Hello.’” As a recording of the will is played, we hear the deceased say, “Greetings from beyond the grave.” The gang adds, “Wish you were here.” And when we see a low angle shot from the coffin, they joke, “Furthermore, I want the camera man buried with me.” Over an exterior shot of a house, they riff, “The house that plot forgot.” When one character says, “Igor and I have placed the bodies in the garage,” the gang adds, “And modified them for street racing.” One of my favorite lines from the gang is “She’s wearing her day-for-nightgown.” When a human head is discovered, Mary Jo Pehl says, “Let’s go put this in a horse’s bed,” a reference to The Godfather. There are also references to Annie Hall, Chinatown, Meat Loaf and Frank Zappa.

5. Santa Claus Conquers The Martians

During the introduction, the gang does make reference to the fact that Mystery Science Theater 3000 already tackled this movie. Joel says, “Some of us have seen this movie before.” And Trace runs off when he is told the movie’s title. When a reporter says about Santa, “I’m sure he’d like to say a few words to you kids,” the gang adds, “Despite the court order.” As we see two elves working, the gang quips, “Do you really think Santa can find enough elves in India to do this job?” And when a Martian says, “Desperate problems require desperate deeds,” they respond, “Like the Patriot Act.” I also appreciate their rip on Ann Coulter. They stop the movie just once. There are references to Star Wars, Star Trek, Lost In Space, Monty Python’s The Meaning Of Life, Diff’rent Strokes, Steve Miller and Bob Dylan. And, hey, “Why would the real Santa travel with a fake beard?”

6. Frankenstein’s Castle Of Freaks

The opening scene features some sort of cavemen fight, leading the gang to joke, “Rock beats skull every time.” A credit for “Boris Lugosi” leads them to ask, “They couldn’t get Bela Karloff?” After a character stumbles through a line, the gang says, “Ten more minutes with that script and I would have had this scene down.” When Frankenstein tells a midget “You have to leave,” the gang quips, “We’re upsizing.” And when Frankenstein says “I brought a human being back to life,” the guys add, “Like Tarantino did with John Travolta.” They also offer this observation: “You never see a hunchback in a management position.” They stop the film just once. There are references to Gilligan’s Island, Monty Python’s Flying Circus, The Hills Have Eyes and Return Of The Jedi. There is also a reference to Mystery Science Theater 3000.

7. Blood Of The Vampires

When a guy on screen says “You know you almost took my breath away,” the gang adds, “When you held that pillow over my face.” The movie was dubbed into English, and the gang has a lot of fun with that aspect of it, joking “Don’t mind my voice and lips acting independently.” Also, there are characters in black face, which the gang can’t help but make fun of: “I’ve got to be careful not to sweat off my ethnicity.” When a female character says “We have to face certain things,” the gang adds, “Ridiculous, B movie things.” As one character whips his undead wife, the gang quips, “I’m ready for my close-up, Mr. DeSade.” The guys also joke, “I may be undead, but I’ve never felt more unalive.” When a vampire pushes a woman against a tree, the gang jokes, “Ouch, the bark is worse than his bite.” This is a particularly good episode, with references to Star Wars, Fight Club, The Warriors, Citizen Kane, Seinfeld, and Sanford And Son. They stop the film once to drink.

8. East Meets Watts

This is the first of the Cinematic Titanic Live episodes. Joel Hodgson gives a brief introduction about Mystery Science Theater 3000, and introduces the other four riffers, who arrange themselves in a similar configuration as on the other episodes. Now they’re not just silhouettes, but are lit, and we can see their notes at times. It appears that they’re facing the audience, but that is just some movie magic happening. Of course, as it’s a live performance, we can hear the audience laughing. And yes, the cast members stumble over a few lines, but this is still one of the best episodes. As a Chinese fighter wanders the streets of San Francisco, the gang jokes, “You know he’s out of his element when Chinatown seems foreign too him.” When a character exclaims “Right on,” the gang explains, “That’s seventies for ‘I encourage such behavior.’” East Meets Watts is a terrible film, and so of course ends up being one of the funniest episodes. At one point, two characters jump onto the back of a truck, then jump off it, only to frolic in the woods for a while before jumping onto the back of another truck. That leads the gang to joke, “Okay, this is our big chance to do a scene-by-scene recreation of the previous twenty minutes of this film.” They add, “The cutting room floor must have been clean as a whistle.” And I was once again in tears, I was laughing so hard during the mute girl stuff. When one character says “You know the penalty for acting without instructions,” the gang responds, “I think everyone in this movie is acting without instructions.” That line gets applause from the audience. There are references to Neil Diamond, Journey and The Monkees. By the way, they do not stop the film during the live episodes.

9. The Alien Factor

The Alien Factor gets so much so wrong. As the gang points out at the beginning, “Has there ever in history been a two-door cop car?” Mary Jo Pehl adds, “That police car has a definite my-brother’s-going-to-kill-me-if-we-don’t-have-it-back-by-six quality to it.” As another car pulls up, she quips, “I’m surprised they didn’t write ‘Ambulance’ on the side with a Sharpie.” There’s a really funny bit when suddenly the movie switches to three children playing with a ball in slow motion. When the cops come to the conclusion that a bear couldn’t be the killer, the gang jokes, “Well, it saves me having to go undercover in a bear suit.” When a large car pulls into the shot, they joke: “That’s no moon. That’s a space station wagon.” There are also references to Animal House, The Dukes Of Hazzard and Happy Days.

10. Danger On Tiki Island

Ah, the title of this movie has a different meaning after the recent Trump Nazis’ use of Tiki torches. Can you imagine an entire island of those bastards? During the opening titles, the gang quips, “Independent-International: protecting you from quality movies since before cable.” When a girl on screen says “I’ve never seen so many sad faces,” the gang responds, “Can she see the audience?” And when she says “It’s so peaceful here,” the guys add, “Especially during my long, awkward pauses.” They often poke fun at the acting ability (or inability) of the cast. When a girl says “You couldn’t possibly believe that, could you,” they answer, “Not based on that read, no.” And later they joke: “I really thought I was going to die. Is that what acting feels like?” When a guy says he’s thinking of setting a trap for the monster, the guys add, “I need a virgin, a piece of string and a cardboard box.” There are references to Time Bandits, The Eyes Of Laura Mars, Flashdance, Little Shop Of Horrors and Three’s Company. And there is a Mystery Science Theater 3000 reference as well. When we see an old lantern, the gang says, “Hey, it’s the wild west Tom Servo.”

11. War Of The Insects

This time the introduction is not done by Joel. This is another incredibly bad movie, and so an incredibly funny episode. At the beginning, as two characters look up to see a plane overhead, the gang jokes, “Maybe there’s a better movie showing on that flight.” When once character asks “What the hell’s happening,” the gang replies, “Nothing realistic.” It’s a Japanese film, and at one point the guys ask, “Why is the American actor being dubbed?” A shot of two characters sleeping leads the gang to comment, “Finally, a scene the audience can relate to.” There are references to Popeye, The Love Boat, Neil Young, Air Supply, The Doors and The Strawberry Alarm Clock. The gang also makes the same reference to Tom Servo they did while watching Danger On Tiki Island.

12. Rattlers

Joel doesn’t do the introductions for this episode either. The opening shot of the film shows a sun over the desert, leading the guys to comment, “For your next vacation, escape to Tatooine.” During a shot in a school corridor, the gang presents this announcement: “All teachers, please relinquish your collective bargaining rights to the office” (that line gets a cheer from the audience, and would be appreciated by my parents as well – if I could get them to watch this, that is). When a cop tells a scientist, “Friday, say about noon,” the gang responds, “Yeah, let’s just ease into the murder investigation.” When a woman says, about her mother, “And it seemed every night she came home, she aged another year,” the gang explains, “Because she only came home once a year.” Like the rest of the films the Cinematic Titanic gang ridicules, this one features some less-than-stellar performances. When one woman says “Look, I guess I’m acting silly,” the guys respond, “You are acting?” This episode features references to The Warriors, The Sixth Sense, M.A.S.H., Apocalypse Now, Dr. Who, Raiders Of The Lost Ark and Monty Python’s The Meaning Of Life.

Special Features

The first disc includes A Look Back With J. Elvis Weinstein, an interview with Weinstein, in which he talks about the origins of Cinematic Titanic, his working relationships with the others of MST3K, and about the live performances.

The sixth disc includes Between The Riffs, which features interviews with all five cast members – Joel Hodgson, Mary Jo Pehl, Trace Beaulieu, J. Elvis Weinstein and Frank Conniff. They talk about the live performances, about what makes a bad movie, and about each other. This feature also includes interviews with some fans who attended the live performances.

Cinematic Titanic: The Complete Collection was released on August 8, 2017 through Shout! Factory.

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.