A roundup of 5 recently released discs
Casablanca 70th Anniversary restored Blu-ray, probably the essential of essentials, Classic Movies 101, etc. and for good reason. It’s a cool, smartly written, well-acted, swiftly moving romance that’s as fresh today as when it came out.
A Streetcar Named Desire: The Original Director’s Version, Blu-ray with 40 page book, with tons of extras like a Karl Malden commentary, trailer collection, 5 documentaries, Kazan documentary and outtakes. The play-turned-movie presented a tortured triangle of psyches, a conflict of past histories and new lives, established Brando’s screen image, garnered critical acclaim and looks fabulous on this Blu-ray.
A couple of super clean comedies released with all kinds of bells & whistles under the Universal 100th Anniversary special deluxe Blu-ray-book/DVD/digital copy collector’s Series …
Buck Privates: Vaudeville and radio comedy team Abbott & Costello in an early (and massive) hit that established them as bankable stars. Trying to escape the long arm of the law, they inadvertently enlist in the military, where signature hijinks (and Andrews Sisters tunes) ensue.
Pillow Talk . Doris Day, Rock Hudson, lots of bonuses, and behind the scenes featurettes in the story of the party line shared by a playboy and a decorator. Clean rom-com that got around the production code by suggesting sexy situations with split screens and double entendres, and relied on great chemistry between its stars.
Westward the Women. So, you’ve seen all those and want to discover something totally new? Then check out this must-see gem, a western directed by William Wellman. Robert Taylor ends up in charge of a wagon train of over 130 women he needs to guide out to California where they’ll marry up with an eagerly waiting valley full of single menfolk. What follows is comedy, tragedy, impressive female toughness and resourcefulness in the face of realistic troubles and obstacles, resulting in a memorable and touching film that will stick with you, whether you’re a fan of the western genre or not.
