NEW FROM THE WARNER ARCHIVE COLLECTION
Free And Easy (1930) – Buster Keaton’s first talking picture casts him as the small-town manager of beauty pageant winner Anita Page, hoping to hit the big time in Hollywood. The movie has been released on disc before (in the TCM Archives set The Buster Keaton Collection) but this disc throws in something extra: the alternate Spanish-language version entitled Estrellados. Like Universal’s Dracula, a second version of the film was created for the Spanish-speaking audience with an entirely different cast except for Keaton. This rarity has been something of a holy grail for Buster fanatics, making this release a very pleasant surprise.
Marine Boy: The Complete Second Season (1966-67) – The aquatic animated adventures of Marine Boy, Dr. Mariner and Splasher the dolphin continue in this three-disc collection.
Broadway Melody Of 1940 (1940) – Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell star in the fourth and final entry in the popular Broadway Melody series with classic songs by Cole Porter. Finally back in print, Warner Archive’s release includes the Our Gang short and featurette from the original 2003 DVD.
I’ll See You In My Dreams (1951) – Doris Day and Danny Thomas star in this musical biopic about Gus Kahn, writer of such songs as “Makin’ Whoopee”. The out-of-print 2007 DVD included a short and a Looney Tunes cartoon, both of which are included here.
The Year Of Living Dangerously (1982) – The eternally underrated Peter Weir directs Mel Gibson, Sigourney Weaver and Oscar winner Linda Hunt in this political drama. I’m glad this is available again but disappointed that it’s not on Blu-ray.
The World According To Garp (1982) – Robin Williams gives one of his best performances in this underappreciated adaptation of the John Irving novel, surrounded by a stellar supporting cast including John Lithgow and Glenn Close. Again, would a Blu-ray have been too much to ask?
NEW FROM 20TH CENTURY FOX CINEMA ARCHIVES
5 Fingers (1952) – James Mason stars as an ambassador’s valet turned spy, selling state secrets to the Germans.
Follow The Sun (1951) – Glenn Ford plays pro golfer Ben Hogan in this sports biopic.
The Great Profile (1940) – John Barrymore pokes fun at his own image, playing a legendary actor whose career has hit the skids thanks to his equally legendary drinking.
The Pride Of St. Louis (1952) – Another sports biopic, this one stars Dan Dailey as baseball star “Dizzy” Dean.
- Adam Jahnke