DVD Review: Paramount Centennial Collection - The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance & El Dorado

Paramount has released the next two films in their exceptional Centennial Collection. This time they've brought us two films from The Duke's filmography and two fine examples of some great westerns: The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance and El Dorado.

These are both great films that were a joy to see for the first time. I remember when I was younger I had absolutely loathed the idea of a western. I wanted nothing at all to do with the genre. Somewhere along the way that changed and I found myself seeking out great western films. These two releases are prime examples of the genre.

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The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
Written by: James Warner Bellah and Willis Goldbeck
Directed by: James Ford
Starring: John Wayne, James Stewart, Vera Miles, Lee Marvin, Edmond O'Brien, Andy Devine, and Ken Murray.

Bonus Features: Commentary from Peter Bogdanovich featuring archival recordings from James Stewart and John Ford, Selected scene commentary from Dan Ford featuring archival recordings with John Ford, James Stewart, and Lee Marvin, The Size of Legends, The Soul of Myth: 7-Part featurette, Theatrical Trailer, galleries featuring Lobby Cards, Production, John Ford, and Publicity.

From the box:

Behind the camera? John Ford, a director whose name is synonomous with "Westerns." Gathered in front of it? An ideal cast - James Stewart, John Wayne, Vera Miles, and Lee Marvin. Now presented on two discs, with all-new special features, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance rides into town as a classic entry in the Paramount Centennial Collection. Director Ford brings us to the lawless frontier village of Shinbone, a town plagued by a larger-than-life nemesis (Marvin). Stewart plays the bungling but charming big-city lawyer determined to rid Shinbone of Valance, and he finds that he has an unlikely ally - in the form of a rugged, local rancher (Wayne). The two men also share the same love interest (Miles). But wen the final showdown becomes inevitable, one of the two will attempt to get the gunman...but the other one will wind up getting the gal.

The first of two John Wayne westerns released for this collection is The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. The film is fantastic. I can't believe that I waited this long to see it. I really need to take some time to journey back to the golden age of Hollywood film because I am missing a lot of quality films. This included.

We have a beautifully shot and exciting film with stellar performances from all involved. It makes me what to stop typing this and start writing my oft dreamed about western film. It's a shame that we can't get good westerns like this anymore.

Paramount has done a great job with this release. It looks and sounds great and it's loaded with really intriguing features, mainly the 7 part featurette mentioned above.

I really can't tell you enough how enjoyable this movie was. John Wayne is well, I can't say anything that hasn't been said a million times before. The guys incredible and I've been missing out all these years.

I'm going to need to do a John Wayne marathon followed by a John Ford marathon.



El Dorado
Written by:Leigh Brackett
based on the novel "The Stars In Their Courses" by Harry Brown
Directed by: Howard Hawks
Starring: John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, James Caan, Charlene Holt, Paul Fix, Arthur Hunnicutt, and Michele Carey

Bonus Features: Commentaries from Peter Bogdanovich, Richard Schickel, Ed Asner, and Todd McCarthy, Ride, Boldly Ride: The Journey to El Dorado: 7-Part Featurette, The Artist and the American West (1967) - Vintage Featurette, Behind the Gates: A.C. Lyles remembers John Wayne, Theatrical Trailer, Galleries featuring Lobby Cards and Production photos.

From the box:

Now a two-disc presentation with all-new special features, this Paramount Centennial Collection edition of El Dorado delivers the goods. Legendary producer-director Howard Hawks teams up with two legendary stars, John Wayne and Robert Mitchum, in a classic Western drama. Mitchum plays to perfection an alcoholic but gutsy sheriff who relentlessly battles the "Dark Side" of the Wild West - ruthless cattle barrons and crooked businessmen." The Duke gives an equally adept performance as the sheriff's old friend, one who knows his way around a gunfight. With a supporting cast that includes James Caan, Charlene Holt, Paul Fix, Ed Asner, and Ghristopher George, and filled with both brawling action and unexpected humor, El Dorado is pure gold.

And Pure Gold it is. El Dorado is the 9th film released in the Paramount Centennial Collection. It's just as good as Liberty Valance, if not better. This one seems a bit more epic to me for some reason. I can say that I never knew that Ed Asner had been in a western but he was great none the less.

This review could mirror the previous one completely. The acting was great here. The story flawless. It's gorgeously shot. A perfect western. Again, it makes me wish that this genre wasn't on life support. Maybe Clint will get back in the saddle and give us another gem to see. Someone out there has to be capable of making a western as good as El Dorado.

This set is also jammed with great features, including the vintage 1967 featurette The Artist and the American West and another 7-part featurette about the film.

I can't say that the set is comprehensive but it certainly feels that way.

Both of these films are fantastic chunks of a dying genre that I am extremely glad to have seen. They make me want to take on the task of revitalizing such an important genre that is filled with deep history and ripe for great exciting storytelling. All of which you get with these two releases.

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance and El Dorado are both available now on DVD. Here's hoping Paramount gives us a few more westerns to enjoy in their wonderful Centennial Collection.

RAWR(for more)

DVD Review: Paramount Centennial Collection - To Catch A Thief and The Odd Couple

Paramount continues its stellar Centennial Collection with the release of the sixth and seventh films: Alfred Hitchcock's To Catch A Thief and the Neil Simon scribed The Odd Couple.

These are two classic and timeless films that are honored here with 2 Disc special editions jammed with features. Featuring such Hollywood Gold as Cary Grant, Jack Lemmon, Grace Kelly, and Walter Matthau, these films are must own for anyone who loves that magic of the movies.

Click the Rawr! for the complete reviews!


To Catch A Thief
Written by: John Michael Hayes
Based on the Novel by: David Dodge
Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock
Starring: Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, Jessie Royce Landis, and John Williams

Cary Grant stars as a notorious jewelry thief John "The Cat" Robie who is forced out of his plush retirement in order to clear his name when a series of brash thefts strike the Riviera, all baring his signature style. With the help of an American heiress, he must catch the real thief in order to prove his own innocence.

One of the biggest hits of the 1950's, To Catch A Thief is a prime example of classic Hollywood Cinema at its best. It's exciting and charming, and made me wish for a James Bond film that starred Cary Grant.

The chemistry between Grace Kelly and Cary Grant is electric, despite his being some 25 years her senior. The two play well off each other and really take the film to another level.

Paramount has really treated this film well. It looks and sounds incredible, almost as if it was just produced. The 2-disc set is loaded with features including a commentary by Alfred Hitchcock historian, Dr. Drew Casper (How great is that name btw?), and numerous featurettes that touch on everything from Film Censorship to the writing and casting of the film. The set also includes the original trailer, photo galleries, film recommendations, behind the scenes, a featurette on Edith Head's years at Paramount, and more.

This is another great example of Hitchcock's brilliance. I hope we get more Centennial releases from him.

The Odd Couple
Written by: Neil Simon
Directed by: Gene Saks
Starring: Jack Lemmon & Walter Matthau

I never really understood the hype when Grumpy Old Men was released. I didn't really get the big deal of having Lemmon and Matthau back together on the big screen. I guess it was because I hadn't seen The Odd Couple.

The story surrounds to unlikely roommates, neat and neurotic Felix Ungar (Jack Lemmon) who was planning to kill himself after his divorce until he is saved by his friend and slob Oscar Madison (Walter Matthau) who invites Felix to stay at his home. Hilarity ensues.

Even some forty odd years after its release, The Odd Couple still ranks among the best of a genre that is pretty much started, despite all the imitators.

Paramount has also given this film the special treatment with a 2-disc set full of featurettes, photos, a trailer, and a commentary by the sons of the film's stars.

The film looks and sounds as good as the day it was first released in 1968 and the performances are as hilarious as they ever were. This is pretty much the origin of buddy movies so if you like that kind of movie that certainly grab this one.

I continue to be impressed by the care and respect Paramount puts into these Centennial releases. They're truly giving us some great films fully loaded with some great and informative features. Every release so far is a must own.

To Catch A Thief and The Odd Couple are available now along with the rest of the Paramount Centennial Collection.

The next releases in this stellar collection are going to be the John Wayne classics The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance and El Dorado which are due out next month.

RAWR(for more)

DVD Review: Funny Face

Another A+ Movie from the Paramount Centennial Collection. Funny Face, starring Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire is the fourth installment to this so far fantastic series.

Funny Face is not your typical musical, it's a witty romantic comedy that showcases great talent of our time. Fred Astaire gives a wonderful performance; if you haven't seen him act or dance you are missing out on what is truly a Hollywood legend. Audrey Hepburn gives another dazzling performance; I fall more in love with her in each movie that
I see.

One person that really stands out is Kay Thompson who plays the owner of the Fashion Magazine Quality. She brings attitude and wit to what could have been a very typical musical and romantic comedy. Some of these movies can drag on with song after song, or the same comedic formula that get tiring scene after scene. Kay Thompson jumps in at the right moment giving Funny Face the perfect balance to wit, music, comedy, and romance.

As always, Paramount packs in the special features which are nothing but dynamic in its scope of offerings. From a feature about Kay Thompson, to fashion, and of course a retrospective about Paramount in the 50's.

Funny Face is more than a movie about a shy bookshop clerk turned model who falls
in love with Quality fashion photographer, it's a lesson in cinema, fashion, music, and art.

And if nothing else, it's the source of those somewhat recent GAP commercials with Audrey Hepburn dancing in the "skinny black pant."

Funny Face is available on DVD now.

RAWR(for more)

DVD Review: Paramount Centennial Collection 1-3

Are you tired of the same drab movies the studios are shoving down our throats? Can't find a fix for your movie addiction? Perhaps are you feeling nostalgic? Well then...

Paramount Home Entertainment has released a new movie collection that may just rival Criterion dvd's. Showcasing their best films with remastered picture and an ocean of special features, Paramount Centennial Collection starts off with three Hollywood classics: Sunset Boulevard, Roman Holiday, and Sabrina.

First off: Sunset Boulevard. My take, a dark tale about screenwriter Joe Gillis (William Holden) trying to get his next gig, and by circumstance lands himself in a wasted away mansion owned by a loved but forgotten silent film actress Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson). The chemistry of these actors explodes on the screen, complimented no doubt by their co-stars Erich von Stroheim who plays Norma's butler, and script reader Nancy Olson, who at every turn tries to become a screenwriter herself.

The film is a masterpiece. And it is completed by its second disc full of special features. Whether its behind the scenes at Paramount, or insight into legendary actress Gloria Swanson, there is something for every palette. Even if you don't watch the special features, trust me, these are great.

Movie: Grade A+

Special features: Grade A+

Second, we have Roman Holiday. A cute and classic romantic comedy starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. This classic tale of a sheltered Princess falling in love with your average Joe doesn't disappoint. I must admit, it takes some time for it to pick up; however the charm and beauty of Audrey Hepburn keeps your attention until the story picks up.

Again, another Hollywood classic that should quite possibly be seen as required material before receiving your SAG card.

My only gripe is that the special features are a bit on the light side, but still are worth watching.

Movie: Grade A
Special features: Grade A -

Now, last but certainly not least: Sabrina.

Why the hell Hollywood felt the need to remake this movie with Harrison Ford and Julia Ormond I have no idea.

I've used this word before, but my goodness this is truly a masterpiece. Audrey Hepburn is a delight and was perfectly cast as the late bloomer Sabrina, who goes away to Paris to become a chef, only to return as a beautiful woman. Even her character is amazed at how much she has changed when greeted by "co-workers" and her employers.

William Holden and Humphrey Bogart play the wealthy Larrabee brothers who each fall in love with Sabrina. Whether its for the right or wrong reasons, they area joy to watch, and to see how the story plays out is exciting. I couldn't help but sit in my chair with a big goofy smile on my face as the the anxiety overwhelmed my senses.

While I appreciated the special features Paramount had to offer about the movie, I was a little disappointed by the "Audrey Hepburn: Fashion Icon" featurette. It started off with a wonderful look at Audrey Hepburn and her style in Hollywood cinema. But then switched to an uncomfortable fashion show of Hollywood Designers trying to emulate her style. It was just odd and misplaced, very unnecessary. For the same featurette, I would highly recommend the one in the Anniversary Edition of Breakfast At Tiffany's. It had more character and did well without the fashion show.

Movie: Grade A+

Special features: Grade B+

Now that I have babbled long enough, you can find theses DVD's in the Paramount Centennial Collection now in stores. Or preferably at your Pop Culture Beast Store.

The next two installments from this collection are Funny Face and Breakfast at Tiffany's slated for a January 19th, 2009 release.

Stay Tuned for more!

RAWR(for more)