Tune-in to 99.9

99.9 (Blu-ray Review)

1997 / 111 min

FROM CULT EPICS

Review by Josey, the Sudden Cat🙀

One of the cooler things about this gig is having the opportunity to discover older films that somehow escaped my radar. And even though I’m fairly well-versed in the horror genre, I must confess I’d never previously heard of 99.9, even though it’s 24 years old. For that, I blame my local Blockbuster, which hardly ever carried foreign films, to say nothing of foreign horror films.

That being said, 99.9 is a dark, atmospheric gem..

The title refers to a radio station where Lara (Maria Barranco) is the host of a paranormal phone-in talk show. Following the mysterious - and violent - death of her estranged boyfriend, she receives a videotape he made of bizarre experiments he was conducting in a rural Spanish village. Lara goes there hoping to learn more about what happened, only to find the village mostly abandoned, and the creepy house where the experiments took place has a pretty nasty reputation for killing people.

Lara learns her auto warranty is about to expire.

But don’t start assuming this is just another haunted house story. It's far more intriguing than that. The owners of the place had their mother, Delores (Terele Pavez), committed for claiming the numerous faces in the walls are actually alive. We see those faces often as the story unfolds...sometimes clearly, other times barely visible. Either way, they’re visually unnerving, kind of like when you start seeing faces in the stucco if you stare at the ceiling long enough. In fact, a creepy atmosphere hangs over the entire film. Aided by truly impressive cinematography, 99.9 almost has the look and feel of folk-horror.

In addition to the unique assortment of oddball characters - only Lara seems to have her head screwed on right - the initially languid tone & pace slowly ramps up the tension, culminating in a climax that’s both disturbing and grotesquely funny. Best of all, this is a smart film, with interesting, unpredictable plot revelations. Therefore, 99.9 is highly recommended for adventurous horror lovers.

EXTRA KIBBLES

“THE MAKING OF 99.9” - Vintage featurette.

INTERVIEW WITH DIRECTOR AGUSTI VILLARONGA 

ISOLATED MUSIC SCORE

TRAILERS - From various Agusti Villaronga films.

BLU-RAY & DVD COPIES

KITTY CONSENSUS:

PURR-R-R...LIKE A GOOD SCRATCH BEHIND THE EARS.

LEGEND (1985): More of Ridley's Revisions

LEGEND Limited Edition (Blu-ray Review)

1985 / 98 min (Theatrical Cut) / 113 min (Director’s Cut)

FROM ARROW VIDEO

Review by Stinky the Destroyer😼

I’m a big fan of Ridley Scott. Alien, The Martian and Black Hawk Down are among some of my favorite films. At the same time, you’re looking at the one guy who hated Blade Runner and thinks Gladiator is one of the worst films to ever take home a Best Picture Oscar. But that’s what makes him interesting. The content and quality of his films vary so wildly that even most of his failures are somewhat fascinating. 

Of course, ‘failure’ is a relative term. Take 1985’s Legend, for instance. Like Blade Runner, it was a box office dud upon release, but has since developed a cult following, albeit on a much smaller scale. The film was similarly dismissed by most critics at the time, though unlike Blade Runner, nobody’s retroactively mistaking this one for a masterpiece. 

But you can always tell when a Ridley Scott film has a significant fanbase because there will inevitably be a Director’s Cut, often supervised by Scott himself. Only George Lucas is more notorious for tinkering with his own movies. However, I have to admit that his post-release meddling has occasionally resulted in a better film. I still think Blade Runner sucks, but must admit his 2007 Final Cut (so far) is at-least watchable. 

Likewise, Legend’s 2002 Director’s Cut is something of an improvement, though still doesn’t address the film’s most glaring issues, most notably the generic story, laughable dialogue and a complete lack of interesting or original characters. However, the ending is more intriguing and Jerry Goldsmith’s majestic score better suits the story than Tangerine Dream’s new-age synths used in the theatrical version. There’s also a lot to love elsewhere - in either version - such as the lavish production design and Rob Bottin’s fantastic make-up work. 

"Who left the goddamn Legos on the floor!"

And whether anyone wants to admit it or not, Tom Cruise (looking like a 15-year-old) is actually pretty good. Before he became a box office phenom, there was always something endearingly earnest about his performances. I wish I could say the same thing about Tim Curry, who plays the Lord of Darkness. I know his performance has received praise - and he does attack the role with gusto - but his face and unique mannerisms are buried under so much make-up that the character could have been played by anybody. On a somewhat related note, I can’t help but think Lord of Darkness somehow influenced the depiction of Satan in Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny.

The coolest thing about this new set is that both versions of the film are included, and there are enough significant differences between them that fans should have a good time concluding which is superior (if they haven’t already done so). Additionally, there are the usual bells and whistles that have become hallmarks of Arrow’s Limited Edition series...plenty of new & archival bonus features, a poster, lobby cards, photos, a meaty booklet and gorgeous packaging. 

For those who love the film, this is a must own. For Ridley Scott fans, the significant changes and supplements might be interesting enough to warrant a purchase. For everyone else...why are you still reading this?

EXTRA KIBBLES

THEATRICAL & DIRECTOR’S CUTS

“THE DIRECTORS: RIDLEY SCOTT” - An hour-long documentary on director Ridley Scott.

“CREATING A MYTH: MEMORIES OF LEGEND” - Another lengthy retrospective doc, featuring interviews with cast & crew.

FEATURETTES - “Remembering a Legend” (new featurette); “Incarnations of a Legend” (a look at differents version of the film); “The Music of Legend, Parts 1 & 2” (one for each individual score); “The Creatures of Legend, Parts 1 & 2” (Illustrations & make-up effects); Orihinal promotional featurette.

2 ISOLATED MUSIC TRACKS - 1) By Tangerine Dream; 2) Isolated music & effects track.

2 AUDIO COMMENTARIES - 1) By Ridley Scott (director’s cut); 2) By Paul M. Sammon (theatrical cut).

ALTERNATE SCENES & FOOTAGE - Includes a 10-minute alternate pening and a 90 second TV version opening.

8 STORYBOARDS

2 DRAFTS OF THE SCREENPLAY - First draft & shooting script.

4 TRAILERS & TV SPOTS

3 IMAGE GALLERIES

59 PAGE BOOK - Includes 3 essays, a book excerpt from the original screenwriter, textual interview with DVD producer Charles de Lauzirika, original production notes, Ridley Scott notes on the 2011 Blu-ray, cast, crew & restoration credits.

10 GLOSSY PROMOTIONAL PHOTOS 

6 LOBBY CARD REPLICAS

2-SIDED POSTER - With new and original artwork.

REVERSIBLE COVER - With new and original artwork.

KITTY CONSENSUS:

NOT BAD. THE MOVIE IS MIDDLING, BUT THIS SET IS LOADED.

INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS in Glorious 4K

INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS (4K UHD Review)

2009 / 153 min

FROM UNIVERSAL

Review by Tiger the Terrible😺

In this writer’s humble opinion, Quentin Tarantino is our greatest living filmmaker. Sure, it’s fashionable in certain snob circles to dismiss him as a brash rip-off artist who’s made millions by raiding the past. But hey, The Beatles were the sum of their influences, too, and with the possible exception of Chuck Berry, no one ever bitched about it. 

Previous films and directors - both legendary & obscure - may inspire Tarantino, but like the Fab Four, his work bears his own indelible stamp. Each displays an unadulterated love of movies and his enthusiasm is contagious. His best remains Pulp Fiction, but it’s been damn fun watching him try to top himself and it’ll indeed be a sad day indeed if he ever makes good on the threat to retire after 10 films.

If Pulp Fiction is his best, Inglourious Basterds runs a close second. Not-so-much a war film as a celebration of the genre - particularly the European variety - it’s a brilliantly written piece of revisionist history, peppered with some of Tarantino’s liveliest dialogue. Naturally, he didn’t do it all alone. Perhaps more than any previous film, a couple of brilliant performances (by Brad Pitt & Christoph Waltz) are every bit as important to its overall success. Though top-billed, Pitt ain’t in the film nearly enough, while Waltz totally deserved his Oscar for Best Actor with a performance I never get tired of watching.

So of course the film is worth owning, but is it worth owning in 4K? That’s actually a tough question to answer. The original Blu-ray release already featured a pretty awesome video quality, so the differences between that one and this 4K picture are relatively small, mostly noticeable in the sharper facial details during close-up shots. Maybe someone with a better set-up than mine could argue otherwise. On the other hand, the 5.1 DTS audio is awesome.

Other than a digital copy, there aren’t any new bonus features. All of them are carried over from previous releases. Included on both the 4K and accompanying Blu-ray disc, they’re interesting and often pretty funny. But really, it’s only hard core videophiles who need to consider any kind of upgrade. 

EXTRA KIBBLES

4k, BLU-RAY & DIGITAL COPIES

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION - The best of the bonus features, Quentin Tarantino and Brad Pitt talk with moderator Elvis Mitchell.

THE NEW YORK TIMES TALKS - An hour-long Q&A

“NATION’S PRIDE” - The Eli Roth-directed short that served as the film shown in the French cinema during the final act.

FEATURETTES - “The Making of ‘Nation’s Pride’”; “The Original Inglorious Bastards” (a tribute to the film - and its director - that inspired the title); “A Conversation with Rod Taylor” (Taylor played Churchill in the film); “Rod Taylor on Victoria Bitters” (an amusing anecdote); “Hi Sallys” (something of a running gag during Tarantino shoots, in reference to editor Sally Menke); “Quentin Tarantino’s Camera Angel” (the director’s amusing clapboard operator).

VARIOUS DOMESTIC & FOREIGN TRAILERS

POSTER GALLERY

KITTY CONSENSUS:

MEE-OW! LIKE BEING TURNED LOOSE IN A BIRD SANCTUARY.

(though the disc itself is only recommended for big 4K fans)

UNIVERSAL CLASSIC MONSTERS: ICONS OF HORROR COLLECTION: Creepy Old Friends in 4K

UNIVERSAL CLASSIC MONSTERS: ICONS OF HORROR COLLECTION (4K UHD Review)

1931-1941 / 320 min (4 movies)

FROM UNIVERSAL

Review by Josey, the Sudden Cat🙀

Of course, we must all bow to the altar of these guys. Time, countless sequels, imitations, rip-offs, homages, parodies and re-imaginings may have dulled their ability to scare later generations, but horror as we know it today absolutely would not exist without them.

This set is aptly titled...no sequels or spin-offs with other actors stepping into roles made iconic by someone else...just the originals that started it all (and saved a studio): Dracula, Frankenstein, The Invisible Man and The Wolf Man. One would think 1932’s The Mummy would also be included, but never mind. What’s here is truly classic, and now presented in 4K...

...and all four films look marvelous. Sometimes the format doesn’t lend itself too well to older films - especially black & white ones - but here, the depth of some of the imagery is remarkable, especially noticeable in the foreboding landscape imagery present in Dracula and Frankenstein. In fact, those two titles benefit the most from the 4K treatment, though overall video quality of The Invisible Man is the biggest improvement over the previous Blu-ray (which was pretty good to begin with). The audio tracks are decent, as well, but not a discernible improvement over recent Blu-ray releases.

Only here for the beer.

And of course, it is always enjoyable revisiting these films, sort-of like hooking-up with creepy old friends. However, I’m looking at them a bit differently these days. Frankenstein is still great fun, but I’ve grown to appreciate the lavish production design and somewhat taboo-breaking elements (ah, the good ol’ pre-code days!). Dracula remains the most atmospheric, befitting its comparatively deliberate pace. But I have to say I had the most fun re-watching The Invisible Man, which not-only has many humorous moments I’d forgotten about, the visual effects are still damned impressive for an 88 year old film. For me, The Wolf Man is inferior to the others - I would have preferred The Mummy in its place - but the make-up and transformation effects are still nifty.

Each 4K disc - as well as the accompanying Blu-rays - comes with loads of bonus features (outlined below) about the films and Universal Studios’ history with the horror genre. None of them are new, but all are worth checking out. Ultimately, the main reasons to consider this set are purely aesthetic. All of them look great in 4K and the packaging is cool (though they should have gone with traditional disc trays instead of cardboard sleeves). It goes without saying that all four films belong in any serious horror fan’s collection, and if one hasn’t yet done so, going with this one makes the most sense.

EXTRA KIBBLES

4K, BLU-RAY & DIGITAL COPIES

Dracula

SPANISH VERSION - Filmed concurrently with the English version.

FEATURETTES - “The Road to Dracula” (a history of the film’s production and influence); “Lugosi: The Dark Prince” (an appreciation of the horror icon); “Dracula: The Restoration”

ALTERNATE SCORE - Composed by Phillip Glass, this is an interesting feature, which provides an effective modern score to a film that was largely bereft of one.

2 AUDIO COMMENTARIES - 1) By historian David J. Saul; 2) By screenwriter Steve Hberman.

DRACULA ARCHIVES - Gallery of promotional artwork & production stills

MONSTER TRACKS - Pop-up trivia feature (I’ve always loved these).

TRAILERS - For Dracula and some of its sequels/spin-offs.

Frankenstein

FEATURETTES - “The Frankenstein Files: How Hollywood Made a Monster” (a history of the film’s production and influence); “Karloff: The Gentle Monster” (an appreciation of the horror icon); “100 Years of Universal: Restoring the Classics

UNIVERSAL HORROR - By far, the best of the bonus features, this is a 95 minute feature-length documentary of the studio’s horror history. Hosted by Kenneth Branagh.

2 AUDIO COMMENTARIES - 1) By historian Rudy Behlmer; 2) By historian Sir Christopher Frayling.

“BOO!” - Short comedy film.

FRANKENSTEIN ARCHIVES - Gallery of promotional artwork & production stills

MONSTER TRACKS - Pop-up trivia feature.

TRAILERS - For Frankenstein and some of its sequels/spin-offs.

The Invisible Man

FEATURETTES - “Now You See Him: The Invisible Man Revealed!” (a history of the film’s production); “100 Years of Universal: Unforgettable Characters” (not just horror characters).

AUDIO COMMENTARY - By historian Rudy Behlmer.

PRODUCTION STILLS

TRAILERS - For The Invisible Man and Invisible Agent.

The Wolf Man

FEATURETTES - “Monster by Moonlight” a history of the film and its sequels, hosted by John Landis, who I personally find insufferable); “Pure in Heart: The Life and Legacy of Lon Chaney Jr” (the guy had a wild, tumultuous ride); “The Wolf Man: From Ancient Curse to Modern Myth”; “100 Years of Universal: The Lot”; “He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce” (wonderful doc about the legendary make-up artist).

AUDIO COMMENTARY - By historian Tom Weaver.

THE WOLF MAN ARCHIVES - Gallery of promotional artwork & production stills.

TRAILERS - Trailers for various horror films, mostly werewolf related, including The Wolf Man.

KITTY CONSENSUS:

MEE-OW! LIKE BEING TURNED LOOSE IN A BIRD SANCTUARY.

THE AWAKENING (2011): Old School Ghosts...Literally

THE AWAKENING (Blu-ray Review)

2011 / 108 min.

FROM COHEN MEDIA GROUP

Review by Josey, the Sudden Cat🙀

Florence (Rebecca Hall) is an author and professional ghost hunter. However, she doesn’t actually believe in the supernatural. Instead, she’s become somewhat famous for exposing the fakery behind so-called hauntings around England in the 1920s.

When teacher Robert Mallory (Dominic West) invites her to a boarding school to investigate a supposed haunting that may have resulted in a student’s death, she’s initially reluctant. Florence finds no joy in being a professional skeptic, which for-some-reason has taken an emotional toll and hasn’t exactly endeared her to people. But of course, there’d be no movie if she didn’t change her mind.

Though Florence utilizes a variety of interesting gadgets to find a rational explanation for the strange occurrences, this time there's a real ghost lurking the halls, presumably a young boy who was murdered years earlier. It’s a revelation that’s almost too much for Florence to handle, for reasons which become an important component of the narrative when the spirit’s ultimate purpose is eventually revealed. 

"That would be the couple upstairs. Sounds like they've made up again."

Deliberately paced but very atmospheric, The Awakening plays its story close to the vest, using the first half to effectively establish the key characters and setting, the latter being a labyrinthine mansion converted into a school. With most of the kids sent home with their parents, the empty rooms and drab decor are quietly unnerving. Along the way, there are many effectively chilling moments - including a knock-out sequence involving a dollhouse replica of the mansion - few of which rely on special effects or cheap jump scares.

The final act features surprising, unpredictable plot turns that are smartly realized, though might be considered a little anticlimactic to horror fans weaned on visual flash. But contextually, any other approach would negate the quiet tension established during the rest of the film. So while The Awakening is never flat-out terrifying, it’s consistently creepy.

EXTRA KIBBLES

FEATURETTES - “A Time for Ghosts”; “Anatomy of a Scene: Florence and the Lake”; “Anatomy of a SCREAM”; “Behind the Scenes”

INTERVIEW WITH DIRECTOR NICK MURPHY

DELETED SCENES

KITTY CONSENSUS:

PURR-R-R...LIKE A GOOD SCRATCH BEHIND THE EARS.

THE POOP SCOOP: Butt-Kicking Edition

Marvel Studios’ SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS on Digital November 12 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on November 30

Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings stars Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, who must face the past he thought he left behind and confront his father, leader of the dangerous Ten Rings organization. The film also stars Awkwafina as Shang-Chi’s friend Katy, Meng’er Zhang, Fala Chen, and Florian Munteanu, with Michelle Yeoh as Ying Nan and Tony Leung as Xu Wenwu. Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings debuts on all major digital platforms November 12 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on November 30. Marvel fans can enjoy never-before-seen bonus material including 11 deleted scenes and a gag reel. Beginning November 12, “one of Marvel’s best origin stories” (Sean Mulvihill, Fanboy Nation), Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings will be available to all Disney+ subscribers.

T2 arrives on 4K Steelbook from Lionsgate, exclusively at Best Buy 11/23

From visionary director James Cameron and iconic action star Arnold Schwarzenegger comes the 30th-anniversary release of TERMINATOR 2: JUDGEMENT DAY. Stunningly restored for modern viewers by Cameron himself, T2 arrives November 23rd on 4K Ultra HD™ Steelbook from Lionsgate, exclusively at Best Buy. It has been 10 years since the events of Terminator. Sarah Connor’s ordeal is only just beginning as she struggles to protect her son, John — the future leader of the human resistance against the machines — from a new Terminator, sent back in time to eliminate him while he’s still a child. Sarah and John don’t have to face this terrifying threat alone, however. The human resistance has managed to send them an ally, a warrior from the future ordered to protect John Connor at any cost. The battle for tomorrow has begun. Featuring all new artwork from artist Orlando Arocena and Tracie Ching, T2 will be available on 4K Ultra HD™ Steelbook at Best Buy for the suggested retail price of $27.99.

 

Donnie Yen’s RAGING FIRE on Blu-ray & digital November 23

Bong (Donnie Yen) is a highly respected hardline cop with a long history of success on dangerous cases. However, his past unexpectedly comes back to haunt him when a sting operation is attacked by a mysterious group of criminals led by Ngo (Nicholas Tse), his former protégé, a talented former officer who had once respected and admired Bong. However, a terrible mistake years prior landed him in prison, quickly turning the once rising star into a furious man with a grudge, and the will to destroy everyone who had wronged him—including his former mentor. A “blistering action/thriller exploring police corruption, violent regret, and all the heroic bloodshed you can handle” (Rob Hunter, Film School Rejects) and the last film from acclaimed action auteur Benny Chan (Shaolin, New Police Story), RAGING FIRE co-stars Patrick Tam (Master Z, Ip Man 3), Kenny Wong (New Police Story), Deep Ng (Stool Pigeon), Jeana Ho (The Grandmaster, Special Female Force), Angus Yeung, Bruce Tong, Henry Mak (Operation Red Sea), Yu Kang (Ip Man 3), German Cheung (The White Storm 2: Drug Lords), and Tony Wu Tsz Tung (Men on the Dragon); with special appearances by Lui Leung Wai (Flash Point), Simon Yam (Little Q, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life), Ben Yuen, Ben Lam (Flash Point, Police Story), Ken Low (Rush Hour), and Carlos Chan.