There so many quality genre releases on Blu-Ray and DVD in 2010.  The US label Shout Factory impressed with their releases of Elvis (John Carpenter, 1979), the Roger Corman cult  classics, such as Piranha (Joe Dante, 1978), Starcrash (Luigi Cozzi, 1978), Death Race 2000 (Paul Bartel, 1975), their fine Blu-Ray of The Stepfather (Joseph Ruben 1987) and television shows such as The Larry Sanders Show: The Complete Series, Street Hawk: The Complete Series and Max Headroom: The Complete Series.  Blue Underground continued their stellar work with such releases of Maniac (William Lustig, 1980), Vigilante (William Lustig,1983), Machine Gun McCain (Giuliano Montaldo, 1969) and Django (Sergio Corbucci, 1966).

But for me, the label of 2010 was without doubt Arrow Films.  Though many of their releases are not perfect for many, it is hard to believe that 2010 saw the release of such classic Italian horror as A Bay of Blood (Mario Bava, 1971), City of the Living Dead (Lucio Fulci, 1980) and Inferno (Dario Argento, 1980) on the Blu-Ray format as well as Day of the Dead (George Romero, 1985), Battle Royale (Kinji Fukasaku, 2000) Spirits of the Dead (Roger Vadim, Louis Malle and Federico Fellini, 1968) and Who Dares Wins (Ian Sharp ,1982).  They also released numerous other cult films on the DVD format.  Despite the niche market they target and the risk of low profits they continue to surprise with the titles they announce.  They show no signs of slowing down in 2011 as they will release many Argento and Fulci classics on Blu-Ray and their off-shoot label Arrow Academy will release Les Diaboliques (Henri-Georges Clouzot, 1955).  Keep up the good work Arrow.

Aside from the following two albums below, there really were few music releases in 2010 that captured my attention.  I went through my iTunes library and could only find five albums from 2010.  Two of those were stand-up comedy releases and other one was the disappointing recent album from the Old 97s. Here are my two favourites:

Grinderman 2

How silly of me to doubt that the follow up to the first Grinderman album would not be as good.  It follows on from their eponymous 2007 debut album with a number of excellent tracks, the standout for me being Palaces of Montezuma.  Bring on the third Grinderman album.

Howard James Kenny

Howard James Kenny was the support for Jonah Matranga at the Hare and the Hounds pub last year.  Normally support acts have to suffer people talking through their performace while they wait for the main act.  I expected to do this while waiting for Jonah but Kenny was truly captivating.  He had the crowd in silence as he used a variety of effects pedals and loops to produce some beautiful layered sounds.  At the end of the evening I purchased his album which comes highly recommended, not that I know where you can purchase it from.  Below is the song Good Fortune, taken from the album.

Were there any other quality albums that I missed out on last year?

 

British television has been severely lacking in imagination and variation for a number of years.  A quick surf of the channels will undoubtedly result in numerous reality television shows, reruns of Only Fools and Horses, lifestyle shows and Friends.  This is probably down to channels not wanting to take any economic risk, instead continuing to rely on the cheap production costs and reliable audiences offered by reality television programming.  However, if you want good quality television you have to look no further than the US.  HBO, Showtime and AMC continue to produce engaging and entertaining programming that trump everything the UK has to offer.  Here are some of my television highlights of 2010.

Breaking Bad

It is refreshing to see a television show that breaks convention; how can something that is so downbeat be so humourous and compelling?  Season three of Breaking Bad was broadcast in 2010 and it continues to be one of the best episodes on television. Bryan Cranston's portrayal of Walter White is deserved of the accolades he has so far received.  Season three had a number of standout episodes, particularly the Rian Johnson directed episode Fly.  Season four will be broadcast in the US in summer 2011.  Surely time must be running out for Walter White? 

Boardwalk Empire

Could the Martin Scorcese produced television show live up to the hype?  It most certainly did.  To say that the production values of Boardwalk Empire are high would be an understatment; it is easy to see how the budget for the show was spent.  The sets, costumes and acting are simply excellent.  Steve Buscemi is great, as expected, but Micheal Pitt certainly appears to be an actor to keep an eye on.

Modern Family

A lot of online reviewers surprisingly compare this sitcom to the hilarious Arrested Development.  Personally, I do not think that Modern Family comes close but it is still a consistently entertaining sitcom that has the least precocious child actors I have seen.

Carlos

I was tempted to include this in my list of favourite films but as it was initially a three part television mini-series that was edited into a film I am more inclined to include it here.  Highly engaging, this series delves into the life of terrorist Carlos the Jackal. After the fast paced two episodes the final episode is a lot slower, mirroring the life of Carlos as he becomes less significant.  Best viewed via Optimum's Blu-Ray that offers complete mini-series as well as the theatrical version.

Weeds

The best thing about Weeds is that it has not been afraid to change the situation of its characters in each season.  For me, season six has been one of the best seasons with many standout moments.  Justin Kirk as Andy Botwin, continues to to steal the screen and my imaginary love affair with Mary Louise Parker continues.  It will be interesting to see what the writers decide to do in the seventh season.

Eastbound and Down

Still working my way through this one.  Kenny Powers is one of televisions best characters.  'Nuff said.

The Trip

So far I have watched The Trip twice.  I had though that it was nothing more than an excuse for Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan to travel to the North of England, eat overpriced food and stay in good hotels.  This might be so but it is incredibly funny and beautifully directed by Michael Winterbottom.  The series has been edited into a film that will be released in the US.  I am curious to see how the film will be paced.

Entourage

After season six I had thought that Entourage was running out of steam.  Season seven was a pleasant surprise, dealing with the long expected crash of Vincent Chase as he dates porn star Sasha Grey and develops a a drug addiction.  Season eight will definitely be the last series and a feature film will follow.

The Walking Dead

Online buzz would have you believe that this was the greatest television show ever.  Well, it is not, but, it is still a good quality show that developed nicely over six episodes.  The Walking Dead was at its when the walking dead were used sparingly in episodes.  I was pleased to see the capable Brit actor Andrew Lincoln finally reach the big time. 

Mad Men

The much lauded show deserves all the praise it receives.  Season four continued to match the high standard of the previous seasons.  What will happen to the enigmatic Don Draper in season five?

How to Make It in America

This enjoyable Mark Wahlberg produced show was a pleasant surprise.  I am very much looking forward to season two.

In Treatment

I was surprised that HBO made a third season.  Season one was one of the best seasons of television I have ever seen but season two did not compare well.  Season three was better but still not reaching the high standards of the first season.  I do not expect to see HBO make fourth series.

The Inbetweeners

Not as consistent as the first two series but still incredibly funny in places. The forthcoming film which will follow the exploits of the characters as they go on holiday to Malaga promises many laughs.

Disappointments of the year

True Blood

Season one was great, season two was good, season three was awful.  The only highlight was the crazed, dandy vampire Russell Edgington portrayed by Dennis O'Hare.  The clip below was one of the funniest things I saw on television last year.

Big Love

What was one of the most original shows on television took a sudden turn for the worse in season four.  The change of the excellent credit sequence should have been an indicator.  Season five will be the final season, hopefully it will return to the quality of the first three seasons.

 

And now my favourite films of the year in no particular order.

Best films

Un Prophète (Jacques Audiard, 2009)

As perfect as a film can get. 

Mother (Joon Ho-Bong, 2009)

Joon Ho-Bong continues his streak of top notch thrillers.  It might not be as good as Memories of Murder (2003) but it is probably my favourite film of the year.  A must see.

Scott Pilgrim v.s. The World (Edgar Wright, 2010)

Enjoyable from start to finish.  It may not have done as well at the box office as anticipated but it is destined to become a cult classic.

Up in the Air (Jason Reitman, 2010)

Close to being my favourite film of the year.  George Clooney once again puts in a great performance as Ryan Bingham and Jason Reitman's direction is top notch.

The American (Anton Corbijn, 2010)

Reminiscent of a European made 1970s thriller, Corbijn's direction is faultless and Clooney continues to be one of the best actors around.  Highly recommended.

The Social Network (David Fincher, 2010)

I initially had my doubts but ultimately found this to be as good as everyone has said.  What else would you expect from Fincher and Sorkin?

Inception (Christopher Nolan, 2010)

According to a viewers Tweet that quoted in The Guardian, this film was popular because it made stupid people feel clever.  Yet further evidence of film snobbery.  A brilliant script.  A much better film than the overrated The Dark Knight (2008).

Fish Tank (Andrea Arnold, 2009)

Andrea Arnold's excellent follow up to Red Road (2006).  Challenging but rewarding.  Michael Fassbender is definitely an actor to watch.

Catfish (Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, 2010)

Fiction or non-fiction?  David Kalat's comments on the film, found over at the Video Watchblog, seem to be to be most plausible.  It is far too neat to be genuine but it is most certainly a memorable viewing experience.

Four Lions (Chris Morris, 2010)

Another brilliant satire from Chris Morris.

Honourable mentions

The Town (Ben Affleck, 2010)

By no means perfect and not as good as Affleck's first directorial effort Gone Baby Gone (2007) but still an enjoyable thriller.

Shutter Island (Martin Scorcese, 2010)

I loved the look of this film.  It is easy to see the influence Mario Bava has had on Martin Scorcese.

The Ghost (Roman Polanski, 2010)

Was the acting meant to be so exaggerated?  Still, another solid thriller from 2010.

Cyrus (Jay and Mark Duplass, 2010)

Hilarious!  Great performances from John C Reilly, Jonah Hill and Marisa Tomei.  It is quite obvious that the film is predominately improvised but this works in the films favour.

Guilty Pleasures

The Expendables (Sylvester Stallone, 2010)

Better than I had anticipated.  The perfect Saturday night action film.  No more CGI blood next time Sly.

From Paris With Love (Pierre Morel, 2010)

An OTT John Travolta armed with a bazooka.  What is there not to like? 

Machete (Robert Rodriguez and Ethan Maniquis, 2010)

I probably expected a little too much from this but like Planet Terror (2007) it is a fun filled tribute to the B movie actioner.  If anything, this film highlights how underrated an actor Jeff Fahey is.

Disappointment of the Year

Copout (Kevin Smith, 2010)

Awful.  Can Kevin Smith exist outside of the View Askewuniverse?  The unfairly treated Jersey Girl (2004) suggested so and Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008) was very funny but a little too much like a Judd Apatow film.  Perhaps his upcoming horror film Red State (2011) will be an improvement?

 

Upon compiling this list it suddenly dawned on me that my purchasing of DVDs has steadily decreased since the rise of Blu-Ray.  Here are my top ten DVD releases of 2010:

 

Kingdom of the Spiders (Bud Cardos, 1977) - Shout Factory (USA, Region 1)

William Shatner, toupe askew, trying to save the world from tarantula invasion.  What is there not like?  Shout Factory's release trumps all of the previous releases of this cult classic, proving numerous extra features.  The interview with Shatner is especially enjoyable.

The Larry Sanders Show: The Complete Series - Shout Factory (USA, Region 1)

Perhaps my favourite sitcom of all time, it was very pleasing to see Shout Factory purchase the rights to this show from Sony so that the complete series could be released on DVD.  Sony released the first season back in 2001 and announced that further seasons would not be forthcoming because of poor sales.  Shout Factory, easily one of the best independent labels at this moment in time, have done a great job here.  The extra features highlight just how many talented people were involved in the production of this show. Comedy does not get much better than this.

Dark Night of the Scarecrow (Frank De Felitta, 1981) - MPI (USA, Region 1)

 

I did not enjoy the film as much as I did when I first saw the film but this atmospheric is certainly deserved of more attention.  A solid DVD release from MPI.

 

 Hammer Films: Icons of Suspense Collection - Sony (USA, Region 1)

 

Though more commonly known for their gothic horror films, this excellent release from Sony compiles six of Hammer's little seen thrillers from the late 1950s and early 1960s.  I have not made my way completely through the set yet but the standouts so far are Cash on Demand, starring Peter Cushing and Andre Morrell, the much lauded The Damned and the gripping Never Take Candy from a Stranger.  Image quality is very strong indeed.  I cannot recommend this set highly enough.

 

Thriller: The Complete Series - Image (USA, Region 1)

 

After reports of Image Entertainment facing bankruptcy  I was under the impression that this release would not see the light of day.  The set may be some what over priced when compared to other releases of similar television shows but it is clear that Image awarded a lot of attention to this release.  Perhaps the best thing about this series set is that it allows the viewer to see how the show developed from crime thriller to horror.  Standout episodes for me are the Robert Bloch penned Yours Truly, Jack the Ripper and John Newland’s Pigeons from Hell.

 

So Sweet, So Dead (aka Rivelazioni di un maniaco sessuale al capo della squadra mobile , Roberto Bianchi Montero, 1972) - Camera Obscura,  (Germany, Region 0)

 

Not the best giallo but the release of any giallo in the current DVD market is very much welcomed.  Known more for its violence, So Sweet, So Dead is another of Camera Obscura's high quality releases.  The packaging is beautiful and the image quality strong, aside from the inserts used to present the film in its complete entirety.  The addition of an English audio track would have been appreciated but this is only a minor gripe.  I am looking forward to their future release of Tropic of Cancer.

 

Dear John: The Complete Series - Acorn Media (UK, Region 2)

 

Dear John has been long shadowed by John Sullivan’s much loved other show Only Fools and Horses and after a long wait the complete series was finally released by Acorn Media.  Acorn Media have not given this release much attention and it does suffer from the common enforced editing that plague many releases of television shows where clearance of musical rights has not been possible.  Still, it is good to finally see it available on the DVD format. 

 

A Lizard in a Woman's Skin (aka Una lucertola con la pelle di donna, Lucio Fulci, 1971) - Optimum (UK, Region 2)

 

The fourth version of the film that I own and I am pleased to say that it is the definitive release of Fulci's seminal giallo. The image looks excellent when upscaled to 1080p HD and improves upon other releases.  It would have been nice to see Optimum license some of the excellent extra features from the initial Shriek Show release, especially the exhaustive documentary by Mike Baronas and Kit Gavin.

Martin (George Romero)- Arrow (UK, Region 0)

 

I was pleased to see Mark Gatiss highlight this film during his superb History of Horror.   This is perhaps the best release of the film so far, offering the film in both 4x3 and 16x9 aspect ratios, the Italian Wampyr edit of the film and extensive special features. 

 

Video Nasties: The Definitive Guide - Nucleus (UK, Region 0)

 

I have been meaning to write a post dedicated to this release but I just haven't had the time.  This is probably my favourite DVD release of 2010.  Marc Morris and Jake West have put a lot of effort into this release and it shows.  The highlight of the release is the documentary Video Nasties: Moral Panic, Censorship and Videotape that highlights just how nonsensical the whole video nasties moral panic was.  The inimitable Martin Barker particularly stands out as he discusses the validity of the so called 'research' used to support the harmful effects of horror films.  Trailers for every video nasty are included and I enjoyed the extensive video label idents feature.   It is worth pointing out that Marc Morris was involved in the production of three of the DVDs I have identified in this list and many others.  His continuing dedication to restoring and releasing cult film is very much appreciated.

 

Disappointments

The major disappointment of the past year has been many of the on-demand releases from major studios.  I do believe that the on-demand model has the potential to work but studios need to rethink their current strategies.  Firstly, the prices are far too high, remember, these are DVD-Rs and not factory pressed DVDs, secondly, many titles are not restored and are therefore have poor image quality and finally they are hard for people outside of the US to import at a reasonable price.  Currently it appears to be nothing more than a cost saving exercise.

 

DVDs still to purchase 

 

Columbia Film Noir Classics Volume 2 - Sony (USA, Region 1) 

Film Noir Classic Collection Volume 5 - Warner (USA, Region 0) 

The Visitor (Giulio Paradisi, 1979) - Code Red (USA, Region 0) 

While the City Sleeps (Fritz Lang, 1955) - Exposure (UK, Region 0)

Another year gone.  It has been quite an intense year to say the least.  I moved house, dodged redundancy, almost chopped the tip of my finger off and made good progress on my PhD.  Over the coming week I will be posting lists of my favourite Blu-Ray discs, television shows, DVDs, magazines and music of 2010.  Firstly, I will be starting with my top ten Blu-Ray releases from 2010.  This has been quite a difficult list to compile.  There have been a number of quality releases in 2010, many being films that I would have not expected to see on the high definition format.  I should add that these are the Blu-Ray discs I enjoyed most over the past year, I am not one for purely focusing on picture quality.  Anyway, without further ado here we go, in no particular order:

The Night of the Hunter (Charles Laughton, 1955) - Criterion (USA, Region A)

After watching The Night of the Hunter it is almost inconceivable to think that Charles Laughton did not make another film.  Criterion present this classic in its original aspect ratio and lovingly restored; the grain really is a sight to behold.  The exhaustive extra features, including an almost three hour long documentary, help to contextualise this great film.  Disappointingly, I forgot to list this in my previous post on alternative Christmas films. 

Peeping Tom (Michael Powell, 1960) - Optimum (UK, Region B)

I first saw Peeping Tom a few years back and cannot say that upon my initial viewing I found it to be anything special.  Watching the Optimum Blu-Ray release was a revelation.  The format highlights the garish nature of the Eastmancolour film stock used by Powell and brings out so much detail.  The extra features discuss the controversial nature of the film and its subsequent reappraisal.  It is a pity that the Channel Four documentary A Very British Psycho (Chris Rodley, 1997), which is included on the Criterion US DVD, is absent but it appears that rights issues prevented its inclusion here.

Suspiria (Dario Argento, 1977) - Nouveaux Pictures/Cine Excess (UK, Region B)

Unfairly lambasted on numerous internet discussion fora for its boosted colours, this is still the best release of Argento's classic in any home video format.  After speaking with Xavier Mendik, who was responsible for this release, it is clear to see the amount of work that went into this release.  Okay, the colours might be harsh in some places but if Argento is pleased with this version, and according to Xavier he is, it is good enough for me.  Unless someone pays for a brand new 2k transfer of this film from the original negative and restoration, which would cost a large amount of money, I cannot see another release appearing that uses a different master.  The HD audio is pretty much perfect and I enjoyed the video essay extra feature that critically examines the film.  What will be your next release, Xavier?

Apocalypse Now (Francis Ford Coppola, 1979) - Full Disclosure Edition, Paramount (US, Region 0)

In a word: outstanding.  This contains the original theatrical version and the Redux rerelease in the original aspect ratio.  It also includes the much requested Heart of Darkness documentary.  I do not believe that the film is the greatest ever but it is certainly a unique viewing experience.  A must own for any film fan.

Django (Sergio Corbucci, 1966) - Blue Underground (US, Region 0)

Another transfer that has been oft criticised on internet fora.  Ignore any screenshots that you see online, in motion this disc looks fantastic.  The level of detail is staggering.  Another sterling release by Blue Underground.  Who would have thought that a low budget Spaghetti Western from 1966 would look this good?

Seven (David Fincher, 1995) - Warner (UK, Region 0)

Third time lucky.  The Canadian Blu-Ray looked good but was in the wrong aspect ratio.  The Dutch Blu-Ray also looked good, was in the correct ratio but lacked any special features.  The identical US/UK releases, however, are just right.  It trumps the aforementioned discs in every way possible.  Superlative!  Can now be found online for the bargain price of £7.99.

The Exorcist (William Friedkin, 1973) - Warner (UK, Region 0)

Seeing the opening sequence set in Iraq in HD is a sight to behold.  This the first film I ever wrote about academically and it still continues to fascinate me.  Friedkin's reedit The Version You've Never Seen (2000) is also included but the less said about that the better.  I was pleased to find that the original theatrical release was included without any of Friedkin's digital enhancements.  Can also be found online for the bargain price of £7.99.

The Evil Dead (Sam Raimi, 1981) - Anchor Bay (US, Region 0)

Again, how can such a low budget film look so good in HD?  Without a doubt, this is one of the very best transfers of the year.  Taken from a 16mm print, detail is excellent; the colours are particularly noticeable.  The usual extra features found on the seemingly infinite DVD releases of the film were included on a second disc as part of the initial printing of the Blu-Ray.  Unfortunately this is now out of print.  Avoid the UK release as it does not include the original full frame version of the film.

The Twilight Zone Seasons One and Two - Image (US, Region A)

Those who think that HD is suited for only recently produced colour films should take a look at these excellent sets from Image Entertainment in the US.  Episodes have been lovingly remastered and extra features are plenty.  The third season is due for release on February 15.

A Bay of Blood (aka Twitch of the Death Nerve/Reazione a catena, Mario Bava, 1971) - Arrow Films (UK, Region 0)

How could I not include a release from Arrow Films in my top ten list?  They have put so much effort in to releasing films that will be turning over small amounts of profit and lavished them with attention.  My enjoyment of A Bay of Blood was enhanced by this release of the film, making it now of my favourite top ten lists.  Picture quality is excellent but the sound is somewhat lacking.  However, this is not unique to this disc but is common to all DVD releases of the film thus far. I expect that the problem might lie in the track itself.  Extra features are plentiful and the alternate covers are very welcome as Rick Melton's artwork for this release is awful. 

Other worthy mentions:

Psycho (Alfred Hitchcock, 1960) - Universal (UK, Region 0)

The extra detail offered by HD makes it seem like you are watching the film again for the first time.  Perhaps this should have been in my top ten?  Another must own for the film fan.

Alien 2 Sulla Terra (Ciro Ippolito, 1980) - Midnight Legacy (US, Region 0)

This would have been in my top ten if it were not for the behavior of the label.  The transfer is simply breathtaking, for a zero budget Italian rip off of Alien it is amazing to see how this looks in HD.  Whilst the label has done an excellent job with this release, their prior comments about the Euro-Cult fan community were unnecessary and highly offensive and then reducing the price of the Blu-Ray disc by half price after stating that the initial price would not come down is not the best way to promote your label.  Still, if they keep on releasing rare Euro-Cult gems in such a stellar manner I will continue to purchase their releases.

Back to the Future Trilogy - Universal (UK, Region 0) and The Alien Anthology - Fox (UK, Region 0)

Paranoiac (Freddie Francis, 1963) - Eureka (UK, Region 0)

The Hammer film on the Blu-Ray format.  Gorgeous picture quality and a very good film.

Both quality sets that have excellent picture and sound quality.

Disappointment:

The Killer (John Woo, 1989) - Dragon Dynasty (US, Region 0)

I know that the Hong Kong film industry are not known for preserving their films but I cannot help but think that Dragon Dynasty could have done a better job here.  The lack of a progressive transfer is disappointing.  However, it is still an improvement on earlier DVD releases of the film, offering much more detail.  Dragon Dynasty's recent release of Hard Boiled (John Woo, 1992) was better.

I am still waiting to view the following discs which have received positive reviews:

The Complete Metropolis (Fritz Lang, 1927) - Eureka (UK, Region 0)
America Lost and Found: The BBS Story - Criterion (US, Region A)