Initially I was loathe to purchase this classic poliziottesco film on DVD for a third time but I am a sucker for limited edition packaging. It is pleasing to hear that this limited edition lenticular cover release by Shameless has already had its 1000 copy run ship to retailers meaning that if you want this limited edition cover you had better get an order in sooner rather than later. Being the first real release of a classic poliziottesco on DVD in the UK and that it appears to have sold rather well we might get to seem some of the other quality films in this cycle given a release.

It seems an age since Code Red announced that they would be releasing this former video nasty on DVD. It is also hard to believe that the UK distributor of the original VHS release of this film was imprisoned for 18 months. Code Red's release appears to be rather impressive. The film is presented fully uncut in both 4x3 and 16x9 versions. Only 100,000 units of this DVD have been pressed and Code Red appear to be quite confident that they will shift them. Optimistic maybe but I have my fingers crossed for them.

I first encountered Revenge of the Ninja at Olympia Video in Kings Heath, Birmingham during the mid to late 1980s.  Being an impressionable young movie fan, the cover art of the Guild VHS tape, which incidentally has been used for the Optimum DVD release, immediately caught my eye.  The exotic Ninja weaponry, suit and fire shooting from the hand would attract any curious pre-teen. 

This film became a mini-obssession for me.  Due to the Ninja weaponry this film fell foul of the BBFC and existed in two different versions: the heavily cut Guild tape and the ever so slightly less heavily cut Video Collection release.  Internet access and the advent of eBay allowed me to order the American VHS releases of the film.  Frustratingly both tapes were also missing footage.  I now had four versions of the film and not one of them was uncut.  The legendary uncut Dutch VHS proved elusive.  Then, MGM announced they were releasing the film on DVD in the US.  Though presented in full frame and not widescreen, the film was finally fully uncut.  All shuriken throwing, neck slicing, arm chopping, nunchaku action was present and more.  Curiously, the theatrical trailer, included as an extra feature on the disc, contains some footage not present in the final cut.

And now we have the UK Optimum DVD, which was released last Monday.  I was apprehensive to buy this as it was not made clear on websites whether it would 16x9 enhanced.  I am pleased to report that it is 16x9 enhanced, as shown in the screenshots above, and it looks pretty good.  A Blu-Ray would have been welcomed as a HD version is regularly broadcast on MGMHD in the US meaning that a HD master is available

Despite numerous viewings I still love the film.  It is incredibly well paced and though ridiculous features some excellently choreographed fight sequences.  The climatic roof top battle is very well shot against a mountain back drop in Salt Lake City, Utah.  If you like this film, this is version to own.

The first film in Cannon's Ninja series, Enter the Ninja (Menahem Golan, 1981), has also been released by Optimum but I have not purchased it yet.  I am more tempted by the HD version of the film which can be streamed from the iTunes store.  Expect a post in the next few weeks.

And finally my collection of the early years of Saturday Night Live on DVD is complete.

Giulio Questi's surreal giallo has been recently released on DVD in Italy. The good news is that it improves upon the Japanese DVD release by presenting the film in 16x9 enhanced widescreen. The picture quality is decent, not remastered but appearing to be a straight transfer from a print. The bad news is that there are is no English audio or English subtitles. Rumour has it that when the film was shown in UK cinemas, with Italian audio and English subtitles, the running time was 105 minutes. The running time of this DVD is 85 minutes. As far as I am aware, the longest version of the film appeared on German VHS. I have a fan DVD of the film that contains extra footage taken from this German VHS as extras. Sadly they are German audio only. The search for a complete release of Death Laid an Egg continues.

Okay, so it isn't as good as Hartley's previous documentary on Ozploitation, Not Quite Hollywood (2008) but this is still a fascinating interrogation into the economics of B Movie making. This DVD was released last week in Australia and contains extra interview footage as well as a complete film: The Muthers (1976). Disappointingly, the documentary which led to this documentary being made, The Search for Weng Weng, is not included. The good news is that Andrew Leavold, the director, will be completing the film for a future release.

I recently took advantage of SecondSpin's 20% off, plus free shipping sale to order these box sets from the States. I now only need the season four set to complete my collection of the early Saturday Night Live DVDs. I love the early sketches. Seeing Aykroyd, Chase, Belushi and Murray working together is a treat. Add excellent musical guests and you have the perfect entertainment. Below is one of my favourite Murray sketches.

I would give anything to go to Woodstock, New York and see a live Levon Helm Ramble. Helm is a true icon of popular music. Formerly of The Band, one of the most talented and greatest musical bands of all time, Helm is a survivor of heroin addiction and, most recently, throat cancer. He was told that he would never be able to sing again. Fortunately, he recovered and is currently in good health. His voice returned, slightly weaker than what it once was but still nevertheless his instantly recognisable voice, and he recorded the album Dirt Farmer. He followed this up with another great slice of Americana Electric Dirt. Helm is probably most well known for his Rambles. These are live performances at his home in Woodstock where he performs with family and a range of musical guests. Unfortunately, he has not brought his Ramble to the UK but this new DVD release captures a performance that was filmed for American television. It has a good setlist and has Helm in good voice and spirit. May 20 is recognised as Levon Helm Day in America. Long live this true musical legend.

For me, Doug Stanhope is the funniest stand-up comedian in the world. Forget the zero talent hack Michael McIntyre and his menial observational humour, this is what comedy should be: edgy, confrontational and meaningful. Stanhope is regarded by many as the new Bill Hicks. This is an unnecessary accolade that gets thrown around far too much, after all, there will only ever be one Bill Hicks and Stanhope is one of a kind. He is most certainly not for everyone but this new CD/DVD release sees him on top form, performing to a warm Oslo crowd. This is an unedited performance that is not polished and presents the genuine Stanhope experience. This release reminded me how much I hate CD cases, especially double cases.

Below is a clip taken from his recent UK tour where he talks about an email he received from the associate producer of Have I Got News For You. If you are not one for strong language it may not be for you. If you enjoy it, check Doug's website for more video clips and his excellent blog.

When I teach Adorno's 'On Popular Music' I always use Motown as a case study primarily because Motown music continues to resonate with all age groups. Like the people quizzed in the documentary, I also ask students who played on these timeless records. Unless they have seen this documentary chances are that they will not know. The story of the Funk Brothers is both fascinating and sad, primarily because very few people who listen to Motown music are aware of who they are and that they did not earn the millions they deserved. It is a must see for any music fan.