Mrparka's Video Reviews for the Week of October 28th+ Contest

Time Stamps 

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Time Stamps
“The Lift” [Blu-Ray/DVD] Combo Review – 0:16
“Down” [Blu-Ray/DVD] Combo Review – 5:24
“A Fish Called Wanda” [Blu-Ray] Review – 11:30
“Spaceship Terror” [DVD] Review – 17:42
“Hard Times” [Blu-Ray/DVD] Review – 21:42
“The Warriors” [Blu-Ray] Review – 26:13
“Dis” [Online Screener] Review – 30:45
Contest Drawing – 35:07
New Contest – 35:39
Q&A – 35:58
Update - 40:39

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Video Reviews

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“The Lift” [Blu-Ray/DVD] Combo ​(Blue Underground)

Written by MrParka
                Blue Underground presents Dick Maas’s international hit “The Lift” on Blu-ray for the first time.
                Mysterious accidents begin to happen involving an elevator at a high rise. An elevator mechanic is dispatched to find the problem and soon realizes the issue is far deeper than a faulty elevator. With the help of a reporter, the mechanic must go face to face with a violent killing machine and the science that created it.
                “The Lift” plays itself fairly straight for its premise.  The film could have been a long lost Stephen King short story. It feels like it came right out of “The Night Shift Collection” and would feel comfortable sharing the same space as “The Mangler”. There is no doubt that Dick Maas knows this is pure insanity and by incorporating the right level of seriousness into the dramatic moments, it works fairly well. “The Lift” has a sense of playfulness through long moments of dialogue. By doing this the film adds some visual flair to otherwise typical moments and makes each scene have a tiny story arc.  In a breakfast scene, the mechanic and his wife are locked in conversation as their son dumps something into his father’s drink. Unknowingly to the son the father has noticed everything and at the last minute switches the beverage.  The death scenes in the film are as expected; heads in doors and people dropping from the elevator shaft. They are fun and work but there just aren’t enough of them, with the film tending to drag at moments as a result. Strange enough, there are plenty of characters with screen time who could have met their final fate in the feature. Most of these characters seem to have only two motives, to get drunk and cheat on their spouses. Besides the slight comic tone they bring, they serve very little purpose. A solid synth score brings some life to the film and fits well.
                “The Lift” looks and sounds good. Included on the disc are a commentary and a short film by the director. The short film packs quite an emotional punch and is a welcomed difference. For its dedication to the ridiculous “The Lift” remains a curio worth seeking out.

Plot Summary:
A New Kind Of Horror Lurks In The Shadows Of The Lift…

There is something very wrong with the elevator in a stylish office high-rise. The passengers never end up on the floor of their choice. They end up dead! When Felix, an inquisitive repairman, investigates the faulty deathtrap, he discovers that something other than malfunctioning machinery is to blame. Some dark, distorted power has gained control of the elevator for its own evil design. After his horrifying discovery is given the shaft by the authorities, he joins a nosy female journalist to battle the unholy force inside THE LIFT!

Huub Stapel (AMSTERDAMNED) and Willeke van Ammelrooy (ANTONIA’S LINE) star in this chilling cult classic from Writer/Director Dick Maas (SAINT), who also composed the score and later helmed the 2001 English-language remake, DOWN (aka THE SHAFT). Long unavailable on U.S. home video, Blue Underground now proudly presents THE LIFT in a brand-new 2K restoration from the original negative, approved by Dick Maas!


Special Features: 

- Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Dick Maas and Editor Hans van Dongen
- Going Up – Interview with Star Huub Stapel
- “Long Distance” – Short Film by Dick Maas (2003, 4 Mins.)
- Dutch Trailer
- U.S. Trailer
- Poster & Still Gallery
- BONUS Collectable Booklet with new essay by writer and filmmaker Chris Alexander

Blue Underground Website - http://www.blue-underground.com/
Buy Blu-Ray/DVD Combo - ​https://grindhousevideo.com/products/lift-limited-edition-blu-raydvd

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​“Down” [Blu-Ray/DVD] Combo (Blue Underground)

Written by MrParka
​    Blue Underground brings 2001's “Down” to Blu-ray, a remake of 1983's “Lift.” Released a week before the tragic 911 terrorist attacks, “Down” suffered due to its similarities to the tragedy and was destined to be underseen. Thanks to Blue Underground, Dick Maas’s big budget killer elevator flick gets a second chance. 
      An elevator mechanic (James Marshall) begins to think that a string of accidents in the state of the art Millennium Building are not only related but much more sinister. With the help of a reporter (Naomi Watts,) our blue collar hero digs deeper into the deaths. Every step of the way his friends and coworkers threaten him and demand he stops.  As the bodies and accidents begin to accumulate, an obvious cover up unfolds. The bureaucratic systems in place leave it to the unlikely pair to save the day and uncover the truth. 
     Bigger and better than its predecessor, “Down” is an increase in budget, story, and acting talent.  Sporting elaborate set designs, sharp camera work, and over top death scenes, it manages to be an entertaining and well-made film that should have had more exposure.  One of the more memorable death scenes features a skater who is sucked into the elevator and then is sky rocketed to the 40 some floor and spit out with such force, he smashes through the plate glass window. This sort of elaboration doesn’t stop with the deaths, the camera work is something to admire as well. Within the first 10 minutes of the film, the camera glides through the air and seamlessly transitions into a balcony scene. The balcony is a set on ground level and not actually towering over New York as the film portrays. The soundtrack features Aerosmith, which probably cost more to license then the entire budget of the first film, “The Lift”. Besides the two leads, “Down” is peppered with beloved character actors including Dan Hedaya, Ron Perlman, Michael Ironside, and Edward Herrman. It’s a welcomed surprise to see these talented actors share a scene or two together.  
        “Down” includes a commentary and a 2 hour and 30 minutes behind the scenes. The behind the scenes give some great insight on the hard work put into the sets and great camera setups. “Down” looks and sounds great and is presented in its proper aspect ratio for the first time in the states. For fans of WTF cinema, it’s a ride worth taking.


Plot Summary:
You May Want to Take the Stairs…

When the express elevators in New York City’s 102-story Millennium Building start to malfunction, elevator mechanics Mark (James Marshall of TWIN PEAKS) and Jeff (Eric Thal of THE PUPPET MASTERS) are sent to find the cause. After a series of gruesome and deadly “accidents” occur, Mark joins forces with spunky reporter Jennifer (Naomi Watts of THE RING), who’s on the hunt for a juicy story. As the death toll rises and the building is sealed off amid claims of terrorism, Mark and Jennifer attempt to unravel the horrifying secret behind the mysterious behavior of the bloodthirsty lift before it takes them – and the entire city – DOWN!

Michael Ironside (SCANNERS), Edward Herrmann (THE LOST BOYS), Dan Hedaya (COMMANDO), and Ron Perlman (HELLBOY) co-star in this big-budget remake of THE LIFT helmed by original Writer/Director Dick Maas (AMSTERDAMNED). Previously released on home video in a cropped full-frame transfer as THE SHAFT, Blue Underground is now proud to present DOWN in a brand-new widescreen 2K restoration from the original negative, approved by Dick Maas!


Special Features: 

- Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Dick Maas and Stunt Coordinator Willem de Beukelaer
- The Making of DOWN
- Behind-the-Scenes Footage [Blu-ray Exclusive]
- Theatrical Trailer
- Teaser Trailers
- Poster & Still Gallery
- BONUS Collectable Booklet with new essay by author Michael Gingold
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Blue Underground Website - http://www.blue-underground.com/
Buy Blu-Ray/DVD Combo - https://grindhousevideo.com/products/down-limited-edition-blu-raydvd

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“A Fish Called Wanda” [Blu-Ray] (Arrow Video)

Plot Summary:
"The funniest movie I have seen in a long time" - Roger Ebert

In 1988, John Cleese, former Python and the mastermind behind Fawlty Towers, teamed up with the veteran Ealing Comedy director Charles Crichton (The Lavender Hill Mob) to produce another classic of British comedy. 

Cleese plays Archie Leach, a weak-willed barrister who finds himself embroiled with a quartet of ill-matched jewel thieves - two American con artists played by Jamie Lee Curtis and Kevin Kline, Michael Palin's animal-loving hitman and London gangster Tom Georgeson - when Georgeson is arrested. Only he and Palin know the whereabouts of the diamonds, prompting plenty of farce and in-fighting as well as some embarrassing nudity and the unfortunate demise of some innocent pooches... 

Nominated for three Academy Awards and winning one for Kline's outstanding supporting turn as the psychopathic Otto, A Fish Called Wanda has stood the test of time, earning its rightful place among its creators' remarkable comedy pedigree.
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Bonus Materials
Brand-new 4K restoration from the original negative, produced by Arrow Films exclusively for this release
High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
Original English mono audio (uncompressed LPCM)
Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing
Commentary by writer and star John Cleese
Brand-new appreciation by Vic Pratt of the BFI National Archive
Brand-new interviews with composer John Du Prez, production designer Roger Murray-Leach, executive producer Steve Abbott and makeup supervisor Paul Engelen
John Cleese's Final Farewell Performance, a 1988 documentary on the making of A Fish Called Wanda featuring interviews with actors Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Palin, Kevin Kline and director Charles Crichton
Something Fishy, a 15th anniversary retrospective documentary featuring interviews with Cleese, Curtis, Kline and Palin, executive producer Steve Abbott and director of photography Alan Hume
Fish You Were Here, a documentary on the film's locations hosted by Robert Powell
24 deleted/alternative scenes with introductions by Cleese
A Message from John Cleese, a tongue-in-cheek introduction recorded for the film's original release
Gallery
Trivia track
Theatrical trailer
FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Booklet featuring writing on the film by Sophie Monks Kaufman

Buy Blu-Ray Here - ​https://mvdshop.com/products/a-fish-called-wanda-blu-ray

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​“Spaceship Terror” [DVD] 

Plot Summary:
Six Women and One Madman on a Spaceship Heading Out Into Deep Space

Open your mind to a horrifying world of cat and mouse as five women and one injured man find terror beyond their wildest nightmares. Marooned on a deserted planet, and picked up by an old derelict spaceship, six unwitting travelers find themselves enslaved in a torture filled blood lust that will take you on a white knuckle ride into hell. Feel the terror, and ride along if you dare as they slowly fall victim to the horrific appetite of a deranged killer sporting an insane blood lust unmatched in an unforgiving universe.

Bonus Materials
Space Themed Motion Menu
Behind the Scenes Featurette One
Behind the Scenes Featurette Two
Making the Music for Spaceship Terror
Building the Sets for Spaceship Terror
Official Movie Trailer

Buy DVD Here - ​https://mvdshop.com/products/spaceship-terror-dvd

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“Hard Times” [Blu-Ray/DVD] Combo (Eureka!)

Plot Summary

The American action auteur Walter Hill made a magnificent debut with this pulp triumph, featuring evocative period atmosphere and sterling performances from Charles Bronson and James Coburn.

Bronson plays a drifter suddenly caught up in the fight game during the Great Depression. Chaney, a down-on-his-luck loner, hops a freight train to New Orleans where, on the seedier side of town, he tries to make some quick money the only way he knows how - with his fists. Chaney approaches a hustler named Speed (James Coburn) and convinces him that he can win big money for them both. 

Gritty, vivid and engrossing, the Masters of Cinema Series is proud to present this 1970s gem, available on Blu-ray for the first time in the UK, and presented from a new 4K restoration, in a new Dual-Format edition. 

Bonus Material
New 4K restoration
Uncompressed PCM and 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack on the Blu-ray
English subtitles for the deaf and hearing-impaired
A new interview with producer Lawrence Gordon
A new interview with composer Barry DeVorzon
NFT Audio Interview with director Walter Hill
Original theatrical trailer
PLUS: A booklet featuring new and archival writing

​Eureka Video Website - https://www.eurekavideo.co.uk/
​
Buy Blu-Ray/DVD Here - https://www.eurekavideo.co.uk/moc/hard-times

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"The Warriors" [Blu-Ray] 

Plot Summary: 
Director Walter Hill claims his turf with The Warriors: Ultimate Director's Cut! It's the stunning, must-see version of the classic film, loaded with special features that pack extra punch. The Warriors are ready to fight their way back to Coney Island, but standing in their path are some of the baddest, out-for-blood gangs in New York City. It'll take every bit of street smarts and every weapon they can find to make it back alive!

Feature:

Introduction by Walter Hill
4 Featurettes:
The Beginning
The Battleground
The Way Home
The Phenomenon
Original Theatrical Trailer

Buy Blu-Ray Here - https://www.amazon.com/Warriors-Blu-ray-Michael-Beck/dp/B01M6ZV1EZ/

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"Dis" [Online Screener]

​Plot Summary:
​An ex-soldier with a criminal past takes refuge in the woods. A demonic figure seeks the seed of killers and the blood of the damned to feed his mandrake garden. DIS is an infernal descent into the root of the mandrake legend and a man who wanders too close to that legend and the unnamable terror behind it. What you sow you will reap.

Facebook - ​https://www.facebook.com/Disthemovie/

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Contest Time!

​Winner of "From the Dark" and "Cabin Fever: Patient Zero"  is Nick
 
To Win "Loreley's Grasp" on DVD do the following
 
1. Like the Screaming Toilet Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/screamingpotty/
 
2. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/mrparka
 
3. Leave a comment on this page 

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Q&A 

​Please ask a question to have it answered on the next video show. Please leave your question in the comment section below. 

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Update

Blu-Ray 
1. Wes Craven's Summer of Fear
2. Night School (been awhile) 
3. The Indiana Runner
4. Night Angel
5. Marathon Man
6. Ride the High Country
7. The Ballad of Cable Hogue (recommended) 
8. Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection (15 Movie Set) 
​Saboteur / Shadow of a Doubt / Rope / Rear Window / The Trouble with Harry / The Man Who Knew Too Much / Vertigo / North by Northwest / Psycho / The Birds / Marnie / Torn Curtain / Topaz / Frenzy / Family Plot

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Film Notes 

​The Lift – 1983 – Dick Maas 
Down – 2001 – Dick Maas 
A Fish Called Wanda – 1988 – Charles Crichton/ John Cleese 
Spaceship Terror – 2011 – Harry Tchinski
Hard Times – 1975 – Walter Hill 
The Warriors – 1979 – Walter Hill
Dis – 2017 – Adrian Corona