You'll probably be happy to see the end of 2020. But you may also find sadness about the films going away from The Criterion Channel at the end of December. Here are a few that will disappear from Criterion on New Year's Day: A Trouble in Paradise (1932) What's so fascinating and entertaining about witty, … Continue reading What’s leaving Criterion when December ends
Category: Home Theater
The Jewish Soul: Yiddish Cinema on Blu-ray
In the 1930s, small studios in Warsaw and New York made low-budget movies for an international market of not-quite-assimilated Jews. These films were mostly in Yiddish. Production costs were low, and the movies tried to have everything. Most of these pictures contain comedy, drama, and people breaking out in song. They were often about young … Continue reading The Jewish Soul: Yiddish Cinema on Blu-ray
What’s coming in December on the Criterion Channel
I don't expect Santa to come down my chimney, but I do expect a lot of good movies to come down my Internet connection next month. The Criterion Channel will offer a lot of movies worth watching. Here are just some of the movies, and some of the collections of movies, that will become available … Continue reading What’s coming in December on the Criterion Channel
Free movies from Kino Now
Kino Lorber celebrates its streaming service, Kino Now, with the Kino Now Anniversary Binge. Eight classic and new films will stream for free until November 15. Unlike the Criterion Channel, Kino Now is a pay-per-view service. There are no subscription fees, but you must pay for each movie you watch. Unless, of course, you want … Continue reading Free movies from Kino Now
Before Halloween: 6 good movies leaving Criterion October 31
Here's something to scare you as Halloween approaches: 45 movies will disappear from the Criterion Channel as the kids go virtual trick-or-treat. Here are six of these movies that I can recommend. That doesn't mean I hate the other 39. I just haven't seen most of them. Others I haven't seen or didn't really like. … Continue reading Before Halloween: 6 good movies leaving Criterion October 31
Ten really good movies newly available free at Kanopy
Kanopy offers the best bargain for streaming movies. No advertising, and all you need is a library card. But there is a limitation: You can only watch 10 movies a month. Here are ten Kanopy "Newly Added Movies" worth watching. But I have to admit that I've seen some of these on Kanopy years ago. … Continue reading Ten really good movies newly available free at Kanopy
Commentary tracks: Another way to enjoy your favorite movies
I haven't gone out much lately. One activity I can do at home is to watch a favorite movie with a commentary track. There's something special about watching a beloved film once again while someone tells you interesting facts about it. I recommend the experience. (I suppose I shouldn't even have to say this, but … Continue reading Commentary tracks: Another way to enjoy your favorite movies
Classic Cinema on HBO Max
Most people associate HBO with made-for-television series like Last Week Tonight and Axios. Or maybe even classics like The Wire. But the cable giant also offers a massive collection of classic cinema worth looking at. The collection goes back to the silent era, all around the world, and contains 21st-century Hollywood flicks. Counting them all … Continue reading Classic Cinema on HBO Max
Disc rot, customer support, & Criterion
DVDs and Blu-rays don't last forever. But with good customer support, that shouldn't be a major problem. Early this month, I pulled my 8½ Blu-ray off the shelf to revisit the commentary track. But when I put the disc in the player, nothing happened. I tried another title; it played fine. I tried both discs … Continue reading Disc rot, customer support, & Criterion
Early John Ford on Blu-ray with Hell Bent
You've probably never heard of Hell Bent - a very early John Ford western, made in only his second year as a director. He's credited as Jack Ford (his birth name was Sean Feeney). And yet, sometimes you can see the greatness to come. At this point in his career, Ford was cranking out B … Continue reading Early John Ford on Blu-ray with Hell Bent
