Around the Blogosphere This Week
...The big news in classic film circles last week was the May 10th announcement that the Twilight Time label, which specializes in limited edition Blu-rays, is shutting down. This news had been recently anticipated and follows the death of the label's co-founder, Nick Redman, in early 2019. Twilight Time immediately launched a massive going out of business sale, and I have a number of their titles headed my way as a result. Many of the titles have sold out since the sale began last weekend. It was also announced that Screen Archives Entertainment, Twilight Time's distribution partner, is acquiring their back inventory effective July 1st.
...The UCLA Film & TV Archive has been putting interesting odds and ends from their collection on YouTube. I especially enjoyed these clips from Loretta Young's home movie collection of work on the set of THE WHITE PARADE (1934) -- a film which seems to be very difficult to find. The clips run about two and a half minutes and include shots of a young David Niven and the Fox backlot.
...Those who are wondering whether movies will return to theaters in mid-July should keep an eye on the film TENET (2020) and whether it holds to its planned July 17th release. From Deadline: "Solid sources hear that Warner Bros. needs at least 80% of the world’s theaters to be open, including New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco (which rep 25% of a pic’s opening weekend), in order to keep TENET on its original release date...If such signs don’t appear positive in the next three weeks or sooner, TENET moves."
..."The Most Iconic Detective Sidekicks, Ranked" by Olivia Rutigliano at CrimeReads.
...I always enjoy checking out Leonard Maltin's film reviews; his new roundup includes some nice releases I've also reviewed here.
...Subscribers to the Criterion Channel streaming service can participate in the Criterion Movie Club and watch and Tweet about movies together every Sunday at 5:00 p.m. Pacific/8:00 Eastern. The film on May 17th will be THE AGE OF INNOCENCE (1993).
...Some news from last month which I just learned: Stan's Donuts, part of the scene in Westwood for over half a century, has permanently closed.
...Notable Passing: Former Los Angeles Times film critic Jack Mathews, seen here, has died at the age of 80. He worked at the Times from 1985 to 1991, and he also wrote for a variety of other publications including USA Today....For additional recent links of interest to classic film fans, please check out my May 9th roundup.
Have a great week!
posted by Laura @ 2:00 PM
4 Comments:
Laura,
Always enjoyed reading your blog about old classic movies. The Twilight Time being shut down is really sad. I just went ahead and bought a dozen and a half blu-rays to just support the company during its last days. Some of them are personally favorites. I have never own a Twilight Time blu-ray before, so this will be interesting on how the video/audio quality is with this manufacturer.
As for Tenet, I am hoping that it opens on the 17th of July. Keeping my fingers crossed on that one!!!
Hi Laura,
It's so encouraging that a film like THE SHAKEDOWN gets a 4K restoration on Blu Ray,I know so little about early talkies and Pre Code and hope to rectify that with these outstanding releases coming along. The artwork for THE SHAKEDOWN is truly a thing of beauty and I just love the name "Nitrate Diva" Although out of my comfort zone THE SHAKEDOWN sounds like a must have,but gosh what a tragic life James Murray had..heartbreaking to read.
Also I'm so encouraged that you are reviewing more and more Brit Flicks,in fact the BFI have just announced that the classic Brit Noir THE GOOD DIE YOUNG is being released on Blu Ray fully restored and with an export strength alternate version. The DVD of THE GOOD DIE YOUNG is horrible and I'm so glad to see this great Noir get the release it deserves. Kino often release BFI titles so here's hoping.
Thank you so much for your kind words, I'm very glad you enjoy reading it and appreciate you taking the time to let me know.
I agree, the Twilight Time shutdown is quite sad -- glad you were able to pick up a bunch of their releases. I have always found their quality to be excellent and hope you will as well. I'm looking forward to receiving my sale purchases -- though based on a note on their site it sounds like it may take a while for them to arrive as they had such high demand!
Definitely crossing fingers for TENET and movies in general to resume in two months.
Best wishes,
Laura
Hi John! Yes, I enjoyed THE SHAKEDOWN at Cinecon a couple years ago and it was a nice surprise to hear it's coming out on Blu-ray! I've come fairly late to silents myself, only in the last few years, so I have a great deal of watching (and related reading!) to catch up with. (PS I agree, Nitrate Diva is a great handle!)
It's definitely also exciting to have so many British films released here in the U.S., and in very nice copies. Looking forward to watching and writing about more.
Best wishes,
Laura
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