An interesting mix of new and old films have found their way to DVD this week, led by a couple of remastered Westerns starring John Wayne.
But the film still approaches perfection -- it's filled with clever, witty dialogue (most famously, "When the legend becomes fact, print the legend") and is perfectly cast: John Wayne is confident and authoritative as a tough, rough-hewn cowpoke in love with an intelligent woman (Vera Miles). But she is naturally drawn to a city slicker, a new-in-town lawyer (James Stewart) who dreams of taming the West using the law instead of violence. His dream is waylaid by the terror wrought by a local thug (Lee Marvin in a starmaking turn as the ruthless, wild-eyed title character).The huge air-scoop in the bonnet, the deep front valance, the large spoiler over the rear window and the side skirts let you know this is a mean machine.At its best when the talk is backed up by clips, especially during a discussion of the independent "black cinema" of the 1930s and '40s. Standup comic Paul Mooney's monologues occasionally pepper the discussion. (Note his gags about why America isn't ready for a black president!)You know it's the same engine as soon as you turn the key in the ignition and the 2.5-litre flatfour boxer engine bursts into life.The Western paintings under the opening credits are stunning; watch the vintage featurette about the artist, who has a cameo in the film (where he tells a hilarious story about the aforementioned shotgun)."And when you buy a coffee table, end table or bedside table, buy one with drawers or shelves for storing books and vases," the publication went on to advise.But when it came to mid-range acceleration in higher gears, it was a totally different story with the STI giving a blistering response.You have to keep your eyes on the speedometer in this car, as it would be easy to stray into the three-figure zone unintentionally.The latest STI has a new look, but the engine which earned the car its reputation around the world is still the same, albeit with improvements.Inside, the car is now shorter and wider than earlier models - there is more room for passengers, particularly in the rear, and the car has an upmarket, civilised feel about it.Interviews with experts and former townfolk are interesting but it's current resident John Lokitis who gives the film a real boost, a dedicated young man who refuses to leave, and who single-handedly provides the town's upkeep.Extras: widescreen, audio commentary by Peter Bogdanovich, Richard Schickel, Todd McCarthy and Asner, featurettes, trailer, photo/art galleries"Paul Blart, Mall Cop" (Columbia/Blu-Ray, PG, $39.95). This is a comedy I wanted to enjoy more than I did, with affable Kevin James as the title character, a mild-mannered schlub who finds himself in the middle of a battleground when terrorists take over the mall he patrols."The Town That Was: A True Story" (Cinevolve, 2007, $22.95). Compelling documentary about the small town of Centralia, Penn., which was a successful mining town of 3,000 residents until a 1962 trash-fire ignited underground anthracite coal -- starting a fire that has been burning ever since!It remarked: "You'll have to tidy up what's on the shelves, but a room appears larger when a door doesn't stop you from seeing all the way to the wall."It also drew attention to the importance of adding light to make small spaces seem more spacious. Cafe curtains or valances should replace "heavy draperies", it recommended. Indeed, if privacy is not an issue, then no such window dressings may be required.Extras: widescreen, deleted scenes, audio commentary (with James and producer Todd Garner), featuretttes, trailers; digital copy; BD- Live functionsSuch sporty handling means you pay the price of very firm suspension and a heavy clutch, but STI buyers will certainly not be put off by either.Facts and figuresWith 296bhp on tap, this is not a car for the faint hearted or the inexperienced driver who wants to keep his or her licence.This was the last great movie for the 68-year-old Ford, whose direction is as sharp as with anything he made in his prime (and that includes a lot of classic films), and whose terrific supporting cast includes Woody Strode, Edmond O'Brien, Andy Devine, Strother Martin, Lee Van Cleef and John Carradine.This also a good example of a movie that today would most certainly earn a PG-13 instead of an R. (Nice high-definition transfer but no bonus features.)It proved to be so successful for them that police forces around the country took the "if you can't beat them join them" attitude and added Imprezas to their patrol car fleets.
E-MAIL: hicks@desnews.com
Author: Chris Hicks Deseret News
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