The Phantom on Blu-ray

As a big fan of this flick, I eagerly rushed out to buy a copy on the day of its blu-ray debut. My thoughts? While I was happy to see the detailed designs on the costume pop like never before, and that the print wasn't marred by any of the compression or ghosting issues I've seen on even big blockbuster releases... the movie was in desperate need of a good cleaning! The picture is rife with grain and specks and what not. There are some interior shots, in the cave etc, that look terrible. Reducing the backlighting, going from standard to movie mode helped make it a little less noticeable, but that cuts into the detail and vibrancy. If you're going to release a movie in Blu-ray, where very flaw will be noticed, you at least need to do some kind -any kind- of restoration. It also would have been nice if Lionsgate could have provided a decent extra. Such as a retrospective, or an interview with Director Simon Wincer, even a commentary track. I know the Phantom has a small following, but its Blu-ray release deserved to pack a little more punch than this.

My original review of the movie... The Phantom

Smallville: Absolute Justice

After the idiocy of last years season finale it would have taken a lot to generate renewed interest in me for this show. Bringing back Green Lantern scribe Geoff Johns, who penned my favorite episode from the '09 season (Legion) was a step in the right direction. To start, I’ll point out that I’ve got a love/hate relationship with Smallville. I like it when it’s heroic; I hate it when it embraces the overwrought soap opera. It’s fun when it’s adventurous and mysterious, ponderous with its contradictory stabs at the philosophical. Overall, I find it damn schizophrenic.

Thankfully "Absolute Justice" zeroes in on action and intrigue. With a Watchmen-esque mystery about an old school crime fighting team -the JSA- whose members are being killed off one by one. As Clark and his crew try to suss out what’s going on, they collide with this old guard, before the two put aside their differences for the greater good.

The 2-hour episode spends its first half on the mystery and introduction, which I liked. The second half focuses on the adventure, which was equally as cool as. Add it all up and I got something that was entertaining and held my interest from start to finish.

A lot of talk on this episode involved the costumes. Would they work or come off cheesy? For me they were hit and miss. This is TV and it doesn’t have the budget of a blockbuster Hollywood production so I wasn’t expecting Spider-Man levels. Sometimes they did well - as with Doctor Fate, whose helmet and glowing eyes were very effective. Sometimes it was split down the middle. Stargirl, a favorite of mine -and someone close to Geoff Johns' heart- looked good; apart from the overlarge facemask (something about superwomen and their eyes flummoxes this show… ala the ugly black makeup they’ve put around Black Canary’s peepers). With Hawkman, his headgear has always looked goofy, so there's not much they could do there. The wings were tricky and the chestpiece was ill fitting and clunky. And speaking of clunky…

The actor-playing Hawk (Michael Shanks) was decent at first but once he donned the uniform and zapped into hero mode –Phew- It was like he was doing a bad Clint Eastwood impression. Over enunciating on some of the worst dialog of the episode. Hawkman and Green Arrow were paired as combative allies; Arrow was hilarious and delivered his lines like a pro. Hawk snarled and sputtered and made me wince with every lame quip he uttered. The rest of the JSA was serviceable and kept pace with the regular cast. Stargirl (Brit Irvin) and Chloe had some good bonding moments together and I liked Brent Strait as Fate (who sounded like James Earl Jones once he put on the helmet)

I’ve heard complaints that the villain Icicle was not a worthy foe. The actor does ham it up but the character did exactly what he was meant to do. He’s a puppet of Amanda Waller (Pam Greer) and the shadowy Checkmate organization - and that’s a nice set-up for some future stories.

Other pluses: The episode is packed with goodies that comic book fans should appreciate. You’ll spot items from Flash’s helmet to the Green Lantern’s battery. It was nice to see many of my old favorites, like Ted Grant (Wildcat in civilian dress). And there was a quick peak at Martian Manhunter’s true form in all its green glory -- as well as a nod to his love for Oreos.

All in all a –mostly- satisfying event. It cleansed the pallet and served to wash out the bad taste of the 2009s season finale and got me back to the show.

Next week: The welcome return of Zatanna (pitch perfect casting there. You couldn’t do any better than Serinda Swan). And a way we go…

Upcoming Blu-ray releases

Yup, I’ve joined the HD crowd. Thanks to a Christmas gift from little brother I’m now exploring the world of Blu-ray. Here then is a quick look at what to find in regards to comic book based titles over the next few months.


Whiteout
Release date: January 19th 2010
Based on the comic by Greg Ruka and Steve Lieber. Kate Beckinsale plays a Deputy Marshal assigned to Antarctica, who has to solve the continents first murder. The long delayed film wasn’t very well received - I frequently hear the word ‘predictable’ associated with it.

Also, don’t look for it at Netflix for another 28 days, that service worked out a deal with Warners where it agreed not to rent their new discs for the first month of release (In exchange Netflix gets to stream a bunch of flicks from Warners catalog)

Extras include
* Additional scenes
* The Coldest Thriller Ever Story – A 'Making of' feature
* Freeze Frame: From Page to Screen
* Digital Copy


Surrogates
Release date: January 26th 2010
Based on a graphic novel where people experience a nice safe life through surrogates. This film comes from the director of TERMINATOR 3 and stars Bruce Willis as an FBI agent who must re-enter reality to solve a murder.

Extra include:
* Commentary by Director Jonathan Mostow
* Deleted Scenes
* A More Perfect You: The Science Of Surrogates
* Breaking The Frame: A Graphic Novel Comes To Life
* I Will Not Bow Music Video By Breaking Benjamin


Planet Hulk
Release date: February 2nd 2010
Marvel’s newest direct to disc release. The Hulk is exiled to a distant planet where he makes like Spartacus.

Extras Include
* Opening Sequence: Thor: Tales of Asgard
* Audio commentary by Supervising Producer Joshua Fine and Screenwriter Writer Greg Johnson
* Audio commentary by Director Sam Liu, Character Designer Philip Bourassa and Key Background Painter Steve Nicodemus
* “A Whole World of Hurt: The Making of Planet Hulk” featurette
* “Let the Smashing Commence!: The Saga of Planet Hulk” featurette
* “Rise Up” Astonishing X-Men music video
* “Watch Your Step” Spider-Woman music video
* Wolverine and the X-Men: “Wolverine vs. Hulk” episode
* Spider-Woman: Agent of S.W.O.R.D motion comic
* Astonishing X-Men: Gifted motion comic
* Digital copy


The Phantom
Release date: February 9th 2010
The feature starring Billy Zane makes its way to Blu-ray from Lionsgate. Unfortunately there’s been no report of extras on the release


Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths
Release date: February 23rd 2010
The newest direct to disc release from DC sees the JLA squaring off against their evil doppelgangers. The real reason I'm excited about this is that the Blu-ray offers up a 12 minute DC Showcase short, "The Spectre". He is God's spirit of vengeance and one of my favorite characters.

Other Extras include:
* A First Look at next DC Universe Movie – “Batman: Under the Red Hood”
* Green Lantern * Superman/Batman Public Enemies First Look
* Wonder Woman: The Amazon Princess
* "The New World" - Extended Cut
* Bruce Timm's Top Picks (episodes from JLU)
* DC TV Pilot Episodes (Live -Action)
1 Wonder Woman - (previously on Wonder Woman S1 release)
2 Aquaman - (never before released)

The Superhero Marathon’s Best of 2009

I should have done this years ago – ah well better late than never. Here’s the first (and perhaps) annual Superhero marathon awards banquet. Unlike 2008, the year 2009 was not rife with superhero flicks. Soooo, that made my job pretty easy!

Best Live Action Film
Watchmen
While you can't swing a dead Comedian without hitting a fanboy who will cry foul, Zack Snyder created a faithful adaptation, which also took successful liberties (especially with the ending). A technical and thematic marvel, the directors cut improves the narrative. Highlighted by several top notched performances (Patrick Wilson, Jeffrey Dean Morgan)

Best Animated Film
Wonder Woman
Though it's to Warner's shame that it can’t get a live action film on the big screen, they at least managed to release a superb animated feature, the best direct to disc since "Batman: Mystery of the Bat Woman". While the Wolverine story in Hulk Vs. was a kick and Green Lantern a high-octane blast… WW told an overall tighter story and displayed superb character designs by director Lauren Montgomery. I liked the lean, crisp animation and there was solid voice work, most notably by the guys - Fillion, Molina and Oliver Platt. Wonder Woman was a funny, violent, romantic and robust adventure.

Best Original (Not based on a comic)
Push
The comic book actually came after the movie. While not perfect, this complicated 'X-Men meets Heroes meets Firestarter' tale always held my interest. I liked the washed out indie look of the picture - the performances and story drew me in and I enjoyed the labyrinthine twist and turns the film took on rout to its satisfying finish.

Best Made for TV Movie
Ben 10: Alien Swarm
I didn’t have many (any?) options on this category, but no matter as Ben 10s teen-geared adventure was all kinds of action packed fun.

Best Actor
Jackie Earle Haley, Rorschach "Watchmen"
Perfect casting, Haley nails this broken soul, who sees things in black and white and never compromises. The pulp detective narration spoken through raspy growl… that frantic snarl when he screams at cops to give him back his face --- the mix of anguish, resignation and loss as he demands that Manhattan do what he must at the end… all of it packed a wallop.

Best Actress
Dakota Fanning, Cassie "Push"
As a child actress Dakota was one of the most dependable these past few years. How would she do as she approached adult hood? We get a taste of that here - and she proves to be memorable. She gives a shaded performance as Cassie. A snarky teen who comes off tough, but also has her confidence rattled by an older watcher who's better than she is. The scene when the villain confronts her was especially effective.

Best Voice Acting
Nathan Fillion. Steve Trevor "Wonder Woman"
You could just hand this over to Kevin Conroy (Batman) or Mark Hamill (Joker) on any given year. But this time out I was won over by a new kid on the block - Nathan Fillion as Airman Steve Trevor was a hoot. That smooth, 'devil-may-care' delivery was spot on. He really brought this character to life more so than he's been in previous incarnations.

Best Fight
Hulk vs.
Wolverine segment (all of them). Ultra violent and well choreographed.

Best Original Score
Guy Michaelmore Hulk vs. Wolverine
Nothing stood out as spectacular. I tried to find something from the live action features, but I wound up going with this, primarily for the violin heavy sections. They kind of had a Phillip Glass vibe to them.

Best DVD discovery (Movies that didn’t get a wide US theatrical release)
Special
This film made its début at Sundance in 2006, and then toured festivals and comic cons across the globe. But it wasn't available to most of us until its 2009 DVD release. This frequently funny and often brutal and sad tale is buoyed by top-notch acting, especially Michael Rapaport as the nobody who suddenly becomes a somebody -a superhero (or so he believes)- after taking part in a test for a new drug.

Best Quotes (Original or adapted)
* "Granted, it's probably not as intimidating as having a gun, or bone-claws or the fingernails of a bag-lady... Manicure?" – Wade Wilson, Deadpool, talking about his sword in "Wolverine"

* "Now go, unleash hell" – Wonder Woman to little girl after showing her how to sword fight in animated "Wonder Woman"

* "None of you seem to understand. I'm not locked up in here with you. You're locked up in here with me!" - Rorschach to prisoners in "Watchmen"

* After Chris Bradley tells Creed in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" that he's not afraid of dying, Victor Creed responds, "How do you know? You've never tried it before."

The Movies That America Forgot

The Superhero marathon was quite an eye opener. I never realized how expansive the landscape was for these films, and making all of these new discoveries was half the fun. On the other hand, the bummer is all of the movies I haven’t been able to view and review. Either because they haven’t been released on DVD in the United States, or that there have never been English subtitles added to international releases. I find my want list expanding everyday. A few titles I’m searching for…

Night Falcon was a movie released in the Thailand in 2004, and is about a girl who blames the titular hero for the death of her boyfriend. She realizes her mistake, becomes Falcon Girl and teams up with Night Falcon and Falcon Woman to bring down the villain Iron Mask and his cohorts. Not much is known about NF, it seems to have had a decent budget but must not have left much of a mark at the box office. I’d love to see it, if I could get my hands on a subtitled copy.

Falcon is just one of many from around the globe that have eluded me. One Country that loves their superheroes as much as we in the States do, is the Philippines. Captain Barbell and Darna are 2 capes whose film series go back to the 1950s… so far I’ve only been able to find 1 subtitled film for each. There’s also the purple and gold attired Fantastic Man (2003), a young gal named Super B and a host of others that comprise a list that stretches to infinity and… well you know.

From Mexico there is the 1969 comedy The Barefoot Eagle, which is the directorial debut of Alfonso Arau (best known for his portrayal of El Guapo in “The Three Amigos”). Filmed mostly with a hand held camera - it features gangsters, masked wrestlers and a pogo stick inspector who fights crime during his time off. I'd also like to get a hold of the popular Kaliman: The Incredible Man, which everyone from Netflix to Blockbuster says they have, but they don’t. What they really have is Kaliman’s inferior second movie… In the Sinister World of Humanon. The 2nd movie was bad, but stupid enough to enjoy for a laugh. But it’s the first that is supposedly pretty decent.

I’ve had better luck with Italy, though I still can’t locate the sequel to “Kriminal”, and I’ve been frustrated in my efforts to track down a copy of The Three Fantastic Supermen in Tokyo (1967). This is the 2nd movie in the series, and while none of the other sequels I’ve seen have matched the original. I’d still like to see this one (I’ve found it, but not in English). I’m also very curious about a movie released in 1979, called Super Andy, which is about Superman’s ugly brother. I don’t know if it has any merit, but that line alone is enough to pique my interest.

And those titles only scratch the surface. I haven’t even talked Turkey! So the quest continues and I keep my eyes open for anything that’ll pop up with English language dubs or subs.

Come on Falcon Girl, we need you in America... TODAY!

DVD buys this week.

Franklyn
A blind buy, as I couldn’t find it for rent anywhere. This British release was listed at the “Superhero Lives” website, but it’s not a traditional crime fighter flick. It’s a unique and challenging motion picture and it could take another viewing before I completely understand it all. Even then some aspects of the story may forever escape me.

It’s about parallel worlds: One, contemporary London, which is filled with several sad, lost people (a father searching for his son, a tortured artist, a hopeless romantic who hungers for love). The other, an alternate world called Meanwhile City, where a masked detective (Ryan Phillippe) hunts a fanatic who he believes killed a young girl that was under his protection. In this world it is mandatory to choose a religion. Clerics act as cops and the detective (a bit Rorschach like) is an outlaw as its only atheist. (I dig how every one is greeted with a “Your God bless you”)

It’s a movie that makes you work, needs you to work with it and concentrate as these seemingly random stories gradually converge into one. It won’t be for conventional tastes but I loved it. It’s difficult to give away too much of the plot without spoiling it, but it touches upon fantasy and faith, what is or isn't real (I believe that's ultimately up for you to decide). Though I eventually figured out where the story was going, it was so fresh and original that I didn’t want to play the 'Ellery Queen' game, and simply sat back and let the film play out. On a second viewing I did more exploration, focusing in on the details and the way the various threads tied together.

Director/screenwriter Gerald McMorrow makes an ambitious feature debut. Though Franklyn doesn't have a huge budget, the film looks sharp. The costumes and sets are memorable. The score is piano based and wasn't wonderful, but neither did it detract. Though the characters aren't warm and cuddly, the acting was all above board, especially Bernard Hill as Esser. Eva Green (Casino Royale) also stars and plays 2 different roles.

I believe most reviews were cool to the film. Some found it too confusing; others couldn't get into the (mostly) unlikable characters. A few tore apart the logic -- but I tend to be a more visceral viewer. I like character study and interplay; the philosophical and emotional aspects of a film are what's most important to me. “Franklyn” fit my film-mindset like a glove. I’m not sure if it belongs in my Superhero Marathon, though there are comic book elements. Never the less, this is probably the best ‘true’ blind buy I ever made.

Also, though not comic book related, it's worth mentioning...

North By Northwest 50th Anniversary Edition
I wonder how many more times I’ll buy this movie? ;) This version promises a new restore on Vista Vision "elements" – don’t know what that means and haven’t read any reviews from more knowledgeable folk - The previous restoration was pretty, and this one is equally beautiful, but the colors aren’t as bright/garish so it’s probably closer to how it originally looked.

There are 2 NEW extras. Both have today’s directors (among them del Toro and Scorsese) discussion Hitches style. Though very well done, it appears they only had rights to a handful of film and they don’t use the best examples. For example, discussing Alfred’s use of color without using Vertigo and Marnie as examples, doesn’t give full account of his genius. They also don’t make parallels to German Expressionism (Hitch would have used rear screen and Mattes regardless of what technology offered, because it was part of those expressionistic touches).

The other new extra explores the film. Very good too - the menu is funny as it places Hitch’s head among those on Rushmore.

Classic movie, brilliantly directed, sharply scripted, photographed with a unforgettable Bernard Herrmann score.


Lastly, I bought the Watchmen Ultimate Cut. For my thoughts and comparisons on it and the Directors Cut, check out The Superhero Marathon

George Tuska and Iron Man memories

Another part of my childhood is gone. George Tuska, who drew Iron Man off and on for over 10 years, Passed away at age 93 on October 15th, 2009.

Iron Man was my favorite Marvel character and of all the great talents associated with the title, the first name that pops into my mind when I think “Iron Man”, is George Tuska. Sadly, as writer Gerry Conway stated in an extra on the Iron Man DVD, George was one of the unsung heroes, his art was perceived as too cartoony, in a time when fans wanted Neal Adam’s style realism in their comics. I can remember all too well how upsetting it was when someone would knock his pencils in the letter pages. Or that talk around the comic shop held him in low esteem. I couldn’t understand why folks failed to appreciate the masterpieces he delivered on every page he illustrated.

The man was a fantastic storyteller; the panel’s dynamic and exciting. He was great at facial expression and known for dramatic poses. Tuska drew a lot of memorable issues and characters, but I was always partial to his take on the scarred Controller who powered himself by enslaving others. At my tender age, seeing those zombie like folks, their eyes blank, each with a controlling disc adhering to their foreheads… well heck, it freaked me out every bit as much as any Creature Feature that played late on Friday night. The Controller himself -bursting through rubble to tangle with my hero- was an imposing figure and a serious threat. Born from Tuska’s deft hand, their battles became the stuff of legend.

There would be times during Iron Man’s first 100 plus issues where George would take a break from the series. And the comic suffered greatly for the loss. There were a few decent artists, but all of them paled in comparison. George was Iron Man in my mind, no one came close to rendering the armored crime fighter the way he did. No one told a story with as much verve. In the years that have passed, great artists have come and gone but Tuska’s version never became a lesser entity in my eyes. To this day he remains one of the quintessential pencilers on the comic.

George only drew a few more times after the landmark 100th issue. I’ve read that Bill Mantlo didn’t care for George’s style –and while I liked Bill’s work- he made a big mistake taking Tuska off the book. Fortunately, it wouldn’t be long before fans would be happily ushered into a new golden age for Tony Stark. As creators David Michelinie, John Romita Jr. and Bob Layton took the title to amazing heights. But I will always have nothing but admiration for the skills of the talented Tuska.

Lastly: As a fan I dismayed that he wasn’t given more respect and delighted when respect was given. In Frank Miller’s film “The Spirit”, one of the paramedics is named Tuska (George worked for Spirit creator Will Eisner) That was sweetness to my ears –Jack Kirby earns references (see TVs Heroes) but for George to receive a nod was unexpected and welcome. Respect will also be given in an online magazine - Fans can look forward to a final word from the artist as George gave an interview to Advanced Iron for the 75th issue (No news on a likely release date). Chris, one of the gentlemen who conducted the interview had this to say... "George Tuska was the epitome of a professional illustrator. He was not only a consummate draftsman but was also a gifted story-teller. He told stories in a style that would become easily recognizable and oft imitated. George Tuska was the Iron Man artist for the Silver-Age and much of the Bronze-Age. His decade long, seldom-interrupted run should be cited as an exemplar to modern artists of what it means to work in monthly serial illustration."


Rest in piece Mr. Tuska and thank you for every line you drew, you brought a lot of happiness into my life and as one of your character’s –Midas- would say, “You sir were without a doubt… one of the best.”