Comments on: DVD Releases for July 22nd, 2008 http://www.moviezeal.com/dvd-releases-for-july-22nd-2008/ The official podcast of MovieZeal.com, where film is always best discussed under the gentle influence of fine wine (as fine as $10 will get you). Each week Evan, Heather, and Luke pick a theme, discuss a theatrical release based on that theme, pop the cork and drink a wine that fits said theme, and finally subject one another to The Gauntlet, where forcing others to watch painful films nets you fabulous prizes. There is not anything else on the internets like it (literally). Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:33:45 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5 By: K. Bowen http://www.moviezeal.com/dvd-releases-for-july-22nd-2008/#comment-6226 K. Bowen Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:36:57 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=837#comment-6226 As I said in the other thread, I thought 21 was entertaining fluff. Much better than what I expected walking in. Which is why it became a pretty decent hit. As I said in the other thread, I thought 21 was entertaining fluff. Much better than what I expected walking in. Which is why it became a pretty decent hit.

]]> By: Fox http://www.moviezeal.com/dvd-releases-for-july-22nd-2008/#comment-6155 Fox Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:57:25 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=837#comment-6155 Were you guys expecting Sturgess to say "How 'bout them apples?" when he hits on Bosworth at the bar? Were you guys expecting Sturgess to say “How ’bout them apples?” when he hits on Bosworth at the bar?

]]> By: Evan Derrick http://www.moviezeal.com/dvd-releases-for-july-22nd-2008/#comment-6149 Evan Derrick Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:54:04 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=837#comment-6149 Count me curious as well, Miss Luck. Count me curious as well, Miss Luck.

]]> By: Luke Harrington http://www.moviezeal.com/dvd-releases-for-july-22nd-2008/#comment-6143 Luke Harrington Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:19:19 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=837#comment-6143 Hey, we have a celebrity in our midst. I'm curious, Lady Luck: What did you think of <i>21</i>, aside from the race thing? Welcome to MZ! :) Hey, we have a celebrity in our midst.

I’m curious, Lady Luck: What did you think of 21, aside from the race thing?

Welcome to MZ! :)

]]> By: Daniel http://www.moviezeal.com/dvd-releases-for-july-22nd-2008/#comment-6141 Daniel Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:16:40 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=837#comment-6141 21 was a bust. LadyLuck, I appreciate that, if it's true, because I called them out in my review as well. Either way, the truthiness of the casting isn't what made 21 a bad movie. It was just poorly made, and if I were you I would be annoyed that such an awesome story ended up like this. 21 was a bust.

LadyLuck, I appreciate that, if it’s true, because I called them out in my review as well.

Either way, the truthiness of the casting isn’t what made 21 a bad movie. It was just poorly made, and if I were you I would be annoyed that such an awesome story ended up like this.

]]> By: Lady Luck http://www.moviezeal.com/dvd-releases-for-july-22nd-2008/#comment-6139 Lady Luck Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:53:03 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=837#comment-6139 As a member of the original MIT Blackjack Team in 1980 and a player and investor through the 1990's, I want to clear up a misconception that's been going around the Internet. The MIT Blackjack Team was not composed primarily of Asians. The composition of the Team over the years included somewhere between 15%-20% Asians. It is true that Ben Mezrich wrote his original story based on his interviews with one of the players, Jeff Ma (played by Jim Sturgess), who was Asian. As a member of the original MIT Blackjack Team in 1980 and a player and investor through the 1990’s, I want to clear up a misconception that’s been going around the Internet. The MIT Blackjack Team was not composed primarily of Asians. The composition of the Team over the years included somewhere between 15%-20% Asians. It is true that Ben Mezrich wrote his original story based on his interviews with one of the players, Jeff Ma (played by Jim Sturgess), who was Asian.

]]> By: Evan Derrick http://www.moviezeal.com/dvd-releases-for-july-22nd-2008/#comment-6132 Evan Derrick Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:40:26 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=837#comment-6132 For your information, Rick, we have sweet cell phones and instant messaging to stay in touch. We retired the plastic walkie talkies, like, weeks ago. And Phillip, Mr. Olson is beating you to the punch on that cinema classics column. :) For your information, Rick, we have sweet cell phones and instant messaging to stay in touch. We retired the plastic walkie talkies, like, weeks ago.

And Phillip, Mr. Olson is beating you to the punch on that cinema classics column. :)

]]> By: Coosa Creek Mambo » Some Recent Notable DVDs http://www.moviezeal.com/dvd-releases-for-july-22nd-2008/#comment-6130 Coosa Creek Mambo » Some Recent Notable DVDs Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:27:11 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=837#comment-6130 [...] My friends over at MovieZeal write about DVD releases once a week, but they don’t include classics. So as a public [...] […] My friends over at MovieZeal write about DVD releases once a week, but they don’t include classics. So as a public […]

]]> By: Rick Olson http://www.moviezeal.com/dvd-releases-for-july-22nd-2008/#comment-6128 Rick Olson Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:25:39 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=837#comment-6128 Yeah, they cost a little bit all right ... I keep an eye on DVD Planet and Amazon. I got "Vampyr" at Amazon for a pre-order price (30% below list) and because I belong to their prime program, shipping was "free" for two-day. Not as bad. I put together an overview of my favorite classic and art-house releases over at my site if you're interested. Yeah, they cost a little bit all right … I keep an eye on DVD Planet and Amazon. I got “Vampyr” at Amazon for a pre-order price (30% below list) and because I belong to their prime program, shipping was “free” for two-day. Not as bad.

I put together an overview of my favorite classic and art-house releases over at my site if you’re interested.

]]> By: Phillip Johnston http://www.moviezeal.com/dvd-releases-for-july-22nd-2008/#comment-6124 Phillip Johnston Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:10:23 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=837#comment-6124 Oh ... and yes, Evan. I'd be happy to do a column like that. Perhaps I'll strike up one after work this evening. Oh … and yes, Evan. I’d be happy to do a column like that. Perhaps I’ll strike up one after work this evening.

]]> By: Phillip Johnston http://www.moviezeal.com/dvd-releases-for-july-22nd-2008/#comment-6121 Phillip Johnston Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:04:36 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=837#comment-6121 Rick, I bought Vampyr last night too and what an absolutely gorgeous box set it is at that. I've never seen the film and can't wait to spend some time with Dreyer this evening. But man-oh-man ... those Criterion's are pricey. Rick, I bought Vampyr last night too and what an absolutely gorgeous box set it is at that. I’ve never seen the film and can’t wait to spend some time with Dreyer this evening.

But man-oh-man … those Criterion’s are pricey.

]]> By: Thadd Harrington http://www.moviezeal.com/dvd-releases-for-july-22nd-2008/#comment-6118 Thadd Harrington Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:27:45 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=837#comment-6118 Y'know what bugged me about this movie? Everytime the main character says, "I'm from Boston" I wanted to scream, "No! You're not! You are most obviously from the Midwest!" Y’know what bugged me about this movie? Everytime the main character says, “I’m from Boston” I wanted to scream, “No! You’re not! You are most obviously from the Midwest!”

]]> By: Coosa Creek Rick http://www.moviezeal.com/dvd-releases-for-july-22nd-2008/#comment-6086 Coosa Creek Rick Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:30:04 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=837#comment-6086 I did NOT say they were string and paper cups ... they're those little toy walkie-talkies that take a 9 volt battery apiece and reach about 20 feet. And I'd like to see a round up of Criterions myself ... just indulged and bought their <i>Vampyr</i> which I will absorb with relish (and maybe a little mayo) over the weekend. I did NOT say they were string and paper cups … they’re those little toy walkie-talkies that take a 9 volt battery apiece and reach about 20 feet.

And I’d like to see a round up of Criterions myself … just indulged and bought their Vampyr which I will absorb with relish (and maybe a little mayo) over the weekend.

]]> By: Fox http://www.moviezeal.com/dvd-releases-for-july-22nd-2008/#comment-6079 Fox Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:51:25 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=837#comment-6079 I think you nailed it. The only time where I could see (or feel) a bump was when the bus/traffic merged into view. STILL... it's pretty flawlessly done. I'm impressed. Excellent break down Evan. I think you nailed it. The only time where I could see (or feel) a bump was when the bus/traffic merged into view. STILL… it’s pretty flawlessly done. I’m impressed.

Excellent break down Evan.

]]> By: Evan Derrick http://www.moviezeal.com/dvd-releases-for-july-22nd-2008/#comment-6073 Evan Derrick Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:32:44 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=837#comment-6073 Ok Fox, I found the clip you were talking about, which you can watch <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnlDNBoZ1_Y" rel="nofollow">here</a>. You're right, it is an incredible shot. It's hard to tell on YouTube (what with the quality and all), but I'm pretty sure they make the transition when the bus passes behind Sturgess on the bike. The bus is probably a digital creation, and they use it to help cover the switch between the two shots. The first shot is obviously from a helicopter, and the second shot may or may not actually be on the bridge. It's possible the second shot of Sturgess is entirely green screened, but it doesn't have to be. They could have easily set up a follow car with a jib on the bridge to do the tracking shot. If you watch when the bus passes Sturgess, you can see that his movements on the bike are easy to mimic. It wouldn't be hard to take two shots - one that ends on him on the bike and one that begins there - and match them up, since the movement is nearly identical. But, regardless, it's still a fantastic shot. Ok Fox, I found the clip you were talking about, which you can watch here.

You’re right, it is an incredible shot. It’s hard to tell on YouTube (what with the quality and all), but I’m pretty sure they make the transition when the bus passes behind Sturgess on the bike. The bus is probably a digital creation, and they use it to help cover the switch between the two shots. The first shot is obviously from a helicopter, and the second shot may or may not actually be on the bridge. It’s possible the second shot of Sturgess is entirely green screened, but it doesn’t have to be. They could have easily set up a follow car with a jib on the bridge to do the tracking shot. If you watch when the bus passes Sturgess, you can see that his movements on the bike are easy to mimic. It wouldn’t be hard to take two shots - one that ends on him on the bike and one that begins there - and match them up, since the movement is nearly identical.

But, regardless, it’s still a fantastic shot.

]]> By: Fox http://www.moviezeal.com/dvd-releases-for-july-22nd-2008/#comment-6072 Fox Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:30:02 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=837#comment-6072 Oopsie... I read Luke's review and then just saw your star rating and then made an ass-out-of-me... I shouldn't assume that you guys are 100% BFF! :) However, Coosa Creek Rick DID tell me that you guys have paper cups and string running from your bedroom windows. Oopsie… I read Luke’s review and then just saw your star rating and then made an ass-out-of-me… I shouldn’t assume that you guys are 100% BFF! :)

However, Coosa Creek Rick DID tell me that you guys have paper cups and string running from your bedroom windows.

]]> By: Evan Derrick http://www.moviezeal.com/dvd-releases-for-july-22nd-2008/#comment-6070 Evan Derrick Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:42:08 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=837#comment-6070 Cine, yeah, I've thought about starting up a separate column for the 'Classic' DVD releases each week, like the Criterion ones you mention. Hey Phillip, feel like tackling that each week? You'd be the perfect choice to profile all the DVDs that the serious cinephiles care about. And Fox, did you read what I wrote above? :) Luke mildly endorsed it, but I didn't (although, to be fair, I haven't actually seen it...but I read enough to gauge what my reaction would). As to the opening shot, is there anywhere to watch it online? I'd like to take a gander at it and see what the fuss is all about. Cine, yeah, I’ve thought about starting up a separate column for the ‘Classic’ DVD releases each week, like the Criterion ones you mention. Hey Phillip, feel like tackling that each week? You’d be the perfect choice to profile all the DVDs that the serious cinephiles care about.

And Fox, did you read what I wrote above? :) Luke mildly endorsed it, but I didn’t (although, to be fair, I haven’t actually seen it…but I read enough to gauge what my reaction would). As to the opening shot, is there anywhere to watch it online? I’d like to take a gander at it and see what the fuss is all about.

]]> By: Fox http://www.moviezeal.com/dvd-releases-for-july-22nd-2008/#comment-6069 Fox Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:05:10 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=837#comment-6069 This is timely b/c I just rented this last night and watched it. I can't say I share you and Luke's endorsement of it, but I am curious about one thing - and since I didn't listen to the commentary before taking it back, maybe you guys can help. The OPENING SHOT... It starts in the sky above Cambridge and descends upon the bridge that Jim Sturges is riding his bike on. Slowly it swings around to his right (hanging over the bridge) then swings in front of him and tracks him from that angle. Now... it's meant to look like one fluid shot, but damn if that wouldn't have been near impossible to pull off. Was there a nifty cut to green screen somewhere in there? Cuz I couldn't find it. To be honest, it's kinda freaking me out right now!! This is timely b/c I just rented this last night and watched it. I can’t say I share you and Luke’s endorsement of it, but I am curious about one thing - and since I didn’t listen to the commentary before taking it back, maybe you guys can help.

The OPENING SHOT…

It starts in the sky above Cambridge and descends upon the bridge that Jim Sturges is riding his bike on. Slowly it swings around to his right (hanging over the bridge) then swings in front of him and tracks him from that angle.

Now… it’s meant to look like one fluid shot, but damn if that wouldn’t have been near impossible to pull off. Was there a nifty cut to green screen somewhere in there? Cuz I couldn’t find it. To be honest, it’s kinda freaking me out right now!!

]]> By: Cinexcellence http://www.moviezeal.com/dvd-releases-for-july-22nd-2008/#comment-6068 Cinexcellence Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:45:00 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=837#comment-6068 There were also a few Criterions added this week as well (Dreyer's Vempyr / High & Low) There were also a few Criterions added this week as well (Dreyer’s Vempyr / High & Low)

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