Movies you've just watched

[GaijinPunch]

There are a couple of examples of films shot on positive film. One of them is Fucking Åmål (aka Show Me Love). In that case, the director wanted a gritty, grainy look and after various of testings they settled down with reversal 16mm. It was however a very complicated post-production and it went through many generations of 35mm intermediates until a theatrical print was made. And it wasn't until this year that the film was restored from the original positive. Former releases have had a strong yellowish tone and honestly looked like crap, but now it's probably as good as it gets.

I would assume some smaller indie movies might have gone this route. I know Primer was shot on 16mm... but not sure if it was shot straight to positive. Pretty interesting stuff. Would be cool to have a wiki full of technical specs on the film stock processing methods. I suppose IMDB could support that, but would be a bitch to gather data... with tons of it not existing, I'm sure. I remember reading something about Fight Club doing some tricks w/ the film to get a different result. Shit like this is far, far more interesting to me than what some a bunch of animators do in post production.

I'm just a hobbyist who've made a couple of visits at the restoration studio at the Swedish Film Institute and haven't been shy to ask questions. There are people out there with much more knowledge than me and could probably give you much better answers. I don't think I've ever even shot anything on film, not even stills.

Very cool... I should look into that. Shooting on film is fun, although it's not for everyone. I won't go on about the pros, although for me I eventually got sick of being caught up in "the next new lens" which was always sharper than the last, and $2000. You can get some amazing film cameras w/ lens for anywhere from $100 to $1000.

[GaijinPunch]

Ghost in the Shell (2017) - Rupert Sanders

Took three nights to get through this. I found it very boring indeed.
Still have not seen the original though, so I will give that a shot in case I am missing something.

Is it on video now? Might be a time to check it finally and see how whorable it is.

Still have not seen the original though, so I will give that a shot in case I am missing something.

Might be a hard sell. I hated it when it first came out, but I saw the dub (in the theater), the quality of which is horrendous by anyone with even mild standards. If you want an idea of how shit it is, you can start w/ the English trailer, which has no dialogue from the film, but some narration that sounds like it came from a UFH infomercial.

As I aged, and watched it properly subtitled, it grew on me. It's no Akira by a stretch, and all of the underlying themes (which ironically we here all the fucking time w/ AI on the rise) could be seen as a bit tiresome. But it's still pretty amazing. Animation quality, soundtrack, and ambiance I can say are all a solid "great". Made my GF watch in assuming we'd go see it in the theater and she could see the true contrast between Japan and 'Merica, but alas, never went and saw the latter.

[GaijinPunch]

Space Adventure Cobra 1982

Holy shit, did I need this. I more or less watched it while doing some creative stuff, and mainly used it as inspiration. Boy did it hit the fucking spot. This franchise, for some reason, I never watched back when I was keeping up with what was out. (eg when I was a huge nerd). At 10 years old, it was probably not old enough to be cool to me, or whatever. I want to go back to my high school days and thank the young me for not watching it so I could experience it now. Animation quality, all things considered, quite high. But, the creativity in sets and designs are pure retro sci-fi. All kinda goofy as shit in the story, but who cares. Good action, good pacing, some unneeded violence, an actually masculine hero that chases pussy instead of some pedo-in-training that waxes his arms and prematurely ejaculates when he sees a pair of tits. I mean, the mother fucker smokes cigars under water and his weapon of choice is The Psycho Gun. Loved it. Will watch again... especially best cosmic discotheque scene ever, which puts the Crusher Joe Discotheque in 2nd place. I hope the TV show, being episodic, is as much fun. I expect slightly less-scantily clad women.

[dan76]

Space Adventure Cobra 1982

Holy shit, did I need this. I more or less watched it while doing some creative stuff, and mainly used it as inspiration. Boy did it hit the fucking spot. This franchise, for some reason, I never watched back when I was keeping up with what was out. (eg when I was a huge nerd). At 10 years old, it was probably not old enough to be cool to me, or whatever. I want to go back to my high school days and thank the young me for not watching it so I could experience it now. Animation quality, all things considered, quite high. But, the creativity in sets and designs are pure retro sci-fi. All kinda goofy as shit in the story, but who cares. Good action, good pacing, some unneeded violence, an actually masculine hero that chases pussy instead of some pedo-in-training that waxes his arms and prematurely ejaculates when he sees a pair of tits. I mean, the mother fucker smokes cigars under water and his weapon of choice is The Psycho Gun. Loved it. Will watch again... especially best cosmic discotheque scene ever, which puts the Crusher Joe Discotheque in 2nd place. I hope the TV show, being episodic, is as much fun. I expect slightly less-scantily clad women.

It amazing isn't it. I watched it for the first time a couple of months ago, also for inspiration. I took over 200 screenshots because almost every scene has something going on. I haven't seen any of the series so I don't know if the quality holds up either.

I also watched Lensman straight after but I didn't think that was so good. No where near as interesting a character as Cobra.

The gf and I watched Fargo last night. Hadn't seen it since it came out, still good but we both felt it ended too soon. It wraps things up pretty quickly. Performances are still great.

[GaijinPunch]

It amazing isn't it. I watched it for the first time a couple of months ago, also for inspiration. I took over 200 screenshots because almost every scene has something going on. I haven't seen any of the series so I don't know if the quality holds up either.

Was blown away... sad to see what that industry has come to, but it's the same w/ just about anything. Once enough money is riding on the line, the production studios go "safe". And I'm sure the screen grabs collection is awesome. I watched it on the TV so couldn't really do that but should. The disco needs to be an animated gif if any sequence ever does.

I've taken a peak at the TV episodes. Looks good enough, although of course not as impressive. In 25 minute increments hopefully it's got enough grit to hold my attention. The voice actor for Cobra is noticeably different. Generally such things irk the fuck out of me, but whatever. His mannerisms seem to aim to a younger audience.

I also watched Lensman straight after but I didn't think that was so good. No where near as interesting a character as Cobra.

I saw this like a million years ago... left me not so impressed. This was before anything was readily available, so watched the dub. It also seemed a bit... boring.

The gf and I watched Fargo last night. Hadn't seen it since it came out, still good but we both felt it ended too soon. It wraps things up pretty quickly. Performances are still great.

Definitely amazing. Tried the TV shows? Fargo was always my favorite serious Coen Brother's film until No Country. That's blasphemy to some, but I guess the Texan in my just can't find any fault in it.

[Skykid]

Guyz, feelin' the good anime vibes.

Will definitely sit down and watch this because I don't think I've seen it already. But I have seen the TV show and it's great, but I was disappointed to find the main character slightly less sexist and Han Solo awesome than I'd discovered him to be in the Space Adventure Cobra Mega CD text adventure (also on PCE I believe, but untranslated).

If you like Cobra and like text adventures I highly recommend the game. It's no way near as bad as I was lead to believe and is a superb 'adventure' in that it really goes places. Not without some wrinkles, there are a few poor mechanical implementations, but otherwise it's a blast. Cobra with his nonstop wise guy wisecracking and general demeanor makes it all worthwhile.

[GaijinPunch]

Guyz, feelin' the good anime vibes.

Will definitely sit down and watch this because I don't think I've seen it already. But I have seen the TV show and it's great, but I was disappointed to find the main character slightly less sexist and Han Solo awesome than I'd discovered him to be in the Space Adventure Cobra Mega CD text adventure (also on PCE I believe, but untranslated).

If you like Cobra and like text adventures I highly recommend the game. It's no way near as bad as I was lead to believe and is a superb 'adventure' in that it really goes places. Not without some wrinkles, there are a few poor mechanical implementations, but otherwise it's a blast. Cobra with his nonstop wise guy wisecracking and general demeanor makes it all worthwhile.

I'm not a huge text adventure guy, but might give these a chance. Was thinking of getting a Saturn and playing Snatcher, actually, as I've not. I know, I suck. Is Magic Engine still the best PC-E emulator out there? There are two Cobra games on the PC-Engine if I'm not mistaken. The movie has actually made me consider grabbing the original manga and lugging it back from Japan on my next trip. But, I usually lug bigger more valuable things.

Regarding the TV show: Did you watch it subbed or dubbed? I'm wondering if it got watered down in English. I listened to very little audio, but it did seem more... TV-centric than the film did. Yes, I based that off of like two lines. I'll watch an episode soon.

[Skykid]

Really can't remember, it may have been dubbed in English. It wasn't bad though, just missing the edge of the character in the game - who's voice actor was on the money (may be the same as the movie incidentally).

And yes, play Snatcher motherfucker. And then Cobra right after while the vibe is still there.

[GaijinPunch]

Majo no Takkyuubin / Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)

Part of Fathom Event's currently running Ghibli Festival. A solid effort, as most know, and actually only my second time to watch it all the way through... the first being sometime around 1994 or thereabouts. While it's the quality you'd expect of Miyazaki, I find it hard to watch after Totoro... especially to someone that knows very little of Japanese pop culture, anime, or Ghibli. Nonetheless, fun. The next two, Laputa & Nausicaa, I will miss due to previous engagements, but probably all for the better. Laputa clocking in at over 2 hours would probably not sit well with my date, and I'm not sure if Nausicaa would appeal to her. Spirited Away is in October, which is mandatory, and finally ending with the one I've been meaning to see for ages but never have: How's Moving Castle.

[EmperorIng]

A shame; Laputa is actually one of my favorite Ghibli movies. I've never much enjoyed Spirited Away, though I love its animation!

I'll have to look into maybe convincing some folks if they want to come along and see any of these on the big screen... These days I have few friends left who haven't moved away for school or work.

[GaijinPunch]

I went to Arclight in Lincoln Park - same place I saw Totoro. They played this on a far larger screen, and they projected it properly, w/o cutting off the bottom and leaving zero margin for the subtitles. Laputa would be a good one to see, and I should probably watch it again. I love what I remember of it...

[emphatic]

and finally ending with the one I've been meaning to see for ages but never have: How's Moving Castle.

Wow, you've got something to look forward to.

[kaicooper]

last Animation film (Holywood) i watched was Toy Story 2 back in 1999
...

i got exited when i watched Kingdom Hearts III Toy Story trailer so decided to
watch Toy Story 3..imagine i skipped this movie for 7 years !!!!!

so i watched Toy Story 3 and Wall-E for the first time ever
both = MASTERPIECE ...love them

now gonna watch The Incredibles..hope its good

My top Toy Story movies
3 Masterpiece
1 Perfect
2 (really didnt like it that much)

[emphatic]

Yeah, Toy Story 3 is amazing.

[GaijinPunch]

The problem w/ the Toy Story franchise is it sets the bar super high, and the only one I think that's gotten close is The Incredibles. Why they've waited so long for a sequel while they've made two Cars sequels I will not understand (except money, obviously). Wall-E I am a bit on the fence about.

[copy-paster]

Se7en

One of few movies I would call it 'perfect', has some of the most gruesome deaths ever and mind-blowing ending. I really like how it looks, it doesn't look like came from 1995 at all.

Alien

I've decided that the score doesn't quite work for me. At times, anyway.

The score works well for me, remember the Dallas scene? That's what I'm talking about.

[dan76]

Se7en

One of few movies I would call it 'perfect', has some of the most gruesome deaths ever and mind-blowing ending. I really like how it looks, it doesn't look like came from 1995 at all.

I was a projectionist when this came out. I remember the film tins came with a note from Fincher asking for a certain bulb / light meter adjustment because it was so grainy and dark. Of course we ignored it. Your not going to set up a projector especially for one film (in a multiplex) Anyhow, because if this I've seen the damn thing over 50 times. It seems to have been forgotten about. I'm not such a fan of Fincher but I think this is pretty good.

[Strider77]

Space Adventure Cobra 1982

I stumbled across that about 2 years ago and was really thrilled with it. Picked up the Bluray last year. I was in the same boat... never saw it then had a friend that was visiting from out of town for the local con. I picked it up on a whim as something to entertain her/me with later after the con.

Another one you should check out is Venus Wars if you haven't seen it.

I saw this like a million years ago... left me not so impressed. This was before anything was readily available, so watched the dub. It also seemed a bit... boring.

I watched that for the first time in MANY years not long ago. The last time I saw it I was in high school.

I actually enjoyed it more now than I did then, but I also watched it subbed and in widescreen for the first time this go around. Had no idea that Mad House were the ones behind it. There are moments (particularly in the third act) that are animated very well. Has another amusing (at least) discotheque scene https://youtu.be/_g5xFo8YowQ?t=3362. But... I suppose now, I am far more desperate/starved for content in this vein in general. Long story short: I managed to find some enjoyment out of it but don't let my mild thumbs up for Lensman sway you away from my strong recommendation of Venus Wars.

[GaijinPunch]

Another one you should check out is Venus Wars if you haven't seen it.

I think you mentioned this in another thread (or someone did). Another one I could have borrowed (on VHS of course) at any time back in the day and never did. It's on the list.

[Strider77]

I did... I don't remember how it came up either though.

Arcadia of my Youth is another good/solid one if you haven't seen it before. A company called Discotek has released alot of these on Bluray (Cobra, Arcadia and Venus Wars). It's worth tracking down a solid HD rip if you are "borrowing"... they did a great job on the transfers. Arcadia and Venus Wars particularly benefit from the new transfers.

Venus Wars Trailer : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4nybAZV5Js

[GaijinPunch]

That's up my alley for sure. Always knew shit like that was... just finding the time to watch....

[EmperorIng]

I watched Mr. Arkadin by Orson Welles last night. I picked up the box-set from Barnes & Noble's 50%-off Criterion sale; the set includes three version of the movie plus a novelization - neat.

Mr. Arkadin is a pretty fun and interesting noir/mystery/thriller. The shadowy Mr. Arkadin (played by Welles) pays a two-bit criminal to find out about his own past, because he has amnesia. Conspiracy and intrigue follow. As is typical of Welles, it looks beautiful and distinct (the opening shootout, where shadows of people improbably stay in place while they run away, is really striking). The structure of the movie is very reminiscent of Citizen Kane (where a reporter discovers snippets of Kane's life through accomplices), as the movie is framed by a series of flashbacks before it finally reaches the "present" in the final act. The movie follows the investigator's foray into a carnival of lost souls from the businessman's past. At less than two hours (an hour and forty minutes, at least the "Comprehensive Verson," which is recommended as the best of the three), it moves quickly and maintains a great sense of pacing and momentum.

[xxx1993]

I felt like Atomic Blonde went on forever. Like there are parts where it looked like it was about to end, but then it kept going. At least it had an awesome soundtrack.

[neorichieb1971]

Dunkirk

Was ok for a dramatized true story. Was only ok because of a couple of things. 1) Nazi's were invisible bar the planes dog fighting 2) it replayed several scenes from differing angles over and over 3) The British had no sense of urgency to get off the beach. Just standing there counting the minutes.

As a result it felt like you were waiting for something to happen. Apart from the inevitable, nothing much happened.

Wasn't expecting Michael Bay jazz or anything, but expected something.

[GaijinPunch]

Wasn't expecting Michael Bay jazz or anything, but expected something.

Like dog fights, people getting blown up, torpedos sinking battleships, and shit like that?

[lilmanjs]

Man of Vendetta
A korean thriller about a pastor's girl being kidnapped. 8 years or so later the movie picks up an the hunt for his kid resumes. The baddie in this one is one violent dude but it fits. recommended.

Hard Boiled (Hong Kong Rescue)
One of the best action movies ever made. Has never looked better than on this release. That hospital shootout still gives chills.

[GaijinPunch]

Hard Boiled (Hong Kong Rescue)
One of the best action movies ever made. Has never looked better than on this release. That hospital shootout still gives chills.

They recently played this in the local art house theater and like a dick hole I missed it.

[lilmanjs]

Hard Boiled (Hong Kong Rescue)
One of the best action movies ever made. Has never looked better than on this release. That hospital shootout still gives chills.

They recently played this in the local art house theater and like a dick hole I missed it.

That would of been awesome to go to. Our local theater/concert venue does special events every once in a while but hardly ever asian stuff. They did get Kung fu Hustle and House of Flying Daggers when they got their theatrical releases here.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

I felt like Atomic Blonde went on forever. Like there are parts where it looked like it was about to end, but then it kept going. At least it had an awesome soundtrack.

Yeah, the era that Atomic Blond is set in is during the Cold War with an MI6 female agent doing her task/job (of course, the British government denied that the ultra secretive MI6 division existed back in the day when it was up & running full steam ahead).

Se7en Factoid time: In regards to a certain key scene with the bed-ridden guy & a bunch of hanging air fresheners above him, director David Finch used numerous 20 watt rated light bulbs to give a gloomy & mysterious ambience to that particular scene indeed. It was also a major first within the detective/cop drama genre to use numerous body part props to sell/move the story along (which usually would be regulated to the "tried 'n' true" horror-gore sub-genre like within the infamous Hostel/The Collector/The Collection film franchises). The alternative Se7en ending (if it was filmed & released as is) doesn't hold up to the current presented eventual ending the audience does see unfold -- a masterful gut-wrenching conclusion that can't be one-upped ever.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[neorichieb1971]

Wasn't expecting Michael Bay jazz or anything, but expected something.

Like dog fights, people getting blown up, torpedos sinking battleships, and shit like that?

Yeah, dogfights seemed bland. Very basic cross hair stuff. Was loud and realistic sounding and you felt the nerves of the scene, but it felt a little uneventful. I just think that when a dog fight happens in real life there is an urgency to shake off your opponent. But in this movie its just about getting the plane in the cross hair and go gung ho on the trigger.

I don't really know what happened in WW2 since I wasn't there personally. But I can tell you I wouldn't queue up on the beach waiting on flat sand to be shot at. Saving Private Ryan suffers from running into bullets as well. I just don't get it. Dunkirk has soldiers which act docile and its the civilians that have the courage. Apart from a German plane, there is no Nazi presence in the movie at all. You see and hear bullets, but there is no engagement from the ground. So the movie relies heavily on you believing it will happen. Its that kind of movie.