Movie Matters #13 - Christmas Special II

The Movie Matters podcast returns for its final episode of 2011. In this special Christmas instalment, co-hosts Lee Howard and Michael Mackenzie exchange gifts, casting an eye on French actor turned filmmaker Guillaume Canet's adaptation of American crime author Harlan Coben's TELL NO ONE (NE LE DIS À PERSONNE) and Martin McDonagh's celebrated black comedy IN BRUGES, starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. Upcoming DVD and Blu-ray releases of note are also covered, and another Blu-ray Disc enters the Movie Matters Hall of Fame.

 

• Direct link
• https://rapidshare.com/files/3431812087/moviematters-episode13-23-12-12.mp3
• iTunes

The music sampled in this episode is from IL DULCI JUBILO, NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION, TELL NO-ONE, SCROOGED, HOME ALONE 2: LOST IN NEW YORK and THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS.

Created by Lee Howard & Michael Mackenzie

Edited by Michael Mackenzie

Request for comments

This is perhaps slightly premature notice coming just a day after the release of the last Movie Matters episode, but for our upcoming thirteen episode we'll be looking at Pixar's two most maligned features, CARS and its sequel CARS 2. Unlike the last three instalments, all of which were specials covering three films apiece, this will be a "normal" episode covering only two films and therefore marking the return of our regular features: (a) the "upcoming releases" sections and (b) the "listeners' questions" section.

With that in mind, here's the topic for discussion:

What's your favourite and least favourite Pixar film and why?

You can either add your answers as replies to this post, tweet them to us at @MovieMattersTM, or drop us an email at moviematterspodcast[at]gmail[dot]com.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Movie Matters #12 - Brian De Palma Special

In this episode of the Movie Matters podcast, regular co-hosts Lee Howard and Michael Mackenzie are joined by special guest Daniel Sardella to discuss the films of Brian De Palma. The three hosts cast an eye over three of the equally celebrated and derided filmmaker's most infamous thrillers - SISTERS, BLOW OUT and BODY DOUBLE - and induct another Blu-ray transfer into the Movie Matters Hall of Fame.

  

• Direct link
• https://rapidshare.com/files/2454049385/moviematters-episode12-23-11-11.mp3
• iTunes

The music sampled in this episode is all from THE UNTOUCHABLES by Ennio Morricone, FEMME FATALE by Ryuichi Sakamoto, SISTERS and OBSESSION by Bernard Herrmann, and RAISING CAIN, BLOW OUT and BODY DOUBLE by Pino Donaggio.

Movie Matters #11 - Halloween Special II

The Movie Matters podcast returns after an impromptu extended hiatus with a Halloween special and promises of a more frequent recording schedule going forward. In this spine-tingling episode, co-hosts Lee Howard and Michael Mackenzie cast their eyes over horror movies old and new, discussing Wes Craven's SCREAM 4, Neil Marshall's THE DESCENT and Tobe Hooper and Steven Spielberg's POLTERGEIST.

• Direct link
• https://rapidshare.com/files/626685881/moviematters-episode11-10-11-11.mp3
• iTunes

The music sampled in this episode is all from HALLOWEEN by John Carpenter, THE DESCENT by David Julyan, and THE EXORCIST by Mike Oldfield.

As mentioned in the podcast, here are some comparisons between the two different colour grades of THE DESCENT: http://www.landofwhimsy.com/archives/2011/11/movie-matters-11---halloween-special-ii/

Please note that some minor audio interference may be audible in the earliest parts of the episode. This was due to failing equipment that has since been replaced and should not be a problem in future episodes.

Movie Matters #10 - The Lord of the Rings special

In the latest episode of the Movie Matters podcast, co-hosts Lee Howard and Michael Mackenzie embark on an adventure as they set off on the long journey of discussing and reflecting upon the strengths, weaknesses and enduring cinematic achievement of New Line Cinema's THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING, THE TWO TOWERS and THE RETURN OF THE KING. In addition to reviewing the films themselves, the hosts also share how they first became acquainted with the world of Middle-Earth, cast their eyes over the recent Extended Edition Blu-ray Disc release of the trilogy, and read out listener comments on all things LORD OF THE RINGS.

 

• Direct link
• https://rapidshare.com/files/16704125/moviematters-episode10-02-08-11.mp3
• iTunes

The music sampled in this episode is all from THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING, THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS and THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING by Howard Shore. Special thanks to David Mackenzie for audio support.

Please note that this episode suffers from some unavoidable audio interference during its first half as a result of a technical gaffe (a.k.a. not plugging the microphone in properly). We hope that these imperfections don't impair your enjoyment of the episode.

As mentioned in the podcast, here is the summary of the screenplay for the aborted John Boorman adaptation of the books.

Movie Matters #9

In the latest episode of the Movie Matters podcast, co-hosts Lee Howard and Michael Mackenzie take the Left Hand Path as they delve into the world of the supernatural, examining two adaptations by the renowned Hammer studio of the black magic novels of the prolific Dennis Wheatley, 1968's THE DEVIL RIDES OUT and 1976's TO THE DEVIL A DAUGHTER. The hosts also discuss significant movies that have so far eluded them in a "Never Seen But Should Have" feature, cast their eyes over recent Blu-ray and DVD releases, and induct another Blu-ray transfer into the Movie Matters Hall of Fame.

The music sampled in this episode is from THE DEVIL RIDES OUT (James Bernard), THE CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN (James Bernard), HORROR OF DRACULA (James Bernard) and THE MUMMY (Franz Reizenstein).

• Direct link
• https://rapidshare.com/files/3333605622/moviematters-episode9-28-07-11.mp3
• iTunes

Movie Matters #8 - giallo special

In this special giallo-themed episode of the Movie Matters podcast, regular hosts Lee Howard and Michael Mackenzie welcome special guest and giallo enthusiast Sandy "The Gialli Fan" Richardson of the Dark Dreams web site to discuss that unique brand of Italian murder-mystery thrillers from the 70s. In addition to delving into three films by the "big three" giallo directors - Mario Bava's BLOOD AND BLACK LACE, Lucio Fulci's DON'T TORTURE A DUCKLING and Dario Argento's DEEP RED - Lee, Michael and Sandy also count down the top 10 giallo films as submitted by the listeners, reveal their own personal favourites and suggest some must-have giallo DVD and Blu-ray Disc releases.

Please note that this podcast contains spoilers for the films featured.

The music sampled in this episode is from DEEP RED (Giorgio Gaslini and Goblin), OPERA (Claudio Simonetti), BLOOD AND BLACK LACE (Carlo Rustichelli), THE STRANGE VICE OF MRS. WARDH (Nora Orlandi), DON'T TORTURE A DUCKLING (Riz Ortolani), WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO SOLANGE? (Ennio Morricone), STRIP NUDE FOR YOUR KILLER (Berto Pisano), THE CASE OF THE BLOODY IRIS (Bruno Nicolai) and THE BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMAGE (Ennio Morricone). Special thanks to David Mackenzie for audio support.

• Direct link
• https://rapidshare.com/files/1836899168/moviematters-episode8-07-06-11.mp3
• iTunes

Updated Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 07:53 AM: Fixed a couple of glitches in the initial upload. Redownloading is recommended.

Movie Matters: call for giallo lists

We (Michael & Lee) are planning on recording the next episode of the Movie Matters podcast in the first week of June, along with our good friend Sandy, a.k.a. The Gialli Fan at Dark Dreams. As befits Sandy's nickname, this will be a giallo special, beginning with a discussion of the genre, followed by reviews/discussions of three films.

We would like listeners to submit their three favourite gialli in order of preference, so if you'd like to participate, please add a reply to this topic. The plan would be to read out as many of these lists on air as possible.

Blu-ray Hall of Fame

In our most recent episode, we discussed adding a section to this blog listing our inductees into the Blu-ray Hall of Fame, designed as a means to recognise and celebrate the very best visual presentations of films in high definition. Here is that list as it currently stands:

• Episode 1: MOULIN ROUGE! (Region A USA, 20th Century Fox)
• Episode 2: N/A
• Episode 3: ALIEN (Region ABC UK, 20th Century Fox)
• Episode 4: THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Region ABC UK, 20th Century Fox)
• Episode 5: N/A
• Episode 6: THELMA & LOUISE (Region A USA, 20th Century Fox/MGM)
• Episode 7: SILENT HILL (Region ABC France, Metropolitan Film & Video)
• Episode 8: N/A
• Episode 9: ALICE COLD IN ALEX (Region B UK, Optimum)
• Episode 10: N/A
• Episode 11: N/A
• Episode 12: BLOW OUT (Region A USA, Criterion)
• Episode 13: SUPER 8 (Region ABC USA, Paramount)

Movie Matters #7

The long-overdue seventh instalment of the Movie Matters podcast arrives in the form of a Danny Boyle special, looking at the two latest instalments in the gifted director's diverse filmography: SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE and 127 HOURS. Co-hosts Lee Howard and Michael Mackenzie also discuss this year's Oscar results, take a look at this month's new DVD and Blu-ray releases, and induct another nominee into the Blu-ray Hall of Fame.

The music sampled in this episode is from 127 HOURS ("The Funeral" by Band of Horses and "Never Hear Surf Music Again" by Free Blood) and SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (by A.R. Rahman), as well as the latest addition to the Blu-ray hall of fame. Special thanks to David Mackenzie for audio support.

• Direct link
• https://rapidshare.com/files/457858110/moviematters-episode7-17-04-11.mp3
• iTunes

Movie Matters #6

The Movie Matters podcast continues with a Darren (REQUIEM FOR A DREAM) Aronofsky special, putting his latest film, the critically acclaimed BLACK SWAN, under the microscope, as well as his previous offering, the similarly acclaimed THE WRESTLER.

The music sampled in this episode is from BLACK SWAN (Clint Mansell/Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky) and THE WRESLTER (Clint Mansell), as well as the latest addition to the Blu-ray hall of fame. Special thanks to David Mackenzie for audio support.

• Direct link
• http://rapidshare.com/files/449788727/moviematters-episode6-24-02-11.mp3
• iTunes

Movie Matters Top 10 Blu-ray Transfers of 2010

The ten most sumptuous Blu-ray presentations we've seen in the last twelve months...

• ALIENS - 20th Century Fox
• THE EVIL DEAD - Anchor Bay
• GLADIATOR (EU re-release) - Universal
• MINORITY REPORT - 20th Century Fox
• MOULIN ROUGE! - 20th Century Fox
• PONYO - Disney
• SE7EN - Warner
• THE SOUND OF MUSIC - 20th Century Fox
• WHIP IT - Lions Gate
• ZOMBIELAND - Sony Pictures

Movie Matters #5

In the first Movie Matters episode of 2011, co-hosts Lee Howard and Michael Mackenzie cast they eyes over the best (and some of the worst) films of 2010, counting down their ten favourites of the past year. The listeners also get their time in the spotlight with their own personal lists.

With over 2 hours and 45 minutes of banter, this is the biggest Movie Matters episode yet!

• http://www.landofwhimsy.com/moviematters/moviematters-episode5-19-01-11.mp3
• http://rapidshare.com/files/443451286/moviematters-episode5-19-01-11.mp3
• iTunes

The music sampled in this episode is from SHUTTER ISLAND (Symphony No. 3, 4th Movement: Passacaglia - Allegro Moderato by Krzysztof Penderecki), AMER (from WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO YOUR DAUGHTERS? by Stelvio Cipriani), KICK-ASS (the Prodigy), the Millennium trilogy (Jacob Groth) and TOY STORY 3 (Randy Newman). Special thanks to David Mackenzie for audio support.