For those interested, there is a reissue of the Theory of the Obscurity limited to 500 copies.
It appears to be identical to the 2015 release but includes an ugly slip cover.
https://vinegarsyndrome.com/products/theory-of-obscurity?variant=44894275338282
A few weeks before Raiders hit theaters, I saw it as a free “sneak peek” bonus feature after a current film. I recall the other film was Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid but apparently that was released almost a year later. So it must have been something else.
Even though Spielberg, Lucas, and Ford were already household names, there was no buzz around the film. The theater was mostly empty and I remember trying to explain it to kids at school the next day.
Did anyone else see the preview and remember which film it was shown with with?
This VS partner label was a blind buy that I thoroughly enjoyed!
It combines three of my favorite things: animation, the early 70s, and outright weirdness.
The plot is about monkeys creating the first “all person” feature film.
But werirder than the plot is the reason for that plot. The film exists to sell a pre-existing live action film, Aybolit-66, to English speaking markets.
In the film, animated monkeys film the production of Aybolit-66. It cuts between animation and live action throughout. The animated sequences were written to explain what is happening in the live action film, and how they relate to it.
To be clear less, than half this film is animated. That fact is hidden in the theatrical trailer. It’s deceptive.
But that said, both the original Russian film, and the animation are clever and well made. And the way they come together adds unintentionally nice weirdness.
On top of that, they add catchy songs as well as beautiful aerial footage of Canadian landscape.
I think this film may have been a cult hit except (until now) it could not be seen anywhere. In fact, this is the first home video release on any format.
A few thoughts on Buffet Infinity from Yellow Veil Pictures, a Vinegar Syndrome partner label:
The film is mostly comprised of fake 1990s local TV commercials along with a few news broadcasts. But as it progresses, things seem off.
This satisfied my love for weird and creative art.
I was impressed by how it stitched together a narrative from a mix tape of fake TV clips
Fans of Adult Swim or WNUF might like this.
For me, this was much more interesting than the Adult Swim related film, Buddy.
This just arrived. It’s one of my favorite gialli.
The style, photography, and the Ennio Morricone score make it special.
Last time I saw it was on DVD, many years ago, so I expect this is going to be a new experience.
I try not to rewatch films when I have a backlog, but yesterday, I was in the mood to rewatch Silent Running.
I recall some being disappointed but for me, it’s nostalgic and sentimental because I saw it as a child on UHF. But it’s more than that…
I love the Bruce Dern performance, the proto-R2-D2s, the 70’s folk music and a bittersweet sense of isolation.
It’s basically a hippie environmentalist thing. It’s interesting that although it takes place in the future, it is has the sentiments of the late 1960s. Apparently, Joan Baez will be the music of the future. 🤣
Despite all that, it’s well done.
Just got back from Severin’s Super-Shock Pop-Up Film Festival in LA. Lots of fun!
Each year, they screen three or four films and show trailers of others. The implication is that these are all films they’re going to release soon. That has been the case in past years.
Keep in mind that these don’t usually go up for preorder at the same time, some are still in the works, and some are 4K upgrades rather than first time releases:
There were two others that don’t recall the titles of:
Just got back from Severin’s Super-Shock Pop-Up Film Festival in LA. Lots of fun!
Each year, they screen three or four films and show trailers of others. The implication is that these are all films they’re going to release soon. That has been the case in past years.
Keep in mind that these don’t usually go up for preorder at the same time, some are still in the works, and some are 4K upgrades rather than first time releases:
There were two others that don’t recall the titles of:
Overall, I enjoyed Reviver 3.
This edition of the series collects short films that would otherwise be lost to time.
Some of these are wonderfully weird, some interesting, and some even. touching,
However, a few are brutally boring. (Especially, “Secret of 76”, “Rock Hounds” and that puppet show about dentistry.)
Because the Reviver concept is about mystery, I won’t say more.
What did you think?
I finally pulled the trigger on 2551 from Deaf Crocodile and watched it this weekend.
As I had expected (and hoped) it is ferociously weird.
These films have no dialogue, are shot on video in black-and-white with color tinting added in post. It’s also entirely set underground and every character wears a mask. Those things would seem to make it a difficult watch yet I eagerly binged it over two days.
The plot is unexpectedly straightforward, conventional, and easy to follow and even has a bit of heart. Yet everything else about it is ugly, creepy, and weird. It reminded me of Holy Mountain or The Quay Brothers.
This is only a fraction of what I wanted to say about this film, but I’ll leave you with what was the most striking part of the film for me…
I don’t consider this a spoiler, but if you don’t want to any details, stop here.
… One thing that really creeps me out is backwards talking.
… Another thing is ventriloquist dummies.
This film has both at the same time, a dummy that sings backwards. In the context of the scene, it’s pure nightmare fuel.
“Thanks a lot to” everyone who read this entire post. (That’s an inside joke for those of you who have seen the films.🤣)
Wow! Why did no one tell me how great this film is?! It was only $7.50 on a recent Severin sale.
It starts off appearing to be a French knock off of Indiana Jones, except an extremely well-made one. And then the second half gets crazy.
This film sort of gave me the vibe of Flash Gordon (1980). But this is a much better film.
It’s not “so bad it’s good”; it’s legitimately good. Way better than that Antonio Margheriti Jonesploitation set Severin did last year.
It’s 2K from a 4K scan so I’m hoping they’ll do an upgrade eventually.
I watched this again today and it still blows me away.
It’s up there with the best time travel movies. And yes, that includes Back to the Future and Primer.
The beauty of this film is how simple and direct it is. It mostly takes place in two rooms and that’s all it needs.
Brilliant concept and imagination! Low budget/high concept.
I've been a fan of this film's trailer and radio spot which features Ernie Anderson spinning it as something outrageously lurid. (It's not. 😂)
The film uses a warning sound when you should cover your eyes. Ridiculously, that sound is an old fashioned car horn ("ahh-oooo-gah!") The "horror horn" concept predates this so I think it's intentionally goofy.
I mostly got this for Andrea Martin and Eugene Levy of SCTV fame. It's also directed by Ivan Reitman.
At first, the comedic angle is subtle but halfway through, it becomes parody of rural horror like Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
I think the film would have been better as an all-out comedy. But it's still fun and worthwhile as is.
Not a strong recommend but one to consider.
A VS partner label title that I recommend is “Fraud”. Some may consider it a documentary or real life found footage. Yes, it’s genuinely that but also much more.
Please go in absolutely blind if possible. The product description and trailer reveal way too much. But even if you already know it, it’s still impressive.
If you’re a fan of concepts, you’ll love this.
I didn’t understand what was happening until the end credits when it suddenly hit me like a ton of bricks. Most people (understandably) won’t get it even then. Watch the Q&A at the screening on the extras for full disclosure.
I feel like I’ve already said too much.
I got this on a Severin sales last year but watched it for the first time this weekend.
This film is astonishing! And I don’t necessarily mean that in a good way. You have to see it to believe it.
Yeah, it’s “so bad it’s good” but there’s more to it than that. Despite how ridiculous it is, it’s well-made and creative.
I also should mention that its treatment of animals does not align to standards of present day … or any time for that matter.
Just placed my B&N order. I had $500 in my cart but finally pared it to down to $175. Here's what I got and why:
Because I buy in threes now to take advantage of the new Diabolik DVD discount, and I pre-order early, often I’m pleasantly surprised when I see stuff in the box that I forgot that I even ordered. I purposely don’t read the shipping notification email for that reason. 🙂
A total of eight films and, with the exception of one or two of the Jackie Chan films, they are all blind buys.
I’ve been wanting to see Audition for years and I’m glad my first time will be an Arrow 4K.
Hitch-Hike is the biggest risk. It was an impulse buy but I love 70s Italian films and it stars Franco Nero and has a soundtrack by the almighty Ennio Morricone. I’m going to watch that one tonight.
I never noticed that Indicator has a custom version of the HDR sticker with their logo. Kind of cool.
Everything I’ve ever received from Diabolik has been in perfect condition. That said, if you look at the final photo, you’ll see that the Jackie Chan set has a significant crack on the side! 🤣
Martyrs is extraordinary!
Years ago, I heard its reputation of being disturbing, but that alone was not a reason to watch it. It remained on my watchlist because I heard it was more than that.
I finally watched my Eureka! 4K this weekend, completely blind. Wow!
I’m tempted to say more, but won’t.
Going in blind is best. I recommend anyone who hasn’t seen it yet do the same.
Because of my backlog, I don’t normally watch a film again right away but a couple days later I had to see this again.
Ordered from Mélusine for the first time - Rolls Royce Baby and Love Letters of a Portuguese Nun. Both are directed by or (at least associated to) Jess Franco.
I didn't realize they were available at first because they're not mentioned on the VS site.
So my question is, what determines whether a film Is offered on the Vin Syn site vs Mélusine?
Obviously, the hardcore stuff will be on Mélusine but I didn't think either of these Franco films were that.
I don't recall Portuguese Nun being that explicit. I haven't seen Rolls Royce but didn't get that impression either. They both seem stuff you'd see on Skinemax in the 80s. Also, Jess Franco appeals to the VS crowd, so I would assume these films would get more attention on their site.
I only happened to notice Rolls Royce Baby is available when someone here responded to the VS announcements yesterday with the words "Rolls Royce Baby!" At first, I went back and looked on the VS site and couldn't find it.
This question is just out of curiosity. It really doesn't matter.
BTW, a shoutout to the YouTube channel davidfromlille. He creates music videos for (mostly) 70s and 80s Italian film scores. The one he did for Rolls Royce Baby got me interested. He also has a lot of others featuring films I now want to see.