Question: What’s the only thing better than watching one of your favorite films?
Answer: Watching one of your favorite films in the type of glorious high-definition audio and video that only the Blu-ray format can offer!
With that in mind, here are some high-def keepers for your collection!
Stagecoach (Criterion Collection)
John Ford’s Academy Award-winning landmark western charts the dramatic stagecoach journey of nine diverse passengers (including John Wayne in a star-making turn as outlaw the Ringo Kid) as they travel through Apache territory. While trying to avoid a run-in with Geronimo and his men, the occupants encounter plenty of thrills, excitement─riding into film history in the process. With Claire Trevor, Andy Devine, John Carradine, and, in an Oscar-winning performance, Thomas Mitchell.
Considered by many to be the definitive private eye film noir, director Edward Dmytryk’s adaptation of Raymond Chandler’s 1940 novel “Farewell, My Lovely” stars Dick Powell as hard-boiled gumshoe Philip Marlowe, whose search for an ex-con’s former girlfriend (Claire Trevor) leads him into a convoluted plot of blackmail, stolen jewels, and murder. With Mike Mazurki, Otto Kruger, Anne Shirley.
A World War II vet (Humphrey Bogart) ventured to the Florida Keys so he could pay his respects to a lost comrade’s widow (Lauren Bacall) and hotelier father (Lionel Barrymore). Unfortunately, his hosts’ latest check-ins are a fugitive racketeer (Edward G. Robinson) and his cronies, and a torrential storm sets up a riveting battle of wills. John Huston’s take on the Maxwell Anderson play co-stars Thomas Gomez, Dan Seymour, and Best Supporting Actress Oscar-winner Claire Trevor.
Directed by John Huston, this classic blend of drama, action, and romance stars Humphrey Bogart (who won his only Oscar for his performance) as hard-drinking boat captain Charlie Allnut, who takes aboard prim British missionary Rose Sayer (Katharine Hepburn) in WWI-era Africa. Determined to travel down a treacherous river to sink a German gunboat, the unlikely couple is drawn together as they set their seemingly impossible plan in motion. With Robert Morley, Peter Bull, Theodore Bikel.
Saturday Night Fever (Director’s Cut)
John Travolta is dynamic in this electrifying film that sent millions to the disco and redefined the Hollywood musical. Brooklyn youth Tony Manero (Travolta) finds the only distraction from his boring life and dead-end job comes in the form of his weekly trips to a local club where he reigns supreme on the dance floor. Karen Lynn Gorney, Barry Miller also star. Songs include “Night Fever,” “Stayin’ Alive,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” and others by The Bee Gees, “If I Can’t Have You” by Yvonne Elliman, and more.
John Carpenter’s groundbreaking shocker that opened the floodgates for hundreds of imitators stills packs a scare-raising punch. Fifteen years after being placed in an asylum for killing his sister on Halloween, maniacal Michael Myers escapes and returns to his hometown in search of new victims. Jamie Lee Curtis (her film debut), Donald Pleasence, Nancy Loomis, and P.J. Soles star.
Grease (40th Anniversary Edition)
It’s got a groove, it’s got a meaning…and it’s still a cultural phenomenon 40 years after its original release. Featuring an explosion of song and dance, as well as star-making performances from John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, Grease made an indelible impact on popular culture. 40 years later, the film remains an enduring favorite as legions of new fans discover the memorable moments, sensational soundtrack and classic love story. Boasting unforgettable songs including “Greased Lightnin,” “Look At Me, I’m Sandra Dee,” “Summer Nights,” “Hopelessly Devoted To You,” “Beauty School Drop Out” and, of course, “Grease,” the film is a timeless feel-good celebration. Paramount worked with director Randal Kleiser to restore the film to its original vibrancy with the highest quality sound, picture resolution and color. The original negative was scanned and received extensive clean up and color correction using previously unavailable digital restoration tools such as high dynamic range technology. In addition, the audio was enhanced from a six-track mix created for an original 70mm release, giving the music more clarity. The resulting picture and sound create an exceptional home viewing experience. The Grease 40th Anniversary Edition 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Combo Packs include the fully restored version of the film plus an all-new, in-depth exploration of the little-known origins of what would become a Broadway play and then a feature film and worldwide phenomenon. “Grease: A Chicago Story” features new interviews with writer Jim Jacobs and original cast members of the Chicago show. In addition, the discs include the original song the title sequence was animated to and an alternate ending salvaged from the original black & white 16mm work print discovered by director Randal Kleiser.
Action and laughs mix perfectly in one of the biggest comedy hits of all time. Eddie Murphy stars as maverick Detroit detective Axel Foley whose search for his friend’s killer leads him to Southern California where he clashes, not only with the crooks, but also with the by-the-book local cops. Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Ronny Cox, Lisa Eilbacher, Steven Berkoff, and Bronson Pinchot co-star.
Sexy dance moves and a soundtrack packed with pop hits drive this sensual drama set at a Catskills resort in 1963. While vacationing with her wealthy family, sheltered teen Frances “Baby” Houseman (Jennifer Grey) learns about life and love when she embarks on an unlikely romance with handsome dance instructor Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze), much to the consternation of her disapproving father (Jerry Orbach). With Cynthia Rhodes, Kelly Bishop, Jane Brucker.
Winner of six Oscars, including Best Picture, Director, and Actor, Robert Zemeckis’ modern-day “Candide” stars Tom Hanks as the simple-minded but good-hearted Forrest, whose life is a series of accidental encounters with the memorable people and pivotal events of the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. Endearing mix of comedy and drama also stars Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Mykelti Williamson, and Sally Field as Mama Gump.
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