The big news? The Big Lebowski is 10 years old this year and they are releasing a brand new 10th anniversary edition. So, for those of you too stupid to already own a copy, or hip enough to want to buy another one, today is your day. Personally? I might snag this one since the copy I have is pretty light on the special features and this one has a whole extra disc of them.
The next film on the list is another oldie but a goodie, and that’s Cool Hand Luke on Blu-Ray. This movie is a classic and should be required viewing for anyone who wishes to continue breathing oxygen. Paul Newman delivers a knockout performance as the titular character (I love that word) and the rest of the supporting cast (including George Kennedy) help knock the film the rest of the way out of the park.
Another Blu-ray release today is Kill Bill (Volume 1 & 2). I don’t need to say much about it, but tell me you wouldn’t want to watch the Showdown at the House of Blue Leaves in a hi-def format.
Clint Eastwood makes the list this week with a re-release of The Outlaw Josey Wales. This is a wonderfully violent Civil War era western that takes all of the conceits of a revenge picture and a western version of a Kurosawa picture and shoots you flat on your ass with it. One of his best westerns, for sure. (Not as good as his adventures with Sergio Leone, but great nonetheless.)
The last title on the list comes from the Criterion Collection. Understanding that it’s hard to justify buying old foreign films you’ve never seen at $40 a pop, they’ve created the “Essential Art House” collection and offer affordable versions of staples of foreign masterpieces. First up for them is Renoir’s The Grand Illusion. I haven’t seen it, though I know I should have. I picked up a collection of Renoir’s early work and have enjoyed it immensely, so I’m actually looking forward to this.
And I hope I don’t annoy everyone with my art house picks every week, it’s in my programming to try to add a little culture into our BSR! Master Control Unit…
SPECIAL NOTE!: Be sure to check in tomorrow to learn how you can win a copy of the documentary The Mindscape of Alan Moore from your good pals at Big Shiny Robot!