March DIY Entertainment Club

This month the picks for the DIY club are getting back to the well roundedness of getting DVD, CD and a book or two! Imagine that, going back to the original concept! They are all items from my wishlist and I'm thrilled to have them in my hot little hands.

Moon DVD
I'm so glad to finally have Moon. It was one of my favourite films of last year, which although I don't number that list, if I did - Moon would be in the top 5. It's kind of crazy that I haven't reviewed it, but the review would be something like: "See Moon. Now." Seriously, if you've ever enjoyed SciFi, see this film. Outstanding performance by Sam Rockwell, and it's a brilliant film from concept to completion. The score by Clint Mansell is so good it almost hurts. Hard to believe it's a directorial debut from Duncan Jones, and I can't wait to see what he does next. Until then - I'll be re-watching Moon.

Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg
Got this one out of the library and really found it inspiring but knew it would take me longer than the 3 weeks to get through it in earnest. Hoping to get cracking on it next week!

Vampire Diaries The Return: Nightfall by L.J. Smith
Now we get to the completist nature kicking in again. I have all the other Vampire Diaries books and totally inhaled them last September. Yep, nothing cooler than reading Vampire Diaries in line at TIFF. Heh. Anyhow, wanted to make sure I got this before the possibility of it having some kind of TV-Tie-In cover like the other version have. I have no idea if the book will end up relating to the show, but you never know. It's the first in a trilogy that comes after the original four books.

The Twilight Saga: New Moon DVD
This is a bit of a cheat to include, as I actually won the DVD. BUT - I had already ordered it so it was technically a part of my DIY Club this month. It's not secret that I found The Twilight Saga: New Moon a disappointment but I couldn't not buy it, and after re-watching there is enough good in there that it's fun to re-watch (although the editing drives me nuts). Looking forward to checking out the director & editor commentary along with the 6-part behind the scenes making of documentary. This is the 2 Disc special edition, and although it was previously stated there would be deleted/extended scenes - there isn't any of that on this edition. Also, originally it was indicated there would only be 2 versions of DVD but now there are at least 5. Too many editions for me to keep up with. I have one and I'm sticking to it!

New Moon Score CD
The completist got the best of me again! I wasn't a huge fan of the New Moon score - in fact a lot of the time I found it distracting and leading in the film. But, I enjoy listening to scores while writing and I am a fan of Alexandre Desplat's work on other films like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Coco Avant Chanel and The Golden Compass. And just noticed he's on board for scoring Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I. Wow. That's awesome.

Titles on Amazon.ca (Canada):



Titles on Amazon.com (US):



Looks like I'm not the only one who like receiving things in the mail!

February DIY Entertainment Club

Been a while since I've posted a DYI Entertainment Club, and to be honest I usually just buy DVDs but this month I snuck in a CD! It's a soundtrack, but it's still a different medium. And TV on DVD is .. like... almost different! The spirit of the club was to get a DVD, CD and book but I usually go with all DVDs. Let's see what this months haul ended up landing at my door. It seems like a bit of an eclectic month.

Battlestar Gallactica Season 4.5
This is the completist nature coming out to play. I had all other seasons and had a moment of panic that for some reason I'd forget to ever buy this one now that the series is over. Although that feels a little silly retrospectively, I'm lovely the comfort of the ability to watch the entire season any time I choose!

Black Dynamite
Dyn-a-mite! Dyn-a-mite! He's Black Dynamite! Oh my goodness, this is one of the funniest films I have ever seen and now I can say with confidence it holds up on multiple viewings. Actually, even on multiple viewing I was laughing so hard I missed some of the dialogue. The DVD is loaded with tons extra/deleted scenes and an commentary which I still have to get to listening. Make sure you see it as it's likely going to be the best blaxploitation homage, ever. And I mean that.

Hercules / Adventures of Hercules
I got this one purely for the Sword & Sandal Marathon, fearing I would be one film short. Which of course, since I ordered this I'm not. But, I'm very curious to see if this Lou Ferrigno as Hercules will match my memory of the film. I believe I've only seen the first one of the two films, but I won't know for sure until I watch!

New Moon Soundtrack
I was originally going to get this from the library, but I didn't want to wait through the 130 holds. With the DVD of New Moon coming out soon I realized one of the things I loved about watching the DVD of Twilight for the first time was recognizing the songs. Hoping that I might make the process of watching New Moon even slightly more enjoyable now than when I saw it in the theatre, I thought being familiar with the soundtrack might do the trick. Grasping at threads, perhaps but I'm looking for any angle to create an opportunity that I'll enjoy it. I do like some of the songs, like Possibility by Lykke Li and Hearing Damage by Thom Yorke, but overall it's not the same woohoo! feeling that I felt about the soundtrack to Twilight - but that took some time too, so I should really give it more of a chance.

You likely? You can start your own DIY Club and play along!

Titles on Amazon.ca (Canada):


Titles on Amazon.com (US):

DIY Club: Tracking back to November

I missed a DIY club, I did get these in November but I totally forgot to share! I think I went psycho varied here with comic-ish vampire, drama/romance, witch/coming of age and a documentary on LARPing. Can you guess which is which?

Darkon
This is the only one that I've not seen and I've been aching to for ages. I believe it's the first doc I'd heard of that was based on gamers, and the focus here is LARPing (Live Action Role Playing). I'm really looking forward to finally seeing it!

Dear Frankie
Absolutely lovely drama that walks the graceful line of the toughness of life and the power of family. Fantastic performances from Emily Mortimer, Gerard Butler and Jack McElhone.

30 Days of Night
It's probably easy to pick out that is the vampire flick of the bunch. I didn't love it when I saw it at the theatre but with it being directed by David Slade who is also directed The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, I knew I would be revisiting it soon.

The Covenant
The very definition of a guilty pleasure. Outside of Hogwarts it's pretty rare to see a film with guy witches, but either way it's hard to resist.

Want them too? Titles on Amazon.ca (Canada):


Titles on Amazon.com (US), if available:

DIY Entertainment Club: September 2009

Another month, another DIY Entertainment Club! This month was inspired in equal parts of vampires and film festivals.

The Lost Boys
80's classic vampire film with lots of cool boys and a girl named Star. It's also next weeks selection for the Vampathon.

Interview with the Vampire
I think I'm becoming a vampire completist or did I just not want ayone to know I own Queen of the Damned but not Interview with the Vampire? Cat is out of the bag now! Also will be featured as a selection for the Vampathon.

Repo! The Genetic Opera
One of the craziest screenings at Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008. I listen to the soundtrack a fair amount and at the time it was on amazon for a steal around $6 so I couldn't say no!

Chrysalis
Great French futuristic SciFi/Action that was one of my faves from TIFF back in 2007, which had a Q&A that led me to see the awesome Eyes Without a Face as it was inspirational to the film. I'm thrilled to now have it as part of my collection.

Titles available on Amazon.ca (Canada):



Titles available on Amazon.com (US):

DIY Entertainment Club: Summer 2009

July 09 Selections


August 09 Selections

Yes, yes I know it's September but considering how freaking full the summer was was I didn't get to share either my July or August DIY Entertainment Club selections! Both months were collection builders for SciFi and Horror realms.

July

Battlestar Galactica Seasons 2.0 and 2.5
Ok, ok ... it isn't a movie. But I still love it. Of course now that it's all over they have a super spiffy complete series collection, but as I already had season one I decided to keep building in a season by season fashion. There was some crazy deal on this 2 for 1 set at the time so I went for it!

August
August was heavily inspired by the Vampathon, and therefore is all vampire films!

Dracula Legacy Collection
I had already seen Dracula (1931), and loved so it was natural to want to own it. But, the great thing about this collection is that it includes more that just that version. There is also the Spanish version of Dracula that was filmed at night, Dracula's Daughter, Son of Dracula and House of Dracula. Plus, a bunch of extras too.

Black Sunday
When researching vampire films this one came out of the woodwork as one I've never heard of. It's also called La maschera del demonio - sounds fun, eh? It's from 1960 and stars Barbara Steele and was recently shown in Toronto as a part of the Festival of Fear but sadly I missed it. Really looking forward to checking it out.

Martin
George A. Romero made a vampire film in 1977. That was all I needed to know! Can't wait to see it.

These titles are available on DVD at Amazon.ca (Canada):



And on Amazon.com (US):

DIY Entertainment Club: May 2009

I was in sale heaven for my DIY Entertainment Club this month, on average I snag 3 DVDs with my monthly budget, on occasion I'll go for something more 'premium' (read: new and gotta have it) which lands me with 2 DVDs. But this month there were some crazy deals so I went for the 'filling in the gaps' of my collection, with a slant to epic films. In total: 4 DVDs and 1 Book. Would love to have more months like this!

Once Upon A Time in the West DVD
This is one western I'm looking to revisit as it made quite an impression on me at first viewing but it was pretty dark. The DVD is packed with extras, just packed. Plus it was on as a crazy deal for like $6.50.
amazon.ca link

Excalibur DVD
When I wrote my list of Un-traditional Valentine's Day Films I realized I do like Arthurian films, but I don't have a ton of them. That is now corrected!
amazon.ca link

Enter the Dragon DVD
Going completeist on Bruce Lee films, this was one of the titles not included in the Bruce Lee collection I got for Christmas.
amazon.ca link

Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon DVD
At the crazy low price of under $7, this was a no-brainer to add to the collection. One of the most beutiful films ever, I could honestly just listen to it even though I wouldn't understand anything.
amazon.ca link

Twilight Directors Notebook by Catherine Hardwick
I *love* this book. Totally takes me back to art school & fashion school days seeing inspiration boards, shopping trips, concept art and the inevitable 'how we made it work' solutions.
amazon.ca link

DIY Entertainment Club: April 2009

Getting to a time where numerous 2008 film festival films are being released on DVD so it was a challenge to make my selections this month. I held back from some of last years faves like Chocolate and decided to go with:

Ashes of Time Redux
One of if not the most beautiful film I saw of last year. A redux of the film originally released in 1994, we are treated of fantastic performances, beautiful visuals and a stellar soundtrack. Interwoven stories are told, fights are fought, shadows are cast and tears are wept. Directed by Wong Kar Wai and starring Leslie Cheung, Brigitte Lin, Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Carina Lau, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Charlie Young, Jacky Cheung and Maggie Cheung.
Amazon.ca link

City of Ember
I just recently finished the Jeanne DuPrau novel of the same name which the film is based on and my first though was that I was surprized they made it into the film. Although it screams for a world of brilliant art direction and cunning characters, I didn't think it would translate very well to the screen and unfortunately it falls a bit flat. I do highly recommend reading the book.
Amazon.ca link

DIY Entertainment Club - March 2009

I think this is the first DIY club where I've not only seen but reviewed all the films I purchased. This month was a 2-step process, my original selections were Twilight and [REC], but I couldn't resist picking up Let the Right One In / Låt den rätte komma in so I could enjoy both of the fantastic vampire films released in 2008. The common theme, beyond the fact that the three films are rather dark, is that they were all big experiences of last year. The Twilight phenomena exploded from book to screen this fall along with tons of news and rumours about the upcoming adaptations of "New Moon" and "Eclipse" (2nd and 3rd books respectively). The vamps don't stop there as the Swedish vampire film won over the hearts of festival goes & film fans everywhere with Let the Right One In / Låt den rätte komma in. At times I call it the Juno 0f 2008 - sure the films are nothing alike, but everyone, and I mean everyone, loved them. Last but not least is the Spanish horror film [REC] which I was thrilled to see in the theatre with a captive audience. This is a brilliant film that unfortunately did not get a regular release but was subjected to becoming remade to the sub par Quarantine. The happy news is that [REC] is available on DVD and there are musings of a sequel in the works.

Reviews:
Let the Right One In / Låt den rätte komma in
[REC]
Twilight

Amazon.ca Links:
Let the Right One In / Låt den rätte komma in
[REC]
Twilight (2-Disc Special Edition)

Un-Traditional Valentine's Day Film Suggestions

So, I've never been much of a romantic with regards to films or otherwise. Last February I took a crack at challenging myself to watch a bunch of acclaimed romances from The Notebook to Pride and Prejudice to Atonement and let me tell you it was not fun times. Are they good films? Yes. But did I enjoy them? Not so much. Then yesterday I got a timely reminder of my untraditional views after receiving my February DIY Entertainment Club*. Being torn between wanting to write a themed list of films for Valentine's Day but not having the heart to fudge about recommendations of films that I don't enjoy, I decided to share some untraditional choices for celebrating this holiday.

Creatures From Near and Far

The Hunger (1983) Any film that opens with the song "Bela Lugosi's Dead" works for me, add that it is a vampire film and the cast includes Catherine Deneuve, Susan Sarandon and David Bowie and you are in for a smokin' good time.

Blood & Donuts (1995) Canadian vampire film, much of which takes place at a donut shop and has David Cronenberg as a crime boss. Donuts. Vampires. Cronenberg.

Ladyhawke (1985) Michelle Pfeiffer and Rugter Hauer star as cursed lovers. Ok, this one is kinda romantic. But.. cheesy 80's soundtrack quells any real romance, no? Also stars Matthew Broderick and the lovable thief.

Cat People (1982) Nastassja Kinski and Malcolm McDowell star as siblings, or cats or well what are they exactly? Let's just say this one is pretty unique. Awesome soundtrack to boot.

Underworld (2003) More action-y than creature-y but how can you go wrong with vampires vs werewolves, lots of action and everyone looking awesome? You can't go wrong with that.

Horror

My Bloody Valentine (1981) Check out the original for some heart stopping horror. Pretty freaking gory at time but fits the holiday theme perfectly.

Ginger Snaps (2000) Culty femme werewolf Canadian genre genius. Doubles as a creature film but hey, I couldn't have just one pick for horror!

Futuristic/Sci Fi

Blade Runner (1982) I think Blade Runner is good for any holiday! It definitely has themes of love and partnership in there so it fits.

Logan's Run (1976) What is more romantic than a living for the moment in a short lived life? Plus, feathered hair & flowy outfits. I still find Carousel scary as all get out though.

Serenity (2005) Again, this film can fit any occasion! It also does have some great relationship moments.

Barbarella (1968) Guilty pleasure, fab outfits, Pygar, big hair, and one hell of a fun time.

Arthurian
Nothing says romance like films that bring up issues of monogamy! Also, you can spark the everlasting debate on whether Lancelot is a blonde or a brunette. But seriously, hunky guys riding on horses, saving people or fighting people but also have the unrelenting drive and loyalty to their King? All sounds good to me. Take your pick:

Excalibur (1981) The classic. Nicol Williamson feels like the one true Merlin. Seems like every viewing unveils a familiar face in the stellar cast from Patrick Stewart to Gabriel Byrne to Liam Neeson. Is it too geeky tomention remembering the words to the spell Helen Mirren casts?

King Arthur (2004) I continue to be surprized that people underrate this film. It's a total repeat watcher, compelling story, great characters, action and freaking awesome cast including Clive Owen, Ioan Gruffudd, Mads Mikkelsen, Ray Winstone, Ray Stevenson, Hugh Dancy and Joel Edgerton. Oh, and Keira Knightley.

Tristan + Isolde (2006) This one is the most romantic of this set although focuses on characters slightly off the beaten path. Stars James Franco and Sophia Myles.

Treading Close to the Line of Tradition
Here are some fall back choices for films that are romance-centre, but show it in a unique light.

In the Mood for Love (2000) Wong Kar Wai directs Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung as neighbours in Hong Kong in one of the most beautiful films in the world.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) Martial arts + romance = perfect date movie.

3-Iron (2004) I finally caught up this film by Kim Ki-Duk just a few weeks ago and continue to be amazed at his tender, touching approach to human sorrow and healing. Beautiful.

* Inspiration brought to you from DIY Entertainment Club selections of the month: John Carpenter's The Thing, Ginger Snaps, Tristan and Isolde and the Soundtrack to Twilight.

DIY Entertainment Club: Going Completist

I never would have guessed myself a completist by nature (wanting 'everything' of a certain series/group/version), but this months DYI club brings my completist tendencies to light. Here are the selections for this month:

Alien Quadrilogy - DVDs
I have Alien and Aliens on VHS and when recently watching them realized it might be a good time to get them on DVD format. I looked them up online and my goodness I couldn't pass up the deal of getting all four films for about $30. What a steal. With a good imagination and creative math that is $10 each and you can pretend there was no 4th film. The set it loaded with extras that I'm looking forward to exploring.
(amazon.ca link)

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - Book
When recently reorganizing my books I noticed that I was missing this book in the Harry Potter series. As I am hoping to re-read the series before the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part I) it only makes sense to own all the books. The film is currently slated to be released Nov 19, 2010 which means I shouldn't keep it too long before starting this adventure. I do have to note that I haven't gone crazy completist on the Harry Potter books as I have a mix of softcover, hardcover and even different publishers within the series. But! I do now have them all.
(amazon.ca link)

DIY Entertainment Club / Star Trek / Trek-mas

For this month I've picked something a little special for my DIY Entertainment Club. Call it a Christmas Present to myself as well as research materials. It's the Star Trek The Motion Pictures DVD Collection. Every single one of the Star Trek films that have been released to date.

With the upcoming Star Trek film slated to release May 8, 2009 I've decided to revisit all the Star Trek films. Now, this is kind of strange endeavour as it starts with original crew but ends somewhere else, and the new film is a prequel with the characters of the original crew. I considered watching them backwards from Nemesis to The Motion Picture but I just can't do it. I've also written what the order in which I like the films from best to least, but I've sealed it up until I've watched them all again and reassessed. I'm very curious to see if my opinion will stay the same over time.

I'll be talking about the films up until the release of the new Star Trek in May. You are welcome to play along! If you don't have the films, there is a Trek-Mas Movie Marathon over at Space on December 25, 2008 showing each of the films starting at 6:30am EST. That is a lot of Trek. I'm going to savour them one film at a time.

I'll be starting with Star Trek: The Motion Picture very early in the New Year which will be accompanied by a schedule of a countdown of all ten films.

Merry Trek-mas to all!

DIY Entertainment Club

Tried YesAsia.com for the first time in October, slightly tardy posting this DIY! The reason I strayed from my usual amazon order was the search for the ever elusive John Woo film The Killer. I have had it on request from the Toronto Public Library (after 2 years, I'm 14/110 people for the *VHS* copy). I missed the a showing at the Bloor and finally enquired about it at HMV where I was informed it had no current North American release. On the Criterion site, it's Out of Print too! BOO to that! I needed to see it before December 1, 2008 to complete my 101 films I can't believe I haven't seen list, and I was determine to get it! I heard good things from others that used YesAsia, so I gave it a try. As I'm a sucker for getting free shipping, I picked out 2 other selections snagging Johnny To's Sparrow starring Simon Yam and Wong Kar-Wai's My Blueberry Nights.

DIY Entertainment Club - tail end of October

Wow, my last entry for this was back in July which makes it not feel very monthly. I guess at the time I wasn't ready to admit I bought the entire X-Files series, which was more than one month budget for they DIY, although I got it for a lot less than they are selling it for now!

No books or CDs this month so yet again I'm straying from the original plan, but that is ok because I do love film so much that I can't help myself sometimes! This month was mostly about getting some great deals and filling some gaps in the library.

Terminator - DVD
This was a library builder, I have many fond memories of this film. Now that I think about that, it's pretty odd considering it's rather violent and I was in either 9 or 10 when I used to watch it. My friends and I would watch it repeatedly on the eventually fuzzy VHS tape to see who was the toughest and able to watch each and every gory moment.
(amazon.ca link)

The Last Winter - DVD
As I mentioned yesterday I watched this one Halloween and was unfortunately disappointed that it turned out not to be the genre I was expecting. Creepy cover on the DVD though.
(amazon.ca link)

The Phantom of the Opera - DVD
I got this out of the library recently and was surprized how much I enjoyed it. Hearing the music will always remind me of my sister Suzie whom played, sang and played it some more. I bet if you handed me the sheet music and there was a piano nearby I could muster getting through a song or two myself. The movie felt very true to the spirit of the work, and it also felt like quite the magical (and rockin'!) world. I look to watching it often.
(amazon.ca link)

Barbarellla - DVD
At $6.99 it was impossible to pass up the campy fun that is Barbarella. I also picked it as that was my intended (albiet unused) Halloween costume idea. There is always next year!
(amazon.ca link)

DIY Entertainment Club

I actually got back a little bit to the original plan picking up a book this month as well as DVDs, but no CDs. It's odd how rarely I buy music I guess I like what I have and also for new influx of audio delights with podcasts. Film podcasts of course!

Les Boys - DVD
I've been looking for this film for ages, a 1997 French Canadian film that was a huge success and oddly hard to find! It's on my List of 101 Films I Can't Believe I Haven't Seen which I am trying to complete by December 08 and so in an effort to get to see it, the choice became clear: buy it! It's still on my 'to see' list.
(amazon.ca link)

Flash Point - DVD
I saw this for the first time at TIFF 07 and the director Wilson Yip was in attendance and the crowd went psycho over the fight scenes which showcase Donnie Yen, Collin Chou and others. Although in terms of tone and story it is not as strong as its non-prequel SPL / Killzone, it is still a lot of fun and the fighting is phenomenal.
(amazon.ca link)

The Elements of Style by William Strunk & E. B. White - Book
This pick is a total 360 from the rest, but I'm always looking for great books on writing, grammar and style. The collection would not be complete without it, as it is one book you just have to have. Although I will able to say tha twith more conviction after I've read it which is on that infamous to do list!
(amazon.ca link)

DIY Entertainment Club

A bit of a different month for the DIY Entertainment Club as I ended up getting strictly DVD's. Not that that is a bad thing, it just wasn't part of the original plan. But they are two movies I love so that is really what matters.

Hot Fuzz DVD
One of my favourite fun films from 2007. I watched it so often on TMN on Demand that once it became unavailable there, I ordered it straight away. I needed my fuzz fix! (amazon.ca link)

Walk the Line DVD
Wow, this film is from before I was keeping lists of releases on a yearly basis (see sidebar). That makes it feel so long ago, even though it was only 2005. Amazing how time flies, but this film still rocks. (amazon.ca link)

DIY Entertainment Club

Here were my selections for April, which are kinda touchy-feely selections in comparison to what I normally get. I did manage to go with the book, CD and DVD as per my original plan - for the first time!

Once DVD
One of the top films from 2007. I already have the soundtrack, so the film itself was a logical choice. I can't wait to watch it again. (amazon.ca link)

Chronicles Of The Cheysuli V & VI Book
by Jennifer Roberson
This is the 3rd of the 4 omnibus collection and I love both of the books: Pride of Princes and Daughter of the Lion. I'm really looking forward to revisiting there series, it is one of my all time favourites. (amazon.ca link)

Radiohead - In Rainbows CD
I finally got a CD! I don't buy music all that often so this really is a treat. It's pretty quiet so far but I'm looking forward to it growing on me. (amazon.ca link)

DIY Book/Entertainment Club

Earlier this week I received DIY Book Club package! Late last year I noticed often in my reviews I would indicate 'I'd buy it' in my overall view when I would consider it a repeat viewing film that was really good. But, I realized I rarely buy DVD's. Hence the DIY Book/Entertainment Club and now I can walk the talk! I got creative with my budget and slotted $50/month to build my library. My sister Jamie is also doing this, see her post here.

I originally thought of this as a book club, then an Entertainment Club with the idea of 1 book 1 CD and 1 movie. But then again, why should there be rules? Other than my budget, which I'll stick to without a doubt, I think I'll just pick whatever suits my fancy that month. Oh my, did I just plan spontaneity? Well, gotta start somewhere!

February's choices pictured above are:

King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters DVD
I loved this film, it was one of my favourites from last year. I am really looking forward to watching all the extras on the DVD. (amazon.ca link)

In the Mood for Love DVD
I adore this movie, and thought it would be fitting considering the whole February/Valentine's Day thing. (amazon.ca link)

Chronicles of the Cheysuli Volume I & II Books
I love this series by Jennifer Roberson, but I don't have all 8 of the books so I'm working on completing the set. I prefer the original cover art but those ones are hard to find now. (amazon.ca link)

Hmmm, nothing was 'new to me' this time around. I'll have to consider that when I'm being spontaneous in March.