Allied Vaughn

Vol 2 Issue 15 – Life Size Entertainment Joins the AV MOD Collection

Denny Walden — Thu, 10 May 2012 16:39:33 +0000

Allied Vaughn MOD DVD Collection

On Demand Titles For Online Retailers

Volume 2 Issue 15

This issue is significant in many ways. You’ve seen the AV MOD Collection begin to grow from its roots of classic archive films and television to more contemporary titles from such Studios as MGM, Sony, MTV, CBS, VCI, American Pop, Desert Island with a small but growing catalog of travel/documentary films from Questar, Monarch Films and Phil Keoghan.We are getting quite a bit of interest for other studios and content owners in applying our MOD retail approach for their deep catalog titles that, in the traditional supply chain, have difficult finding their audience in a cost effective manner, if at all.We’re pleased to welcome Life Size Entertainment to the AV MOD Collection, which will bring with them a broad catalog of award winning art house and independent films for it’s initial offering. These titles are well poised to exploit the unique value of On Demand DVD technology which allows films an opportunity for continued sales to consumers, without ever a back order or delisted for low velocity sales. We look forward to your support and success from these titles in your catalogs in the year to come.

THE AV MOVIE GEEK

Welcome Life Size Entertainment to the AV MOD Collection

Bad Guy When a local pimp is publicly humiliated by a snobbish college girl, he manipulates her into a life of sexual slavery at his brothel, where he gradually falls in love with her. Cho Je-Hyun, KiYoon-Tae, Choi Duk-Moon

Chiefs The award winning CHIEFS is the true tale of the Wyoming Indian High School basketball team. For most schools, not winning a championship for seven years is a rather unremarkable statistic. But for the impoverished inhabitants of the Wind River Indian Reservation, basketball is a form of empowerment, self-expression, and access to the world outside “the rez.”.Winning becomes a source of empowerment, and a way to defy a century and a half of injustice.

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell “What’s Up Tiger Lily?” meets mystery science theatre in this hysterical satire of homophobia and science fiction. Peter Graves, Lloyd Floyd

El Camino The critically acclaimed El Camino follows Lily as she travels across the country to Mexico with Gray and Eliot, and their recently deceased friend’s ashes in hand. As these young adults confront their unrealized selves and their grief, nothing happens the way we expect. Elisabeth Moss, Chris Denham, Leo Fitzpatrick, Wes Studi

Fear House Relatives and colleagues of reclusive writer Samantha Ballard track her to an isolated house in the California desert where they discover her traumatized and disturbed. She greets them with the grim announcement that they will die if they attempt to leave the house. After Samantha’s ex-husband and his girlfriend suffer horrible deaths while trying to escape, the others realize that she was serious. They begin to scheme a safe way out even as the malevolent force that rules the house stirs the worst fears of each of them, causing them to wonder: Can they escape the evil house before their fears kill them all? Aleece Jones, Matthew Stiller, Meredith Barnett and Olivia Price

Kebab Connection Hilarious comedy about youthful ambition and romance written by acclaimed director Fatih Akim. A young filmmaker makes a hit commercial and gets caught in the middle of a rivalry between two kebab stands. Denis Moschitto, Nora Tschirner, Emanuel Bettencourt, and Numan Acar

Khadak Sundance and Toronto Festival Hit KHADAK is a magical-realist fable that tells the epic story of Bagi, a young nomad shepherd who confronts his destiny to become a shaman. After a plague strikes their herd, Bagi and his family are relocated to a mining town. There, he saves the life of Zolzaya, a beautiful performer/coal thief. When Bagi discovers that the plague was a government lie fabricated to eradicate nomadic life, he and Zolzaya incite a revolution. Bagi’s shaman powers help rally his people, but will they ever be able to return to their former lives? Batzul Khayankhyarvaa, Tsetsegee Byamba, and Damchaa Banzar

Man Free Man Free moves way beyond traditional travel programming to present the country of Jamaica as we have never seen it before. With insightful commentary by legendary Jamaican filmmaker Perry Henzell (The Harder They Come), Man Free sheds a light on real life in Jamaica. It’s not all reggae and beaches. It is also a land of conflict and struggle, and a people whose diversity and grace that make Jamaica one of the most unique countries on the planet.

Monster Camp A rare and fascinating glimpse into the world of live-action role playing, known as LARPing, where people act out the real-life version of the videogame phenomenon, “World of Warcraft.” This is the true story of NERO Seattle, one of over 60 LARPing franchises with thousands of members in North America.

Nailing Vienna Three petty criminals try to escape their lower class lives by making a film about a bank robbery, …one they actually attempt.James Murray, Daniel O’Meara, Merryn Own, Caprice

Oasis Hailed as the seminal film of the Korean new wave, acclaimed director Lee Chang Dong’s Oasis tells the story of two societal misfits and their struggle to find love and acceptance amidst the hypocrisy of modern Korean life. Fate helped bring them together, family fought to keep them apart. Moon So-Ri, Sol Kyung-Gu

Romeo and Juliet Get Married From international auteur Bruno Barreto comes this hilarious retelling of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” Ophthalmologist Romeo and his family are passionately obsessed fans of the Corinthians football team. While across town, the lovely Juliet’s father is an equally rabid fan – and fan club president — of Palmeiras, the Corinthians’ century-old arch rivals. Romeo and Juliet meet and fall in love. Romeo, desperate to get in good graces with his future father-in-law, decides to fake a love for Palmeiras:. This ruse is soon found out by Juliet (the only person who doesn’t care), Their secret is discovered and the two lovers try to save their relationship as tempers flair, and revenge is sought in a series of frantic and hilarious twists. Marco Ricca, Luana Piovani, Leonardo Miggiorin, Luis Gustava

The Lost Spirits The last surviving native Americans on Long Island is the focus of The Lost Spirits. The film chronicles their struggles as an indigenous people to maintain their identity amidst relentless modernization and a heartless beauracracy.

Time Korean auteur Kim Ki Duk returns to form with this award winning Hitchcockian thriller. After two years together, Seh-hee thinks Ji-woo no longer finds her attractive and disappears. Reappearing six months later with a new name and surgically altered face, she competes against her own memory, wooing her lover to move past his heartbreak.. When she eventually confesses her deception, their rediscovered romance is forced to walk a tightrope of tragedy. Sung Hyan-ah, Ja Jung-woo

Allied Vaughn’s MOD Collection brings you the best in DVD programming from the catalogs of the MGM Limited Edition, Sony Columbia Classics, NOW, MTV, CBS Home Entertainment, Questar Entertainment, Monarch Home Video,The VCI Vault Collection, American Pop Classics and more..contact us today for up to the date title lists,new catalogs, metadata and product images.

Richard Skillman
Allied Vaughn
theavdept@alliedvaughn.com
www.alliedvaughn.com

Vol 2 Issue 14 – New MTV Releases: Basketball Wives, Good Vibes, and Metal Evolution

Denny Walden — Wed, 09 May 2012 21:40:34 +0000

Allied Vaughn MOD DVD Collection

On Demand Titles For Online Retailers

Volume 2 Issue 14

MTV is back with earring hoops replacing courtside hoops, goofy surfing dudes and some serious headbanging concert videos–these aren’t for the faint-hearted! The titles are all available now for release in on demand DVD MOD, no title backordered and all ready to ship.Home Media Magazine interviewed our President, Doug Olzenak, on the state of the MOD physical media space and particularly, the recent launch of CBS Home Entertainment with Allied Vaughn, take a look at where we see the evolution of DVD/CD products in the coming years below.

1000+ attend the 14 Hour Marvel Marathon

For those fellow geeks who attended the Marvel Movie Marathon and premiere of “Avengers”, it was a great day for movie goers and fans in general- a smashing film launch. I had the pleasure of talking with many of the attendees and clearly, film collecting and passion for the sci-fi/action/fantasy genre has never been higher. We’re looking forward to some amazing new content coming into the collection later this year, that should fit the bill quite nicely!

THE AV MOVIE GEEK

Basket Ball Wives: Seasons 1 2011 ”Being the wife or girlfriend of a professional basketball player has its advantages, from sitting courtside at the Finals to sitting port side on your husband’s yacht. But outside the glare of the public spotlight, their lives may not be as glamorous as one might think.

On Basketball Wives, we’ll follow the extraordinary lives of 6 women who are best friends as they juggle the success and stresses of building businesses, battling groupies, and searching for stability in the unstable arena of being the significant other to a basketball superstar.

While many people may view the wives of professional athletes as being lazy and entitled, these women are proof that those stereotypes are often off the mark. From starting a high-end shoe boutique to managing a dance company to building a fitness empire, these women are chasing and realizing dreams and goals that underscore their place as empowered woman and not just the wife of a celebrity.

And perhaps the most profound revelation is that behind all the bling, these women are really just the same as everyone else. Just like many women across America, they cope with the stresses of marriage and divorce and being a single parent, the joys and trials of raising children, the highs and lows of their friendship with each other.

But with the pressures of fame, the temptation and fears of infidelity, and the struggles of raising children while their men are away trying to conquer the hard court, these women have to stick together as best friends and find the inner strength together to triumph against the odds.In Basketball Wives, we’ll finally get a glimpse into the secret and unique lives of the women behind these men, and we’ll realize that it’s not just the players they’re married to… but also the game. “

Basket Ball Wives: Seasons 2 “Last season proved that being the wife or girlfriend of a pro basketball superstar may have its perks, but once you peel away the bling and first-class luxuries, the glitzy glamour train often jumps way off the rails.

Season 2 is one scorching summer in Miami fans will never forget! Just like last season on Basketball Wives, we’ll follow the extraordinary lives of Royce, Jen, Evelyn, Suzie and even a few new faces. Joining the inner circle is former The Real World star and basketball ex Tami Roman, who joins old friend Shaunie O’Neal, who herself is checking into beautiful Miami for her first single summer in years.

Last season set out to prove that these women, who’ve spent years being married to larger-than-life personalities, are really just the same as everyone else. Viewers watched them cope with marriages on the rocks, divorces, single motherhood and rough patches in their relationships just like those experienced by women all over America.

Season two finds our ladies facing down old issues and new alike, with even more dramatic outbursts and heart-rending emotional moments than before.This is the series return VH1 viewers have been waiting for. “

Basket Ball Wives: Seasons 3 Last season ended with Basketball Wives’ once tight-knit circle of pro basketball wives, exes and girlfriends shattered in the wake of infighting, accusations of two-faced behavior and the bombshell disclosure of a personal secret linking one woman to another’s ex-husband. Will Season 3 rescue their friendships from the ashes or put the final nail in the coffin for Jen, Evelyn, Tami, Suzie, Royce and Shaunie?

Basket Ball Wives: LA Elbow throwing, trash talking and in-your-face action: forget the NBA, we’re talking about their wives! The successful VH1 franchise “Basketball Wives” just tapped a new team of leading ladies to take Los Angeles by storm on VH1′s “Basketball Wives LA”

Good Vibes Transplanted Jersey boy, Mondo and his best bud Woodie are on a mission to surf the biggest waves, crash the wildest parties and chase the prettiest girls in Playa Del Toro – a California beach town where bikinis rule and the vibe is an endless summer.

Metal Evolution Metal Evolution presents 11 episodes based on the much-debated Metal History “family tree” originally shown in Headbanger’s Journey.

This 24 sub-genre genealogical chart reveals the vast complex progeny of heavy metal–from Early Metal and Shock Rock to Thrash, from Progressive Metal to Grunge and Nu Metal.

Using the chart as his road map, our host, metalhead turned anthropologist Sam Dunn, will crisscross the globe in search of the very essence of Metal, from bars and back alleys to the biggest open air festivals.

Home Media Magazine Interviews Allied VaughnBy Chris Tribbey

With less and less shelf space available and content owners becoming more and more attuned to how consumers will respond to certain titles, manufacturing on demand (MOD) – whereby discs are produced as they are ordered by consumers – has become less of an oddity and more of a necessity. Enter Allied Vaughn.

Easing worries over inventory and warehousing, the Minneapolis-based company offers cutting-edge MOD services to some of the biggest names in home entertainment. Company president Doug Olzenak spoke with Home Media Magazine about the future of MOD, how MOD and electronic delivery work together and the company’s latest agreement with CBS Entertainment.

HM: How has the business model for packaged media changed and where does Allied Vaughn fit when it comes to changes at retail, in the supply chain, and in consumer purchase habits for disc?

Olzenak: From its introduction years ago packaged media quickly became an important part of the studio and label profit equation. Today it continues to be a very appealing product for everyone in the supply chain. From content owner to consumer, the product continues to deliver a high level of satisfaction.

Over the years the business model has been refined by some of the best companies in the world. Now consumer devices and consumer preferences have - and will continue to - broaden where and how entertainment is enjoyed. These changes in consumer preferences are changing the economics of packaged media.

Title velocity and where customers are buying media are maybe the two biggest factors affecting the traditional business model. Content owners have an interest in keeping as many titles as possible available for sale. Combined with that is part of the consumption converting to digitally delivered products. That drives down average title velocity. Another factor is the shift in preference from the consumer to buying more of their media products online vs. in store.

As packaged media continues to mature, the manufacturing and distribution supply chains will need to evolve to match the preferred sales channels. This is specifically where Allied Vaughn fits in. Three years ago, we were selected by one of the leading studios to integrate our manufacturing-on-demand capabilities with their desire to develop a profitable model to release lower velocity titles to its customers. Today we support a variety of different workflows all aimed at maximizing the sales and profitability of large catalogs of content for the benefit of the customer, retailer and studio.

Packaged media is valuable to everyone in the supply chain. Studios are making the investments to insure that their primary sales channel – their retailers – will be able to sell their complete catalog (specifically the lower velocity titles) of content without the inherent risks and complexities of traditional supply chain.

HM: How does MOD fit in with electronic content delivery?

Olzenak: New technologies never seem to make obsolete the ones they come to replace. Look at the case of CDs. I just read data from The NPD Group showing the number of consumers buying CDs went up 2% in 2011 and that, at 78 million consumers, there were nearly twice as many customers buying CDs than there were customers using download services like Apple iTunes.

Clearly the overall sales of CDs is declining, but there is a large user base that according to Gartner will still be buying about $10 billion per year of CDs in 2015. Retailers are investing a lot of money to participate in the electronic sellthrough business, both initial investments and building their destination, their brand, and their sales. This is not an overnight process.

Retailers are always looking to improve the customer experience so they can leverage the investments they made to get customers to their site. Converting that traffic to sales is a key metric monitored by everyone. Offering a broad selection of content to take advantage of natural search and making sure that content can be delivered to the customer in the format they want for that transaction are key elements improving conversion and subsequently customer satisfaction.

MOD answers that need quite effectively, in DVD or CD, as consumers have no restrictions to their packaged media choice. The title is never out of stock or backordered.

Richard Skillman
Allied Vaughn
theavdept@alliedvaughn.com
www.alliedvaughn.com

Vol 2 Issue 13 – Allied Vaughn Announces Agreement as Authorized Distributor for Warner Archive Collection

Denny Walden — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:35:14 +0000

Allied Vaughn MOD DVD Collection

On Demand Titles For Online Retailers

Special Warner Archive Collection Announcement

Volume 2 Issue 13

It’s hard to believe it was just three years ago in March of 2009, that Warner Bros announced the Warner Archive Collection – and changed the landscape of DVD film distribution and collecting. Using Allied Vaughn’s Manufacturing-On-Demand (MOD) processes, titles that, due to constraints of conventional media distribution, were not available on DVD – now could be. A new model for film distribution took root. Just-in-time, on-demand DVDs. Never a title out of stock or back-ordered.Since that time, the catalog has grown to over 1200 titles, covering decades of Warner Bros classic films and television properties, across all genres, actors and directors and writers of tremendous stature.

Today, we’re pleased to announce, that in addition to serving as MOD manufacturer, Allied Vaughn has just completed an agreement with Warner Bros whereby we’re now an authorized distributor of the entire Warner Archive Collection. This is, indeed, exciting news. Our resellers can order from Allied Vaughn, knowing that , we’re “always in stock” with every title available for shipment.

We look forward to reviewing details directly with our customers over the next few days. If you are not retailing the AV MOD Collection, this is a great time to start! In the meantime, we want to share the good news.

Successful retailing to you all.

Richard Skillman

Vice President, Allied Vaughn

theavdept@alliedvaughn.com
The AV Dept. Archives

THE AV MOVIE GEEK

When I was asked to highlight titles in the Warner Archive Collection, I was struck by the near impossible challenge..where to begin? Top Sellers? Specific Genres? The collection is so vast and so stocked with collectable gems, I can only scratch the surface of what great titles are included. So I’m going with titles that mean something to me, like a collector, that resonated a “I MUST HAVE!”….

I had been looking for “Dr. Lao” for some time, the George Pal production came out during the Ray Harryhausen peak period in the mid-sixties and I loved the look of these films. Tony Randall is superb and William Tuttle received an honorary Oscar for Makeup in this production

The Seven Faces of Dr. Lao 1964 - An elderly Chinese man routs evil in a Western frontier town by setting up his circus for the townspeople. The various performers affect each of the circus’ visitors in a different way, and in the end the unscrupulous citizen who dominates the town repents.

Emmy-winner Tony Randall (TV’s “The Odd Couple,” “Gremlins 2: The New Batch”) plays eight different characters in the movie, with the help of Academy Award-winning special visual effects and make-up that earned make-up artist William Tuttle a special Honorary Academy Award for his outstanding make-up achievement! Stars Tony Randall, Barbara Eden, Arthur O’Connell, John Ericson, Noah Beery Jr., Lee Patrick, Minerva Urecal, John Qualen, Frank Kreig, Peggy Rea, Eddie Little Sky, Royal Dano, Argentino Brunetti, John Doucette

Beggar’s Opera was transformed into “The Threepenny Opera” in the twenties with a new score by Kurt Weill and Berthold Brecht, which includes the song that eventually became “Mack the Knife”- sound familiar? It was a buy for me as I was in a college production of “Opera” and was dying to see this film for some time- Olivier is great of course.

The Beggar’s Opera 1953 – A colorful period tale finds Sir Laurence Olivier (“Rebecca,” “Hamlet”) as an imprisoned highwayman who relates his exploits in the form of a comic opera. Esteemed theatrical director Peter Brook’s (“Marat/Sade,” “Lord of the Flies”) feature film debut is a production with romantic exuberance and wit. Laurence Olivier, Hugh Griffith, Dorothy Tutin

An interesting film whose surprise ending stayed with me..enough said

Agatha 1979 – Agatha Christie is generally considered the Queen of Crime Fiction. Her novels, stories and plays bamboozle legions of murder aficionados with complex plotting and dazzling denouements. But no mystery she ever wrote surpassed the one she lived. This tantalizing tale posits what may have happened to the famed writer during her real-life 11-day disappearance in 1926.

Dustin Hoffman plays a brash American journalist who tries his own hand at sleuthing when he sets out the find the missing novelist (Vanessa Redgrave), a shy, introspective woman whose marriage to a war hero (Timothy Dalton) has foundered. What really happened? The world doesn’t know and Dame Agatha never told. But as suspensefully directed by Michael Apted (Coal Miner’s Daughter, Gorky Park), Agatha offers a spellbinding solution. Dustin Hoffman, Vanessa Redgrave, Timothy Dalton, Helen Morse

A classic and is always representative of the nuclear mutation age I grew up in..”Harry? Harry?

The Attack of the 50 Foot Woman 1958 – One woman – 25 pairs of shoes?!? It’s impossible not to have fun with this all-time kitsch classic which, as fans know, is actually about a very big woman with a very bad attitude. The woman is wealthy Nancy Archer (Allison Hayes), fresh from the loony bin and ticked off. Her rat of a husband (William Hudson) has been at play while the feline’s away, putting the moves on Honey Parker (Yvette Vickers, Playboy’s Miss July 1959) and scheming about the day when Nancy’s fortune will be theirs. That day will never come – not after Nancy has an alien encounter that zaps her metabolism into overdrive. Soon, Nancy’s size matches her rage. She’ll prove big girls don’t cry; they get even.Allison Hayes, William Hudson, Yvette Vickers

My wife’s pick from her Book Club- a captivating series

The Awakening Land 1978 – Unschooled homesteader Sayward Luckett couldn’t read her name if you showed it to her, yet she fell in love with and married an agnostic, book-learned frontier lawyer Portius Wheeler. Now it’s time to make a life with him in wild, wooded 1790s Ohio Territory. There will be children, seven in all; joy and hardships aplenty; inconstancies of heart; and the enduring legacy of settling a new land. Based on Conrad Richter’s trilogy of novels (he received a Pulitzer Prize for the third), this miniseries nominated for 6 Emmy Awards® celebrates the pioneering spirit as it chronicles Sayward’s heroic, unadorned life. Elizabeth Montgomery and Hal Holbrook (earning two of those six Emmy nominations) lead a strong cast that includes Jane Seymour and W.H. Macy (his first screen credit). Elizabeth Montgomery, Hal Holbrook, Jane Seymour, Steven Keats, Louise Latham

Bob Hope film fits into the “Mad Men” trend of early ’60′s retro. His humor and the styling of his films send me back to that time in cinema

Bachelor in Paradise 1961 – America was sprawling away from Main Street, transforming into a nation of bedroom communities within easy commute of the office. But what’s going on in those bedrooms? Bob Hope intends to find out when he plays a Bachelor in Paradise. Always quick with a quip, Hope portrays Arthur J. Niles, noted author of books that offer worldly advice while documenting the lifestyles and love life of various cultures. His newest study: Paradise Village, a rambling new suburb in Southern California’s San Fernando Valley. Lana Turner, in her only screen teaming with the comedy legend, portrays the stylish unmarried femme who works in the tract’s sales office. Ah, looks like Paradise may somehow lose a bachelor but gain a comedy. Bob Hope, Lana Turner, Janis Paige, Jim Hutton, Paula Prentiss, Don Porter, Virginia Grey, Agnes Moorehead

Post “Dr. No” and pre-”Casino Royale” Ursula Andress- looking good – that plus Cushing/Lee, a fun film

She 1965 – She has waited 2000 years for her lover to be reborn – the lover dead by her own hand! Luscious Ursula Andress stars in H. Rider Haggard’s classic tale of an ageless love goddess, ruler of a magnificent lost mountain realm, who discovers the reincarnation of her beloved in a handsome English adventurer (John Richardson). Promising riches and her seductive self, she lures him through countless perils into the Desert of Lost Souls, the Mountains of the Moon and a pillar of fire that grants eternal life. Famed horror team Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee co-star in this imaginative story of danger and desire.Ursula Andress, Peter Cushing, Bernard Cribbins, John Richardson

A film I saw years ago on late night TV, the story stuck with me until I found it in the Warner Archive

Between Two Worlds 1944 – Nazi bombs rain fire into an English port town. The smoke clears and a disparate group of human beings caught in the blast finds itself aboard a luxury liner headed…who knows where. They soon learn their one-way tickets are stamped Heaven And Hell. A dose of World War II realism puts a gritty edge on this retelling of the early Talkie Outward Bound (starring Leslie Howard) that loses none of the prior version’s ethereal power. A stellar cast – John Garfield, Paul Henried, Sydney Greenstreet, Eleanor Parker, Edmund Gwenn and more names evocative of a remarkable filmmaking era – bring their considerable talents to a tale of passengers who discover their true natures as they discover their destinations. John Garfield, Paul Henreid, Sydney Greenstreet, Eleanor Parker, Edmund Gwenn, George Tobias, George Coulouris, Faye Emerson

Classic Shatner, years prior to Star Trek – enough said

The Brothers Karamazov 1958 – Dostoyevsky’s novel The Brothers Karamazov is given the Hollywood screen treatment in this sumptuous and colorful film. Lee J. Cobb, in an Academy Award®-nominated role plays Fyodor Karamazov, the wealthy father of four grown sons: Dmitri (Yul Brynner), a callous Russian officer; Ivan (Richard Basehart), the intellectual; pious Alexey (William Shatner in his screen debut); and half-brother Smerdyakov. Tensions erupt to a murderous end when libertine father and romantic son find themselves vying for the affections of the same woman, the wild Grushenka. Finding themselves adrift without the dark anchor that held them together, the four brothers must now find peace, each in their own way.Yul Brynner, Maria Schell, Claire Bloom, Lee J. Cobb, Albert Salmi, Richard Basehart, William Shatner

One of several Nemo films released in the sixties. I enjoyed every one for the fantasy of deep sea adventure.

Captain Nemo and the Underwater City 1969 – Oscar-nominee Robert Ryan (“The Wild Bunch,” “Crossfire”) plays Captain Nemo, the infamous submarine captain. The Captain rescues six shipwreck survivors and brings them to his underwater fortress, where they may be trapped for the rest of their lives. Nanette Newman (“The Wrong Box”) and Chuck Connors (“Soylent Green,” “Old Yeller”) co-star in this fantasy-adventure. Enjoyable for the entire family. Directed by Oscar-winner James Hill.Robert Ryan, Nanette Newman, Chuck Connors

This series was a big hit for us African kid explorers, it had a “Hatari!” flavor to the show, should be ageless for todays kids too.

Daktari! 1966 – An orphaned baby elephant? A lion with a brain tumor? Call Dr. Marsh Tracy! This lovingly remembered show from executive producer Ivan Tors (Sea Hunt, Flipper, Gentle Ben) stars Marshall Thompson as a dedicated veterinarian who runs an animal research center in Africa with the help of his daughter, two courageous aides, a mischievous chimp and a cross-eyed lion named Clarence. Action, laughs and breathtaking encounters with exotic animals highlight the 18 Episodes of the Complete Season One as Tracy and his crew handle everything from poachers to diamond thieves to a raging fire that threatens the nearby game preserve. “Daktari” means “doctor” in Swahili, but for viewers it means uplifting family fun! Marshall Thompson, Cheryl Miller, Hari Rhodes

This is a must see, underrated man’s man adventure film – I’m very glad Warner Archive released this for fans of the genre

Dark of the Sun 1968 – Take elite commandos, send them on a do-or-die assignment – and sit back and watch the action explode. The men-on-a-mission formula that worked in 1967′s The Dirty Dozen and in Where Eagles Dare (released in the U.S. in 1969) provides another salvo of volatile screen adventure with this strike-force saga released in 1968. Rod Taylor and Jim Brown are among a mercenary unit rolling on a steam train across the Congo, headed for the dual tasks of rescuing civilians imperiled by rebels and recovering a cache of diamonds. The film’s violence is fierce, unforgiving, ahead of its time. Quentin Tarantino would offer a tribute of sorts to this red-blooded wallop of a cult fave by using part of its compelling score in Inglourious Bastards. Rod Taylor, Yvette Mimieux, Jim Brown, Kenneth More

The original and yes, it’s scary in a good, safe Halloween treat sort of way

Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark 1973 – An old house…a mysterious locked room… a terrifying secret. Elements that make a horror movie memorably chilling get a taut, spooky reworking in Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark. Kim Darby (True Grit) and Jim Hutton (The Green Berets) star as Sally and Alex, young marrieds who inherit a crumbling mansion. Despite warnings to leave well enough alone in her new home, Sally unlocks the mysterious room, opens a bricked-up fireplace – and unleashes a horde of hideous, whispering, murdering mini-demons only she can see and hear. Alex thinks she’s imagining things. We know she isn’t. And we know Sally should be very, very afraid of the dark! Now REMASTERED and with added SPECIAL FEATURES! Kim Darby, Jim Hutton, Barbara Anderson, William Demarest, Pedro Armendariz, Jr.

Another film I had seen on late night TV years ago, a wonderful story that stays with you over the years

The Enchanted Cottage 1945 – After a crash disfigures his face and maims his body, pilot Oliver Bradford (Robert Young) hides from family and friends in a seaside cottage. There he befriends homely, gentle Laura Pennington (Dorothy McGuire). The two marry for companionship – until some rare magic within the cottage transforms them into ardent and beautiful lovers. Director John Cromwell’s delicate, achingly romantic film is based on Sir Arthur Wing Pinero’s play, written in a post-World War I era of broken men returning to families who could not recognize them. When history sadly repeated itself, World War II film audiences likewise embraced a story of the transcendent power of love. The film so moved Young that he named his own California home, The Enchanted Cottage. Dorothy Mc Guire, Robert Young, Herbert Marshall, Mildred Natwick, Spring Byington

This films is seeing some new popularity, mostly due to a very good Jack Webb performance

The D.I. 1957 – Jim Moore is a tough-as-nails Drill Instructor with a chip on his shoulder: Pvt. Owens, who isn’t quite up to snuff. Sgt. Moore is convinced that “there’s a man underneath that baby powder” and sets out to force the private to rise to the occasion. Instead, he drives Owens to bail out altogether. Things only get worse when the Captain steps in and gives Moore three days to make the a Marine out of the petrified private. Jack Webb, Don Dubbins, Jackie Loughery, Lin Mccarthy, Monica Lewis, Virginia Gregg

A sturdy WWII flying ace film with some good action sequences

God is My Co-Pilot 1945 Six P-40 fighters come shrieking out of the sun, guns blazing. They’re outnumbered and outgunned by the 18 enemy Zeros below them. But they won’t be outfought. Wartime history and action entertainment soar in this high-flying and enormously popular World War II-era spirit-lifter based on the bestseller by fighter pilot Col. Robert Lee Scott, Jr. Dennis Morgan plays Scott, an inexperienced “textbook pilot” who asks to fly with the all-volunteer, battle-seasoned Flying Tigers headed by Gen. Claire Chennault (Raymond Massey). Fighting to keep the critical Burma Road supply line open, Scott becomes an ace. He’s cool under fire and convinced he’s flying on his own skill and courage. But after several brushes with death, he comes to realize what many flyers know: up in the heavens, he is not alone. Alan Hale, Dennis Morgan, Raymond Massey

Jane Seymour and Michael Caine look great and the film has some good suspense going for it

Jack the Ripper 1988 – In 1888, a reign of murderous terror struck East London. To this day, the case is unsolved. And the killer is known only by his infamous nickname. But the truth may at last have been found. Based on breakthrough research at the time it was made, this gripping “what if” suggests who wielded the surgically sharp blade of death – and why his identity has been concealed. Michael Caine plays Scotland Yard’s Frederick Abberline and heads a large, flawless cast (including Armand Assante and Jane Seymour) in a movie cloaked in mystery and wrapped in period detail. Was the killer a noted doctor? A famed actor? A police commissioner, clairvoyant or even the Crown Prince? Each raises Abberline’s suspecions. Each merits investigation in this gripping whodunit. Michael Caine, Armand Assante, Ray Mc Anally, Lewis Collins, Ken Bones

If you’re a mid-sixities TV kid, you watched Jonny Quest, this is a newer release but timeless good adventure…

Jonny’s Golden Quest 1993 – In the first feature-length animated movie based on the Hanna-Barbera series, Jonny Quest fans get to meet the women behind the adventurous men. Joining scientist Benton Quest, his plucky son Jonny, bodyguard Race Bannon and Jonny’s young pal Hadji are Benton’s biologist wife Rachel, Race’s ex-wife Jade and young 12-year-old Jessie, who harbors a big secret. Throughout, Team Quest battles the evil schemes of modern-day alchemist Dr. Zin, who has cloned himself and created an army of mutant reptiles in the Peruvian rain forest. The clash there results in a tragedy that changes Jonny’s life forever – and later leads to a worldwide pursuit of Zin that includes examining rare Leonardo da Vinci documents in Paris, exploring the Roman catacombs and a final confrontation in the Australian outback.

This pre-code shocker by Ted Browning was my movie club’s Top Pick last year for Horror- Huston’s performance has to be seen as well as the incredible story line

Kongo w/Special Features; Untamed Africa 1932 – Some eight months after the release of Freaks, another bizarre and unforgettable movie stunned screen audiences – the feverish tale of black magic and sadism called Kongo. Reprising his stage role, dynamic Walter Huston stars as wheelchair-bound Flint, a ruthless, would-be jungle chieftain who uses the bullets of “boom sticks” and the deception of parlor magic he calls juju to keep African locals in his thrall while he carries out a long-festering plan of revenge against the man who beat and crippled him. Brutality, sexuality, depravity – all are at the forefront of this disturbing yet transfixing pre-Code shocker previously filmed as the Lon Chaney-Lionel Barrymore silent West of Zanzibar. Walter Huston, Lupe Velez

Another pick by my wife, mostly for the famous line…”Which one of you ….is my mother?

Lace 1984 – Beautiful, embittered Lili (Phoebe Cates) has clawed her way from porno princess to international film idol. She has money, fame, everything she wants – everything except revenge. Abandoned as a baby, Lili is determined to find, and destroy, her long-lost mother. She’s narrowed the candidate list down to three former boarding-school friends, all of whom have gone on to exciting and privileged lives. And one of whom is about to be very, very sorry she left little Lili all those years ago. A starry cast sweeps through two and a half decades of exquisite excess in this high-fashion, high-drama, utterly delicious emotional wallow based on Shirley Conran’s bestseller. Sharpen your claws. Bess Armstrong, Brooke Adams, Arielle Dombasle, Phoebe Cates, Anthony Higgins, Angela Lansbury

I thought I had seen every Stooge film over the decades, this brought new laughs from the originals with some funny insight by Leonard Maltin

The Lost Stooges 1990 – They’re found funny and forgotten no more, the answer to Stooges lovers’ prayers. Leonard Maltin narrates a wild and woolly compilation of the Three Stooges’ earliest movie work, all mayhem-filled moments of the year Moe, Larry and Curly spent at MGM studios as part of Ted Healy and His Stooges. Catch them cavorting as supporting players in movies (Meet the Baron, Fugitive Lovers, Dancing Lady, Hollywood Party) and merrily showcased in shorts, including their first appearance in two-color Technicolor in Nertsery Rhymes, plus Plane Nuts (which recreates a stage appearance of their original vaudeville act), The Big Idea and the complete Beer and Pretzels. Nitwitticism runs rampant in this hilarious snapshot of a legendary comedy team’s formative years on film.

And if you were a mid-sixties kid, you watched “The Man from U.N.C.L.E”! Vaughn and McCallum were the epitiome of cool..

The Man from U.N.C.L.E 8 Movies Collection 1965-86 – Combine the spy-against-spy Cold War era with ’60s cool and the result is the trend-setting series that became a cultural touchstone – and generated 8 Theatrical Movies derived from and expanding upon key episodes. Napoleon Solo (Robert Vaughn) and Illya Kuryakin (David McCallum) are intrepid U.N.C.L.E. agents who maintain tongue-in-cheek style as they confront the deadly schemes of THRUSH in the U.S. or anywhere else spy chief Mr. Waverly (Leo G. Carroll) sends his two top operatives. Guest stars caught up in the globetrotting intrigue include Joan Crawford, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, Leslie Nielsen, Jack Palance, Eleanor Parker, Telly Savalas, Rip Torn and more. THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.: 8-MOVIE COLLECTION includes the following movies: TO TRAP A SPY ONE OF OUR SPIES IS MISSING ONE SPY TOO MANY THE SPY WITH MY FACE THE SPY IN THE GREEN HAT THE KARATE KILLERS THE HELICOPTER SPIES HOW TO STEAL THE WORLD” Robert Vaughn, David McCallum, Joan Crawford, Herbert Lom, Janet Leigh

One of Burt’s early serious acting roles, deserves another look for story and soundtrack if you have not screened this in awhile

The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing 1973 – On the run from her cold-hearted husband, Catherine Crocker witnesses a daring train robbery. The robbers are forced to take her prisoner, riding deep into untamed territory pursued by a posse led by a determined Wells Fargo agent – and Catherine’s husband.A stellar cast powers this sweeping, elegiac ode to the West. Burt Reynolds plays gang leader Jay, a laconic war hero with a mysterious past. Sarah Miles is Catherine, first repelled by her captors but gradually growing to respect, then trust, then love Jay. With a stirring John Williams score, dead-on direction by Richard C. Sarafian (Man in the Wilderness), and cinematography so realistic you can taste the dust and sweat, The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing emerges as one of film’s great Westerns. Burt Reynolds, Sarah Miles, Lee J. Cobb, Jack Warden, George Hamilton

Errol’s a bit older in this film and it shows, the pre-attack Hawaii spy angle is a good one and another exotic fortune hunting adventure film that i tend to collect..

Mara Maru 1952 – Errol Flynn dives into danger in this hard-boiled South Seas adventure directed by action veteran Gordon Douglas and co-starring Ruth Roman and Raymond Burr. When his partner’s bumped off after bragging of treasure, salvage diver Gregory Mason (Flynn) sets out to make a killing of his own. The only one who knows where it’s buried, Mason’s scheme to recover the loot is dashed when a mysterious fire torches his ship. Coming to the rescue, however, is Brock Benedict (Burr), a sinister collector who offers his boat in exchange for a share. Charting a course into perilous waters, a wary Mason makes plans to recover the treasure, while the treacherous Benedict prepares to deep-six his new partner and keep the fortune all to himself. Errol Flynn, Ruth Roman, Raymond Burr, Paul Picerni, Richard Webb

It was a great cast, great scripts and I’m glad the chance to have in my collection

Night Court- The Complete 5th Season 1987-88 – Season 5 opens with a distraught Judge Harry T. Stone (Harry Anderson), unaware he has his job back, planning to pull off a maniacal prank against the City of New York. Dan (John Larroquette, winning his fourth Emmy® for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy) is given an unwanted overseas assignment, public defender Christine (Markie Post) comes to the rescue when Roz (Marsha Warfield) has trouble with her boyfriend. Meanwhile, Bull (Richard Moll) gets struck by lightning and thinks God spoke to him and Mac (Charles Robinson) works on curing his technophobia. Featuring guest stars Teri Hatcher (Desperate Housewives), Mel Torme and Don Cheadle, these 22 episodes on 3 discs are where non-stop laughter is the final ruling. Harry Anderson, Markie Post, John Larroquette, Charles Robinson, Richard Moll, Marsha Warfield

I had not seen this film since its release but remember Cliff Robertson followed it up with his Oscsr winning turn in “Charly”. This being an election year, I thought it worth a look- another great Warner find

PT 109 1963 – President John F. Kennedy kept a unique inauguration gift on his White House desk: a coconut encased in plastic. The tale of that coconut is the heroic story of PT 109. Academy Award winner* Cliff Robertson stars in this stirring saga of Kennedy’s wartime exploits as skipper of a PT boat in the Solomon Islands. The assignment: harass the enemy and buy time for a U.S. Navy still on the drawing boards. In August 1943, PT 109 was sliced in half by a Japanese destroyer. Kennedy led his surviving crew through a sea aflame from gasoline, towing a badly burned sailor miles to the nearest island. There seemed little hope of rescue from the Japanese-dominated area…until a strategy involving a coconut emerged. The triumphant outcome was unbelievable – and all true! Cliff Robertson, Ty Hardin, James Gregory, Robert Culp, Grant Williams

Warner released several Tarzan’s this year, including the Ron Ely television series and those with Lex Barker – this title with Gordon Scott is one of my favorites for the quality of the production..and Sean Connery is interesting to see pre-Bond

Tarzan’s Greatest Adventure 1959 – The mighty Lord of the Apes (Gordon Scott) is on a deadly trail. He’s determined to find the diamond hunters (including Anthony Quayle and Sean Connery) who brought terror and death to a peaceful village. But as much as Tarzan is a tracker and avenger, he’s also a protector. An irresponsible gadfly from the so-called civilized world intrudes on his quest and Tarzan knows he cannot leave her to fend for herself. Tarzan’s Greatest Adventure is widely applauded as one of the best and most grownup films in the entire film annals of the jungle lord’s exploits. It’s “a superior action yarn shot on location in Africa, more adult than most of its predecessors. Tarzan has a much expanded vocabulary” (Leonard Maltin’s Movie Guide).” Gordon Scott, Anthony Quayle, Sara Shane, Niall Macginnis, Sean Connery

Several actors have taken a run at playing The Saint – this series has the very dapper George Sanders that commands every scene he appears in, one may forget what a versatile actor he was

The George Sanders Saint Movies Debonair thief-turned-detective Simon Templar circles the globe to solve cases with charm and cunning in a series of fast-paced RKO films (1939-41) full of clever banter and cleverer twists based on stories by bestselling author Leslie Charteris. Academy Award® winner* George Sanders made his indelible mark as Templar in the five exciting installments in this endlessly entertaining 2-disc collection.George Sanders, Wendy Barrie, Sally Gray

It’s one of those films, like Chase’s Caddyshack, the more you watch it, the funnier it gets…

Under the Rainbow 1981 – It was the largest gathering of little people ever, drawn from all over to appear in the movie of a classic children’s story. They weren’t in Kansas anymore. They were in Hollywood, home of wide-open lifestyles and nonstop parties.This colorful screwball comedy uses the premise of 150 little people playing The Wizard of Oz’s Munchkins housed in one Culver City hotel – and indulging in some high-energy partying – to spin zany screen mayhem with touches of romance (between G-man Chevy Chase and casting maven Carrie Fisher) and cockeyed espionage (involving German agent Billy Barty and Japanese spy Mako). Co-stars Eve Arden, Adam Arkin, Joseph Maher and Pat McCormick deliver tall orders of laughter, while smashing into small-fry shenanigans at every turn. There’s no place like…Under the Rainbow.” Chevy Chase, Carrie Fisher, Eve Arden, Adam Arkin, Billy Barty, Robert Donner, Cork Hubbert, Joseph Maher, Mako, Pat Mccormick

This is a fun film with the cast clearly enjoying themselves and with all the buzz on TV chefs, I wanted to check it out, it’s one of Segals best and Bisset looks great..of course..

Who’s Killing the Great Chefs of Europe? 1978 George Segal, Jacqueline Bisset and Robert Morley top the bill of fare in this food and fun-filled mystery garnished with wit. Segal plays a glib fast-food tycoon and Bisset is his ex-wife, a pastry chef who may become the last course in an enigmatic killer’s banquet of death. Morley has a tasty field day as an acerbic gourmet magazine publisher whose cascading series of chins and stomachs bear witness to his love of fine dining. But the mogul’s doctors have ordered him to give up his favorite dishes – and one by one the chefs who create those dishes are slain in the manner of their specialties. Phillipe Noiret, Jean-Pierre Cassel and Jean Rochefort give delicious support, as does a mouth-watering array of wild mushrooms, plump pigeons, shiny artichokes, rich chocolate and more gastronimical delights. Dig in! George Segal, Jacqueline Bisset, Robert Morley, Jean-Pierre Cassel, Philippe Noiret

….well, there you go, just a handful of over 2000 titles from the Warner Archive, I am sure your customers will have their favorites and they’re here for them. Enjoy! The Geek

This pre-code shocker by Ted Browning was my movie club’s Top Pick last year for Horror- Huston’s performance has to be seen as well as the incredible story line

Kongo w/Special Features; Untamed Africa 1932 – Some eight months after the release of Freaks, another bizarre and unforgettable movie stunned screen audiences – the feverish tale of black magic and sadism called Kongo. Reprising his stage role, dynamic Walter Huston stars as wheelchair-bound Flint, a ruthless, would-be jungle chieftain who uses the bullets of “boom sticks” and the deception of parlor magic he calls juju to keep African locals in his thrall while he carries out a long-festering plan of revenge against the man who beat and crippled him. Brutality, sexuality, depravity – all are at the forefront of this disturbing yet transfixing pre-Code shocker previously filmed as the Lon Chaney-Lionel Barrymore silent West of Zanzibar. Walter Huston, Lupe Velez

Another pick by my wife, mostly for the famous line…”Which one of you ….is my mother?

Lace 1984 – Beautiful, embittered Lili (Phoebe Cates) has clawed her way from porno princess to international film idol. She has money, fame, everything she wants – everything except revenge. Abandoned as a baby, Lili is determined to find, and destroy, her long-lost mother. She’s narrowed the candidate list down to three former boarding-school friends, all of whom have gone on to exciting and privileged lives. And one of whom is about to be very, very sorry she left little Lili all those years ago. A starry cast sweeps through two and a half decades of exquisite excess in this high-fashion, high-drama, utterly delicious emotional wallow based on Shirley Conran’s bestseller. Sharpen your claws. Bess Armstrong, Brooke Adams, Arielle Dombasle, Phoebe Cates, Anthony Higgins, Angela Lansbury

I thought I had seen every Stooge film over the decades, this brought new laughs from the originals with some funny insight by Leonard Maltin

The Lost Stooges 1990 – They’re found funny and forgotten no more, the answer to Stooges lovers’ prayers. Leonard Maltin narrates a wild and woolly compilation of the Three Stooges’ earliest movie work, all mayhem-filled moments of the year Moe, Larry and Curly spent at MGM studios as part of Ted Healy and His Stooges. Catch them cavorting as supporting players in movies (Meet the Baron, Fugitive Lovers, Dancing Lady, Hollywood Party) and merrily showcased in shorts, including their first appearance in two-color Technicolor in Nertsery Rhymes, plus Plane Nuts (which recreates a stage appearance of their original vaudeville act), The Big Idea and the complete Beer and Pretzels. Nitwitticism runs rampant in this hilarious snapshot of a legendary comedy team’s formative years on film.

And if you were a mid-sixties kid, you watched “The Man from U.N.C.L.E”! Vaughn and McCallum were the epitiome of cool..

The Man from U.N.C.L.E 8 Movies Collection 1965-86 – Combine the spy-against-spy Cold War era with ’60s cool and the result is the trend-setting series that became a cultural touchstone – and generated 8 Theatrical Movies derived from and expanding upon key episodes. Napoleon Solo (Robert Vaughn) and Illya Kuryakin (David McCallum) are intrepid U.N.C.L.E. agents who maintain tongue-in-cheek style as they confront the deadly schemes of THRUSH in the U.S. or anywhere else spy chief Mr. Waverly (Leo G. Carroll) sends his two top operatives. Guest stars caught up in the globetrotting intrigue include Joan Crawford, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, Leslie Nielsen, Jack Palance, Eleanor Parker, Telly Savalas, Rip Torn and more. THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.: 8-MOVIE COLLECTION includes the following movies: TO TRAP A SPY ONE OF OUR SPIES IS MISSING ONE SPY TOO MANY THE SPY WITH MY FACE THE SPY IN THE GREEN HAT THE KARATE KILLERS THE HELICOPTER SPIES HOW TO STEAL THE WORLD” Robert Vaughn, David McCallum, Joan Crawford, Herbert Lom, Janet Leigh

One of Burt’s early serious acting roles, deserves another look for story and soundtrack if you have not screened this in awhile

The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing 1973 – On the run from her cold-hearted husband, Catherine Crocker witnesses a daring train robbery. The robbers are forced to take her prisoner, riding deep into untamed territory pursued by a posse led by a determined Wells Fargo agent – and Catherine’s husband.A stellar cast powers this sweeping, elegiac ode to the West. Burt Reynolds plays gang leader Jay, a laconic war hero with a mysterious past. Sarah Miles is Catherine, first repelled by her captors but gradually growing to respect, then trust, then love Jay. With a stirring John Williams score, dead-on direction by Richard C. Sarafian (Man in the Wilderness), and cinematography so realistic you can taste the dust and sweat, The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing emerges as one of film’s great Westerns. Burt Reynolds, Sarah Miles, Lee J. Cobb, Jack Warden, George Hamilton

Errol’s a bit older in this film and it shows, the pre-attack Hawaii spy angle is a good one and another exotic fortune hunting adventure film that i tend to collect..

Mara Maru 1952 – Errol Flynn dives into danger in this hard-boiled South Seas adventure directed by action veteran Gordon Douglas and co-starring Ruth Roman and Raymond Burr. When his partner’s bumped off after bragging of treasure, salvage diver Gregory Mason (Flynn) sets out to make a killing of his own. The only one who knows where it’s buried, Mason’s scheme to recover the loot is dashed when a mysterious fire torches his ship. Coming to the rescue, however, is Brock Benedict (Burr), a sinister collector who offers his boat in exchange for a share. Charting a course into perilous waters, a wary Mason makes plans to recover the treasure, while the treacherous Benedict prepares to deep-six his new partner and keep the fortune all to himself. Errol Flynn, Ruth Roman, Raymond Burr, Paul Picerni, Richard Webb

It was a great cast, great scripts and I’m glad the chance to have in my collection

Night Court- The Complete 5th Season 1987-88 – Season 5 opens with a distraught Judge Harry T. Stone (Harry Anderson), unaware he has his job back, planning to pull off a maniacal prank against the City of New York. Dan (John Larroquette, winning his fourth Emmy® for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy) is given an unwanted overseas assignment, public defender Christine (Markie Post) comes to the rescue when Roz (Marsha Warfield) has trouble with her boyfriend. Meanwhile, Bull (Richard Moll) gets struck by lightning and thinks God spoke to him and Mac (Charles Robinson) works on curing his technophobia. Featuring guest stars Teri Hatcher (Desperate Housewives), Mel Torme and Don Cheadle, these 22 episodes on 3 discs are where non-stop laughter is the final ruling. Harry Anderson, Markie Post, John Larroquette, Charles Robinson, Richard Moll, Marsha Warfield

I had not seen this film since its release but remember Cliff Robertson followed it up with his Oscsr winning turn in “Charly”. This being an election year, I thought it worth a look- another great Warner find

PT 109 1963 – President John F. Kennedy kept a unique inauguration gift on his White House desk: a coconut encased in plastic. The tale of that coconut is the heroic story of PT 109. Academy Award winner* Cliff Robertson stars in this stirring saga of Kennedy’s wartime exploits as skipper of a PT boat in the Solomon Islands. The assignment: harass the enemy and buy time for a U.S. Navy still on the drawing boards. In August 1943, PT 109 was sliced in half by a Japanese destroyer. Kennedy led his surviving crew through a sea aflame from gasoline, towing a badly burned sailor miles to the nearest island. There seemed little hope of rescue from the Japanese-dominated area…until a strategy involving a coconut emerged. The triumphant outcome was unbelievable – and all true! Cliff Robertson, Ty Hardin, James Gregory, Robert Culp, Grant Williams

Warner released several Tarzan’s this year, including the Ron Ely television series and those with Lex Barker – this title with Gordon Scott is one of my favorites for the quality of the production..and Sean Connery is interesting to see pre-Bond

Tarzan’s Greatest Adventure 1959 – The mighty Lord of the Apes (Gordon Scott) is on a deadly trail. He’s determined to find the diamond hunters (including Anthony Quayle and Sean Connery) who brought terror and death to a peaceful village. But as much as Tarzan is a tracker and avenger, he’s also a protector. An irresponsible gadfly from the so-called civilized world intrudes on his quest and Tarzan knows he cannot leave her to fend for herself. Tarzan’s Greatest Adventure is widely applauded as one of the best and most grownup films in the entire film annals of the jungle lord’s exploits. It’s “a superior action yarn shot on location in Africa, more adult than most of its predecessors. Tarzan has a much expanded vocabulary” (Leonard Maltin’s Movie Guide).” Gordon Scott, Anthony Quayle, Sara Shane, Niall Macginnis, Sean Connery

Several actors have taken a run at playing The Saint – this series has the very dapper George Sanders that commands every scene he appears in, one may forget what a versatile actor he was

The George Sanders Saint Movies Debonair thief-turned-detective Simon Templar circles the globe to solve cases with charm and cunning in a series of fast-paced RKO films (1939-41) full of clever banter and cleverer twists based on stories by bestselling author Leslie Charteris. Academy Award® winner* George Sanders made his indelible mark as Templar in the five exciting installments in this endlessly entertaining 2-disc collection.George Sanders, Wendy Barrie, Sally Gray

It’s one of those films, like Chase’s Caddyshack, the more you watch it, the funnier it gets…

Under the Rainbow 1981 – It was the largest gathering of little people ever, drawn from all over to appear in the movie of a classic children’s story. They weren’t in Kansas anymore. They were in Hollywood, home of wide-open lifestyles and nonstop parties.This colorful screwball comedy uses the premise of 150 little people playing The Wizard of Oz’s Munchkins housed in one Culver City hotel – and indulging in some high-energy partying – to spin zany screen mayhem with touches of romance (between G-man Chevy Chase and casting maven Carrie Fisher) and cockeyed espionage (involving German agent Billy Barty and Japanese spy Mako). Co-stars Eve Arden, Adam Arkin, Joseph Maher and Pat McCormick deliver tall orders of laughter, while smashing into small-fry shenanigans at every turn. There’s no place like…Under the Rainbow.” Chevy Chase, Carrie Fisher, Eve Arden, Adam Arkin, Billy Barty, Robert Donner, Cork Hubbert, Joseph Maher, Mako, Pat Mccormick

This is a fun film with the cast clearly enjoying themselves and with all the buzz on TV chefs, I wanted to check it out, it’s one of Segals best and Bisset looks great..of course..

Who’s Killing the Great Chefs of Europe? 1978 George Segal, Jacqueline Bisset and Robert Morley top the bill of fare in this food and fun-filled mystery garnished with wit. Segal plays a glib fast-food tycoon and Bisset is his ex-wife, a pastry chef who may become the last course in an enigmatic killer’s banquet of death. Morley has a tasty field day as an acerbic gourmet magazine publisher whose cascading series of chins and stomachs bear witness to his love of fine dining. But the mogul’s doctors have ordered him to give up his favorite dishes – and one by one the chefs who create those dishes are slain in the manner of their specialties. Phillipe Noiret, Jean-Pierre Cassel and Jean Rochefort give delicious support, as does a mouth-watering array of wild mushrooms, plump pigeons, shiny artichokes, rich chocolate and more gastronimical delights. Dig in! George Segal, Jacqueline Bisset, Robert Morley, Jean-Pierre Cassel, Philippe Noiret

….well, there you go, just a handful of over 2000 titles from the Warner Archive, I am sure your customers will have their favorites and they’re here for them. Enjoy! The Geek

Allied Vaughn’s MOD Collection brings you the best in DVD programming from the catalogs of the Warner Archive Collection, The MGM Limited Edition, Sony Choice Collection, NOW, MTV Networks, CBS Home Entertainment, Questar Entertainment, Monarch Home Video,The VCI Vault Collection, American Pop Classics and more..contact us today for up to the date title lists,new catalogs, metadata and product images.

View all our past The AV Dept.Newsletters of reviews, trends and titles at The AV Dept. Archives.

Sincerely,

Richard Skillman
Allied Vaughn
theavdept@alliedvaughn.com
www.alliedvaughn.com

Vol 2 Issue 12 – CBS Releases Melrose Place, Survivor Heros & Villains, and more of The Amazing Race

Denny Walden — Tue, 08 May 2012 21:20:04 +0000

Allied Vaughn MOD DVD Collection

On Demand Titles For Online Retailers

Volume 2 Issue 12

THE AV MOVIE GEEK

Melrose Place: The DVD Edition There’s a new generation turning up the heat in television’s most fabulous apartment complex as all 18 episodes of the new Melrose PlaceTM arrive on DVD! Katie Cassidy, Colin Egglesfield, Stephanie Jacobsen, Jessica Lucas, Michael Rady, Shaun Sipos and Ashlee Simpson-Wentz deliver the sizzle as sexy twenty-somethings who are friends, lovers and, sometimes enemies. And watch as stars from the original Melrose PlaceTM return to amp up the excitement and intensify the drama. This 6-disc set is presented in two parts with a special feature. Come back to Melrose Place!

Survivor 20: Heroes vs. Villains Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains, the 20th installment of the groundbreaking series reunites some of the most memorable, heroic and controversial castaways from previous SURVIVOR seasons. These unforgettable castaways compete deep in the South Pacific on the breathtaking island of Samoa. The cast of 20 is divided into two tribes of 10 – the HEROES are defined by their acts of integrity, courage and honor, while the VILLAINS have mastered their skills of deception, manipulation and duplicity.Both tribes face off to stay on top of their game, tackling challenges based on those used in previous seasons. Watch how the game plays out as one Villain pushes so hard to provide for the tribe that he passes out cold, one of the game’s most notorious masterminds finds her grip on an alliance slipping and a Hero makes a bold move to save himself by fooling the entire tribe. Discover who will ultimately hold the title of Sole Survivor in this special-edition DVD set.

The Amazing Race Season 5 A new season, a new adventure, and a new globe-spanning race. The fifth season of Emmy-Award winning THE AMAZING RACE follows the longest race yet traveling over 72,000 miles, six continents, and twelve countries, including Uruguay, Kenya, and Tanzania. This time the race has not just one beauty queen, but two, with both a former Miss Teen USA and a former Miss Texas USA competing alongside past Big Brother contestant, Alison Irwin and the fan favorite team Mirna and Charla.Descending into the depths of Osiris Shaft, 140 feet below sea level, contestants travel where no AMAZING RACE contestant has gone before, and a chocolate factory in San Carlos makes for the most delicious roadblock yet. The fun and excitement come to a dramatic stop for one team as an injury puts them out of the race permanently. It will take more than a passport to win this race around the world- find out who will cross the finish line first in this 3-disc DVD set.

The Amazing Race Season 6 On your mark, get set, and go for Emmy-Award winning Amazing Race’s sixth season on DVD. Passports in hand, eleven teams race across the globe from Senegal to Sri Lanka. The colorful cast includes a pair of grandparents, married professional wrestlers, and engaged models. The teams adventure though everything from Viking Villages to glacial lagoons, persevering through the elements and cultural shock towards the ultimate cash prize. Only in a show as unpredictable as THE AMAZING RACE could a Chicago deep dish pizza be the difference between first and last, and when it comes down to the finish line, it is one of the closest races in the history of the game. Find out who crosses first in this special edition DVD set.

Richard Skillman
Allied Vaughn
theavdept@alliedvaughn.com
www.alliedvaughn.com

Vol 2 Issue 11 – Anthony Bourdain, Jaime Oliver, The Military Channel,…All On MOD DVD

pnicholas — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:53:17 +0000

Allied Vaughn MOD DVD Collection

On Demand Titles For Online Retailers

Volume 2 Issue 11

THE AV MOVIE GEEK

Anthony Bourdain: The #1 food writer and television presenter in the world, Anthony Bourdain reinvented the food travel genre. In his groundbreaking first series, that originally aired on the Food Network, Bourdain travels around the world indulging his taste for local cuisine and eccentric characters. Join Tony as he feasts on sushi in Tokyo, enjoys authentic Mexican cuisine, and traverses the Australian Outback on a memorable food journey. You never know what he’ll say, who he’ll meet, or what they’ll have for dinner

Anthony Bourdain: A Cook’s Tour- Morocco and Russia “Cooking and dining with Anthony Bourdain! Morocco and Russia – 4 episodes

After sampling local dishes and vodka in St. Petersburg, Tony enjoys a steam, eats smoked fish and ends the outing with a dip in the outdoor cold pool. Other episodes include Desert Feast and Traditional Tastes (Morocco).

Anthony Bourdain: A Cook’s Tour- The United States “Cooking and dining with Anthony Bourdain! The United States – 8 episodes.

Anthony Bourdain: A Cook’s Tour- Mexico and the Americas “Cooking and dining with Anthony Bourdain! Mexico and the Americas – 5 episodes

Tony heads to a Oaxacan food market, where he tastes toasted grasshoppers, tripe soup and a local sausage which yields a flavorful red oil. Other episodes include Food Tastes Better with Sand Between your Toes (St. Martin) and A Mystical World, and How to be a Carioca (Brazil).

Anthony Bourdain: A Cook’s Tour- Europe Cooking and dining with Anthony Bourdain! Europe – 6 episodes

Arachon, France, the birthplace of Tony’s father, was the first place Tony learned to love food. Tony revisits his childhood and enjoys many staples, including steak frites, gaufres (waffles), and soupe de pecheur (fisherman’s soup). Other episodes include A Pleasing Palate (London) and Highland Grub (Scotland).

Anthony Bourdain: A Cook’s Tour- Australia and Japan “Cooking and dining with Anthony Bourdain! Australia and Japan – 5 episodes

When Tony’s car breaks down in the outback, he is found by a veteran of the bush who brings him back to camp and feeds him a slap-up meal of bush tucker, including kangaroo and wattleseed-bush tomato. Other episodes include The Wild West of Cooking (Melbourne), Mad Tony (Sydney), and Dining with Geishas (Rural Japan).

Anthony Bourdain: A Cook’s Tour- Asia “Cooking and dining with Anthony Bourdain! 7 episodes

Tony has a spontaneous adventure in Bangkok where he tries foods such as deep fried frog skins and pla rah, a fish paste that has fermented for three months. Other episodes include Eating on the Mekong (Vietnam) and Wild Delicacies (Cambodia).

Jamie Oliver: Jamie Oliver is a rising phenomenon in the world of food. One of the world’s beloved television personalities, chef Jamie Oliver is inspiring an interest in all things culinary in a new generation. In Jaime Oliver’s Food Escapes, he hits the road on an exciting expedition through the world’s cultures and cuisines.

Heading off the tourist track, Jamie finds authentic ingredients and extraordinary people while preparing delicious recipes. From truffle and boar hunting in the French Pyrenees to spear fishing in the Greek Isles, Jamie uncovers the most authentic and delicious local dishes. He samples the street food of Marrakesh, the traditional herring of Sweden, and the famous street prawns of Venice. It is all here!

Jamie Oliver’s Food Escapes – Venice: “Adventurous recipes from cultures around the world! Venice (Italy)

Venice sees Jamie going off the tourist track to meet aristocrats in a palazzo and the lady prisoners who are growing vegetables behind bars in Giudecca.”

Jamie Oliver’s Food Escapes- Marrakesh: ”Adventurous recipes from cultures around the world! Marrakesh (Morocco)

In Marrakesh, Jamie explores the alleyways of the old Medina and the wildly exotic Djemaa el Fna square as he dodges snake charmers and tooth sellers to try out the street food of the city. Marrakesh, the traditional herring of Sweden, and the famous street prawns of Venice.”

Jamie Oliver’s Food Escapes- Athens “Adventurous recipes from cultures around the world! Athens (Greece)

In Athens Jamie tries his hand at spear fishing and meets bee keepers with plenty of stories to tell.”

Jamie Oliver’s Food Escapes- Andalucia “Adventurous recipes from cultures around the world! Andalucia (Spain)

In Adalucia Jamie joins trainee bullfighters practicing in Spain’s oldest bull ring and cooks paella for the whole village.”

Jamie Oliver’s Food Escapes- French Pyrenees “Adventurous recipes from cultures around the world! Midi-Pyrenees (France)

In the Midi-Pyrenees Jamie goes truffle-hunting with a pig and boar hunting with dogs.”

Jamie Oliver’s Food Escapes- Stockholm “Adventurous recipes from cultures around the world! Stockholm (Sweden)

It’s off to Stokholm where Jamie tries to avoid skinny dipping at a traditional crayfish party.Jamie Oliver is a rising phenomenon in the world of food. One of the world’s beloved television personalities, chef Jamie Oliver is inspiring an interest in all things culinary in a new generation.”

WONDERS OF EARTH AND TRAVEL!

Earth From Above: Inspired by the best-selling book and exhibition that drew over 60 million people, Earth From Above is a magical tour of the world’s most beautiful natural landscapes shot in dazzling High Definition.

Hosted by world-famous photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand, this program features some of the most stunning aerial photography ever attempted. From the Earth’s deepest oceans to its staggering mountain heights…from the wild African savannah to the frozen wonderland of Antarctica…take an unforgettable and breathtaking journey as you discover the beauty of the planet’s astonishing landscapes and extraordinary people.

Earth From Above – Earth Parts I & 2: Take a remarkable trip across the globe to discover beautiful lands, from steep mountains to lush jungles. Your itinerary includes flights above Yellowstone, the Amazon, the Rocky Mountains and China.

Earth From Above – Biodiversity: Take an awe-inspiring journey to discover some of the Earth’s most precious living treasures. From the smallest living beings to the magnificent giants of the animal world, life is ever-present in all its rollicking and diverse forms.

Earth From Above – Water: Fresh water is the origin of life on Earth. It supports more species of fish than are in our oceans and has the almighty power to carve the most spectacular landscapes.

Earth From Above – Seas and Oceans Part I: Seas and oceans cover 72% of the Earth’s surface, but remarkably man has only discovered 15% of underwater life. Travel high above the blue planet and plunge deep under the ocean’s depths to discover this mesmerizing world.

Earth From Above- Seas and Oceans Part II: Your journey over and under the oceans continues with amazing trips to France, the South Pacific, and Italy.

Green Paradise: Explore the Earth and the most beautiful natural paradises in the world. These stunning locales are preserved thanks to the dedication of local populations. In each program, meet the inhabitants of these lands who have developed small businesses to welcome visitors in their environment, and helped create a new form of travel: sustainable tourism. These travelers respect local cultures and are eager to experience these natural wonders.

Shot in stunning high definition, Green Paradise tells the stories of these magical places, the inhabitants who cherish the land, and those visitors who come to experience its splendors. Discover the world through these destinations, and all its natural beauty and wildlife diversity.

Green Paradise- Oceania
French Polynesia: In the middle of he Pacific Ocean, the Tuamotus is one of the largest archipelagos in French Polynesia. Displaying stunning beauty, the islands must now rise to the challenge of preserving the ecosystem of this coral garden. See: French Polynesia, Palau, New Caledonia, Fiji, and Seychelles

Green Paradise- South America

Green Paradise- The Americas See: Mexico, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and the Bahamas.

Green Paradise- Africa See: Madagascar, Egypt, South Africa, Morocco, Namibia, and Mozambique

Green Paradise- Australia: Surrounded on three sides by the ocean, Margaret River is a small peninsula nestling in a corner of paradise: thousands of miles of coastline, with a wealth of beaches, bays, magical, deserted, primeval places. Famous for its surfing, caves and wine, the ecological reputation of this small town has crossed the seas and attracts many adventure seekers. See: Australia and Tasmania

Green Paradise- Asia See: Sri Lanka, Laos, Oman, Indonesia, and the Philippines

Scenic Routes Around the World: “Scenic Routes Around the World is a stunning collection of the world’s most exotic and beautiful roads, rivers, and trails, shot in breathtaking high definition. Behold the splendors of ancient journeys that have connected both famous and forgotten places for centuries, and now connect you to those who traversed them throughout history.”

Scenic Routes Around the World – The Far East The gorgeous Path of Flowers in Japan takes you past over 250 varieties of cherry trees, and provides a rich tapestry that shows why Japan is often considered the ultimate meeting of tradition and modernity. Also includes: The Road of Perfume (Vietnam) and Route of the Sherpas (Nepal)

Scenic Routes Around the World – Africa: Hitch a ride across the Sahara on a camel caravan traveling the Salt Road. Amongst the few villages along this route you will discover ancent cultures, nearly untouched by time. Also includes: Route of the Bushman (Kalahari) and The Route of Kings (Egypt and the Middle East).

Scenic Routes Around the World – The Pacific Travel the Alaska Highway from Vancouver to Alaska, taking in the dramatic and rugged coastline, and relishing the freedom of the great North. Also includes: The Route of Two Oceans (Central America) and Aotearoa (New Zealand).

Scenic Routes Around the World – South America: The Inca Trail is filled with clues connecting you to an ancient civilizations. Begin in Lima and travel through amazing villages before finally arriving at the unparralleled mountain kingdom of Machu Picchu. Also includes: The Amazon and Patagonia.

Scenic Routes Around the World – Europe From its origins in the Black Forest to its passage through Vienna to its delta in the Black Sea, the Danube River flows for over 1,000 miles and crosses through six countries, each bearing witness to twenty-five centuries of European history, culture, and civilization. Also includes: The Iron Curtain (Eastern Europe) and Trans Lapland (Scandinavia).

Scenic Routes Around the World – Asia: Trek through India’s Route of the Gods, a journey that crosses over the Himalaya Mountains at over 16,000 feet. Meet the epic characters along the way that define this remarkable country. Also includes: From Moscow to Irkoutsk and The Road of Sinbad (Middle East).

THE MILITARY CHANNEL & HISTORY

WWII Tank Overhaul: “As seen on The Military Channel.Tank Overhaul invites you into a world where military enthusiasts, collectors, and restorers combine their know-how with 21st Century technology to restore the greatest battle tanks of all time to their former glory. Each episodes follows one tank’s story, from the original salvage, to the rebuilding process, to the history behind the innovations that made each machine great.

WWII Tank Overhaul – The M-24 Chaffee: The M-24 Chaffee – Fast and dependable, and boasting a devastating 75mm gun, many believe this was the best light tank of World War II. Watch as restorers struggle to prepare this tank in time for an Independence Day parade.

WWII Tank Overhaul – The M4 Sherman: The M4 Sherman – Learn about the idiosyncrasies of the Sherman design, one of the most heavily produced tanks of World War II, and see it get rebuilt.

WWII Tank Overhaul – The A34 Comet: The A34 Comet – The team races against time to complete the rebuilding of this 1944 British tank in only four months.

WWII Tank Overhaul – The M18 Hellcat The M18 Hellcat – Restorers race to complete the rebuilding of this American tank destroyer in time for VE day, in order to surprise a special guest- A US veteran who was the tank’s commander over sixty years before!

WWII Tank Overhaul – The Panther & The Elephant: The PzKpfw V Panther & The Elephant – The German PzKpfw V Panther is one of the rarer tanks of the Second World War. Rescued from a riverbed in Poland the mangled tank is restored to its former glory. One of the largest tanks ever built, only 90 Elephants were produced by the Nazis.

WWII Tank Overhaul- The Centurion & The BMP: The Centurion and The BMP – The Centurion is a British-designed tank that originally fought in Korea, was later adopted by NATO countries, and is still in use in Israel and South Africa. The Soviet BMP was the world’s first infantry fighting vehicle, and a tremendous influence on the American M2 Bradley.

The Road to World War II is an innovative 16-part series that examines this crucial time as it progressed from the Armistice in 1918 to the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Tour the globe and revisit all the crucial sites from the U.S., Japan, Russia and Europe. See and hear Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt like never before.

This classic series follows the events that sparked the greatest conflict of the century, capturing the drama, the excitement and the ideological juxtapositions of these crucial years. While America enjoyed itself in the Roaring Twenties, the world was changing. It was the era of Lucky Lindy, bootleg, Babe Ruth, Valentino and assembly-line Fords. It was also the time of market collapse, Klan meetings, demagogues abroad, Red Scares at home and bread lines. The best of times, the worst of times, and the times in which the United States reluctantly moved center stage.

Former CBS News correspondent and commentator Eric Sevareid, one of the world’s most respected figures in journalism, presents this extraordinary series featuring stunning original newsreels, soundtracks, and rare archival footage. Sevareid was, for many, the voice of World War II. He was the first correspondent to report the French surrender to Germany, and was in the thick of combat throughout the Second World War. Uniquely qualified and knowledgeable, Eric Sevareid delivers the intensity and authenticity of someone who was present at every turn.

The Road to World War II-Part 1:

1. Versailles: The Lost Peace 2. Return to Isolation 3. The First Salt Talks”

The Road to World War II – Part II: 1. Radio, Racism and Foreign Policy 2. The Great Depression and Foreign Affairs”

The Road to World War II – Part III 1. F.D.R. and Hitler: The Rise to Power 2. F.D.R. and Hitler: The Dynamics of Power

The Road to World War II – Part IV: 1. America in the Pacific 2. The Recognition of Russia 3. Latin America

The Road to World War II – Part V : 1. The Italian-Ethiopian War 2. The Spanish Civil War 3. The Phony War”

The Road to World War II – Part VI: 1. F.D.R. and Churchill 2. Japan Invades China 3. War Comes to Pearl Harbor”

Guest Reviews…in depth reviews of titles from the AV MOD Collection by today’s online film critics…..

DVD REVIEW: “THE GAMBLERS” (1969) STARRING SUZY KENDALL, DON GORDON AND STUART MARGOLIN by Lee Pfeiffer

Last year, when I interviewed actor Stuart Margolin for Cinema Retro’s Kelly’s Heroes issue, we spoke about shooting the film on location in Yugoslavia. Stuart mentioned that he had shot another movie immediately prior to Kelly’s there, an obscurity called The Gamblers. It sounded intriguing but it appeared as though the movie was relegated to those curiosities that had become lost over the decades. I don’t even remember it having an American release, though IMDB does say it opened in the States in January 1970.

The movie was shot entirely on location in Dubrovnik, which is now part of Croatia in the post-Yugoslavian era. At the time, dictator Marshall Tito had been luring filmmakers to his country, using subsidies and tax incentives. The Gamblers is a modestly-budgeted enterprise but it makes full use of the gorgeous coastal locations and eschews any use of studio settings to capitalize on them.

The film follows two con-men, Rooney (Don Gordon) and his friend Goldy (Stuart Margolin) as they embark on an Adriatic cruise in search of victims to bilk out of gambling money. Rooney, who masquerades as a sophisticated psychiatrist, is actually a card shark who uses a seemingly foolproof system to ensure he wins big money from gullible people during poker games.

The pair meet another pair of con men working aboard the ship: an Englishman named Broadfoot (Kenneth Griffith) and his partner, the Frenchman Cozzier (Pierre Olaf). In a high stakes poker game, the Europeans are impressed with Rooney’s system. They know they have been conned but are not offended. Instead, they propose joining forces.

They reveal they are en route to tempt a local aristocrat with a weakness for gambling to join them in a major poker game. If Rooney and Goldy will enlist with them and use their secret methods to ensure a win, they will split the ill-gained winnings with them.

Along for the ride is Candace (Suzy Kendall), a free-spirited English girl who is intoxicated by these con men and their exotic methods of duping their “marks”.

At first glance, The Gamblers is a bit crude. The beginning sequences are more confusing than engrossing and it takes a while to for the characters to develop. However, the viewer should stick with it because there are many unpredictable twists, turns and cons to entertain.

What is most enjoyable about the movie is the fact that it offers rare leading roles to actors who are ordinarily known for being reliable second bananas. Gordon is familiar to many retro movie goers, having appeared in several movies with his old friend Steve McQueen. Similarly, Margolin and Griffith did yeoman work over the decades, largely in comedic roles. Here, they all get a chance to shine, along with Olaf, who is equally impressive.

The biggest star of the lot at the time, Suzy Kendall, is, ironically, included for window dressing and her primary contribution is to be seen in mini dresses and bikinis. (We’re not complaining). The film features an infectious score by John Morris and some nice camerawork- and the ending is a true “sting-in-the-tail” surprise.

VCI’s master print for the transfer is dark and grainy, but viewers should understand that, in order to make rare movies like this available, companies have to sometimes settle for whatever prints they can find, often from private collections. In any event, a less-than-pristine print is a small price to pay in return for the delightful experience of watching The Gamblers.

You Won Cannes

Movie Review: Pray For Death (Dir. Gordon Hessler, 1985)

by Shawn Francis

When I first got cable back in the early 80s, I had no idea how much of an influence it would have on my life, especially the late night R-rated flicks. One among the many films I stumbled upon during those early years was Enter The Ninja. With it came my introduction to the incredibly skilled martial artist Sho Kosugi, who played the film’s bad guy. I liked him so much I even enjoyed watching Franco Nero kick his ass and kill him.

His next film (aptly named Revenge of the Ninja) catapulted Kosugi into cult movie stardom, racking up an impressive number of roles in American action films, a cameo in Rutger Hauer’s Blind Fury, and a five episode appearance in the short lived TV series The Master, where he returned to his bad guy roots to pose as the resident evil ninja and menace Lee Van Cleef .

With his film Pray For Death finally released on DVD via MGM’s MOD Program we now have what I call his ‘Holy Three’ on DVD: Enter, Revenge and Pray.

Pray For Death is essentially a carbon copy of Revenge of the Ninja. In both films Kosugi plays a Japanese businessman who relocates his family to America for the sake of his job, but once there runs afoul of gangsters. In both movies his respective wives are killed, AND in both films Kosugi’s two sons play the roles of his onscreen kids, which end up surviving the bloody carnage father and gangster doll out among each other in both movies.

Pray For Death is notable for two things, it’s Kosugi’s last role in a movie where he plays a ninja, and it’s notorious for being his most violent and sadistic. Kosugi find’s himself going head to head wtih James Booth, who plays a gangster psychopath that enjoys beating old men to death, torturing Kosugi in front of his kid, and raping and killing Kosugi’s wife towards the end.

The final action scene between Kosugi and Booth is a memorable one, and surprisingly realistic. It has a lot of close quarters hitting (with weapons as well), pushing, shoving and violent man handling. Oh, sure, Kosugi gets in his trademark ninja licks, but it’s not staged like a martial arts fight would be. It’s grittier, rougher, and more barbaric. The location is another element that makes it unforgettable; in a warehouse, where their fight plays out over a couple of floors, one of which is filled with mannequins and a saw mill, where Booth meets a very grim demise.

Unfortunately, MGM’s DVD is not the uncut version of this film. For those who aren’t aware, Pray For Death‘s violence was a victim of the MPAA. Curious as to what was cut?

The good news, on the other hand, is its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio has been restored, and the transfer MGM used is pretty much pristine. There is no trailer on this DVD. Yes, it would be ideal if MGM had released it uncut, but truth be told I’m okay with it as is. I watch Sho Kosugi movies for Sho and his action scenes, none of which have been severely mangled, only tidbits trimmed and shortened where flesh and blood were exposed and/or tortured.

The film has been rescued and put out on DVD by VCI Entertainment as part of their burn-to-order line. The movie was written and directed by Ron Winston, who had done some high profile TV series episodes and a few feature films before he died in 1973 at the young age of 40.

Allied Vaughn’s MOD Collection brings you the best in DVD programming from the catalogs of the MGM Limited Edition, Sony Columbia Classics, NOW, MTV, Questar Entertainment, Monarch Home Video, The VCI Vault Collection, American Pop Classics and more..contact us today for up to the date title lists,new catalogs, metadata and product images.

Richard Skillman
Allied Vaughn
theavdept@alliedvaughn.com
www.alliedvaughn.com

Vol 2 Issue 10 – Retailers, you might want to remind your customers there was a Captain America before and there was a Yor and a Gog too!

Denny Walden — Wed, 02 May 2012 15:52:33 +0000

Allied Vaughn MOD DVD Collection

On Demand Titles For Online Retailers

Volume 2 Issue 10

Let’s see a show of hands - who’s going to see the new “Avengers” film premiering May 4th? Hmm, I thought so, many hands. Of my fellow geeks, who’s going to the Marvel Marathon at select theaters across the country on May 3rd, offering 6 Marvel films in one viewing–”Iron Man”, “Iron Man 2″, “Thor”, The Incredible Hulk”, “Captain America “and on the stroke of midnight “Avengers” ? I thought so, there’s a lot of us crazies too. Your AV Movie Geek will be there for all 12 hours of Marvel fun and thrills, I will be interested in hearing about your adventures too.In the meantime, to prepare for a tailbone numbing marathon of soft drinks, Twizzlers and an extended sedentary movie geek day, I am turning to my favorite DVDs from the MOD Collection to provide the training hours this event of superheroes, villainy and action will demand. Retailers, you might want to remind your customers, there was a Captain America before and there was a Yor and a Gog too!… As to the marathon, I’ll see you there!

Successful retailing to you all.
Richard Skillman
Vice President, Allied Vaughn
theavdept@alliedvaughn.com

THE AV MOVIE GEEK

SUPERHERO VILLAIN MOD MARATHON!
The geek is ready for the weekend with a basket of super films and super heroes!

Captain America - The Red Skull defeats Captain America in 1941, but the super hero is thrown into suspended animation. Captain America is revived 50 years later to face the Red Skull one more time. Matt Salinger, Ronny Cox, Ned Beatty, Darren McGavin, Michael Nouri, Melinda Dillon, Kim Gillingham, Scott Paulin, Joseph Calamari, Menahem Golan, Tom Karnowski, Stan Lee, Stephen Tolkin

THE MAGNETIC MONSTER When a young scientist’s experiments with a new radioactive isotope cause it to double in size every 12 hours, a nearby town’s existence is threatened by the deadly radiation. MGM Richard Carlson, Jean Byron, King Donovan, Ivan Tors, George Van Marter

ZONE TROOPERS 1944, Italy. After a group of US troops witness an alien landing, they are quickly caught up in an adventure involving everything from Nazis to ray guns. Tim Thomerson, Timothy Van Patten, Art La Fleur, Biff Manard Charles Band, Roberto Bessi

Yor, The Hunter From the Future It is before the dawn of time. Strange, savage beasts roam the earth, foraging for human flesh. Fierce tribesmen prey on the weak and innocent. Mystic sacrifices appease the gods. Yor (Reb Brown, Space Mutiny) is the mightiest warrior of his era.

But his own past and true identity-are shrouded in the mists of time. He knows he doesn’t belong in this world, but his only clues to the fleeting memories of his past are the gold medallion around his neck and the beautiful priestess held prisoner in a forbidden city. She wears a matching medallion. Yor is determined to rescue her to find her and the answers,even at the risk of losing his life.

The talisman takes him on an incredible journey, joined first by the sensuous cavegirl, Ka-Laa (Corinne Cléry, Moonraker), then by the lusty priestess, Roa (Ayshe Gul). He learns the secrets of the mummified fire people and outwits the brutal fur-draped barbarians of the Northern hills. But it is on a floating island where an army of robots and a psychotic scientist await him that Yor’s destiny lies. Newly remastered. Reb Brown; Corinne Clery; Alan Collins

GOG A security agent investigates sabotage and murder at a secret underground laboratory, home of two experimental robots. Herbert Marshall, Constance Dowling, Richard Egan, Maxwell Smith, Ivan Tors

SAFARI 3000 ”Saddled” with Playboy photographer Stockard Channing, David Carradine participates in a transcontinental road rally. His evil rival (Christopher Lee) will stop at nothing to win. A lighthearted tribute to DEATHRACE 2000. David Carradine, Stockard Channing, Arthur Gardner, Jules V. Levy, Robert L. Levy

GHOST WARRIOR While exploring a cave, two skiers find the body of a 400-year-old samurai warrior entombed in ice. He is brought to the United States in a hush-hush operation and revived through cryosurgery. Unfortunately, he is then forced to battle for his freedom, dignity and life. Hiroshi Fujioka, Janet Julian, Charles Lampkin, John Calvin, Frank Schuller Albert Band, Charles Band, Gordon W. Gregory, Efrem Harkham, Uri Harkham, Arthur H. Maslansky

The Quatermass Xperiment (aka Creeping Unknown) A spacecraft returns to earth with only one terrified passenger left aboard…and a creeping monster. Brian Donlevy, Margia Dean, Jack Warner, Richard Wordsworth, Anthony Hinds, Robert L. Lippert

Master Of The World In 1848, a fanatical inventor seeks to fly around the world and stop war from his flying airship (the “Albatross”)…a cross between a zeppelin and a helicopter. Adapted from two Jules Verne novels– “Master of the World” and “The Conqueror.” Vincent Price, Charles Bronson, Henry Hull, Mary Webster, David Frankham, Samuel Z. Arkoff, Anthony Carras, Bartlett A. Carre, Daniel Haller, James H. Nicholson

The Incredible Melting Man An astronaut contracts a disease that causes his flesh to melt. In order to stop the rapid deterioration of his flesh is to feed on the flesh of other human beings. Alex Rebar, Michael Alldredge, Burr Debenning, Myron Healey, Peter Cornberg, Robert L. Fenton, Samuel W. Gelfman, Max Rosenberg

Futureworld An amusement park of the future caters to any adult fantasy. Lifelike androids carry out your every whim. A fun place, right? Not so, as a reporter and his Girl Friday find out while on a press junket to the newly opened Futureworld. Peter Fonda, Blythe Danner, Arthur Hill,Stuart Margolin, Yul Brynner ”Executive Producer Samuel Z. Arkoff Produced By Paul N. Lazarus, Iii And James T. Aubrey

Battle of the Worlds Earth is threatened by an asteroid and flying saucers. Earth is threatened by an asteroid and flying saucers. American Pop Claude Raines; Bill Carter; Umberto Orsini; Maya Brent Thomas Sagone

Planet Outlaws In this Sci-Fi flick, made from the 12 part serial, Buck Rogers and Buddy wake from cryogenic sleep and begin to “save the world from the grasp of a tyrannical gangster” and travel to Saturn to find help. Buster Crabbe, Constance Moore, Harry Revier

STAR ODYSSEY It’s the starships of Earth versus the super-powered robots and weapons of another galaxy when a powerful alien mastermind chooses Earth or annihilation. The humans’ only hope for defense: a specially trained army of experts – two women, three men and two robots, whose chances of defeating an entire invading army are slim at best. Yanti Somer, Gianni Garko, Malisa Longo, Chris Avram, Silvio Frachetti

ELECTRONIC MONSTER An insurance detective goes to France to investigate the sudden death of a movie star. The trail leads to a mysterious psychiatric clinic where patients are brainwashed after receiving “electronic hypnosis”. The imaginative plot of this film is several years ahead of its time. Rod Cameron, Mary Murphy, Anglo-Guild Productions.

PERFECT WOMAN The King of distant planet - a fanatic of earth TV programs - seeks an earth woman as wife. Fred Willard, Joanne Nail, Peter Kastner, Barry Gordon, Cameron Mitchell, Rudy Vallee, Jose Luis Mignone

Man Who Turned To Stone When a new psychiatrist (William Hudson, Attack of the 50 Foot Woman) is hired at a women’s reform school/prison, he and social worker Carol Adams (Charlotte Austin) begin to puzzle over some recent suspicious deaths among the young inmates. The prison warden (Ann Doran) and doctor (Victor Jory) seem to be behind a centuries-old evil plot to steal the life force of young women to extend their own unnaturally immortal lives. A bizarre and diabolical sci-fi premise has an extremely creepy crew exploiting the bodies of their young charges, but as always, the more flesh the scientists consume, the more they need! Newly remastered.  Tina Carver, Phil Doran, Victor Jory, Charlotte Austin, Paul Cavanagh, William Hudson.

30 Foot Bride of Candy Rock   In his final film (and only starring role without partner Bud Abbott), the one and only Lou Costello plays Artie Pinsetter, a would-be inventor who needs to create something in a hurry when his girlfriend (Dorothy Provine, It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World) is mysteriously turned into a giantess. This wacky spoof of Attack of the 50 Foot Woman and other sci-fi “growth” epics of that era is skillfully helmed by veteran actor/director Sidney Miller (Babes In Arms) and features such beloved comedy greats as long-time Lucille Ball foil Gale Gordon as Dorothy’s pompous uncle, plus Charles Lane, Jimmy Conlin, Joey Faye, Peter Leeds and Doodles Weaver. And it’s “Wonder filmed” in the miracle of “Amazorama!” Newly remastered. Lou Costello, Charles Lane, Dorothy Provine, Jimmy Conlin, Gale Gordon.

Monarch presents chilling new documentaries on terrorism, global change and obsession… Unfortunately, villains and world terror are not limited to the fantasies of Hollywood, renowned documentary studio, Monarch Films offers these new titles for you to retail…

Anima Mundi Anima Mundi is a new HDTV documentary on Permaculture, the Gaia theory, Peak Oil survival and Climate Change (man-made or not) featuring David Holmgren (co-originator of Permaculture), John Seed (Deep Ecology), Dr Stephan Harding (Gaia Science and author of Animate Earth), Dr Vandana Shiva (Human Rights – Environment – Philosophy), Michael C Ruppert (from the movie Collapse), Michael Reynolds (from the film The Garbage Warrior), Dr Christine James (Psychology), Dr Mark O’Meadhra (Integrative Medicine), Noam Chomsky and Permablitz.

The Third Jihad “The Third Jihad”, the newest offering from the producers of the captivating documentary film, “Obsession”, explores the existence of radical Islam in America and the emerging risk that this “homegrown jihad” poses to national security, western liberties and the “American way of life”. The film reveals that radical Islamists driven by a religiously motivated rejection of western values cultures and religion are engaging in a multifaceted strategy to overcome the western world. In contrast to the use of “violent jihad” and terror to instill fear in “non-believers” The Third Jihad introduces the concept of “cultural jihad” as a means to infiltrate and undermine our society from within. “ Rudy Giuliani (Mayor of New York City), Jim Woolsey (CIA Director), Tom Ridge (Director of Homeland Security), Ray Kelly (Police Commissioner of NYC) Wayne Kopping Raphael Shore

Obsession ”Obsession – Radical Islam’s War Against the West ‘ is a new film that will challenge the way you look at the world. Almost 70 years ago, Europe found itself at war with one of the most sinister figures in modern history: Adolf Hitler. When the last bullet of World War II was fired, over 50 million people were dead, and countless countries were both physically and economically devastated. Hitler’s bloody struggle sought to forge the world anew, in the crucible of Nazi values. Today, we find ourselves confronted by a new enemy, also engaged in a violent struggle to transform our world. A new menace is threatening, with all the means at its disposal, to bow Western Civilization under the yoke of its values. That enemy is Radical Islam. Using images from Arab TV, rarely seen in the West, Obsession reveals an ‘insider’s view’ of the hatred the Radicals are teaching, their incitement of global jihad, and their goal of world domination. With the help of experts, including first-hand accounts from a former PLO terrorist, a Nazi youth commander, and the daughter of a martyred guerilla leader, the film shows, clearly, that the threat is real. A peaceful religion is being hijacked by a dangerous foe, who seeks to destroy the shared values we stand for. The world should be very concerned.” Alan Dershowitz (Well Known Attorney), John Loftus (Former Federal Prosecutor)

Hoarder or Healer: The Van Bramer Story The story of a rural man who is found keeping 85 dogs and cats that have been abused and abandon by their previous owners in his home in what he says is as an “animal hospice”. The county raids his home and takes away all his animals. The film looks at what really happen in this house, and if he is an obsessive animal hoarder, or a savior and healer of abandon animals?

Kiri Wai: Inner Skin The story of Bruce, a young European-American who undertakes a journey to the South Pacific. He is on an identity quest that began in his adolescence when Inia Taylor (Maori tattoo artist, sculptor, and makeup artist for “Once Were Warriors”) began a moko on Bruce’s skin. Over the course of his quest, Bruce seeks answers to questions about the moko. In the process, he delves into Maori culture and the moko’s place in other cultures.

Programas An inside look into the sexy world of Brazilian prostitutes. In the larger cities of Brazil like Rio De Janeiro beautiful Brazilian women offer a unique service. the “Programa”. Not simply sex, but friendship and companionship with a hundreds of year old tradition. Men from around the world flock to the hot spots of Brazil to spend time with some of the world’s most sensual women. Meet the women, see their charms, and learn about their lives.

Restoring Alaska This one hour PBS Television special looks at the restoration process and recovery surrounding the grounded oil tanker Exxon Valdez unfolded in Prince William Sound, Alaska.

Iranium “Iranium is a timely new documentary presenting the dangerous scenarios posed to the free world by a nuclear Iran. The film exposes the dangerous ideology guiding the Iranian regime, and the devastation caused both inside and outside Iran’s borders and explores the Iranian nuclear program as it pertains to strategic threats against the West, and Islamic fundamentalism in Iran. Featuring footage with Iranian leaders and interviews with 25 leading politicians, dissidents, and researchers, the film discusses the Iranian nuclear program, Middle East policy, terrorism, and nuclear proliferation. Beginning with the Islamic revolution, the film documents the creation of the Iranian nuclear program and development of weapons of mass destruction.” Featuring Amb. John Bolton (Former Amb. UN(, Rep. Elliot Engel, Sen. John Kyl, R. James Woolsy (Former CiA Director)

Relentless An eye-opening documentary which unravels the myths, and exposes the obstacles to achieving peace in the Middle East. Using primary source video clips, Relentless examines the history of the Middle East conflict and how the Peace Process unraveled in a surge of violence. Alan Dershowitz (Well Known Attorney), John Loftus (Former Federal Prosecutor)

Ballet Victoria: A Leap of Faith Ballet Victoria is currently in its fifth year of operations, struggling to stay alive. This is a story on how a young artistic troupe stays alive in our economic times and the joys and hardships of keeping alive an artistic dream. Its an old story really, one that requires cooperative effort, a story of dependence, benefits, and of the never ending highs and lows – a classic love story and a business model to be studied as well. HDTV Narrated by Joe Morton

Richard Skillman
Allied Vaughn
theavdept@alliedvaughn.com
www.alliedvaughn.com

Vol 2 Issue 4 – Phil Keoghan on “The Ride” and Desert Island Films Releases

Denny Walden — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 21:06:39 +0000

Allied Vaughn MOD DVD Collection

Volume 2 Issue 4

Saturday night, Showtime aired the documentary, “The Ride”, produced and starring Phil Keoghan of the “Amazing Race”, his personal story of biking across the US to attract attention to and support for the.National Multiple Sclerosis Society.On Sunday night, Phil’s new season of “Amazing Race” premiered and you can bet that Phil will be talking about his documentary and this DVD on talk shows and publicity events over the next few months. And we’re pleased to bring the title as an exclusive to you for immediate retail to your

customers- an entertaining story, a slice of Americana and a cause that gets the attention it deserves in this video.

We’ve also been selected by Desert Island Films to present their deep catalog of public domain titles, some very bizarre and hard to find anywhere. Niche genre consumers will enjoy seeing these in your catalog.

Successful retailing to you all.
Richard Skillman
Vice President, Allied Vaughn
theavdept@alliedvaughn.com

“The Ride” – Amazing Race’s Phil Keoghan’s “Ride Across America Presented by GNC” kicked off on March 28, 2009 in Los Angeles and ended on May 9, 2009 in New York City. Along the way, he attended meet and greets with supporters at local GNC stores, visited CBS affiliates, attended open-casting calls for the next installment of THE AMAZING RACE, signed copies of his best-selling book No Opportunity Wasted, attended Bike MS rallies hosted by the National MS Society and rode alongside ex-racers and fans of THE AMAZING RACE.

Phil’s ride was to raise awareness and funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. ”I fly over 400,000 miles a year and I figured it was time to stretch my legs. I love to ride so I thought I’d see what this great country looks like up close instead of taking a bird’s eye view at 30,000 feet,” said Keoghan. “In this economic climate, bike riding makes a lot of sense – it’s good for your waistline and easy on your wallet.”

Phil travelled over 3500 miles on his ride from coast to coast, averaging 100 miles a day and spending about six hours a day in the saddle. Is he crazy?…quite possibly

Q: Phil, America knows you as the EMMY award winning host and a producer of the incredibly popular reality adventure series, “The Amazing Race” but they may not be aware that exotic travel and exploits are not just limited to the television show, you’ve had quite an exciting life on the edge yourself?

I’ve been traveling since I was two with my parents who worked overseas for many years, that’s where I got the travel bug, for sure. Then after a near-death experience at the age of 19 I came up with my personal philosophy ‘No Opportunity Wasted’ (NOW) which has driven my life ever since. I started to run out of air on a shipwreck dive. I panicked but thankfully I was rescued and taken out to safety. While reflecting on the importance of being alive, on the deck of the dive boat, I decided to approach life as if every day was my last. Right there and then I wrote my first list for life. It’s called my Life List. I’ve broken a world record for bungee jumping, dived the world’s longest underwater cave, renewed my wedding vows underwater while hand-feeding sharks, got my reindeer racing license, changed a light bulb on top of the Verazano Bridge in New York, putted a golf ball across Scotland to name a few of the things on my list For over 25 years I have shared many of my adventures with television audiences all over the world.

“NOW The more I live, the more I want to live, and the more I want to help others live their once-in-a-lifetime dreams.” NOW is the subject of a book I wrote as well as a television format I created and was produced in the US, Canada and New Zealand.

Q: That thirst to experience life at its fullest , Phil, then led you to endurance bicycling, how did that all come about?

I grew up in Antigua in the Caribbean and as a 10 year old boy you could not get me off my little yellow racing bike. I would spend hours riding around the island with the local riders. When I was 13 I moved to New Zealand cycling gave way to rugby. I didn’t really touch my bike again until I was in my 30′s

Fast forward — My wife and I found a love of cycling together about 8 years ago, and for the past five years we have sponsored a local bicycle racing team, here in Southern California. I do the odd local race and we have raced some endurance races in New Zealand, but nothing close to riding across America!!! When I turned 40 I decided I needed a mammoth challenge. I was motivated by three things, take on the biggest physical and mental challenge of my life; spend quality time with my Dad on an adventure and work towards raising 1 million dollars for a charity … more me The National MS Society. Instead of riding 100 miles a few times a year, why not ride 3500 in a row? It seemed like a good idea at the time and it certainly turned out to be life changing but man was it tough. Actually the toughest part was doing press from early in the am, print, TV … doing meet and greets, riding 100 miles and then setting up every night to get video blogs online. In the 40 days I was away I never went to bed before the next day, not a good way to recover after a hard ride I can assure you.

Q: That passion for bicycling, led you to produce “The Ride”. Your film, “The Ride”, Phil, is a thrilling documentary on your 2009 biking quest from Los Angeles to New York City, all for the benefit of the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, what led you to create this event and support MS?

I initially created the ride across America because I was turning 40 and wanted to prove I was still strong. My wife and I have supported the National MS Society for the past five years through our local cycling team. I decided rather than just ride across the country for my own benefit, I should ride for an amazing cause. That alone helped motivate me each day when the going got rough. I have movement. Many people with MS do not. I had to keep moving for them and raise awareness for MS and funds for MS research, so maybe one day we can help rid the world of this terrible disease. To be honest I never set out to make a film about the ride however people really fell in love with the video blogs I shot everyday and I realize that perhaps there was another way to make use of all the incredible footage we had gathered. The idea that all the HD material we had would just sit in a box for every didn’t make sense and knowing that we could generate more money for the MS movement was a real motivator.

Q: Seeing America from behind the handlebars makes an exciting story certainly, I got exhausted just watching the film! What stands out as pure Americana to you, a New Zealander (or is it Kiwi?) from your trip?

The generosity of American people blew me away. I was welcomed into big cities, small towns, extremely small towns, and homes, by warm, caring individuals. I had local police escorts making sure our team got across state lines safely, people coming out with freshly baked goods along the route, kids giving me their pocket money for MS. It was kind of overwhelming. I felt like I couldn’t say thank you enough, so I kept pedaling because I didn’t want to let anyone down. It was my motivation to finish. I can assure you that the spirit of America is very much alive across the country.

Q: We’re releasing “The Ride” this month on DVD ,what will the audience be seeing on the DVD that’s really cool?

The Ride is the ultimate road trip with your best buddies. Everyone that has seen the movie in theaters across the country has fallen in love with the characters. People laughed and cried at all the same places in the film. There’s Greg the retired CHP Officer, my dad the plant scientist, Ben my training partner with a quirky sense of humor, and Scott the cameraman who rode backwards on Greg’s motorbike filming me for 40 days. He went across America in reverse. There is never a dull moment when you put a cast of characters like this together. People who have seen the film in theaters actually got on their bikes and retraced my journey so watch out

Q: Why buy the DVD when it was also broadcast?

The bonus features on The Ride is 30 minutes long. You get to see moments that were not in the final cut. Thankfully our biggest challenge was working out what to cut out of the film. We really were spoilt for choice, I’m really excited to have made something that will have shelf life. The Ride is a film to share with those who need uplifting, it’s a film that can be watched again and again, the perfect gift for someone contemplating a life change and perhaps needing some extra motivation.

Q: What’s next for Phil Keoghan? What journey have you not taken that is tops on your list?

I have so many amazing adventures on my NOW List, but the most important thing for me is to have as many adventure with our 16 year old daughter before she leaves for college the year after next. Whatever we can dream up together as a family, we will endeavor to fulfill. As long as it’s about living life NOW and making the most of what you have right now – health and happiness and each other. I have some new film projects in the works, some new documentary ideas and also a fictional piece I want to shoot in New Zealand.

Q: If you had an Amazing Race-esque “detour” you would challenge our readers with, what would it be?

I thinks it’s very important to push yourself outside your comfort zone at least once a day, even if that is as simple as talking to a stranger in an elevator. Choose the path you are least familiar with every now and then and you’ll be surprised where it will take you. Never let age get in the way of living a NOW life, some of the most inspiring people I know refuse to use their age as an excuse. Work on your NOW Life List with your family, find out how you can others achieve their goals and share new adventures with them. Trust me it is incredibly enlightening.

The AV Movie Geek says “The Ride” DVD is loaded with extra Bonus features and behind the handlebar scenes that are both poignant and hilarious as Phil peddles coast to coast. This DVD is NOT available anywhere else but through the AV Dept MOD Collection.

Your Allied Vaughn Rep can provide image art and metadata.

Public Domain DVD Gems from Desert Island Films

One of the great benefits of On Demand DVD manufacturing is the ability to offer a large catalog without need to create inventory or complicated distribution. Public domain titles fit the MOD model nicely as the catalogs are vast, consumers crave the titles and our providers work to find the best possible existing video master available.

Desert Island Films, one of the largest Public Domain Libraries has selected from its catalog a nice library of PD titles, priced to sell and available now in the AV MOD Collection, and of course, no title out of print, no inventory and no returns. Here’s just a sampling of the broad range of titles and genres- contact your Allied Vaughn Account Representative for metadata and art files.

ALIEN CONTAMINATION 1980 A former astronaut helps a government agent and a police detective track the source of mysterious alien pod spores, filled with lethal flesh-dissolving acid, to a South American coffee plantation controlled by alien pod clones. Ian mcCulloch, Louise Marleau, Marino Mase

ANNIE OAKLEY TV SHOW 1954 A fictionalized account of the life of legendary Wild West sharpshooter Annie Oakley. Set in the quiet western town of Diablo, Annie and her little brother Tagg made sure that outlaws who moseyed into town kept on going. Often at her side was friend, suitor and deputy sheriff Lofty Craig with whom she often showed off her shooting prowess. Gail Davis, Bard Johnson, Jimmy Hawkins

BELLS OF SAN ANGELO, THE 1947 Gridley is mining silver from an old Mexican mine and bringing it into the USA thru a passage into his worthless mine. Border guard Rogers suspects Gridley and finally finds the secret entrance to the Mexican mine. He sends Lee Madison for help only to have her captured by Gridley. Trigger brings help that takes care of Gridley’s men and now Roy has to rescue Madison. Roy Rogers, Trigger, Dalde Evans

BLACK MAGIC 1944 Charlie searches for a murderer amidst numerous ghosts conjured up by a strange variety of spiritualists and occultists. Sidney Toler, Mantan Moreland, Frances Chan

BLACKBEARD THE PIRATE 1952 Honest Edward Maynard finds himself serving as ship’s surgeon under the infamous pirate Blackbeard Robert Newton, Linda Darnell, William Bendix

BLACKMAIL 1929 Alice White, detective Frank Webber’s girlfriend, is invited by an artist to visit his studio. The man tries to rape Alice and she kills him with a knife to defend herself. A criminal sees the murder and he keeps the lady’s glove from the crime scene in order to blackmail her. Frank is assigned to the murder case. Anny Ondra, John Longden, Sara Allgood

BOB HOPE CHEVY TV SHOW 1952 Bob Hope hosts this comedy variety show which aired in the mid-50′s. Bob Hope, Jerry Colonna, Janis Paige

BORDER COP 1980 Chesty gringo Telly Savalas (as Frank Cooper) is a US-Mexico “Border Cop”. He serves as a father figure to young immigrant Danny De La Paz (as Benny Romero), who wants Mr. Savalas to be best man at his impending wedding. Savalas is tough, but boss Eddie Albert (as Commander Moffat) may be tougher. Tough is what you need to stop smuggler Michael V. Gazzo (as Chico Suarez). Alliances may be in flux. Telly Savalas, Danny de la Paz, Eddie Albert

BROTHER FROM ANOTHER PLANET 1984 A mute alien is chased by outer-space bounty hunters through the streets of Harlem in this thought-provoking cult classic. Joe Morton, Daryl Edwards, Rosanna Cart

BURNS AND ALLEN TV SHOW 1953 Neighbor Blanche Morton frequently joins Gracie in escapades which annoy accountant hubby Harry and provide George with an opportunity to offer a humorous soliloquy. George Burns, Gracie Allen, Bea Benaderet

CARRY ON EMMANNUELLE 1978 The beautiful and sex-starved Emmannuelle Prevert just cannot inflame her husband’s ardor. In frustration she seduces a string of VIPs, including the Prime Minister and the American Ambassador. A jealous lover gives a list of all her conquests to the national press and a scandal ensues. But will she ever manage to get her own husband into bed? Kenneth Williams, Suzanne Danielle, Kenneth Connor

CHINATOWN KID 1977 He was the Leader of the White Dragons…the Toughest Gang on any Turf! Sheng Fu, Shirley Yu, Shaw Yin Yin

DAWN OF THE MUMMY 1981 A group of fashion models disturb the tomb of a mummy and revive an ancient curse. Along with the mummy rising, slaves who were buried in the desert thousands of years before, also rise, with a craving for human flesh. Brenda King, Barry Sattels, George Peck

DEADLY HARVEST 1977 Farmer struggles to keep food on the table, and regain his son who has joined a gang of marauding city-folk during the world’s worst famine. Clint Walker, Nehemiah Persoff, Geraint Wyn

DIVORCE OF LADY X, THE 1938 Divorce lawyer Everard Logan thinks the woman who spent the night in his hotel room is the erring wife of his new client. Merle Oberon, Laurence Olivier, Binnie Barnes

DRAGNET TV 1955 Sgt. Joe Friday and his partners methodically investigate crimes in Los Angeles. Jack Webb, George Fenneman, Hal Gibney

FAMILY ENFORCER 1976 Neighborhood kid goes to work for the Mafia as a debt collector. Joe Pesci, Joseph Cortese, Lou Crisuolo

FANTASTIC HOCKEY FIGHTS 1975 Grown men like to play hockey, but also occasionally they slug it out too. Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple leafs

FAUST 1926 God and Satan war over earth; to settle things, they wager on the soul of Faust, a learned and prayerful alchemist. During a plague, Faust despairs and burns his books after failing to stop death; Satan sends Mephisto to tempt Faust, first with insight into treating the plague and then with a day’s return to youth. Mephisto is clever, timing the end of this 24 hours as Faust embraces the beautiful Duchess of Parma. Faust trades his soul for youth. Some time later, he’s bored, and demands on Easter Sunday that Mephisto take him home. Faust promptly sees and falls in love with the beautiful Gretchen, whose liaison with him brings her dishonor. Is there redemption? Who wins the wager? Gosta Ekman, Emil Jannings, Camilla Horn

FEARLESS HYENA 1979 Jackie Chan is a youngster, living in a remote vllage with his grandfather who teaches him Kong-Fu (naturally). He keeps getting into fights, even though his grandfather warns him not to show their Kong-Fu to others. Jackie, though, is tempted by some thugs he beat up to act as the master of a Kong-Fu school. Jackie Chan, James Tien, Dean Shek

FIGHTING SULLIVANS, THE 1944 The lives of a close-knit group of brothers growing up in Iowa during the days of the Great Depression and of World War II and their eventual deaths in action in the Pacific theater are chronicled in this film based on a true story. Anne Baxter, Thomas Mitchell, Selene Royle

FIRST SPACESHIP ON VENUS 1960 When an alien artifact discovered on Earth is found to have come from Venus, an international team of astronauts embarks to investigate its origins. Yoko Tani, Oldrich Lukes, Ignacy Machowski

FREAKMAKER 1974 Scientist experiments with crossing humans and plants, for which he uses his students. Donald Pleasance,Tom Baker, Brad Harris

GRIM REAPER, THE 1980 A group of tourists become stranded on an uninhabited island where they are stalked by an insane, violent, and grotesque killer that slaughtered the town’s former residents. Tisa Farrow, Saverio Vallone, Serena Grandi

HERCULES UNCHAINED 1959 While negotiating peace between two brothers contesting the throne of Thebes, an amnesiac Hercules is seduced by the evil Queen Omphale. Steve Reeves, Sylva Koscina, Sylvia Lopez

HOUSE OF SEVEN CORPSES 1974 A director is filming on location in a house where seven murders were committed. The caretaker warns them not to mess with things they do not understand (the murders were occult related), but the director wants to be as authentic as possible and has his cast re-enact rituals that took place in the house thus summoning a ghoul from the nearby cemetery to bump the whole film crew off one by one. John Ireland, Faith Domergue, John Carradine

KGB CONNECTIONS 1982 The story of KGB spies working in America. Harold Brown, Nikita Khrushchev, Lenin

KING SOLOMON’S MINES 1937 White hunter Allan Quartermain and his enigmatic guide help a young Irish woman locate her missing father in unexplored Darkest Africa. Paul Robeson, Cedric Hardwicke, Roland Young

LI’L ABNER 1940 The goings-on in the rural Southern community of Dogpatch, USA. Jeff York, Buster Keaton, Mona Ray

MANDINGA 1976 An Old South plantation owner lusts after his female slaves. Antonio Gismondo, Serafino Profumo, Maria Riuzzi

MASSACRE AT CENTRAL HIGH 1976 A high school transfer student, pushed to the edge by a trio of brutal bullies, resorts to murder to reclaim the school from oppression, and later turns against the students wanting to fill the vacuum of their oppressors. Derrel Maury, Andrew Stevens, Robert Carradine

MASTER WITH CRACKED FINGERS 1971 Young Jackie was intrigued by Kung-Fu since an early age, but his father strictly forbade its practice. One day, he meets an old beggar who offers to teach Jackie how to fight. Jackie grows up to be quite good though he keeps his knowledge a secret until he is forced to fight by an extortion ring that’s putting the squeeze on his uncle’s restaurant. Jackie Chan, Siu Tien Yuen, Dean Shek

MEMPHIS BELLE 1944 Documentary about the 25th and last bombing mission of a B17, the “Memphis Belle”. The “Memphis Belle” took part in a great bombing raid on sub-pens in Wilhelmshafen, Germany. On their way they encountered heavy AA fire and interceptors Stanley Wray, Robert Morgan

MILKY WAY, THE 1936 Timid milkman, Burleigh Sullivan (Lloyd), somehow knocks out a boxing champ in a brawl. The fighter’s manager decides to build up the milkman’s reputation in a series of fixed fights and then have the champ beat him to regain his title Harold Lloyd, Adolphe Menjou, Verree Teasedale

SANTA FE TRAIL, THE 1940 The story of Jeb Stuart, his romance with Kit Carson Holliday, friendship with George Custer and battles against John Brown in the days leading up to the outbreak of the American Civil War. Ronald Reagan, Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland

SNOWBEAST 1977 A Colorado ski resort is besieged by a sub-human beast that commits brutal murders on the slopes. Bo Svenson, Yvette Mimieux, Robert Logan

TEACHER, THE 1974 18-year-old Sean’s first summer after completing high school is much spent with 28-year-old teacher Diane, who’s husband is too often motorcycle-racing instead of with her. Wacko Ralph also has “the hots” for Diane; and it doesn’t help that Sean was with Ralph’s younger brother, Lou, when Lou died. Angel Tompkins, Jay North, Anthony James

THIS IS THE ARMY 1943 In WW I dancer Jerry Jones stages an all-soldier show on Broadway, called Yip Yip Yaphank. Wounded in the War, he becomes a producer. In WW II his son Johnny Jones, who was before his fathers assistant, gets the order to stage a knew all-soldier show, called THIS IS THE ARMY. But in his personal life he has problems, because he refuses to marry his fiancée until the war is over. George Murphy, Joan Leslie, George Tobias

THUNDERBOLT 1947 A documentary on the P-47 Thunderbolt fighter aircraft and its use in missions over Europe and the Pacific Theatre in the Second World War. Narrated by Jimmy Stewart

Richard Skillman
Allied Vaughn
theavdept@alliedvaughn.com
www.alliedvaughn.com

VCI’s classic movies available through AV’s MOD Catalog

pnicholas — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 20:20:11 +0000

Veteran studio is the latest to make content available to online retailers through Allied Vaughn’s On-Demand network of resellers

Minneapolis, MN (November XX, 2011) - VCI and Allied Vaughn today announced that titles included in VCI’s VAULT CLASSICS library were being added to Allied Vaughn’s MOD collection of content for online retailers. Allied Vaughn’s MOD catalog is used by both major Hollywood and smaller niche studios. Dot-com resellers have migrated to these MOD systems, enabling them to carry a larger, deeper, and better selection of titles than brick and mortar retailers.

“Simply put, MOD will allow us to go deeper into our library than we’ve been able to go before, which means we should be able to release a lot more films than we have been able to do so far,” said Don Blair, Vice President of VCI. “The MOD model allows us to take more chances on films that may have been deemed not commercial enough to warrant the higher production and inventory cost to make them available on standard DVD.”

“The Internet has been a huge boon to our business,” continued Blair. “As the big retail chains and video store base has begun to retract, the dot-coms have been there to take up the slack. Dot-coms don’t have the problem with shelf space that the brick-and-mortar retailers have, and have become the defacto DVD source for millions of movie fans - especially those looking for titles beyond the current Top 40 blockbuster hits. Because of MOD, we are now looking to expand our offerings on some of these more obscure but desirable genres. Overall MOD is a win-win for consumers and studios alike, and we couldn’t be happier to be a part of Allied Vaughn’s growing catalog.”

About Allied Vaughn

Allied Vaughn (www.alliedvaughn.com) is a leading video supply chain management company, and focuses on successfully bridging the worlds of physical and digital media management and distribution.

Their industry-leading MOD technology is the on-demand, zero-inventory choice of an impressive “A-list” of clients including most major Studios, Networks and Content Publishers.

The Digital Media Services unit helps clients prepare their titles for MOD distribution, or creates powerful interactive programs for virtually any application.

The Optical Disc Team manages both small and large volume optical disc manufacturing, packaging, and distribution.

Allied Vaughn’s Digital Asset Management solution aggregates, catalogs and manages rich media libraries for Fortune 500 companies.

About VCI

VCI (www.vcientertainment.com) was formed in the 1960s, renting 16mm movies to schools, churches, prisons and state lodges. The company also began to grow its film collection and library. The business quickly expanded and became United Films Corp (UFC).

During the 1970s UFC became one of the largest non-theatrical film distributors in the U.S., licensing films from Universal, Warner Brothers, Columbia, United Artists, American International and many other independent studios and producers.

In 1975 the company built a video studio and began transferring its film assets to video tape. A year later the video business spun off as Video Communications, Inc. and VCI thrived with the growth of the home video business.

Today VCI embraces everything digital, from DVD and Blu-ray to streaming over the internet. VCI’s library of film properties has grown to over 4000 titles strong.

Manufacturing On Demand – the why and how

pnicholas — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 19:52:22 +0000

Digital2Disc magazine asks Allied Vaughn President, Doug Olzenak, about the growing MOD market.

Allied Vaughn is one of the major players in the growing MOD market and the company works with a number of major studios and TV networks. Use the following link to read the online issue on the Digital2Disc website, and look for the article on page 29.

http://issuu.com/digital2disc/docs/digital2disc_issue_12/1

Find out more about how studios and networks are leveraging the power of MOD on page 16 of Digital2Disc’s September, 2011 issue: “Better Than Before - the growth of manufacturing on demand”.

http://issuu.com/digital2disc/docs/issue_11

“Dark Angel”, a new MOD title from MGM Limited Classics

pnicholas — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:16:47 +0000

Dolph Lundgren on “Dark Angel”, a new MGM Limited Classics Library MOD title

Dolph, congratulations on your recent success in “The Expendables”. How does it feel to have your performance singled out by many reviewers as a one of the best in the ensemble cast?

”Felt great to be back on the big screen working with Stallone. He created a terrific character for me – for the second time in my career. I tried my best to make Crazy Gunner come alive. The audience seemed to appreciate the complexity of Gunner and the fact you didn’t really know how it was going to end.”

Of course, your relationship with Stallone is legendary, as you epitomized the Russian athlete in the role of Drago in “Rocky IV”, have you and Sly stayed close over the years?

“We’ve kept in touch, but since I only recently moved back to LA from Europe we didn’t see each other that much. After you train and spar together 6 days a week for 6 months you get to know each other quite well.”

We’re reaching out to you today, as the MGM Classic Collection has released your 1990 film, “Dark Angel” out through Allied Vaughn’s On Demand DVD services to the major online DVD stores and retailers. What can you tell us about your experience on this film?

“It was a really fun script and the director Craig Baxley did a great job. It was a sort of underrated picture at the time, but a lot of my fans love it. Should be a remake!”

Your character Jack Caine is an interesting hero, what were your inspirations for the character?

“Yeah, my character had a nice arc and some good lines”

Were there plans to continue with additional films in this series? Your antagonist, Matthias Hues, is a huge actor with some incredible fight scenes with you, did you both do many of your own stunts?

“He is a great athlete, I believe he was in the Olympics and did some incredible physical feats, pre-cgi! Especially putting his life on the line jumping from car to car chased by a series of very real explosions.”

Thank you Dolph, I am sure a new audience is ready to enjoy this film and we wish you all the best of success. We look forward to “Expendibles Two” coming to the theaters August 2012.

The storyline of the 1990 film, “Dark Angel” has Dolph starring as a police detective who must stop the murderous rampage of a criminal alien who’s addicted to human endorphins. Released as part of the MGM Classic Collection, you can order the film from a host of online retailers, feel free to contact me where to buy. Also, don’t hestitate to inquire about the MGM Collection or how you can maximize the breadth of your content with on-demand manufacturing and distribution using a similar approach.

With many thanks to Anders Frejdh, Editor, From Sweden With Love, Scandinavia’s premier James Bond website.

Richard Skillman mediatrends@alliedvaughn.com