Collection ID 1454
Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Michael Douglas, Andy Garcia, Ken Takakura, Kate Capshaw, Yusaku Matsuda
Genre: Action
Studio: Paramount Pictures   Release date: 1989   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, French (USA)
Summary: Two New York cops get involved in a gang war between members of the Yakuza, the Japanese Mafia. They arrest one of their killers and are ordered to escort him back to Japan. In Japan, however, he manages to escape. As they try to track him down, they get deeper and deeper into the Japanese Mafia scene and they have to learn that they can only win by playing the game the Japanese way.
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Collection ID 168
Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Michael Douglas, Andy Garcia, Ken Takakura, Kate Capshaw, Yusaku Matsuda
Genre: Action
Studio: Paramount Pictures   Release date: 1989   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, French (USA)
Summary: Two New York cops get involved in a gang war between members of the Yakuza, the Japanese Mafia. They arrest one of their killers and are ordered to escort him back to Japan. In Japan, however, he manages to escape. As they try to track him down, they get deeper and deeper into the Japanese Mafia scene and they have to learn that they can only win by playing the game the Japanese way.
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Collection ID 804
Director: Mario Bava
Starring: Barbara Steele, John Richardson, Andrea Checchi, Ivo Garrani, Arturo Dominici
Genre: Horror
Studio: Galatea Film   Release date: 1960   Rated: Not Rated   
Language (Country): Italian, English (Italy)
Summary: In the Seventeenth Century, in Maldavia, Princess Asa Vajda and her lover Javutich (Arturo Dominici) are killed by the local population, accused of witchcraft. A mask of Satan is attached to their faces. Princess Asa curses her brother, promising revenge to his descents. The body of Javutich is buried outside the cemetery, and the coffin of Princess Asa is placed in the family's tomb with a cross over it for protection. Two hundred years later, Professor Thomas Kruvajan and his assistant, Dr. Andre Gorobec, are going to a congress in Russia and they accidentally find the tomb. Dr. Thomas breaks the cross, releasing the evil witch. When they are leaving the place, Dr. Andre meets Princess Katia Vajda, descendant of Princess Asa, and falls in love with her. Meanwhile, Katia is threatened by the witch, who wants to use her body to live again.
My Rating:
My Review: An Italian horror film from 1960. A black & white thriller by Mario Bava (a favorite Italian director); an early master of the macabre. This film is generally credited as the film that pushed Bava's career into the top gear. To those unfamiliar with the early works of the genre, this may feel mild and less than terrifying. I find it surreal, stylish, visually stunning an artistic masterpiece of horror. The dubbing is a bit painful but not too bad as the pictures tell the story. The cast was excellent - Barbara Steele (as Katia Vajda (the virgin) and Princess Asa Vajda (the witch)), John Richardson (as Dr. Andre Gorobec), Andrea Checchi (as Dr. Thomas Kruvajan), Ivo Garrani (as Prince Vajada), Arturo Dominici (as Igor Javuto). Mario Bava directed the film and wrote parts of the screenplay (without credit). The story is based upon Nikolai Gogol's 1865 horror story "Viy", but it only uses the novel as background and borrows many of the elements for this masterful horror story. The story: In 17th century Moldavia, Princess Asa and her lover Javutich are accused of witchcraft and allegiance to Satan. Asa's brother serves as Inquisitor, condemning both to a fiery death. As Asa is tied to a stake, she curses her brother. Vowing vengeance upon the entire family line. After hammering a spiked 'Mask of Satan' to Asa's face, the two are burned at the stake. A sudden storm extinguishes the flames but the two are dead. Entombed in a crypt, Asa is imprisoned in her iron mask for centuries. Flash forward 200 years; Two doctors stumble upon the ruined remains of the family crypt and one of them accidentally breaks the crucifix that keeps Asa imprisoned within her tomb. As fresh blood drips upon her shriveled remains, a demonic pact is triggered and Asa's corpse begins to stir. An outstanding story filled with classic elements of horror. Witches, vampires, ancient curses, howling wolves, dark forests, ghostly carriage rides, creeping fog, a ruined ancient castle, secret passages, web covered corridors, creepy crypts, demonic possession, satanic resurrection and a tragic tale of love and revenge. Outstanding! The sets, the costumes, the editing and pacing. A magnificent film from 1960. A classic horror movie - I give it a 5 out of 5.

Collection ID 1521
Director: Mario Bava
Starring: Barbara Steele, John Richardson, Andrea Checchi, Ivo Garrani, Arturo Dominici
Genre: Horror
Studio: Galatea Film   Release date: 1960   Rated: Not Rated   
Language (Country): Italian, English (Italy)
Summary: In the Seventeenth Century, in Maldavia, Princess Asa Vajda and her lover Javutich (Arturo Dominici) are killed by the local population, accused of witchcraft. A mask of Satan is attached to their faces. Princess Asa curses her brother, promising revenge to his descents. The body of Javutich is buried outside the cemetery, and the coffin of Princess Asa is placed in the family's tomb with a cross over it for protection. Two hundred years later, Professor Thomas Kruvajan and his assistant, Dr. Andre Gorobec, are going to a congress in Russia and they accidentally find the tomb. Dr. Thomas breaks the cross, releasing the evil witch. When they are leaving the place, Dr. Andre meets Princess Katia Vajda, descendant of Princess Asa, and falls in love with her. Meanwhile, Katia is threatened by the witch, who wants to use her body to live again.
My Rating:
My Review: An Italian horror film from 1960. A black & white thriller by Mario Bava (a favorite Italian director); an early master of the macabre. This film is generally credited as the film that pushed Bava's career into the top gear. To those unfamiliar with the early works of the genre, this may feel mild and less than terrifying. I find it surreal, stylish, visually stunning an artistic masterpiece of horror. The dubbing is a bit painful but not too bad as the pictures tell the story. The cast was excellent - Barbara Steele (as Katia Vajda (the virgin) and Princess Asa Vajda (the witch)), John Richardson (as Dr. Andre Gorobec), Andrea Checchi (as Dr. Thomas Kruvajan), Ivo Garrani (as Prince Vajada), Arturo Dominici (as Igor Javuto). Mario Bava directed the film and wrote parts of the screenplay (without credit). The story is based upon Nikolai Gogol's 1865 horror story "Viy", but it only uses the novel as background and borrows many of the elements for this masterful horror story. The story: In 17th century Moldavia, Princess Asa and her lover Javutich are accused of witchcraft and allegiance to Satan. Asa's brother serves as Inquisitor, condemning both to a fiery death. As Asa is tied to a stake, she curses her brother. Vowing vengeance upon the entire family line. After hammering a spiked 'Mask of Satan' to Asa's face, the two are burned at the stake. A sudden storm extinguishes the flames but the two are dead. Entombed in a crypt, Asa is imprisoned in her iron mask for centuries. Flash forward 200 years; Two doctors stumble upon the ruined remains of the family crypt and one of them accidentally breaks the crucifix that keeps Asa imprisoned within her tomb. As fresh blood drips upon her shriveled remains, a demonic pact is triggered and Asa's corpse begins to stir. An outstanding story filled with classic elements of horror. Witches, vampires, ancient curses, howling wolves, dark forests, ghostly carriage rides, creeping fog, a ruined ancient castle, secret passages, web covered corridors, creepy crypts, demonic possession, satanic resurrection and a tragic tale of love and revenge. Outstanding! The sets, the costumes, the editing and pacing. A magnificent film from 1960. A classic horror movie - I give it a 5 out of 5.

Collection ID 78
Director: Bob Rafelson
Starring: Debra Winger, Theresa Russell, Sami Frey, Dennis Hopper, Nicol Williamson
Genre: Crime
Studio: Amercent Films   Release date: 1987   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English (USA)
Summary: A federal investigator tracks down a gold digging woman who moves from husband to husband, kills them and collects the inheritance.
My Rating:
My Review: An outstanding thriller featuring two strong female leads. Debra Winger plays Alexandra Barnes, an obsessed federal investigator and Theresa Russell, playing Catherine, the 'Black Widow'. Catherine is a cold hearted woman who marries rich men, then murders her mates for their money. She's a cold, calculating murderer with a penchant for the finer things in life. Debra is a dedicated investigator working for the Justice Department. When she discovers a possible case, she just won't give up. Her dedication to duty turns deadly when she gets involved with the next victim. An excellent drama, mystery and thriller where the tables turn more than once. The story certainly keeps you on your toes, even if you know who's who, you really don't know who's playing who in this fantastic movie. Expertly directed, but a little too clinical. Great editing and pacing. I give it a 4 of 5.

Collection ID 872
Director: Bob Rafelson
Starring: Debra Winger, Theresa Russell, Sami Frey, Dennis Hopper, Nicol Williamson
Genre: Crime
Studio: Amercent Films   Release date: 1987   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English (USA)
Summary: A federal investigator tracks down a gold digging woman who moves from husband to husband, kills them and collects the inheritance.
My Rating:
My Review: An outstanding thriller featuring two strong female leads. Debra Winger plays Alexandra Barnes, an obsessed federal investigator and Theresa Russell, playing Catherine, the 'Black Widow'. Catherine is a cold hearted woman who marries rich men, then murders her mates for their money. She's a cold, calculating murderer with a penchant for the finer things in life. Debra is a dedicated investigator working for the Justice Department. When she discovers a possible case, she just won't give up. Her dedication to duty turns deadly when she gets involved with the next victim. An excellent drama, mystery and thriller where the tables turn more than once. The story certainly keeps you on your toes, even if you know who's who, you really don't know who's playing who in this fantastic movie. Expertly directed, but a little too clinical. Great editing and pacing. I give it a 4 of 5.

Collection ID 1069
Director: Stephen Norrington
Starring: Wesley Snipes, Kris Kristofferson, Stephen Dorff, N'Bushe Wright, Donal Logue
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Horror
Studio: Amen Ra Films   Release date: 1998   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, Russian (USA)
Summary: In a world where vampires walk the earth, Blade has a goal. His goal is to rid the world of all vampire evil. When Blade witnesses a vampire bite Dr. Karen Jenson, he fights away the beast and takes Jenson back to his hideout. Here, alongside Abraham Whistler, Blade attempts to help heal Jenson. The vampire Quinn who was attacked by Blade, reports back to his master Deacon Frost, who is planning a huge surprise for the human population.
My Rating:
My Review: Blade was a fantastic fantasy, horror, action, comic book movie. Adapted from a comic (of the same name). Here's an early success in the adaptation of graphic novels. Blade (played by Wesley Snipes) is a bad ass half-human half-vampire hybrid, able to walk the streets during daylight hours, Blade seeks to destroy all vampires as they were responsible for the death of his mother. He's a dark anti-hero who slays the undead and pities the Humans who serve as chattel for the vampires. The movie takes place in a dark, dystopic alternate future where vampires party in nightclubs, feed on hapless Humans and bide their time by staying out of the direct line of view. Blade teams up with Whistler (played by Kris Kristopherson) and Dr. Karen Jenson (played by N'Bushe Wright) in an effort to kill or cure these bloodsucking mutants. Unfortunately for Blade his allies and the entire Human race, one of the vampires has more ambitious plans. Deacon Frost is a brash new breed of vampire, the kind that isn't content to remain in the shadows and quietly suck the blood of hookers, hobos and orphans. He wants vampires to rule over men, and he's decipherd some ancient texts to make that happen. His attempts to raise La Magra (the blood god) threaten the existence of man and vampire alike. Only Blade can stop this rebels reckless attempt to seize power in a reckless bid for domination. The visuals are slick and well polished. Excellent costumes, sets, music and post effects editing. Well choreographed fight scenes, sexy supermodel vampires, bulging muscle bad guys and an excellent good vs evil story that'll make you thirst for more. Spawned a series of sequels that don't quite live up to the original. I give blade a 5 out of 5.

Collection ID 333
Director: Stephen Norrington
Starring: Wesley Snipes, Kris Kristofferson, Stephen Dorff, N'Bushe Wright, Donal Logue
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Horror
Studio: Amen Ra Films   Release date: 1998   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, Russian (USA)
Summary: In a world where vampires walk the earth, Blade has a goal. His goal is to rid the world of all vampire evil. When Blade witnesses a vampire bite Dr. Karen Jenson, he fights away the beast and takes Jenson back to his hideout. Here, alongside Abraham Whistler, Blade attempts to help heal Jenson. The vampire Quinn who was attacked by Blade, reports back to his master Deacon Frost, who is planning a huge surprise for the human population.
My Rating:
My Review: Blade was a fantastic fantasy, horror, action, comic book movie. Adapted from a comic (of the same name). Here's an early success in the adaptation of graphic novels. Blade (played by Wesley Snipes) is a bad ass half-human half-vampire hybrid, able to walk the streets during daylight hours, Blade seeks to destroy all vampires as they were responsible for the death of his mother. He's a dark anti-hero who slays the undead and pities the Humans who serve as chattel for the vampires. The movie takes place in a dark, dystopic alternate future where vampires party in nightclubs, feed on hapless Humans and bide their time by staying out of the direct line of view. Blade teams up with Whistler (played by Kris Kristopherson) and Dr. Karen Jenson (played by N'Bushe Wright) in an effort to kill or cure these bloodsucking mutants. Unfortunately for Blade his allies and the entire Human race, one of the vampires has more ambitious plans. Deacon Frost is a brash new breed of vampire, the kind that isn't content to remain in the shadows and quietly suck the blood of hookers, hobos and orphans. He wants vampires to rule over men, and he's decipherd some ancient texts to make that happen. His attempts to raise La Magra (the blood god) threaten the existence of man and vampire alike. Only Blade can stop this rebels reckless attempt to seize power in a reckless bid for domination. The visuals are slick and well polished. Excellent costumes, sets, music and post effects editing. Well choreographed fight scenes, sexy supermodel vampires, bulging muscle bad guys and an excellent good vs evil story that'll make you thirst for more. Spawned a series of sequels that don't quite live up to the original. I give blade a 5 out of 5.

Collection ID 11
Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Edward James Olmos, M. Emmet Walsh
Genre: Sci-Fi
Studio: Ladd Company, The   Release date: 1982   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, French, Italian (USA)
Summary: Deckard, a blade runner, has to track down and terminate 4 replicants who hijacked a ship in space and have returned to earth seeking their maker...
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My Review: My favorite sci-fi movie. Directed by Ridley Scott, starring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Edward James Olmos, M. Emmet Walsh, Daryl Hannah, William Sanderson, Brion James and others. This movie is based on a novel by Philip K Dick (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?), the quintessential cyber-punk author. Many of his books have been made into movies (Blade Runner, Total Recall, Screamers, Minority Report, Paycheck, A Scanner Darkly), and this is one which received some excellent attention. Ridley Scott's direction and the screen play writers did an outstanding job, as did the actors. Harrison Ford plays a less than heroic detective in a seedy, down-and-out dark future, where clones, robots and people are packed together in an increasingly tense and violent existence. Rutger Hauer and a group of his friends? play model 6 replicants, searching for mortality and morality beyond their programmed termination dates. This movie isn't a simple, single genre, single theme movie. It's deep, layered, subtle and complex. The brooding, moody, 80's music was as dark as the film, and fit as snuggly as a synthetic hand. The performances in this movie were exceptional. The sets, lighting, and costumes helped created a vision of the future that has been often emulated but never duplicated. The special effects for their time were astonishing. A technological achievement seldom equaled, never exceeded. A great movie. A genre defining/defying 5 out of 5.

Collection ID 1588
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Dave Bautista, Robin Wright, Mark Arnold, Vilma Szécsi
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Studio: Alcon Entertainment   Release date: 2017   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, Finnish, Japanese, Hungarian, Russian, Somali, Spanish (USA, UK, Hungary, Canada)
Summary: Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K (Ryan Gosling), unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what's left of society into chaos. K's discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years.
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