Mark Palermo

The Short Films of David Lynch / DumblandDirected by: David Lynch(Paradox)The David Lynch DVD releases of The Short Films of David Lynch and Dumbland (previously available at high prices on Lynch’s website, now affordable at retail outlets) are essential next stops for anyone who has exhausted the director’s output. The Short Films disc is the […]

Transformers: Two-Disc SpecialDirected by: Michael BayDreamworksDirector Michael Bay mentions on his commentary that he knows absolutely everything everyone does on his sets at all times, that he hates shooting in Canada, and that he proved all the complaining fanboys wrong. Take his ego as you will: This two-disc version is the most exhaustive and incisive […]

Waiting…Directed by: Rob McKittrick(Lions Gate)Character-driven comedies rarely attract big audiences in theatres. In Waiting…’s case, it didn’t get critical support either. Audiences young enough to know better should have no trouble identifying with Rob McKittrick’s debut about a very long work day for low-paid restaurant employees. Loaded with more extras than anyone who didn’t work […]

Roll BounceDirected by: Malcolm D. Lee(Fox)Watching the deleted scenes on this disc, it’s easy to see how Roll Bounce could have been re-edited into a Boogie Nights-style epic. I prefer the leaner finished cut, an unfortunate theatrical bomb that turns the world of roller disco into good time adolescent funk. Malcolm D. Lee’s panoramic ’70s […]

BreathlessDirected by: Jean-Luc GodardCriterionJean-Luc Godard helped usher in the nouvelle vague with this film about a young man’s passions of crime, romance and pop culture. In 1960, Godard’s self-aware style was completely radical. Today, Breathless remains a key piece of film history. Criterion presents it in its most comprehensive DVD release yet. Mark PalermoCategories: Best […]

Masters of Horror: ImprintDirected by: Takashi Miike(Anchor Bay)Extremely violent Asian films have had a significant impact among many horror fans in the west. Japanese director Takashi Miike (Audition) is practically synonymous with the genre. When Showtime began its Masters of Horror series—an anthology where a different director would be brought in for every episode—it made […]

Twilight Zone – The Movie (Warner)/Close Encounters of the Third Kind: 30th Anniversary Ultimate EditionDirected by: Joe Dante, John Landis, George Miller, and Steven SpielbergSonySpielberg wanted out of the anthology film Twilight Zone after star Vic Morrow was decapitated filming John Landis’ segment. As a result, its “Kick the Can” remake became a contractual obligation […]

The Fox and the Hound: 25th Anniversary EditionDirected by: Ted Berman, Richard Rich(Disney)It’s the narrative simplicity of this Disney treatment—made in the frequently neglected Dark Era between Walt’s death and The Little Mermaid—that makes it stand out against today’s self-aware, joke-a-minute feature animations. What’s set up as nice story between friends is then unfairly torn […]