DVD review: ‘Film Noir Collection Vol. 4’

This review by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press. THE FILM NOIR CLASSIC COLLECTION VOL. 4 ***½ The 12 black-and-white crime movies in this set from Warner are fairly obscure, other than Nicholas Ray’s stirring 1948 classic, “They Live By Night,” starring Farley Granger and Cathy O’Donnell as doomed lovers on the run. Also… Continue reading DVD review: ‘Film Noir Collection Vol. 4’

DVD review: Myrna Loy & William Powell films

This review by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press. MYRNA LOY AND WILLIAM POWELL COLLECTION **1/2 The old “Thin Man” mystery-comedies starring Myrna Loy and William Powell as debonair sleuths are the epitome of breezy old-style Hollywood entertainment. Each one feels like a visit with old friends, so it’s natural to want more. As it… Continue reading DVD review: Myrna Loy & William Powell films

DVD review: Bela Tarr films

This review by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press. WERCKMEISTER HARMONIES **** Six years after it was made, this masterpiece of surrealism by iconoclastic Hungarian director Bela Tarr is finally available on DVD in the U.S., thanks to Chicago’s Facets Video. In this gorgeously filmed black-and-white epic, peculiar and menacing events happen for reasons… Continue reading DVD review: Bela Tarr films