'Sounder,' 'Sunset Boulevard' among DVD releases
"Sounder" (Koch, 1972, G, $14.98). This story of a family of black sharecroppers struggling to survive in the South during the Great Depression is beautifully realized, from its gorgeous cinematography to its low-key direction and deceptively simple screenplay, which is filled with universal truths.
The story has the father (Paul Winfield) being sent to a prison camp as the mother (Cicely Tyson) tries to locate him, and eventually their oldest son still a young boy (Kevin Hooks) journeys to find him. (Sounder, by the way, is the family dog, who's own journey parallels the family's.)
Passionate and fulfilling, this film is a timeless joy, one the entire family can and should enjoy together. (So where's the equally satisfying sequel, which has never been on home video?)
Extras: widescreen
"Centennial Collection: Sunset Boulevard" (Paramount, 1950, two discs, b/w, $24.99).
"Centennial Collection: Roman Holiday" (Paramount, 1953, two discs, b/w, $24.99).
Paramount's new "Centennial Collection" of previously issued titles that have been digitally remastered and given new bonus features kicks off with these three 1950s classics.
• "Sunset Boulevard" is Billy Wilder's dark look at the machinations of Hollywood, with Gloria Swanson as a fading star and William Holden as her boy toy who narrates the film after being murdered!
• "Roman Holiday" is a bright romantic comedy directed by William Wyler, providing Audrey Hepburn with her first starring role and an Oscar. She's a princess who tries to pass as a commoner, aided and abetted by reporter Gregory Peck.
• "Sabrina" is another winner, a Billy Wilder comedy with Audrey Hepburn as a chauffeur's daughter who is romanced by two wealthy brothers, hardworking Humphrey Bogart and playboy William Holden.
These are great pictures that deserve this treatment, but let's hope Paramount will also include in this series some of its many titles that have never been on DVD.
Extras: full frame, audio commentary (on "Sunset Boulevard" only), featurettes, trailers; eight-page booklets
Comments
- Cougars beat Utes in overtime 1:11 a.m.
- UVU beats SUU; USU wins big 12:57 a.m.
- BYU spikers end season with a loss 12:55 a.m.
- Iverson may be headed to 76ers 12:34 a.m.
- Credit Coug defense for win 12:33 a.m.
- Aggies blow away T-birds 12:32 a.m.
- Mo steals show in Cavaliers' victory 12:31 a.m.
- Editorial: Facilitate Big Brother? 12:22 a.m.
- Mom befriends wife of PTSD vet 12:21 a.m.
- Political clash over U.S. debt 12:21 a.m.
- Cave to be sealed with body inside
- Predicting the unpredictable: BYU wins
- Vegas, Poinsettia bowls or bust
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
- BYU football: 5 keys to victory
- Glover gives Utes last-second upset
- Cougars turn back Wildcats'
- Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
- Running game key to BYU offense
- Woods, wife unavailable for interview
- Cougars beat Utes in overtime
396 - Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
150 - Thunder rolls by Jazz
136 - Cave to be sealed with body inside
115 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
115 - Editorial: Poor welcome for Palin
113 - Rivalry Week is highly profane
88 - Hall's legacy measured today
75 - Y. focused on 10-win season
73 - Letters: C02 causes warming
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