Huh. Well, how do you like them apples? It appears as though a good portion of the best discs out this week are comedies – Classic Bogdonavich, stars of NBC comedies, and a couple of the best Chevy Chase films ever made. All topped off by a brand, spanking new Criterion Blu-ray release. It’s gonna be a good week…

1. CRUMB

There is a perpetual stream of discussion regarding the question of the best “comic book” film ever made. Is it The Dark Knight or Superman: The Movie? Ghost World or American Splendor? There’s little question in my mind that Terry Zwigoff‘s landmark documentary Crumb should top that list. While it has nothing to do with men in tights or adolescent power fantasies (not in the traditional sense, anyway) it does provide a shockingly candid and riveting look inside the life of one of the most influential figures in the world of underground/indie comic book illustration and storytelling. Without the groundbreaking work of Robert Crumb, there wouldn’t be any Scott Pilgrim, Sin City, American Splendor or Ghost World on the page or the silver screen. Zwigoff’s Crumb is an unflinching look at the man and his unorthodox, eccentric family that will simultaneously give you an appreciation of his work and break your heart.

Highest possible recommendation!

SPECIAL FEATURES:

• New, restored high-definition digital transfer, approved by director Terry Zwigoff, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition
• Two audio commentaries, one featuring Zwigoff from 2010, and one with Zwigoff and critic Roger Ebert from 2006
• More than fifty minutes of unused footage
• Stills gallery
• PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by critic Jonathan Rosenbaum and artwork by Charles, Jesse, Maxon, and Robert Crumb

Read more: Criterion bringing Black Orpheus and Crumb to Blu-ray

Amazon: $29.49

2. WHAT’S UP DOC?

God, I love Peter Bogdanovich. I mean, his work, not the man. The Last Picture Show is such a brilliant work of genius that I never tire of. I think I may have burned out my DVD. As much as I’m not a fan of screwball comedies, I’m willing to bite if it’s a screwball comedy by Bogdanovich. And What’s Up Doc? certainly qualifies. This looks like a great package from Warner, carrying over the excellent extras from the previously issued DVD. I’m looking forward to it…

Amazon: $18.99

3. NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION and NATIONAL LAMPOON’S EUROPEAN VACATION

These two Vacation films were perhaps my favourite Chevy Chase efforts growing up. I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve seen Chase do the Bavarian “Slap Dance” in European Vacation. Classic. The first film is some of the best writing of John Hughes‘ career coupled with some of the best directing of Harold Ramis‘. Don’t miss these on Blu!

Amazon: $18.99, $19.49

4. DATE NIGHT

I missed out on Date Night when it hit theatres earlier this year. I’m expecting a Blu-ray screener any day now and will be only too ecstatic to dive into it, as I believe that no matter how weak or castrated the script may be, the comic talents of Steve Carell and Tina Fey will be able breathe hilarity into it. That said, I haven’t heard very good things about this film. Fingers crossed…

Amazon: $24.99

5. DEATH AT A FUNERAL

Howard has been hard at work crafting his review of Death at a Funeral which should be turning up on The Blu-ray Blog any day now (right, Howard?!) I understand that it’s a much better film than either of us had anticipated. I can’t say I’m completely surprised by that fact, as director Neil LaBute has yet to disappoint me. But then again, I didn’t ever see his remake of The Wicker Man. And based on the reviews I’ve read and my affection for the original film, I probably never will.

Amazon: $21.99

ALSO AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY THIS WEEK
Clicking an image will take you to Amazon.com where you can learn more about and purchase the Blu-ray disc:

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• Criterion bringing Black Orpheus and Crumb to Blu-ray (2)
• Blu-ray Picks for the Week of December 1 (0)
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• The Criterion Collection: Crumb Blu-ray Disc Review (1)

When I read the notice from Criterion, posted on their blog yesterday morning, that another chunk of their collection of films is about to go Out Of Print (O.O.P. as we home video enthusiasts refer to it) I damn near shed a tear. Sad as I am to see Nicolas Roeg‘s The Man Who Fell To Earth fall OOP (ironically, mere days after his brilliant film Walkabout was released), at least I had a chance to grab up Criterion’s gorgeous Blu-ray edition of the film. At least Criterion had the opportunity to offer us a Blu-ray edition of the film! The same can’t be said for the rest of the titles on this list, all fantastic films in their own right. Films that we may now never see in a Criterion Blu-ray edition. Buñuel!! Godard!! ARGH!! Say it ain’t so…

From Criterion.com:

Dear Criterion collectors,

The following titles are going out of print effective June 30:

Billy Liar
Bob le flambeur
Diary of A Chambermaid
The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie
Kind Hearts and Coronets
The Man Who Fell to Earth (DVD and Blu-ray editions)
The Milky Way
The Phantom of Liberty
That Obscure Object of Desire
Touchez pas au grisbi
A Woman Is a Woman

We will be selling copies only while supplies last, so order yours soon. As ever, we will try to relicense the films so that they can rejoin the collection sometime in the future.

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