Classic Movies

‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

When it comes to 1970’s cinema, there was a sense of exploration, discovery and reflection that hasn’t been found in Hollywood since that decade. The filmmakers had a lot to get off their chests, and their way to process what they were seeing and feeling was through their moviemaking.  One of my favorite films from that decade was 1975’s “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with this 4K release. I’ve always connected with films which have a powerful message and leave a lasting impression on me as a viewer long after the viewing experience has ended. “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” is one of my favorite films of all-time, and one I find myself returning to often as a viewer.

I must confess that one of the reasons I connect with the material is because I’ve battled with mental illness for a good majority of my life, and I’ve also spent time in a psychiatric hospital. When you have a mental illness and tell people about it, they usually look at you sideways and they handle you with care. They think if they do something to upset you, rub you the wrong way, or make you unhappy, you are going to end up back in the hospital again. Friends and family “proceed with caution” when they are around you.  It’s frustrating and challenging. In Miloš Forman’s film, written by Lawrence Hauben and Bo Goldman, it challenges you to expect more out of yourself, not be put in a box, and to live and be free despite your mental illness.

But I digress. Randle McMurphy (Jack Nicholson) ends up in a mental institution after having one too many brushes with the law. In his mind, instead of facing further punishment, it’s better to claim insanity and spend time in the mental institution.  Even though he’s a criminal, he’s no dummy. He’s charming, funny and charismatic, which immediately makes him enemies with Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher), who is colder than a mother-in-law’s heart with her treatment of the patients at the hospital. She knows they probably do not have the strength or energy to fight back, and she’s going to take full advantage of that.

Randle shows up, and he gives them a sense of purpose, an identity, and a reason to live. He encourages them to think for themselves, stand up for themselves, and not let their mental illness define them. The cast of actors is filled with Hollywood legends such as Christopher Lloyd, Brad Dourif and Danny DeVito. They all make their presence known with their performances without being too showy or over-the-top. In a film about people in a mental institution, it would have been easy to be loud, goofy, or to act like a complete loon. Instead, they are nuanced and unique. Another standout is Chief Bromden, played by Will Sampson. He’s a deaf-mute who is clearly processing a lot in his head, and Randle is determined to get through to him.

Another reason “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” speaks to me is the idea of standing up to authority.  I’ve always been someone who doesn’t like being told what to do, doesn’t like following rules which don’t make any sense, and likes to challenge outdated notions. If you tell me I can’t do something, I want to know why and not just be told, “Because I told you so. These are the rules.” I want to understand the rules and why they are in place, and if they don’t add up, I’m going to speak up on that issue. I’ve never been one who likes to be silenced. This was the way of 1970’s cinema. It was about being confrontational and in-your-face without apologies or excuses.

The great movies in Hollywood have been those which stand the test of time because they strike a chord with the audience. The screenplay for “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” is absolutely perfect. I wouldn’t change a thing about it.  The performances, top to bottom, are amazing. For my money, this is Jack Nicholson’s best performance of his legendary and storied career. From his facial expressions to the way he delivers his lines, his performance is a masterpiece. You can’t take your eyes off him when he’s on screen. It reminds me of the old line from the legendary wrestler “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, “Just when you think you have the answers, I change the questions.” Louise Fletcher as Nurse Ratched is perfect to play opposite Jack, as she shows no emotion. She’s cold, matter-of-fact, and unflinching. She knows she has all of the power, and she’s not afraid to wield it. She enjoys being the puppet master.

If I’m lucky enough to live another 50 years, I’ll still enjoy “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” It’s a perfect example of old-school Hollywood craftsmanship. There is a reason why it is one of only three films to win Oscars in the major five categories (Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director and Best Screenplay). This is a flawless piece of cinema, and it fuels me with energy, enthusiasm and passion. I’m going to sound like the old man shouting at the cloud here, but this is how Hollywood used to make movies.  This is a movie about people dealing with emotions, challenges and problems.  We are with them every step of their journey, and we are invested in them. When we are watching the movie, we forget we are watching characters.

* * * * out of * * * *

4K info: “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” is released on a single-disc 4K from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment in celebration of its 50th anniversary. The film has a running time of 133 minutes and is rated R for language and violence.

4K Video Info: I love the way 4K HDR enhances the picture quality but still keeps the integrity of the film alive. The picture is crisp and clear, but it also knows when to be dark and moody depending on the scene and the mood.

4K Audio Info: The DTS-HD Master Audio track comes with subtitles in English, Spanish, and French. The audio track is more subdued throughout the film, as it’s in a mental hospital, but it’s not so subdued that you have to turn it up or can’t hear it.  It also knows when to make the soundtrack more powerful and intense during the impactful moments of the film.

Special Features:

Conversations on Cuckoo: Group Therapy (NEW)

Conversations on Cuckoo: Moviemaking Memories (NEW)

Completely Cuckoo

Deleted Scenes

Should You Buy It?

I would hope after reading my review, you would know the answer is a resounding HELL YES. If you haven’t picked up on that, I haven’t done a very good job in my review. The film also comes with a pair of fun new special features, with my personal favorite being the one that includes conversations with vital cast members about the casting process they went through fifty years ago. Warner Brothers is one of the few big studios that is not only releasing classic films on 4K, but they are also taking the time and effort to include some new special features as well. The film has never looked or sounded better than it does with this 4K release. You can buy the 4K in either a slipcover version or a steelbook. The film itself is a masterpiece and one of the greatest films of all time. This has been one of my favorite releases of 2025.  As a film lover, you owe it to yourself to add this film to your collection.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free.  The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

‘Dirty Harry’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

“Dirty Harry” is a film I’ve heard a lot about during my almost forty years on this planet, especially when I started to watch movies regularly in my youth. It’s long been a part of American pop culture, and it’s hard for me to believe this was my first time watching it.  I’m familiar with the “Do you feel lucky, punk?” speech that has been repeated by numerous cinephiles over the past fifty years.  “Dirty Harry” was released in 1971. The 70’s are my favorite decade of American cinema, as the films back then were raw, dirty, and unapologetically in-your-face.

Our antagonist in this film goes by the name of Scorpio (Andrew Robinson), and when he’s first introduced on screen, he’s seen killing a woman in a San Francisco pool from a rooftop. Scorpio a vicious sniper who plans on killing more innocent people unless his demands are met.  He’s looking to get $100,000, and if he doesn’t, he will kill one person a day, starting with either a Catholic priest or an African American.  Police Inspector Harry Callahan (Clint Eastwood) found his ransom letter and wants to take matters into his own hands much to the dismay of the San Francisco Police Department. He’s called Dirty Harry because he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty and do whatever is necessary to find his man. He also appears to hate everyone equally, regardless of their race.

Harry is none too pleased when he’s assigned a rookie partner named Chico Gonzalez, played by Reni Santoni. Harry’s previous two partners ended up injured or dead. Before long, Scorpio decides he wants to raise the stakes–he wants $200,000 or he will kill a teenager named Ann Mary Deacon.  It’s up to Harry and Chico to put a stop to this before it gets even worse for the entire city of San Francisco. The biggest problems in Harry’s life come from his own police department, as they want him to play by the rules and follow police protocol.  Harry Callahan knows he’s dealing with a lunatic here, and you can’t reason with someone who is evil, maniacal, and cold-blooded.

My biggest issue with “Dirty Harry” is the fact the film presents an antagonist and a protagonist who are written in a bland and one-note fashion. Eastwood is known for his understated and minimalist approach to acting, and most of the time, it works. In “Dirty Harry,” for me, I wanted to learn more about what makes him tick and what his backstory is.  I didn’t need everything to be explained to me in granular detail, but we know very little about him.  The mystery of Harry Callahan doesn’t work in this film because I found myself detached from the character.  Scorpio is just an over-the-top villain. What is anyone’s motivation here?

“Dirty Harry” is a film which is all about the chase.  It’s all about Harry chasing Scorpio, and it’s interesting to a degree, but it doesn’t hold up for the duration of the film.  I understand the film is making a statement about police violence and what needs to be done in order to achieve a peaceful environment for everyone involved. Do the police need to resort to a more aggressive style of police protocol? Are they letting criminals get away with too much? Do the police need to bend the rules a little bit if it allows everyone to feel safe?  I understand what the film was trying to say, and I don’t need everything to be spelled out for me perfectly, but this is a film that felt flat and uninteresting to me. I needed a little more meat on the bone here.  It’s OK to have a simple story, but you need characters with a little more depth to them than simply good guy versus bad guy.

Overall, I liked the beginning and the end of the film, but the film completely lost me in the middle when it was the back-and-forth chase between Scorpio and Harry Callahan. There is little to no dialogue going on in these scenes, and I respected the style that was on display from director Don Siegel, but I needed something else to grab me to keep my attention. “Dirty Harry” is a Hollywood classic, and I understand many filmgoers hold it in very high regard.  I was anticipating having a strong reaction to it. When it was over, I thought to myself, “That’s it?”

* * out of * * * *

4K Info: “Dirty Harry” is released on a single-disc 4K from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment in either a slipcover version or a collector’s edition steelbook. There is also a digital copy of the film included in the set.  The film has a running time of 102 minutes and is rated R.

4K Video Info: The 4K HDR transfer here is striking and vibrant while maintaining a grimy and old-school look to it in the process. When the film is taking place during the day, the colors really pop and shine on screen. When it takes place at night, the deep blacks are on full display.

4K Audio Info: The Dolby Atmos track is sharp and solid throughout the film. It’s powerful without being overbearing. Subtitles are included in English, Spanish, and French.

Special Features:

Commentary by Richard Schickel

Generations and Dirty Harry – NEW

Lensing Justice: The Cinematography of Dirty Harry – NEW

American Masters Career Retrospective: Clint Eastwood: Out of the Shadows

Clint Eastwood: The Man from Malpaso

Clint Eastwood: A Cinematic Legacy – Fighting for Justice

Interview Gallery

Dirty Harry’s Way

Dirty Harry: The Original

Should You Buy It?

If you love “Dirty Harry” and it’s one of your favorite films, you’ll be over the moon about this 4K release, which includes over four hours of special features. They really made sure they went above and beyond for this 4K release, and I imagine a lot of people have been waiting a long time for this.  Visually, it’s a stunning release that is sure to satisfy physical media lovers out there. The Dolby Atmos track stands out on this as well. For people who haven’t seen the film before, like myself, I don’t know how well it will hold up with a modern audience or a first-time viewer. It didn’t connect with me, and I was disappointed by the majority of it. It was a film I respected, but I didn’t connect with it the way I have other Clint Eastwood films I’ve been watching lately. If you haven’t seen it before, you might want to watch it before you blind buy it.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free.  The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

‘Blazing Saddles’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

When it comes to comedy, it’s all a matter of opinion. Comedy, even more than film criticism, is subjective.  For example, I’m not an Adam Sandler fan and I find his films terribly unfunny, but there is a reason why his films keep getting released by studios. There is really no right or wrong when it comes to comedy.  With “Blazing Saddles,” I heard all of the praise surrounding it and how some critics considered it one of the funniest films of all time.  While watching the film for the first time, I understood what they were going for and what they were looking to achieve.  It wasn’t as though the film went over my head or I didn’t understand the style of comedy they were putting on screen.  I just never laughed.

My first issue with “Blazing Saddles” was its lack of plot.  It seems this is mostly a movie filled with random gags and one-liners that are intended to make the audience laugh.  They throw everything but the kitchen sink at us. It must be said the film is filled with the N-word along with other racial and homophobic slurs.  I understand this film was made in 1974, which was fifty years ago, but it’s still uncomfortable to watch.  The film is not funny and the jokes don’t land.  There is a way to be offensive and also be funny, but this movie did not accomplish that goal.  With comedy, you can go almost anywhere if you know what you’re doing.  We have seen films that pushed the comedic envelope in the past, but they have been done in a smart and clever way.  This is just flat-out lazy.

The plot involves a railroad being built through the town of Rock Ridge, a railroad that will make a corrupt politician a lot of money if he is able to force the residents out of their town. One way he is hoping to do this is by having a black sheriff named Bart (Cleavon Little) come in and make some of the local residents uncomfortable. The sheriff is called Black Bart.  Subtlety is not this film’s strong suit.  Bart’s deputy is played by Gene Wilder. Even though they are hoping to get the locals out of Rock Ridge, they end up staying and fighting for their town. Bart must also deal with Lili Von Shtüpp, played by Madeline Kahn, who is looking to find a way to sink her teeth into him.

“Blazing Saddles” features performances from Mel Brooks, Alex Karras and Richard Collier, to name a few.  However, no one can save this movie from its awful screenplay and bad jokes.  It is unwatchable from start-to-finish.  It took every ounce of strength in my body to not only watch this movie, but to finish watching it.  I absolutely hated it in a way I haven’t hated a movie in a very long time. I understand they were trying to make a film that would be a satire on Westerns and how certain demographics view African Americans. It shows how they are exploiting African Americans because the money men are only focused on the bottom line. I know what the message was and what they were trying to do in this film. I just didn’t find it funny.

In the end, “Blazing Saddles” is considered a comedy classic and one of the funniest films of all-time.  I wouldn’t be doing this film any justice if I didn’t acknowledge its reputation and its three Oscar nominations.  It has clearly reasoned with a lot of people.  With this being its 50th anniversary, I know a lot of people are very excited about this 4K release. One of the worst things you can do as a critic is to say a movie should not be watched by anyone, and if anyone likes this movie, they are a moron.  I would never dream of doing that.  I acknowledge the reputation of “Blazing Saddles,” but I simply shrug my shoulders and say, “This was not, at all, my kind of comedy.”  As stated previously, comedy is subjective. If you love the film, you will love the 4K.

ZERO out of * * * *

4K Info: “Blazing Saddles” is released on a single 4K disc from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. It also comes with a digital copy of the film.  It has a running time of 93 minutes and is rated R. You can purchase either the 4K slipcover or the 4K steelbook.

4K Video: The 4K HDR transfer from Warner Brothers is fantastic and looks terrific.  Westerns, when done right, can look great on 4K. This is a visual feast for the eyes, and I imagine fans of the film will be quite pleased with this 4K transfer.

4K Audio: The Dolby Atmos track is also right on cue, as it’s a strong audio mix throughout the film that hits all the right notes.

Special Features:

Inappropriate Inspiration: The Blazing Saddles Effect

Scene-Specific Commentary by Mel Brooks

Blaze of Glory: Mel Brooks’ Wild, Wild West

Back in the Saddle

Additional Scenes

Should You Buy It?

I imagine some readers might call me too sensitive or say the film went over my head. I’m a huge fan of standup comedy, and I believe just about anything in the world is fodder for comedy when it’s done right. I understood exactly what Mel Brooks was going for in this movie, and I know that one of its writers was Richard Pryor.  It is my job to give my honest assessment of this film, and I thought it was painfully unfunny and wanted to turn it off after twenty minutes.  Because I was reviewing it, I felt obligated to watch the entire film. If this style of comedy is not for you, you won’t find a whole lot to laugh about in “Blazing Saddles.” If you enjoy the film and it fits into your comedic sensibilities, you will be very happy with it.  This is another top-notch 4K release from Warner Brothers.  They are doing a great job with releasing 4K’s from their massive library.  Overall, if you loved this film, buy it. If you haven’t seen it before, I’d recommend watching it and seeing how you respond to it.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free.  The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

‘North by Northwest’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

“North by Northwest” is my favorite Alfred Hitchcock film of all time, which is no small feat and it’s not hyperbole.  It is my favorite film from the director because it is his most ambitious.  It has a running time of over two hours, and it is never boring, not even for a second.  It is wall-to-wall suspense, excitement and intrigue. The acting is also top-of-the-line.  Cary Grant has given a lot of great performances in his storied career, but he’s at his best in “North by Northwest” because he’s asked to juggle a lot and he’s also on screen for basically the entire movie. He goes from being cool, calm and calculated to being overwhelmed, frantic and verklempt.  He also has a terrific screen partner in Eva Marie Saint, who recently turned 100-years-old!  She’s a living legend.

Grant plays Roger Thornhill, an advertising executive who is about to have his world turned upside down when he is mistaken for a man by the name of George Kaplan. A group of thugs grab him and throw him into the home of Lester Townsend, who is really Phillip Vandamm (James Mason), a foreign spy who is into importing and exporting government secrets. They set up an elaborate ploy to frame Roger by getting him drunk and putting him behind the wheel of a car, causing him to have a drunk-driving accident.  In this situation, his own mother doesn’t even believe him, as it sounds made up.  It’s all true, and it’s up to Roger to clear his good name and put the pieces back together in this intricate puzzle.

In his travels, he runs into a young woman by the name of Eve Kendall (Eva Marie Saint), who takes a liking to Roger, even though his picture is all over the paper for a murder he didn’t commit.  Things have only gone from bad to worse for Roger at this point.  She is willing to help him out and they become romantically involved.  There’s more to her than meets the eye.  That is the beauty of “North by Northwest;” everyone is not who they appear to be upon first glance.  It keeps the audience guessing and it keeps the characters in the film guessing as well.  Hitchcock made a very smart film here which is occupied with very smart people.

Even though there is a lot going on in “North by Northwest,” it never feels complicated or overly convoluted. The film doesn’t need to explain every little thing to the audience, as it trusts that the audience is smart and able to keep up with everything happening on screen. It also doesn’t hurt when you have the legendary Cary Grant on screen, who is so effortlessly charming and fascinating.  He really rolls with the punches here, as Hitchcock puts him in all types of unique and challenging settings, including the crop-dusting scene and a near-death experience on Mount Rushmore.  Hitchcock, who was notoriously tough on actors, has said his favorite actor to work with was Grant.  It’s easy to see why as they made movie magic on screen together.

Saint is sizzling on screen with her sex appeal, confidence and charisma.  She more than holds her own in her scenes with Grant. They go tit for tat with one another, and she smolders on screen.  Whenever they are on-screen together, it’s impossible to ignore their charisma and chemistry. They play off each other so well. James Mason is a great bad guy with depth and complexity and he doesn’t overplay it and is never cheesy or silly.  Mason knows less is more, and he knows how to read his lines in a way where he’s cooler than the other side of the pillow.  He is too good of an actor to just play this role as a typical movie bad guy, and he gives this character sophistication and elegance.

“North by Northwest” is one of those rare movies where you never want it to end.  As soon as it starts, it grabs you and never lets you go.  I didn’t want to get up to use the bathroom during this movie, as I didn’t want to miss anything happening on screen. There is no wasted movement in this film.  Everything adds up to something and means something.  Every single character has a purpose, whether it is to enhance the story or the tension.  I don’t like to use the word “perfect” too often, but when it comes to a movie like this one, it is absolutely perfect from start to finish.  It’s one of my favorite films of all time.

* * * * out of * * * *

4K Info: “North by Northwest” is released on a single 4K disc from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. It also comes with a digital copy of the film as well. The film has a running time of 135 minutes and is unrated.  It comes with either a 4K slipcover or a 4K steelbook.

4K Video Info: This is not only one of my favorite films, but also one of my favorite 4K discs of 2024. The picture quality is stunning and breathtaking.  The HDR brings out all of the beautiful colors on display. Warner Brothers has done an incredible job of making this film look vivid and colorful.  Wow! It is all about the details here, and they left no stone unturned in making sure “North by Northwest” was brought to life.

4K Audio Info: The Dolby Atmos soundtrack also adds the right amount of suspense and excitement to the proceedings.  It’s a great audio track which really makes you feel like you are in the film.  Subtitles are included in English, Spanish and French.

Special Features:

Audio Commentary featuring screenwriter Earnest Lehman

North By Northwest: Cinematography, Score and the Art of the Edit Destination Hitchcock: The Making of North by Northwest

The Master’s Touch: Hitchcock’s Signature Style

North By Northwest: One for the Ages

A Guided Tour with Alfred Hitchcock

Should You Buy It?

HELL YES! This is a film that needs to be bought immediately and, lucky for you, there are two ways to own it—the standard 4K slipcover or the impressive looking 4K steelbook. Even though the special features have been ported over from the Blu-ray, these are lengthy and informative, and they add a lot of context and insight into the film.  If you loved this movie, you want to know as much about it as possible. As far as the audio and the visuals of the 4K, this is why I love 4K and why I champion this format so much as a movie lover.  My wife and I watched this together on a Friday night and we were transfixed by the film, the mesmerizing visuals and the incredible audio.  Warner Brothers knocked it out of the park with this release. This release gets my highest level of recommendation.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free.  The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

All-Time Favorite Trailers: ‘The Exorcist – The Version You’ve Never Seen’

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

There are several trailers out there for William Friedkin’s “The Exorcist” which are very memorable, but the one which stands out for me is the one made for its rerelease back in the year 2000. In some ways, it is a huge surprise that this trailer was not treated like a red band trailer as the film remains ever so shocking after all these years. Regardless, it does a great job of reminding audiences, old and new, of what an incredibly unnerving and unforgettable experience this 1973 film was when it first came out, and how it remains so all these years later. Even if there was no new footage made for this release, this trailer made seeming it back on the silver screen an offer no movie buff could ever refuse.

I have to tell you, seeing this version on “The Exorcist” at a celebrated movie theater in Westwood, California provided me with one of the best cinematic experiences I ever had. On top of this film never having lost any of its power, as it contains scenes no studio would allow any filmmaker to capture on film today, the theater had the most extraordinary sound system which made watching it all the more adrenaline-inducing, exhilarating and enthralling to sit through. This trailer gave me such a great reason to check it out on the biggest silver screen in my neighborhood.

To date, there has yet to be an “Exorcist” sequel or prequel which can at the very least equal Friedkin gave us half a century ago.

Please check out the re-release trailer down below.

‘The Exorcist’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

It’s crazy to me to know “The Exorcist” is now celebrating its 50th anniversary. Unfortunately, we lost its legendary director recently in William Friedkin, a trailblazer who was not afraid to push the envelope and do things his own way in films such as “Cruising,” “The French Connection,” and “To Live and Die in L.A.”  He was an outspoken and passionate filmmaker who never backed down from his vision and his principles. I think it’s safe to say his most talked about film of all-time is “The Exorcist” which recently got a 4K upgrade from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. Even to this day, people go to their local theater to watch it on the big screen, or they revisit it on home video when it’s spooky season.

There is quite an infamous backstory to the making of this film and getting it off the ground.  It’s a legitimate miracle the film was able to be made considering all of the roadblocks and obstacles the director and his crew had in making it. I could go into detail here, but it’s best to Google it, as it’s lengthy and strange.  I’ll just say this–many thought the film itself was cursed because of all the odd occurrences which happened to this production.  People would also heavily protest the film, and many filmgoers would faint and get sick while watching it.  The film has certainly developed quite a reputation over the years for a variety of reasons.

“The Exorcist” is set in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. and introduces the audience to actress Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn) and her twelve-year-old daughter Regan (Linda Blair). They are renting a house while Chris works on a film directed by Burke Dennings (Jack MacGowran), someone she considers a close friend.  We are also introduced to Father Damien Karras (Jason Miller), a psychiatrist at Georgetown University who works with fellow priests. Father Karras is struggling with guilt as he wishes he was spending more time with his mother, who is elderly, frail and unwell. He is also having a crisis of faith as well. At a party Chris is hosting, she notices some unusual behavior from Regan, and Regan is also talking about strange and weird noises in the attic.

From here, things only get worse for Regan as she starts to become vulgar, aggressive and develop facial sores.  She has baffled modern science as they can’t understand what is wrong with her. They think it has something to do with her brain, but it still doesn’t explain her actions or her superhuman strength. Once Regan becomes a danger to herself and others, they decide the only solution is to tie her to her bed and perform an exorcism.  There is a lot of hesitation on the part of Father Karras, as he doesn’t think it will turn out well and might only further damage young Regan.  However, if a more experienced priest helps him, he will do it.  This is where Father Merrin (Max von Sydow) comes in to help Father Karras with the exorcism that will hopefully save the child.

I’ve seen “The Exorcist” three times now, and I’ve really, really wanted to fall in love with it, but for whatever reason, it is a film I respect and admire but don’t love.  I can see the great acting on display from Jason Miller, Ellen Burstyn, and Linda Blair.  It’s impossible to ignore their range of emotions and their ability to sell this material and make it work. My issue is with the pacing of the film.  I’m all about letting things breathe and building up to something, but this is very much an all-or-nothing film at times.  At times, it’s moving a little too slowly without enough character build-up, and the plotting can be a little tedious.  At other times, it’s in-your-face, intense, and really mind-blowing.  There is really no middle ground with “The Exorcist.”

At fifty-years-old, “The Exorcist” is still an impactful horror film, without question.  I just wonder if it’s more built on its reputation and folklore at this point. One might even argue if it’s a horror film or a thriller. It is a little bit of both, which I think most horror films are to some degree unless they are just flat-out horror with no plot.  There is a plot here and a rhyme and reason to what unfolds, but it feels a little dated, in my opinion.  All in all, I think “The Exorcist” should get its flowers for being a horror film that was ahead of its time and has really opened the door for a lot of the supernatural horror films we see today from “The Conjuring” and “Insidious” world.  However, it’s a good yet flawed film, overall. As I stated earlier, I like it and it stays with me, which is a good thing, but I don’t love it and it doesn’t impact me, as much as I feel like it should, considering its place in film history.

* * * out of * * * *

4K Info: “The Exorcist” is released on a two-disc 4K release from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment.  It comes with two different 4K versions of the film.  One version is the theatrical cut, which is 122 minutes. The second disc is 132 minutes and features the extended director’s cut of the film in 4K.

Video/Audio Info:  Warner Brothers did a pretty good job of cleaning up this film. However, they didn’t clean it up so much that you aren’t able to enjoy the dark and moody look of the film. I would say it’s a good but not great transfer of the film.  I’ve seen better transfers of older films from Warner Brothers.  It does come with a very, very good Dolby Atmos soundtrack for the film, though. I was really blown away by how good the film sounds. It also comes with subtitles in English, French, and Spanish.

Special Features: The theatrical version comes with the following special features: an introduction by William Friedkin, a commentary track by Friedkin, and a commentary track by William Peter Blatty, who wrote the novel and the screenplay for the film, with special sound effects. The unrated version of the film also comes with a commentary by Friedkin. These are all older commentary tracks and the introduction is much older as well.  The big issue here is the fact they didn’t have a third disc with some of the special features from the previous Blu-ray release.

 Should You Buy It?

This is a rather tricky one.  I’ll say this–if you love “The Exorcist” and it’s one of your favorite films of all time, the transfer makes it worth the upgrade, even though I didn’t think it was a great transfer.  It has its issues, as, at times, it can be a little unfocused and not super clear.  If you own the Blu-ray, you should keep and not sell it because you will lose your special features with this 4K as it only has the commentary tracks and an introduction from the director. They really should have added a third disc just for the special features.  Overall, “The Exorcist” is a film that has earned its place in horror film history based on it being released at the right time with the right director and the right cast and crew.  It’s a good film.  However, I don’t think it’s a great film in my personal opinion. If you love the film, I think you will be happy with what Warner Brothers has done with the transfer.  It’s not a bad transfer by any means.  It’s just not a transfer that is going to “wow” you.  You will probably be very disappointed they didn’t port over the special features from the Blu-ray.  However, if this is your favorite horror movie, you want to own it on the best format out there right now, which is 4K.  If you are lukewarm on the film or think it’s merely good, you can keep your Blu-ray if you already own it.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free.  The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

‘Aliens’ Cast Discuss Their Most Quotable Lines

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

While at the Days of the Dead convention held in Los Angeles, California in late August of 2023, I got to attend the “Aliens” panel which featured several actors from the classic film. An audience member told the cast how this is one of the most quotable motion pictures of all time and asked if they ever get their famous lines of dialogue yelled back at them on a daily basis. Indeed, there are a plethora of memorable lines throughout which stay with the viewer long after they watch this film. Whether it is Sigourney Weaver saying, “get away from her you bitch” or the late Bill Paxton yelling out “we’re on an express elevator to hell, going down,” there is no forgetting what is said onscreen. This is saying a lot as James Cameron, who wrote and directed this sequel, is not always known for giving his actors great dialogue to work with. Then again, it is far better than the dialogue George Lucas gave us in those “Star Wars” prequels.

There is no doubt that actors will often find themselves faced with fans yelling lines of dialogue at them as they love what was said, and they always want to see if they can get a reaction out of those particular thespians. I remember interviewing Pierce Brosnan once about his movie “The November Man,” and I walked in to see him pouring himself a cup of coffee and mixing in some milk and sure. To this, I could not help but bring up a famous line he and several other actors have utter throughout history, but with a certain twist:

“Ah, stirred but not shaken!”

Thank goodness Brosnan had a great sense of humor about it.

When it comes to the cast of “Aliens,” their memories of their most well-known dialogue remain very vivid to them, and this provided some of the most entertaining moments during this Q&A session.

Daniel Kash (Private Spunkmeyer): I was in Florida once, and while I was there, someone said, “Nice pet you have there, Bishop.” That was right out of the blue. It was such an average line that no one cares about.

Carrie Henn (Newt): So, there was a line in the movie that, at the time, I asked why I am even saying this. And I know everybody says to me I know you hate the line, but you said it anyway. I learned to love it. The word “mostly,” it is amazing how many times that comes up. People will say it, and my friends will text it to me and they will say, “While I mostly saw this…” And then they always send me a second text saying “mostly.” People, I will be walking by them, and they will say it, and someone will then say “mostly.” If they only knew who was walking next to them. But yeah, it is the weirdest line, but it sticks.

Ricco Ross (Private Frost): This was maybe five years after the movie was made, and I had done a music video with Whitney Houston called “Saving All My Love for You.” I was the guy she was saving her love for. I remember walking in the hood one day and, this is a true story, a guy shouts out, “Hey Mr. Whitney Houston, how’s that Arcturian poontang?”

Cynthia Scott (Corporal Dietrich): I had a next-door neighbor in London, and he would come home from the pup every night three sheets to the wind. If I happened to be entering the house at the same time he’d go, “Oy, say that line again! Say your line!” And I would go, “Borderline malnutrition, but I don’t think there’s any permanent damage.”

Jenette Goldstein (Private Vasquez): People will yell “let’s rock” at me a lot.

William Hope (Lieutenant Gorman): You know, it’s just like, nice to meet you. You always were an asshole. And this happened in a swimming pool!

For myself, I would love to know if Sigourney Weaver ever gets anyone quoting one of Ellen Ripley’s best lines to her,

“Burke, I don’t know which species is worse. You don’t see them fucking each other over for a goddamn percentage.”

Whatever you may think of Cameron’s talent for dialogue, this remains one of the best things he has ever written.

‘Enter the Dragon’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit Correspondent, Tony Farinella.

My unofficial title of a film buff might be revoked when I reveal this is the first Bruce Lee film I have ever watched. I do have “Bruce Lee: His Greatest Hits” on Blu-ray from the Criterion Collection, but I have yet to dive into those films.  “Enter the Dragon” was the last film Lee completed before his untimely death.  With it being the 100-year anniversary of Warner Brothers, they have taken it upon themselves to give this film the 4K treatment.  While I have some issues with “Enter the Dragon,” for the most part it was a decent introduction to Lee.  I look forward to checking out more of his films with my Criterion box set.  There are too many films out there and not enough hours in the day.

Bruce Lee stars as Lee, a skilled and proficient martial artist and instructor, being approached by Braithwaite (Geoffrey Weeks), a British intelligence agent, about entering a martial arts tournament. The tournament is being run on a private island by the villainous Han (Kien Shih). He needs Lee’s help as he suspects Han is involved in prostitution and illegal drug trafficking. He needs Lee to enter the tournament and find out the inside scoop on Han and his operation.  It’s also a deeply personal mission for Lee as he finds out one of Han’s goons has caused Lee’s family pain and misery.

Lee is joined in this tournament by a compulsive gambler named Roper, played by film veteran John Saxon, and the smooth-talking Williams, played by Jim Kelly. They are treated to beautiful women and told to stay in their rooms and not ruffle any feathers.  One night, Lee goes out looking for clues and evidence, which leaves Han wondering what is going on with his security team. Can he trust his men to keep Lee, Roper and Williams in line? Lee seems to be one step ahead of Han, but Han has an army of men and will stop at nothing to keep his enterprise up and running.

“Enter the Dragon,” overall, was a mixed bag for me.  The first hour of the film really lost me, and it seemed to move at a glacial pace.  I’m all for building up the story, the characters, and giving us time to digest everything before the final battle. I’m on board with that one hundred percent, and I like interesting characters and a good build-up to a grand finale. However, the first hour is tedious and rather boring.  It doesn’t really go anywhere.  When we get to the last half-hour and Lee gets to do his thing, it’s a beautiful movie to watch unfold on screen.  The martial arts sequences are put together like a work of art and are truly out of this world.

Maybe I’m asking too much for a martial arts movie to have a better story, but it’s more about the pacing.  There is no sense of urgency in a film that is only 99 minutes or 102 minutes if you watch the special edition of it.  Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely was enthralled with the last act when it comes down to Han and Lee. The way they use the mirrors and what’s around them had me on the edge of my seat, literally. Bruce choreographed the fight scenes himself, and he has a great screen presence.  I didn’t feel like he had a ton of screen time, but when he’s on screen, he really makes his scenes count. It’s remarkable how lightning fast and intense the fight sequences are, and they are flawless.  You have to give credit to Bruce for looking the part, playing the part, and putting so much into this film.

Many people have talked about the spy aspects of the film and compared it to the James Bond franchise. I didn’t really feel like they fleshed out those aspects enough.  I really wanted more of the meat and potatoes of the story. I know Lee was a silent but deadly killer in this film, but the rest of the cast can be a little too cartoonish at times.  Again, I was blown away by the final 30-40 minutes.  If they had properly built it up in the first hour, I would have considered it a classic, which many film critics and historians out there have labeled it.  Maybe I need to give this one another watch, but on my first viewing, I can’t say I see the historical significance of this film.

* * out of * * * *

4K Info: “Enter the Dragon” is released on a single disc 4K from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment.  The theatrical cut of the film runs at 99 minutes while the special-edition version runs at 102 minutes. The film is rated R for martial arts violence and brief nudity.  It also comes with a digital copy of the film.

Video/Audio Info:  The High Dynamic Range on this 4K release is very, very strong here.  The film was released in 1973, and many scenes were incredibly bright, colorful and eye-popping.  It still has a little bit of the old-school charm to it, but it’s also touched up. That being said, it isn’t so touched up that it looks too clean.  This is a prime example of a film that is improved with a 4K release, but it still keeps its classic look at the same time. The Dolby Atmos track is perfect here.  It also comes with subtitles in English, French, and Spanish.

Special Features:

Introduction by Linda Lee Cadwell

Commentary by Paul Heller and Michael Allin

Should You Buy It?

Film criticism is subjective, and I really wanted to love this film. I’ve loved what Warner Brothers has been doing lately with their restorations of classic cinema.  I’m always looking to learn about new films and classic Hollywood stars.  With that being said, I was bored and uninterested in two-thirds of this film.  For a classic, it shouldn’t be the case.  I will give credit where credit is due and say the final 30-40 minutes feature some of the best martial arts I’ve ever seen in my life.  I didn’t expect the film to be wall-to-wall action, as that wouldn’t be feasible, but I was hoping for a little bit more out of the characters, pacing and storytelling, even in a martial arts movie. If you are a Bruce Lee fan and you adore this film, you won’t be disappointed in the least by this 4K release and transfer.  I’m willing to watch this film again and see if I missed something. In the end, it’s one with a grand finale that needed a story and some build-up to accompany it.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free.  The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

‘East of Eden’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

Recently, I have been fortunate enough to see two out of the three films James Dean made in his short but powerful film career: “Rebel Without a Cause” and now “East of Eden.”  Both of them have been released on 4K this year through Warner Brothers Home Entertainment.  “Giant,” the third film in Dean’s career, has also been released on 4K as well.  It’s been a tremendous cinematic experience to watch these particular films on 4K for the very first time and see a true artist at work. I’m a huge fan of method acting from the likes of Marlon Brando and Al Pacino, and it’s been eye-opening to see Dean and his method acting on display here.

Dean plays a character named Cal Trask. Much like his character in “Rebel Without a Cause,” he’s troubled, confused, and he doesn’t get along with the older generation. That is the genius of Dean and why he was so ahead of his time.  He really knew how to convey on screen what young men and women were feeling at that time: disconnected, misunderstood, unhappy, angry, and filled with angst.  He does it effortlessly without ever being too showy or over-the-top.  He knows when to ramp up the anger and frustration, and also what to express with his facial expressions and mannerisms.  Everything on screen with him is very naturalistic.

The film is set in 1917 California, located in both Monterey and Salinas.  It shows the struggle of young Cal trying to reach out to his mother Kate, played by Jo Van Fleet, someone he has long believed to be dead.  His father, Adam (Raymond Massey), told him and his brother Aron (Richard Davalos) that she died shortly after their birth. Cal, however, finds out she’s a successful woman running a brothel who left their father because of his strict religious ways.  She wanted to be free to do her own thing and felt as though she was wasting her life away with him.  Cal thinks he is evil like his mother while he believes his brother Aron is good like his father.  The film was clearly inspired by the story of Cain and Abel.  It comes from the 1952 novel of the same name by John Steinbeck.

There is also a young woman named Abra (Julie Harris), and she’s the girlfriend of Aron, but she seems to connect more with Cal.  She sees the good in Cal, even if he struggles to see the good in himself. The two of them have tremendous chemistry on screen, and I loved the playful back and forth between them.  It was truly something special to behold.  Taking nothing away from this talented cast and the tremendous screenplay from Paul Osborn, but this is Dean’s show here.  Credit is due as well to the direction of Elia Kazan. Having previously worked with Brando, he knows how to step aside and let the camera focus on the star of the show.  He uses skillful camera movement to allow us to take in the character and everything around him.

This is classic Hollywood craftsmanship at its finest here from Kazan and Dean.  Human stories are always very powerful, and Dean does not shy away from the good intentions of his character as well as his bad ones.  He’s struggling to win the love of a stern father; a love he fears he might never get in life.  He’s also trying to figure out how to deal with the fact his mother is alive and rather cold, cruel and indifferent to how things happened between her and her husband.  She does seem to care about Cal, but she’s complex and complicated, much like he is.  At a time where a lot of things were black and white, Dean was someone who was always painting in shades of grey.  It’s truly a magnificent cinematic journey to watch him in this film.  It also leaves us wanting more, but sadly he left us far, far too soon.  Thankfully, we have his movies on physical media to relive over and over again.

* * * * out of * * * *

4K Info: “East of Eden” is being released on a single 4K disc from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. The film has a running time of 117 minutes and is rated PG for thematic elements and some violent content.  It also comes with a digital copy of the film.

Video/Audio Info:  The HDR on this film is a visual feast with bright colors and moody darks.  I can’t imagine it ever looking better than it does with this 4K release.  It’s truly stunning to watch, and I was really happy with the clean, crisp and vivid look of the film.  There is also a great Dolby Atmos soundtrack for the film along with subtitles in English, Spanish and French.

Special Features:

Commentary by Richard Schickel

Should You Buy It?

In order for studios like Warner Brothers to preserve film history, it is up to us as consumers to buy films like “East of Eden” on 4K.  It’s very affordable, and they have done a great job of making this film from 1955 look truly top-notch.  When people ask me why I collect 4K’s, I often point to the older films from Hollywood, as they really are the ones which benefit the most from a 4K upgrade.  They still maintain their original charm and the feeling is still there, but they are being seen in the best possible way on 4K as it truly enhances the experience in every way possible.  I’m such a fan of great acting and great characters.  This film is filled with so many great performances, powerful moments, and characters that are well-developed and fleshed out over the course of almost two hours, which flies by when you are truly invested in their well-being.  James Dean was one-of-a-kind, and it’s a shame his life was cut short, as he would have kept churning out one classic film after another.   This is a four-star film which needs to be bought on its release date.  If you love classic Hollywood, you won’t be disappointed.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free.  The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

‘Rio Bravo’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

When you think of the western genre in cinema, it’s hard not to think of John Wayne.  Perhaps the only other actor who might be synonymous with westerns is Clint Eastwood, but he would frequently venture into other genres to expand his repertoire. For the most part, John Wayne lived and breathed westerns. When you think of his classic westerns, you think of films such as “The Searchers,” “Red River,” “Stagecoach,” and “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” to name a few.  However, I believe his best film in this genre is none other than “Rio Bravo,” directed by the legendary Howard Hawks.  He brought out the humanity and vulnerability from the tough, no-nonsense Wayne persona.

“Rio Bravo” is a patient and detailed film that allows us to really get to know, understand and like our main characters.  There is Sheriff John T. Chance (John Wayne) who is deliberate, fair and direct in his communication and his actions.  His former deputy is named Dude, played by legendary crooner Dean Martin in a fantastic performance.  Dude used to be a reliable deputy and partner to Chance until his drinking got the better of him.  Now, he’s trying to get himself together because he knows John needs him by his side in order to deal with the Burdette’s, Joe (Claude Akins) and Nathan (John Russell). Joe is behind bars after committing murder and is currently being watched closely by Stumpy (Walter Brennan), a trigger-happy deputy with a quirky personality.  While he might be up there in years and also have a limp, John trusts him to keep an eye on Joe and the rest of Nathan’s goons.

Nathan is a wealthy land tycoon with a lot of connections, and he will stop at nothing in order to get his brother out of prison.  However, with Chance, Dude and Stumpy working together, this is not going to be an easy task for Nathan.  Chance is out to prove there are consequences when it comes to murdering an unarmed man for no reason other than you have the money and power to do so and think you can get away with it. Chance is also developing feelings for a young woman in town named Feathers (Angie Dickinson), whose deceased husband was a shady gambler notorious for cheating.  Chance is not quite sure what to make of Feathers and wonders if he can trust her because of her past connections. However, it is clear there is a connection between the two of them.

At this point, they are waiting for the U.S. Marshal to come and handle things, but that could take up to a week before this comes to fruition.  It’s up to Chance, Dude, Stumpy and the rest of the town to band together and not give in to Nathan Burdette and his greed.  He’s willing to pay hired guns in order to make sure his brother gets out of jail.  This is something Chance is keenly aware of, so he’s on his toes at all times.  The same can be said for Stumpy, who will shoot anyone that dares to enter their jail without announcing themselves first.  Dude sees this as a second chance for himself.  He might be struggling with losing his confidence, but if he can stay away from the bottle and remain focused, people will start to take him seriously again.  Chance has never given up on Dude, even when others around him do not take him seriously.

I really loved the performances in “Rio Bravo” along with the beautiful western scenery.  There is also a sense of humor injected into the film, but it’s not forced and it doesn’t feel phony.  Sometimes when things get really serious and intense, you need to step back and throw a humorous moment in there to lighten things up.  Howard Hawks knows how to do that during just the right moments in the film. I’ve often found Wayne to be a one-note actor, but here he’s still the same badass we have seen in previous films, and he shows good comedic timing, a sense of vulnerability, and a more human side to the character of Chance. He doesn’t seem invincible. He is a real person with feelings, emotions and some depth to him. 

The same is also true of Dean Martin.  I haven’t seen Martin in a film before, but the way we see his inner struggle on screen is truly a work of art.  For my money, he gives the best and most impressive performance in “Rio Bravo.”  He shows tremendous depth here.  He’s not just the town drunk.  There are many layers to his character. Walter Brennan’s Stumpy might look like an old fool, but he still has some fight left in him as well.

There is also a tremendous supporting performance by Ricky Nelson here as Colorado. He becomes part of their little family, and he even gets them out of a few jams as well.  Ward Bond also appears in this film, which has a tremendous cast that works perfectly together. The film is two hours and twenty-one minutes long, but it doesn’t feature a moment on screen that isn’t meaningful to the purpose of the story in some way.  Hawks is one of the great filmmakers of all-time, and he shows that here.  He really brought out the best in everyone throughout this emotional, funny and action-packed film.  This is a movie that has just about everything in it without ever feeling like it’s bloated or too many genres thrown into one.  It’s a fantastic piece of cinema.

* * * * out of * * * *

4K Info: “Rio Bravo” is released on a single 4K disc from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment.  It has a running time of 141 minutes and is not-rated.  However, anyone can watch the film. It comes with a digital copy of it as well.

Video/Audio Info:  The HDR is beautiful here with so many beautiful shots coming to life as we get engrossed in the film. It’s truly eye-popping to watch on screen.  In addition to the great acting and terrific pacing of the story, this film looks stunningly gorgeous.  I couldn’t have asked for a better 4K release of it.  There is no Dolby Atmos track here, but I didn’t feel like it really hurt the sound quality as the film sounds great.  It comes with subtitles in English, Spanish and French.

Special Features:

Commentary by John Carpenter and Richard Schickel

I’m truly loving just about every classic film being restored by Warner Brothers on 4K with this being their 100-year anniversary.  It is filled with films I’m watching for the first time along with others I’m viewing in a whole new light because with age comes wisdom, and also because of how much time and effort they are putting into these releases from an audio and visual perspective.  Classic cinema will always stand the test of time, and it is clearly on full-display here with “Rio Bravo.”  I loved the performances of John Wayne and Dean Martin in this film, if I’m going to single out two of the actors here.  Martin really showed tremendous range and emotional trauma with this performance.  The only special feature is a commentary track, but that’s okay considering the age of the film.  I’m just happy we are being treated to so many great films through the Warner Archives on 4K.  It seems like every month, there is a classic film on 4K, and I’m loving it.  This is one you need to buy on its release date along with “East of Eden.”  They are two totally different films, but they have one thing in common: they are timeless and immortal.  As far as the audio and visual aspects of this release, it truly takes your breath away on 4K with its range of colors.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free.  The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.