RJ Ross Johnson

DVD Review THE DEVIL'S NEEDLE AND OTHER TALES OF VICE AND REDEMPTION (BLU-RAY)

None of these films is a masterpiece, nor are they in the best shape after almost a century of neglect. Nevertheless, they're extraordinary time capsules of a more liberal era.
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Posted by: Ross Johnson - August 7, 2012, 4:52 pm - DVD Review
Keywords: silent

DVD Review THE TROUBLE WITH TOLSTOY

A challenging travelogue walks in the footsteps of Russia's biggest troublemaker.
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Posted by: Ross Johnson - May 8, 2012, 11:48 am - DVD Review
Keywords: art, documentary

DVD Review HISTORY OF THE WORLD IN TWO HOURS

Though you may not learn anything that you didn't already know, this very brief history of the universe is lively and entertaining without being dumb.
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Posted by: Ross Johnson - April 4, 2012, 11:07 am - DVD Review
Keywords: documentary, history

DVD Review ANATOMY OF A MURDER (BLU-RAY)

Preminger's Anatomy of a Murder is as entertaining as it is thoughtful about the limits of the law in grasping human nature. It feels fresh and mature even fifty years later, and stands as one of the best courtroom dramas in film history.
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Posted by: Ross Johnson - February 28, 2012, 1:20 pm - DVD Review
Keywords: attorney, murder, jazz

DVD Review BASIL DEARDEN'S LONDON UNDERGROUND (ECLIPSE SERIES 25)

Even given some weaknesses, the four films of this collection are never less than competent and entertaining. In their own quiet ways, this neglected director may have to guide Britain through a tumultuous time into a more tolerant post-war world.
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Posted by: Ross Johnson - February 11, 2011, 1:47 pm - DVD Review
Keywords: eclipse, jazz, othello, british, gay

DVD Review THE PATTY DUKE SHOW: THE COMPLETE THIRD SEASON

In its last year, The Patty Duke Show remains charming and well-written, a cut above the standard sixties-style family sitcom.
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Posted by: Ross Johnson - October 13, 2010, 6:39 am - DVD Review
Keywords: sitcom

DVD Review BATTLESHIP POTEMKIN (BLU-RAY)

Many will question what an oft-abused silent film could possibly benefit from a high-def presentation. The answer is right here in this brilliant restoration of a brutal propaganda classic.
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Posted by: Ross Johnson - May 18, 2010, 7:44 pm - DVD Review
Keywords: eisenstein, kino, silent, military, war, russian