Region 1 DVD + book


The Anchor Bay region 1 DVD of this film is superb. The print used is flawless and there is a good commentary by Robert Fuest and Jenny Runacre. It has been widely documented that author Michael Moorecock hated the film and having read the book I can understand his frustration. Having said that though I love the film and think it is a brilliant example of 70's British cinema, made in a period of great cinema. Jon Finch as Jerry Cornelius is excellent as is Jenny Runacre and they are supported by a superb who's who's of British character actors. The film is a visual feast and it is a travesty that Norman Warwick' stunning cinematography didn't win an oscar. The music score is also excellent.

The book is well worth tracking down and having a read of. Given a decent budget and a talented director and writer the book would transfer well to the screen. There are some great sequences which were either leftout or toned down for Fuest's film. Johnny Depp would make a great Jerry Cornelius.

Snoggett

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How long ago did Anchor Bay release that DVD, and do you know where I could buy a copy besides Ebay? I found the old VHS and cherish it, and became a rabid Michael Moorcock fan because of it. I don't see why he should hav had a problem with the movie: It isn't exactly faithful to the book because so much of what he describes in the book would be impossible to represent visually. Besides, I thought the movie actually lines up better with the feel of the other Cornelius books. I haven't read the Volume 2, but "The English Assassin" has to be the best.
This is the only movie ever based on his work, right?

"Oh, I am going to smack you SO HARD if this works, movie!" -Crow T. Robot

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I bought my copy of the DVD a few years ago, so it's been out for some time. I've no idea whether it's still in print.

I can't think of any other movies based on Moorcock's books, which is a bit odd given he's written so many.

Edit: I guess it must be out of print, I checked Amazon.com and the sellers there are asking up to $100 for a copy!

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This movie, "Smashing Time", "The Stunt Man" and "Flowers of Passion" all taught me that when a Anchor Bay UK or USA release a DVD you want you buy it ASAP as many of their releases don't seem to get more than one or two print runs.

What makes this even more annoying is that some of their releases have been available and/or repackaged forever, I mean here in the UK there have been 7 different editions of "Evil Dead" (plus another that was given away free with a newspaper!)*, but I blinked and missed out on special edition of "The Living Dead At The Manchester Morgue"...





* Though frustratingly none have been open-matted AND containing the "lightning strike" shot.

"I think you're a load of old crap too, Mr Mulligan."

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