ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, October 26, 1996 TAG: 9610280105
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: B12 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: It Came from the Video Store
SOURCE: MIKE MAYO
This week, the official subject is Halloween horror, but first, it's time to revisit a troublesome issue.
Several readers have written to complain that they can't find tapes that have been reviewed here. That's always going to be a problem. No single video store can afford to stock everything that's released. But some are going to be better, more adventurous and imaginative than others. So, if you're intrigued by something you read about here, the first place you should try is your local video store - whatever is closest or most convenient for you. If the title is not on the shelf, ask about it. Find out if the store will handle special orders.
If you get two negative answers to those questions, call other stores in the area. Who knows? If you drive across town you might find a store that's more in line with your tastes, and going to the video store should be fun.
After all local options have been exhausted, then it's time to go national. Let's assume, for the moment, that you're more interested in renting an unknown title than in owning it. One of the best sources for serious and foreign works is Facets Video Rentals (1-800-331-6197; 1517 W. Fullerton Ave. Chicago, Ill. 60614; e-mail: rentals@facets.org). Facets is one of the oldest and most reputable outfits in the business. The new catalog, No.14, has just been published. Browsing through it is a fine way to polish off an hour or so.
Those more interested in escapism and exploitation can try the Video Vault (1-800-VAULT66) of Alexandria. Its catalog guarantees "the Worst Movies in Town!!", and the Vault delivers with a rich selection of alternative titles and a rent-by-mail membership.
If you're more interested in building up your own video library, the first place to try is Movies Unlimited (1-800-4MOVIES) in Philadelphia. It carries virtually every feature film in print and has a regularly updated catalog. One caveat: Movies Unlimited has been reluctant to sell adult films to videophiles in Southern states, Virginia included, fearing prosecution by overzealous federal and local authorities.
Finally, one reader looking for a British mini-series on tape recently found it listed in the new Critic's Choice catalog (1-800-367-7765). Critic's Choice also has search service (1-900-370-6500) that costs $1.95 for the first minute, plus 95 cents for each additional minute.
These four are not the only resources available; they are convenient and, as far as I know, trustworthy. I'll be looking into some newer sources I've discovered recently, and I'd really like to hear from readers about their own experiences, both with local stores and ordering by mail. Please check the addresses at the end of the column.
Now, back to the subject at hand: horror.
"H.P. Lovecraft's Necronomicon: Book of the Dead," a collection of three short horror films loosely based on the master's stories is notable for high production values and some deliciously nasty special effects. The first entry is virtually a vignette about drowning; the second features David Warner as a man with a peculiar affliction involving cold temperatures; and the third is an ambitious Grand Guignol so bizarre it defies description.
As a group, the three tales - and the framing device with Jeffrey Combs as Lovecraft - avoid the graphic sadism that infects so much contemporary horror while delivering the gruesome excesses that fans of the genre demand. They will be delighted.
The first half of "Mute Witness" is about as suspenseful as anything that's been put on film in recent years. Writer/director Anthony Waller sets his scene quickly and puts his heroine Billy Hughes (Marina Sudina) in a tough spot. She's a mute American special-effects technician working on a cheap horror flick in Moscow. One night after filming has finished for the day, she's mistakenly locked in the huge studio and sees something she shouldn't.
That act leads to an extended white-knuckle chase through the building. It's a brilliant set piece, told with almost no dialogue, and that's a large part of Waller's point. Billy cannot speak; the American members of the crew can't understand their Russian co-workers and the lack of communication leads to suspicion on all sides. Waller also manages to add some fresh twists to the is-it-real-or-is-it-a-movie gimmick so popular these days in films-within-films.
Unfortunately, the second half begins with an emotional misstep that's necessary to keep the plot moving and the rest of the film isn't nearly as strong as the beginning. Throughout, however, Waller mixes suspense and humor effectively, and he got fine performances from an unknown cast. (Don't miss a surprising uncredited guest star as the villain.)
For Anthony Waller, this is a striking debut. Recommended.
Next week: Horror, part 2!
Got a question about home video or film? Contact your favorite video columnist at P.O. Box 2491; Roanoke, Va. 24010-2491, or by e-mail at this address: 75331.2603@compuserve.com.
New releases this week:
Eraser ***
Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Vanessa Williams, James Caan, James Coburn. Directed by Charles Russell. Warner Home Video. 120 min. Rated R for graphic violence, strong language.
Though it was overshadowed by the summer's two mega-hits "Mission: Impossible" and "ID4," Arnold Schwarzenegger's adventure is just as much fun as its competition, and makes the transition to home video with no real loss. The story is fast-paced and fun with Arnold as a federal agent protecting whistle-blower Vanessa Williams against corrupt business types and his own agency. Fine performances all around matched by good action sequences.
Toy Story ***
Starring the voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen. Directed by John Lasseter. Walt Disney Home Video. 77 min. Rated G.
Last year's theatrical hit will be even more popular on the small screen where it will play extremely well. The computer animation will also be more effective on video than it was on the big screen. Younger kids who are used to pastel colors and fast-paced, frenetic action will enjoy this story of the secret life of toys. But to older children and adults who like conventional animation, the film's too-bright flatness makes it somehow cold and unemotional. Stars Hanks and Allen are excellent.
Heaven's Prisoners **1/2
Starring Alec Baldwin, Eric Roberts, Teri Hatcher, Kelly Lynch. Directed by Phil Joanu. Turner/New Line. 132 min. Rated R for strong language, violence, brief nudity.
In adapting James Lee Burke's detective novel to the screen, director Joanu gets things about half right. Baldwin (who also shares producer credit) probably fits most readers' expectations of alcoholic hero, Dave Robicheaux. But the film is far too slowly paced and full of holes. It does, however, get full credit for sweaty close-ups of the star, and the atmospherics will probably play better on home video than they did on the big screen. On tape, this one deserves a recommendation for Burke's fans, and, of course, for Hatcher-watchers.
The Essentials:
H.P. Lovecraft's Necronomicon: Book of the Dead **1/2 New Line Home Video 96 min. Rated R for bloody violence, strong language, some sexual content, general principle.
Mute Witness *** Columbia TriStar. 98 min. Rated R for violence, brief nudity, strong language.
LENGTH: Long : 131 linesby CNB