Kino Lorber

‘Sabrina’ (1995) Special Edition Blu-ray

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Kino Lorber has a new Special Edition Blu-ray of the remake of Sabrina.

This 1995 version of the awkward girl who grew up to be a beautiful woman is a remake of the 1954 original classic. This time Harrison Ford takes on the role of Linus Larrabee, originated by Humphrey Bogart in the first film. Greg Kinnear is his younger playboy brother David (originated by William Holden) and Julia Ormond steps into the shoes of Sabrina Fairchild, first brought to the screen by Audrey Hepburn.

Instead of being a chef, this Sabrina is a photographer, but the storyline is basically the same as the 1954 film.  Sabrina has always been in love with David, but her class is beneath him, as he is a wealthy man of society and she is the daughter of their chauffeur.

Once she returns from Paris, David falls in love with this woman who has turned from a plain Jane – or actually, a plain Sabrina – into a beautiful and sophisticated woman. The family is set against this relationship, so Linus takes it upon himself to woo her to take her attention away from David who is betrothed to a woman (Lauren Holly) whose family, when merged with theirs, would make a great business venture.

The all-business Linus actually falls for Sabrina, and as in the original film, their love is destined to be, to the chagrin of the family. But love wins out. 

The ending differs a bit from the Bogart version as the times have changed. Instead of following her onto a ship, he takes the now-defunct Concord to arrive in Paris before she gets there to profess his feelings. And hopefully, they will live happily ever after.

John Williams was nominated for two Academy Awards for his music in this film.

This new Special Edition Blu-ray includes a new audio commentary by film historian Julie Kirgo and filmmaker Peter Hankoff.  As remakes go, this is a good one. Nothing can beat the original classic, but this updated version is very enjoyable. It is fun to watch the two movies and see the differences. Some viewers, especially younger ones, will most likely enjoy the 1995 movie, which is in color. They are both entertaining.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

 

Bring home 2 Rock Hudson Blu-rays

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Kino Lorber has released two films starring 1960’s romantic comedy headliner Rock Hudson.

Man’s Favorite Sport?


Man’s Favorite Sport? is an adorable 1964 film with Hudson and Paula Prentiss. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments along with a fun story.

Hudson is Roger Willoughby, the top salesperson at a major sporting goods store. Willoughby is known for his expertise when it comes to fishing. He has guided many fishermen to trophies. The thing is, Roger has never fished a day in his life. He relies on feedback from his customers then passes the information on. He has written a book about fishing and through his deception has become known as a top fisherman.

Everything is going well for Roger until Abigail Page (Prentiss) and her friend Isolde (Easy) Mueller (Maria Perschy) come into his life. They have entered Willoughby into a fishing competition to help the local resort. While Roger tries to get out of the tournament and still keep his reputation, he is ultimately forced to take part.

Not only has Roger never fished but he has also never camped or done any outside activities. It is up to Abigail and Easy to help him save face during the competition.

There are too many comical scenes to describe. The entire movie is one laugh after another and definitely a show both men and women will enjoy. Hudson plays his usual adorable character with Prentiss following along as his new on-screen love interest. It is too bad they were not paired for more films. They are a great rom/com duo.

There is a new Audio Commentary by Filmmaker/Historian Michael Schlesinger with Select Remarks by Co-Star Paula Prentiss and Actor/Director Richard Benjamin on this special edition Blu-ray.

 

Strange Bedfellows

Two years after Man’s Favorite Sport? Hudson was teamed with Gina Lollobrigida in Strange Bedfellows. This is a cute show but not as entertaining and delightful as his 1964 movie.

Hudson is Carter Harrison, a successful businessman who meets Toni (Lollobrigida) and instantly falls in love. It is mutual and the two get married immediately. But when they return to earth from their love-induced blur, they quickly realize they are incompatible. They are complete opposites.

Toni is a bohemian artist who pickets and protests for all kinds of causes. Carter is a down-to-earth buttoned-up businessman. After seven years apart, they meet to finally get a divorce. But will their old feelings derail this legal proceeding?

There is a new Audio Commentary by Film Historian Eddy Von Mueller on this Blu-ray release.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association, was a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club, and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

‘For Those Who Think Young’ on Blu-ray

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

Five years after he captured the hearts of female audiences as hunky Moondoggie in Gidget, James Darren returned to the ocean in another light hearted romantic comedy. For Those Who Think Young also stars Pamela Tiffin, Paul Lynde, Tina Louise, Ellen Burstyn and Bob Denver plus roles for Nancy Sinatra (Frank’s daughter) and Claudia Martin (Dean’s daughter). This film introduced Woody Woodbury, a comic and actor who actually steals this movie.

The premise of the story is a rich playboy named Ding Pruitt (his actual name is Gardner Pruitt III) has his sights set on fellow college student named Sandy Palmer (Tiffin). Sandy is attracted to Ding but just doesn’t trust him. He is, after all, the playboy of the campus.

While Ding is wooing Sandy, her two uncles (Lynde and Woodbury) are working at the local watering hole to pay her tuition. The club is popular with the students however the administration, namely Dr. Pauline Swenson (Burstyn), tries to shut it down. The main benefactor of the college, Burford Sanford Cronin (Robert Middleton) has his personal reasons for getting the club shut down. He does not approve of his grandson, Ding, falling in love with Sandy. He is a snobby man that thinks she is beneath his family.

Unlike Moondoggie, Ding does not sing to his beloved. Darren does sing the title song, “For Those Who Think Love.”  The movie is filled with twists (both in the plot and the dance) and some very funny comedy from Woodbury. While this isn’t the best film of its kind, Woodbury manages to lift it up with his comedy routines. And, let’s face it, Darren was still a top draw for women around the world!

While watching this new Blu-ray from Kino Lorber I though that this might have been what Moondoggie (aka Jeff Matthews) might have been like had he not met Gidget (aka Francie Lawrence). He would have returned to college, continued surfing and wooing women. While Ding (I know, Darren gets stuck with strange nicknames) seems like a low-life, using people for his own pleasure and womanizing, in the end he is a decent, sweet, and kind man.

For Those Who Think Young is not rated however it is suitable for all ages. There is no graphic language or any untoward acts.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club and the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.