A 'Big Pic' Gift Guide: 10 Blu-rays Every Human Needs. Plus: Park Chan-wook!
Dec 9, 2022
02:03:06
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Actor Timothy Simons joins Sean for a conversation about building a Blu-ray collection, shopping tips, and the best ones to buy. Filmmaker Park Chan-wook talks about his film 'Decision to Leave' and the balance between violence and storytelling. They discuss collecting Blu-rays, worries about losing access to movies, UK brands, the value of collecting, emotional connection to physical copies, watching movies at home, and their fascination with 'Blackhat'. They also touch on family gift shopping, gratitude, top movie snacks, inspiration from a song, embracing technology in filmmaking, language frustration, filming techniques, and favorite recent films.
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Quick takeaways
Start your blu-ray collection by buying your favorite movie for a personal touch.
The Raid and The Raid 2 are must-have blu-rays with incredible action scenes and choreography.
Consider Sorcerer and Cloak and Dagger for unique storytelling and engaging moments.
Explore boutique labels like Arrow Video and Indicator for limited editions and hidden gems.
Include movies from your favorite genres to ensure a well-rounded collection.
Invest in box sets and collections for a comprehensive movie experience with bonus content.
Deep dives
Buy Your Favorite Movie
One of the top recommendations for building a blu-ray collection is to start by buying your favorite movie. Whether it's a classic that you can watch again and again or a recent film that you absolutely loved, having your favorite movie in your collection adds a personal touch and ensures that you always have a film you enjoy on hand.
The Raid and The Raid 2
The Raid and its sequel, The Raid 2, are highly recommended additions to any blu-ray collection. These action-packed Indonesian films feature incredible fight scenes and intense choreography. Both movies have gained a cult following, and owning them on blu-ray allows you to appreciate the stunning visuals and thrilling action in the best possible quality.
Sorcerer and Cloak and Dagger
Sorcerer, directed by William Friedkin, and Cloak and Dagger are two films worth considering for your collection. Sorcerer is a gripping thriller about four men on a dangerous mission, while Cloak and Dagger is a suspenseful spy thriller for kids. These unique and compelling films offer great storytelling and moments that will keep you engaged.
Consider Boutique Blu-ray Labels
Explore boutique Blu-ray labels like Arrow Video, Vinegar Syndrome, Indicator, Eureka, and Shout Factory for a diverse selection of films. These labels often release limited editions with special features, making them sought-after by collectors. Look for releases that match your interests and discover hidden gems that you may not have otherwise come across.
Don't Neglect Your Favorite Genres
When building your blu-ray collection, don't forget to include movies from your favorite genres. Whether you're a horror fan, a sci-fi enthusiast, or love classic films, having a selection of movies that reflect your tastes ensures a well-rounded collection. Look for must-have titles and cult classics within your preferred genres.
Invest in Box Sets and Collections
Consider investing in box sets and collections for a comprehensive and curated movie experience. Box sets like the Warner Brothers Best of 50 Collection offer a range of classic films, allowing you to explore different genres and eras. These collections often feature special packaging and bonus content, adding value to your blu-ray collection.
Focus on Quality and Presentation
While collecting blu-rays, prioritize quality and presentation. Look for releases with high-definition transfers, remastered audio, and bonus features. Pay attention to labels like Criterion, Arrow Video, and Indicator that are known for their meticulous restoration and attention to detail. Remember that owning physical media provides a superior viewing experience compared to streaming platforms.
Consider Region-Free Players and Imports
If you want to access a wider range of films, considering investing in a region-free Blu-ray player. Region-free players allow you to watch movies from different regions, providing access to international releases and exclusive editions. This enables you to explore films that might not be available in your region.
Connect Movies to Personal Memories
When selecting movies for your collection, consider choosing films that hold personal significance or have nostalgic value. Movies that connect to your own memories or evoke a particular time or place can bring a unique sense of enjoyment and make your collection more meaningful to you.
Support Independent Filmmakers
Don't forget to include movies from independent filmmakers in your collection. Look for releases from smaller labels or direct purchases from independent filmmakers themselves. Supporting independent cinema ensures that unique and diverse voices continue to make their mark in the film industry.
Have Fun and Explore
Above all, have fun and enjoy the process of building your blu-ray collection. It's an opportunity to discover new films, revisit favorites, and create a personal library that reflects your interests and passions. Be open to exploring different genres, directors, and time periods, and let your collection evolve organically over time.
Balancing violence and romance in 'Decision to Leave'
Director Park felt that his previous works were not being recognized as romantic love stories due to the strong presence of violence and sex. With 'Decision to Leave', he aimed to level down these elements and focus on the core romance. He wanted to create a film that portrayed the emotional closeness of the characters without resorting to explicit sex scenes.
Blending romance with humor in 'Decision to Leave'
Director Park wanted to incorporate humor into the film to balance the serious themes. He believes that there is a humor in the foolishness of someone in love, and that laughter comes from the audience relating to their own experiences of being in love.
Using phones and texting as storytelling devices in 'Decision to Leave'
Phones play a crucial role in the film, representing modern life and communication. Director Park embraces the use of smartphones and texting to portray the emotional connection between the characters. The translating app also adds a fresh twist to the film, highlighting the difficulty of understanding and communication in relationships.
Happy holidays! Actor Timothy Simons joins Sean for the ultimate gift: a conversation about how to build a Blu-ray collection—how to shop for them, what to play them on, the best ones to buy, whether it’s an addiction or not, and so much more (1:00). Then, filmmaker Park Chan-wook stops by to talk with Sean about his film ‘Decision to Leave’ (1:23:00).
