Pure Cinema Podcast Film Discoveries of 2025
Dec 1, 2025
Discover a treasure trove of cinematic gems as two film enthusiasts celebrate their annual favorites. From the restoration of Bruce Toscano's *The Jar* to the emotional depths of *Peter Ibbetson*, their picks range from classic thrillers like *Who Killed Teddy Bear* to unique finds like the esoteric *The Disappearance*. Nostalgia hits with *Local Hero* and *Fade In*, while unexpected highlights include *Hookers on Davie*, showcasing intimate portraits of sex workers. Get ready for a joyride through lesser-known films!
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Blind Screening Win: The Jar
- Elric and Brian discovered The Jar (1984) on a restored Blu-ray and loved its wild indie mix of Argento, Bava, Lynch and Cronenberg influences.
- They watched it blind at a screening and found it polarizing but magical, praising the Teravision restoration and making-of extras.
TV Movies Are Discovery Gold
- TV movies remain a rich source of underseen discoveries with unique tones and talents outsiders might miss.
- Brian and Elric repeatedly find gems like Thief (1971) and other TV titles that reward digging beyond theatrical releases.
Restorations Reveal Film Lineage
- Restorations can change a film's perceived importance and show directorial lineage, as with Who Killed Teddy Bear's Michael Chapman ties to Taxi Driver.
- New high-quality releases (4K/Blu) motivate pairing and double-feature programming around historical DNA.