"BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25TH CENTURY: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION"
In the 20th Century, Buck Rogers became an iconic space fantasy figure. He blasted off in the late 20s, into the 30s, via comic strips, radio shows, pulp magazines and movie serials (starring Buster Crabbe, who also portrayed Flash Gordon).
Buck made his TV series debut in 1950. The character was revived in 1979's "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century," part of the sci-fi explosion that came in the wake of the "Star Wars" phenomenon.
Now, in the 21st Century, that series, starring Gil Gerard as Buck, can be enjoyed as a camp classic. All 32 episodes, plus the feature film version of the pilot, are now available in a handsome nine-disc set from Kino Lorber.
The series was created by Glen A. Larson, who was also responsible for "Magnum P.I," "The Fall Guy," "Alias Smith and Jones," "Knight Rider" and another of the era's most fondly remembered science-fiction shows, the original "Battlestar Galactica."
The 1979 "Buck" begins in the near future, 1987 to be exact. When a NASA deep space probe goes awry, Astronaut Buck Rogers (Gerard) is frozen and awakens five centuries later. He finds a decimated, post-apocalyptic Earth. Buck teams up with Colonel Wilma Deering (Erin Gray) to lead a starship crew dedicated to fighting the forces of evil. Also featured in the winning cast are Pamela Hensley, Tim O'Connor, Wilfred Hyde-White and the voice of Mel Blanc as a little robot.
The list of guest stars is impressive indeed, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Roddy McDowall, Dorothy Stratten, Julie Newmar, Sid Haig, Ray Walston, Woody Strode, Jack Palance, Peter Graves, Henry Silva, Cesar Romero, Macdonald Carey, Markie Post, Gary Coleman, Frank Gorshin, Barbara Luna, Mary Woronov, Jerry Orbach, Richard Moll, Dennis Haysbert and Richard Lynch. Even Buster Crabbe himself turns up in an episode.
The show looks fabulous in Blu-ray, with the colors of the imaginative sets and costumes really popping. Considering television's budgetary limitations in that era, these elements are impressive, as are the special effects. When they take on an occasionally tacky 70s tone, that just adds to the fun.
The sound on the discs is striking, thanks to the DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio. They give the space battles extra oomph.
Fans get a galaxy full of bonus features with this set, such as numerous audio commentary tracks, plus interviews with cast members, including Erin Gray.
Throughout the discs, the new Kino Lorber set allows viewers to rediscover the energy and escapist entertainment of "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century." It's a space adventure worth experiencing.
"THE CAPTAINS COLLECTION"
No fan of the "Star Trek" franchise should be without Shout! Factory's four-disc release of "The Captains Collection" It's the first time these four documentaries, headed by William Shatner, have ever been available on Blu-ray.
In the historic "The Captains," Shatner tracks down his fellow Starfleet captains -- Sir Patrick Stewart, Avery Brooks, Kate Mulgrew and Scott Bakula, as well as Chris Pine, who resurrected Shatner's character, James T. Kirk, for the most recent "Star Trek" feature films. The interviews in this special provide loads of amusing and enlightening anecdotes. But Shatner, as an interviewer, isn't afraid to go deep, touching on everything from marriage to mortality. The results are surprisingly revealing.
"The Captains Close-Up" uses interview footage that was filmed for the first special, but didn't make the final cut. The material doesn't seem like filler at all. It's equally juicy stuff, presenting not-to-be missed, 30-minute profiles of each star.
"Chaos on the Bridge" tells in detail how "Star Trek: The Next Generation" was born and the challenges it faced, on and off camera. It's a fascinating tale. "Get a Life" documents Shatner's complex relationship with Trekkers and his ultimate embracing of the show's diverse fandom. It examines how the fervent followers of the franchise relate and manifest their reverence in a myriad of ways.
In the Shout! Factory set, each of these documentaries offers its own set of hard-to-resist, wide-ranging bonus features.
"THE GOOD PLACE: THE COMPLETE SERIES"
Suddenly find yourself dead? Not to worry. You might be going to "The Good Place." That's what happens to Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell) in this hit NBC series. But the thing is, The Good Place is for good people. And it turns out that, Eleanor is not so good after all. She wound up in this heavenly spot due to mistaken identity. Can she make herself worthy?
All four seasons and 53 episodes of this funny and imaginative fantasy show, created by Michael Schur ("Parks and Recreation," "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"), are now available on Blu-ray from Shout! Factory. It's not only consistently humorous, but thought-provoking, as well.
The cast -- Bell, Ted Danson, William Jackson Harper, Jameela Jamil, Manny Jacinto and D'archy Carden -- proves to be thoroughly appealing, from the series' intriguing beginning to its entirely satisfying conclusion.
Shout's nine-disc set includes one dedicated to bonus features and it will delight devoted fans. The extras include extended episodes, audio commentaries, the finale special hosted by Seth Meyers, a Comic-Con panel, gag reels, visual effects reels and a table read.
"NORTHERN EXPOSURE: THE COMPLETE SERIES"
Go north, young man! When a New York doctor (Rob Morrow) accepts a residency in Alaska, his life changes dramatically. Expecting to practice in Anchorage, he instead is assigned to the tiny, remote village of Cicely. His interactions with the eccentric townsfolk make for a classic fish-out-of-water situation.
One of the most beloved shows of the 90s, "Northern Exposure," returns via Shout Factory's new 26-disc set, containing all 110 episodes (1990-1995), plus bonuses that will thrill fans. The Emmy-winning comedy-drama series, more than 25 years later, still pleases with its unique brand of heartwarming, quirky charm and humor.
Morrow heads a top-quality ensemble, which includes Janine Turner (playing a pilot/feminist who keeps sexual tension crackling with Morrow), John Corbett (as the disc jockey who threads together the community), Cynthia Geary, Teri Polo and Barry Corbin. Others who pop up over the course of the series include Graham Greene, Anthony Edwards, Regina King, Valerie Mahaffey, James Marsters, Adam Arkin, Kaley Cuoco, Jack Black, Christa Miller, Patrick Warburton and Shecky Greene. They all benefit from the series' absorbing writing.
The show's music is another attraction, incorporating carefully chosen, diverse and appealing songs. This DVD set, like previous releases, does substitute for some of the original songs, possibly due to licensing issues. But the soundtrack still works to enhance each episode's tone.
Also adding to the distinctive nature of "Northern Exposure" are the gorgeous scenery (shot in Washington State) and the depiction of indigenous people and their traditions.
The Shout set's bonus features includes tons of deleted scenes, as well as gag reels, promos and much more.
"GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS [COLLECTOR'S EDITION]"
You don't need explosions or special effects to create a riveting film experience. Explosive dramatic moments, generated by superb acting and brilliant writing, make "Glengarry Glen Ross" one of the most powerful movies you'll ever see. A new Collector's Edition Blu-ray has been issued by Shout! Factory.
The plot involves an office of Chicago real estate salesmen. Sales figures are lagging, so out come the carrot and the stick. One among them may lose his job. Not only careers, but lives could be at stake. The race is on. No one wants to finish at the bottom of the sales chart. Desperation leads to a dog-eat-dog mentality.
David Mamet's spellbinding script, based on his Pulitzer Prize-winning play, is brought to life by a dream cast, including Jack Lemmon, Al Pacino, Ed Harris, Alan Arkin, Jonathan Pryce, Kevin Spacey and Alec Baldwin. Like the characters they portray, the actors have their competitive juices flowing, egging one another to ever greater heights. Be at the top of your game or be left in the dust. Each player rises to the challenge. They fire eviscerating, profanity-filled lines back and forth. Director James Foley ably keeps the pace brisk and the tension simmering, building to a boiling point.
They make Mamet's intense, incisive dialogue pop and crackle. The hard-hitting, brutally honest script makes clear how greed can quash humanity. Over the course of the penetrating film, through the rich writing and skilled acting, the viewer gets vivid portraits of each distinctive character. You'll be thinking about these embattled men and their moral dilemmas long after the closing credits.
The Shout! Factory release, from a new 4k transfer using the original camera negative, contains important bonus features, such as a new interview with James Foley, a new segment with actor Joe Mantegna about working with Mamet, plus audio commentary tracks, one with Foley, another archival one with Lemmon.
"SOUTHLAND TALES"
It may be perplexing, practically impenetrable, but this ambitious 2006 film is also wildly imaginative and endlessly fascinating. Written and directed by Richard Kelly, who had previously created the 2001 cult classic "Donnie Darko," the sprawling movie combines elements of the science-fiction, thriller and comedy genres. Now is the perfect time to plunge into its mind-boggling originality, thanks to a new two-disc, Blu-ray release from Arrow Video.
Set two years in the future, 2008, the film opens after two Texas towns are destroyed by nuclear explosions. Domino effects lead to the nation's implosion. Social, economic and political chaos have resulted. Anarchism vies with authoritarianism. Southern California, the Southland of the title, has disintegrated into a dire, dystopian state.
The main characters are Boxer Santaros (Dwayne Johnson), an action movie actor suffering from amnesia; Krysta Now, a psychic ex-porn star intent on conquering reality TV (Sarah Michelle Gellar); and twins Roland and Ronald Taverner, one a law enforcement officer and the other a neo-Marxist revolutionary (both portrayed by Seann William Scott). The brothers have a mysterious origin.
In addition to Johnson, Gellar and Scott, a bevy of familiar faces pop up over the course of the movie. That adds to the fun of watching this dark satire. Among the cast members are Mandy Moore, Miranda Richardson, Wallace Shawn, Bai Ling, Justin Timberlake, Zelda Rubenstein, John Laroquette and former "SNL" players Amy Poehler, Nora Dunn, Cheri Oteri and Jon Lovitz. Kevin Smith even has a bit, if you can recognize him under the prosthetic makeup.
The Arrow release offers not only the 145-minute theatrical version, but also the 160-minute director's cut that was only seen at the Cannes Film Festival. The picture (new 2K restoration) and sound (both DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and PCM 2.0 stereo soundtracks) on the Blu-ray are first-rate. The eclectic soundtrack, produced by Moby, is another plus.
And you get plenty of bonuses, including an audio commentary by director Kelly on the theatrical cut, providing insights and putting the whole project into perspective. Among the other extras are a new in-depth documentary about the film and an archival animated short set in the "Southland Tales" universe.
CDs
EVIE SANDS "GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY"
There are countless singer-songwriters. But only a handful truly excel at both singing and songwriting. Evie Sands is one who is brilliant in those two skill categories. On top of that, she's a dynamite guitarist.
Sands has been wowing listeners since the 60s. And she's still at the peak of her powers, as evidenced by her recently released album, "Get Out of Your Own Way." Untouched by the sands of time, her performances here exude youthful vibrancy.
You may remember Sands' terrific, timeless hits -- "Any Way That You Want Me" and "Take Me For a Little While." She also recorded early and electrifying versions of "I Can't Let Go" and "Angel of the Morning," later turned into hits by The Hollies and Merrilee Rush, respectively. Only record company bungling kept her from topping the charts with those. Sands wrote songs that were covered by such prominent performers as Barbra Streisand, Tom Jones, Dusty Springfield, Karen Carpenter, Beth Orton, Dionne Warwick, Shirley Bassey, Frankie Valli, Gladys Knight, Missy Elliot and Beck.
Now get ready to discover a dozen brand new Sands rock/soul goodies. With hook-laden, well-crafted songs, fiercely soulful vocals, spirited guitar and a killer backing band, she makes every number riveting and memorable. Her songwriting, like her vocals, benefit from a rare blend of keen intelligence and genuine emotion. Lyrics and melodies are equally compelling.
Sands opens with the blistering "The Truth is in Disguise," an instant classic. Other standout tracks include a rollicking "Don't Hold Back" and the deeply meaningful, uplifting "Get Out of Your Own Way."
"Another Night" is a rocking cautionary tale. "Scandal du Jour" defiantly glares at the villains in our modern society. "Lovin You Enough," enhanced by irresistible electric guitar riffs, expounds on not settling for a love that's waning. On "Beautiful Lie," with its appealing funk flair, Sands sings of a love gone wrong. "If You Give Up" is a rousing exhortation to rise up, not give up, not be beaten down.
The poignant and power-packed "My Darkest Days" tells of plummeting to the depths, but surviving. Thus the lyrics ultimately deliver an optimistic message. The glorious "Leap of Faith" focuses on the brand new day that follows feeling helpless and hopeless. "After Tonight" also finds a reserve of resilience that can triumph over the pain.
Each of the 12 impassioned, inspiring songs will only grab you more tightly with each listening. Sands sizzles with a fire that burns just as brightly as ever. So get out of your own way and get a copy of this exceptional new album by an extraordinary artist.
For more on Evie Sands, read our 2017 interview:
http://popcultureclassics.com/evie_sands.html
EVA CASSIDY - "ACOUSTIC"
The phrase "voice of an angel" is often used, but rarely applies as fully as it does with Eva Cassidy. Her voice is simply perfection, soul-stirring and uncompromisingly genuine. On this new collection, her lustrous vocals shine with only the sparest instrumental accompaniment, primarily Cassidy's guitar, strummed or fingerpicked. No distractions. No ornate production. Just the otherworldly beauty of Cassidy's supremely satisfying singing.
The international appreciation for Cassidy's talents, sadly, came only after she had passed away in 1996, the victim of melanoma. She was 33. It's baffling how she didn't achieve stardom during her lifetime, though she did build a fervent following as a club performer in her hometown, Washington, D.C.
Her breathtaking voice will instantly enrapture you. On these 20 winsome tracks, Cassidy draws from a wide range of familiar material, effortlessly invoking pop, folk, blues and jazz inflections, making each song all her own. Her performances will make you forget every other version you've ever heard.
Among the most memorable are her reworking of Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time," Gordon Lightfoot's "Early Morning Rain," Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready," Christine McVie's "Songbird," Paul Simon's "American Tune" and the vintage Patti Page hit, "Tennessee Waltz."
Cassidy's magic is readily evident on "You Take My Breath Away," a tune penned by Josephine Claire Hamill. The vocalist offers the prettiest rendition imaginable of Paul Anka's "It Doesn't Matter Anymore," which was popularized by Buddy Holly and later Linda Ronstadt. Cassidy's venture into pop standards with "Autumn Leaves" and "At Last" add to the list of gentle triumphs. You'll feel like you're experiencing them for the very first time.
Cassidy also breathes new life into traditional numbers, including "Danny Boy," "The Water Is Wide," "Wade in the Water" and "Wayfaring Stranger." Her vocal interpretations, as well as her arrangements are warm and wonderful.
Cassidy demonstrates the soul essence in everything she sings. With an unparalleled level of sensitivity, she utilizes a superlative sense of dynamics. Every note she sings proves true and pure and right. There are such exquisite nuances.
Yes, there are ample vocal acrobatics, but they never seem in the least contrived, as in so many TV singing competition performances. Her vocals are filled with surprises, yet always seem to make the best possible melodic choices. Cassidy delivers from deep within her heart. Her voice just goes wherever the authentic emotion takes her.
She dazzles, but with utter sincerity. Cassidy may be gone, but she has left behind a wealth of musical treasures. If this album doesn't move you, you cannot be moved.
MOIRA SMILEY AND VOCO - "IN OUR VOICES"
Who knows more about the power and potential of the human voice than Moira Smiley? The singer/composer, whose own vocal abilities are astonishing, has recorded stunning albums -- as a solo artist, with her transcendent vocal group VOCO and with various pop and folk artists, such as Tune-Yards, Solas and Jayme Stone's Lomax Project. But Smiley also knows the power of a heartfelt lyric. And she has combined magnificent vocals with perceptive, insightful lyrics on her latest work, "In Our Voices." It brims with personal, political and social relevance.
The group's resonant voices, with the additional energy of body percussion, generate a gorgeous musical intensity and weave supple, shimmering soundscapes.
On the opener, "Sing About It," tackling the racial divide, Smiley finds music to be the balm for pain and sings of accountability:
Stop pretending it's alright,
Stop pretending this is not our fight.
Am I responsible? Are you responsible?
What are we responsible for?
"Days of War" juxtaposes the knowledge of the conflicts all around us with a wistfully lovely tune, jaunty banjo and imagery of a bird in flight. "Wiseman" is a profound declaration of love. "Stand in that River" glistens with the purity of a hymn.
Other mesmerizing tracks include "Refugee," "How Can I Try," "So Glad," "Silverlake," "The Call" and "Bellow."
Throughout, Smiley's extraordinary, expressive voice is complemented by potent rhythms and wondrous, stirring harmonies. She has surrounded herself with other sublime vocalists. Joining Smiley in VOCO are Dawn Pemberton, Jake Asaro, Gregory Fletcher and Karla Mundy. Special guests Sam Amidon, Seamus Egan and David Weber also lend their voices to these urgent, emotional pleas.
With "In Our Voices," Smiley sings of freedom, brotherhood, justice and equality. She cries out for a rejection of hatred. Smiley is an artist with much to say... and she says it beautifully, with eloquence, passion and integrity.
TIME BETWEEN
MY LIFE AS A BYRD, BURRITO BROTHER AND BEYOND
By Chris Hillman [BMG Books]
He has never been an attention-grabbing rock star, so despite being a key element of several of the most important bands of all time, the low-key Chris Hillman isn't as much of a household name as he deserves to be. He has mainly let the music do the talking. But now, in his mid-seventies, he has penned a memoir. It's an engaging and informative read and it crystallizes Hillman's immense contributions to the country and rock genres.
Hillman describes his childhood in the 1950s and, as an adolescent, his emergence as a bluegrass artist. He mastered the mandolin, guitar and later the bass. He's best known as a founding member of folk-rock legends The Byrds.
In the book, Hillman details the band's birth, flight and series of crashes. Hillman, Gene Clark, Roger McGuinn, David Crosby and Michael Clarke were very different personalities, so there was creative fire, but also conflict that often derailed camaraderie. The shy Hillman tended to stay in the background early on, but gradually blossomed, his confidence growing as a singer and songwriter. The L.A. scene of the 60s comes alive in these pages, as he recalls those heady, tumultuous years.
Besides various incarnations of The Byrds, Hillman helped fuel The Flying Burrito Brothers, continuing his merging of genres. He delves into the difficulties in dealing with the tragic Gram Parsons.
Hillman also played in Manassas with Stephen Stills, as well as the cobbled-together supergroup Souther, Furay and Hillman. Moving forward, Hillman fronted the highly successful country-rock group, Desert Rose Band.
In the autobiography, Hillman, in a relaxed, conversational style, recounts his many exciting experiences, on tour, in the studio, doing television shows. Along the way, he offers insights into many of the icons he encountered over the years, including The Beatles, Lenny Bruce, Keith Richards and Miles Davis. The reader will also value his perspective on the ever shifting (and sometimes shifty) music industry.
Through this memoir, we develop an even greater appreciation for Hillman as a gifted, versatile, enduring musical talent, but also as a family man. He and his wife Connie have been married for more than 40 years. He still exudes humility and gratitude. While facing challenges on his path, Hillman has led a remarkable life. And music fans will relish joining him on this look back at the journey.
Be sure to read our 2008 interview with Chris Hillman:
http://popcultureclassics.com/chris_hillman.html
