My DVD review

Well, I have to say that the new Lisztomania DVD is a bit of a missed opportunity. Don't get me wrong: it's fantastic to finally have access to an official release of that movie on DVD with the extra bonus of getting to see the original theatrical trailer and on top of that, hearing Russell himself talking through (most) of its duration.

The thing is, more care should have been applied to what are to me the key faults of this DVD. For starters, the transfer is not that good for a 2009 DVD: murky, dark and full of speckles, it's clear that a full restoration was not made. For comparison sake, I'd say it's only a notch up from the Laserdisc, which is not saying too much, as you can see. Also, subtitles are not included which is a common practice in the UK as far as home video is concerned but a sad one, as far as I'm concerned.

But what I felt was really lacking was the audio commentary. Russell is always an interesting person to listen to but let's not forget he is getting old and he really needs someone to keep him talking. There are lots of dead time and most of the time Russell simply describes what he's saying. Guess he haven't seen this one in a long time. Top marks go for the wonderfully written booklet that is filled to the brim with interesting trivia and anecdotes.

Still, it's the best you can get for now because Warner Bros. still refuses R1 users of a home video release.

(the image above is for a japanese single for Peace at Last/Orpheu's Song taken from the Lisztomania soundtrack)

Waiting

Feeling a bit like old Ringo up here, in this lovely caricature I just found in this blog. I explain: I became tired of waiting for reviews to come out about the new Lisztomania DVD (so far, the only one I was able to find was this one over here by DVD Outsider and even that one seems to be misleading because it fails to mention the inclusion of the audio commentary which leads me to believe that the review copy they were sent in was incomplete), so I dutifully went and ordered the DVD myself.

Right now, I'm just waiting for it to arrive at my doorstep and be sure that as soon as I'm able to view it, I will tell you all you need to know about how it sounds and looks (we all know the film is ace, right so no need to expand on that!).

Until then!

Lisztomania DVD streets today!

It's finally out today! The waiting is over! So go out and get it! I know I will.

Expect some reviews in the coming days. Be sure that I shall be posting every single one that I can find! See you all soon.

Lisztomania DVD details!

Hooray! Digital Classics has spilled the beans over at the Ken Russell Discussion Forum regarding the details of the forthcoming DVD! And here they are, directly from the lion's mouth:

The DVD will be released in an anamorphic transfer (...)

The DVD bonuses include a Directors Commentary, 8 page booklet and a theatrical trailer.

Hooray! Very much looking forward to seeing the theatrical trailer as I've never managed to see it and I don't even think it was included in the laserdisc version. Bring it on!

Ken Russell has a message for you!

Yes, you read it right: Ken Russell, the director of Lisztomania, has recorded a message for all of us regarding the upcoming release of the DVD and you can listen to it in the Amazon UK page selling it! Just follow this link.

May can't come soon enough!

Lisztomania Promo Trailer

In anticipation of the soon-to-be released DVD for Lisztomania, Digital Classics have put together a trailer promoting it. I strongly suggest you watch it because only then you'll begin to understand the true nature of this particular beast. One to be experienced, that's for sure.

We're now less than one month away from its street date and I'm practically counting down the days, such is my excitement! From what I've heard, the A/V quality of the DVD really is outstanding but so far, no confirmation about the Russell commentary has surfaced. Let's really hope it does materialize. See you soon.

A Small Correction

It was called to my attention that Lisztomania was not the first "Quintaphonic" film to be made but rather Tommy instead. It's absolutely correct, of course and for that glaring mistake I publicly apologize for leading my readers astray.

Lisztomania was the first film to be encoded with a Dolby Stereo optical soundtrack, though and this was where my confusion laid (never been a "techy" kind of guy, anyway). Still, at the end of the day all it matters is that Digital Classics treats the movie the way it should be treated: with the utmost respect for such a great example of the highest order possible of camp on celuloid. And you can quote me for that. British eccentricity at its sublime best.

Ask Ken!

And the good news keep on rolling: if you move over to the Ken Russell Discussion Forum, moderated by Iain Fisher (the guy behind the website Savage Messiah I mentioned a few posts below), you'll find that Digital Classics (the label that will be releasing Lisztomania on DVD soon) has made the astounding announcement that Ken Russell himself has expressed interest in doing the audio-commentary for the film and is inviting people to send him questions that will eventually be answered and included on that audio-track.

How's that for treating the fans, hey? All I can say is I'm thrilled beyond words. Now, just go to that forum, register yourself and ask away!

Lisztomania DVD Artwork revealed!

I really can't wait for the new Lisztomania DVD to arrive in stores. Take a look at the brilliant cover artwork that was created for the upcoming release right above. I think it perfectly describes what the movie is all about: a glam-rock 19th century musical biopic! Great job, Digital Classics.

Lisztomania DVD with a Commentary (maybe...)!

Hmm, the good news keep on coming: apparently, and according to Savage Messiah, the best online resource of all things Ken Russell, Lisztomania will indeed (probably, maybe) contain an audio commentary by its (in)famous director...

Let's just see if it indeed materializes. In the meantime, keep your fingers and toes crossed.

By the way, the above photo is by Nancy Lee Andrews and it was taken on the set of Lisztomania. And in case you haven't guessed it, Ringo is playing a Pope. Oh, yeah.

Lisztomania out on DVD!

Terrific news, everyone! Lisztomania is being released by UK DVD outfit, Digital Classics in May! It's always a great feeling when a MIA Ringo movie gets an official release date!

I really hope the upcoming DVD is not barebones and that at least we get the basic package: original trailer (which I've never, ever seen and am very curious to know just how they managed to advertise this one back then!) and a small featurette/interview. Needless to say, a 5 track audio option is mandatory as you remember this was the very first movie that used such an audio soundtrack (it was billed as "Quintaphonic").

And is it too much to ask for a Russell commentary (my very favorite commentator just behind John Waters)? Come on, the man is getting old...

Lisztomania

Hello, blog-goers (just made up this crappy new word on the spot)! Well, here I am again to tell you a little bit more about Lisztomania, a 1975 Ken Russell film starring The Who frontman, Roger Daltrey and co-STARRing our one and only Ringo Starr in a very peculiar role as we shall see.

Apparently, this is the movie that Ken Russell (himself belonging to that rare and dying breed that constitute the Great British Eccentrics) wanted to make before he was approached by The Who to transform their double-album Rock Opera, Tommy, into a moving musical picture. Because that particular project was so successful, Russell got the go-ahead signal from the folks at Warner Bros. to come up with a fantasized bio-pic on classic composer Franz Liszt. For anyone wondering, Russell did not come up with the title - it was borrowed from a biography with the same name. Perfect, don't you think?

Anyway, this movie, like most of Russell's, is a love it or hate it affair. Those who like to indulge in the dizzy realms of that grand art that is High Camp, will find plenty to enjoy here, be it from the over-the-top sceneries and performances or from the liberty the author grants himself to go past over such silly and impractical things as historical accuracy or narrative plausibility. Not to worry, dear readers: it's all done in excellent bad taste.

Yes, we have giant penises, Richard Wagner dying and ressuscitating as Hitler, Richard Wakeman as a sort of mixture of Asterix and a Viking, a heavenly spaceship in the full sense of the word (I won't ruin this one for you as you have to see it to believe it) and finally, Ringo as the Pope, wearing cowboy boots. With that said, if you still haven't ran to get this movie at all costs, you simply'll never know how much fun you are missing. Yes, it's another MODVD, folks.

That reminds me: one of these days, I have to start making online petitions for those damned MODVD movies. And that's a promise! I leave you with a poster for Lisztomania I just found and one I've never seen before. Enjoy it!

Franz Liszt! Chop Sticks!

Question: what do Roger Daltrey, Franz Liszt, Ken Russell, giant penises, Hitler, Richard Wagner, Rick Wakeman, Ringo Starr and the Pope have to do with the movie from which the above poster comes from?

Find out all about it in my next post as we journey into the unknown territory of Ringo's MODVD (missing on DVD, for those who'd like to know) filmography! Stay tuned!