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The releases are divided into four collections. The Early Years set features somewhat lesser-known pictures like Step Lively, Higher and Higher and It Happened in Brooklyn. The Golden Years includes career highs like Otto Preminger’s The Man With the Golden Arm and Some Came Running. For those who love a little singing and dancing—and who doesn’t?—the Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly Collection packages the three collaborations “the crooner and the hoofer” made together: On the Town, Take Me Out to the Ball Game and Anchors Aweigh. Finally, the Rat Pack Ultimate Collector’s Edition features Frank, Dean, Sammy, The Criterion Collection will always have my respect and love for many things, but especially for their continued focus on the work of the magnificent director Michael Powell. This month they’re releasing 1940’s The Thief of Baghdad, which was directed by Powell and an amazing two other credited and three uncredited directors (including producer Alexander Korda). An eye-popping Technicolor retelling of the Arabian Nights, the film is featured in a new digital transfer, along with special features like audio dictations Powell made for his autobiography, a Korda-made propaganda film and more. In other Criterion news, they’re going to start releasing Blu-Ray editions priced the same as the regular ones this fall, good news for PS3 owners everywhere. MARK SLUTSKY |
| MIRROR ARCHIVES » May 15 May 21 2008: INSIDE - COVER | ARCHIVES INDEX | CURRENT ISSUE |
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