MTI Home Video should be ashamed for trying to deceive horror buffs, as The Wind is a very dark DRAMA, and quite a strange, oddly compelling one. Those of us that enjoy films like this one would have been speaking out more had the company tried to market it truthfully.

The "wind" in this film is a metaphor for society, and is the story of four friends who make some bad choices and how thier lives quickly turn into ones of desperate self-preservation. After going too far in 'teaching a lesson' to one of their own, a death occurs and each person tries to save his/her own standing. Manipulation between them becomes the norm, and by the end we see how self-preservation becomes their main motivation over good judgment. From civilized to savage, basically. The film manages to get messages across without being heavy-handed, though you can spot many symbols and meaningful dialogue throughout.

What works well in this film's favor are the "unknown" actors. It works better when you have lesser known, capable actors instead of being distracted by big stars. You can actually get drawn into the story and forget these aren't real people. Use of locations (a forest, wide open fields, cozy homes) all add to the strange feel of another universe entirely.

For those of us that "got" the intentions of this film, The Wind is a breath of fresh air (no pun intended) in a time when most films are just made to rake in the bucks and "compete" to be mentioned on Entertainment Tonight as the top film draw of the week. Years later, it's great little films like this one that stay in my mind, not processed blockbusters.

Get past the bad marketing ploy from the video distributor, and you must might find this an engaging story indeed. I strongly recommend it to friends that seek out unusual films like this one.

This CD is a letdown. Thank goodness I collected the 12" remixes on vinyl, as this compilation is more of a consumer-friendly release, shortening most of the original extended versions for those that can't handle songs over 7 minutes in length.

LIES is over 1 minute shorter, LOVE ON YOUR SIDE is 2 minutes shorter, HOLD ME NOW is 3 minutes shorter, and DOCTOR! DOCTOR! is 2 minutes shorter. Considering this CD is a running total of 62:37, there's still enough room to have given us the original remix lengths.

KING FOR A DAY resembles neither of the orignal two 12" releases, so this was a pleasant surprise, and since I never had been able to get my hands on the vinyl 12" of the "High Plains Mixer" version of YOU TAKE ME UP (which this CD's track is apparently), I am at least happy to have another version besides the "Machines Take Me Over/Down Tools" release that I have on 12", which runs over 11 and a half minutes!

THE GAP was originally released as a promotional 12" here in the U.S. and thankfully Arista chose to include it here in the entire extended form.

Unfortunately, for the purposes of promoting the newer version of IN THE NAME OF LOVE, we are given the '88 remix, and the ruined 1985 version of LAY YOUR HANDS ON ME, instead of one of the two import 12" versions that were released (sans the horrid guitars and booming chorus). I have both of those, and thankfully you can get the first of the two '84 12" versions on another CD called "The Greatest Hits," which is highly recommended for alternate versions of their songs.

This CD is worth having for some of the fuller tracks, but to shorten already great remixes is a true crime. Shame on Arista for agreeing to this. Buyer beware, you're not getting the "greatest" with this compilation...

IMPORTANT NOTICE to those buying the Cube DVD: there are two editions out there, the first was Trimark's edition, and now there's Lion's Gate's "signature series" edition (Lion's Gate now owns Trimark). Apparently the orignal Trimark edition is being phased out.

This new LG edition is still excellent, but collectors will definitely want both editions as the commentary on Trimark's is much better since it includes cast member David Hewlett (they go more in-depth to some of the aspects of the film). Why LG decided to replace that commentary with a new one with only director Vincenzo Natali is a mystery. The only other difference is the new LG edition has a brief interview with Nicole deBoer, and a more interactive menu.

Now, on to the film itself: Cube is one of the most original sci-fi films of the last decade. If you were to think about what situation would terrify you the most, Cube would be the ultimate challenge. In a way, it is a predecessor to TV's "Survivor" in which the people each have a skill that can help them survive and possibly get them out...here, being that seven people wake up and find themselves in an endless maze of cubed rooms, some of which are booby trapped.

It all comes down to human emotions and confrontations that get in the way of the characters' progress and survival. It's a talky film, but that's the point -- figuring situations and dealing with different personalities is inevitable to any group. The solving of problems becomes very complex, but the viewer doesn't have to worry...let the characters figure it out as we go along for the ride!

While so many sci-fi films want to wow you with effects, Cube does something more daring -- it makes you think! With its limited budget working FOR its advantage and some digital effects that preceded even the film Titanic, Cube still proves itself as one of the most original and intelligent thrillers of the last decade. It is truly a nail-biter.

Those who need more visual thrills and less "thinking" should just then stick with Cube 2: Hypercube. However, this first and superior Cube is a masterpiece! Gumdrops, anyone?

(...)...when you take a song and whack it out so much that it doesn't even resemble the original track, then it's only good for those that are so drugged out at raves. Erasure never was exclusively a trance music group, they are at their best when extending their songs and keeping close to what they really were. There are plenty of trance songs out there to satsify that crowd, Erasure doesn't have to do it every time.

Erasure is in top form with this maxi-single: Every remix of Solsbury Hill and Video Killed The Radio Star remain faithful to the original tracks, and are all vocal too! Each mix is very different from each other, yet you know what song you are still listening too. This is a wide variety of choices -- Solsbury Hill's radio mix is perky and fun techno pop, the 37B mix is funky, the Manhattan Clique mix is club-friendly and well structured. And all the while you can sing along and know this isn't some "re-interpretation" by some trendy dj that has no real relation to the song to begin with. At least these tracks offer different visions and still provide thorough enjoyment.

The other cover on the single is "Ave Maria," and it's a great avenue for Andy Bell to give it his all and use his voice to it's fullest. You'll even love the non-lp tracks included, "Tell It To Me" and "Searching." The latter is a great disco-influenced song that I find myself playing quite often.

For the price, you're getting a lot of good music and for once ALL of the eight tracks are well done! None of the tracks are throwaways. Plus, the bonus of a short film as CD-ROM makes this a must have for Erasure fans and those hungry for something outside of today's bland "American Idol"-type or rap/metal-saturated music.

Give yourself a treat and try this CD, it shows why Erasure is still in top form after 20 years in the business!

FINALLY! The complete Australian language version of Richard Franklin's gem from 1978!

An enigmatic young man kills his mother, and winds up in a coma in a private hospital. Enter the pretty nurse who discovers Patrick has capabilities no one seems to know (or admit) about.
For those that are thrill seekers, this film is not a fast-paced action-packed story. BUT, for those of us that appreciate characters over wild thrills, and enjoy careful buildups to a final reveal, this one is nicely done. There IS a reason it was an initial success and has gained a big cult following, people understood Franklin's intentions.

Sure, Patrick is not Citizen Kane, but it is a nice mystery with great performances, a keen sense of humour ("self-referential humour" as it has been described), and some rather strong adult content for what was supposed to be a PG-rated film, even back in 1978. I first saw it theatrically and was surprised by its content, but appreciated the homages to Hitchcock (which Franklin carefully points out in many scenes on the DVD's commentary), and Brian May's score has a nice Herrmann-esque feel. I was only disappointed that it was dubbed with American actors. Finally seeing this film in the original Australian language version on DVD made me like this film a lot more 25 years later.

Elite's DVD has the basic extras: two theatrical trailers, a commentary by Franklin and writer Everett De Roche. There's an easy to find easter egg that features cover art for different soundtrack releases as well. The filmographies are quite thorough, for fans of Australian cinema.

While this film is not extremely original, it still provides enough intrigue for those who look deeper into films that the general public would brush off. Patrick could be considered an acquired taste, so those who are familiar with it and liked it will find this DVD a very satisfying purchase and a nice surprise to see it in its original form. Others be warned, you might stick with more familiar "blockbuster hits."

I have a feeling that as soon as more people are exposed to Tomaselli's second feature "Horror," they'll be scrambling to get a copy of "Desecration" and sales for that will suddenly go up. It's a good feeling to be one of the first fans of this film.

Those weened on "Scream"-influenced comedy/horror/pop soundtrack films will not find anything redeeming with this film, as it is very much a cerebral study. It is the only film in many years that has come anywhere close to capturing the style and mystery of the great 1970s Italian horror films in the vein of Bava and Argento. If you love that, then you won't mind that the plot is not easily played out and that you have to use your mind a bit to get through the story.

A boy in a Catholic school accidentally kills a nun, and it either opens the gate to hell or he's plagued with guilt -- have fun figuring it out -- what follows is 88 minutes of hallucinatory images, scary nuns (the main ghoul still gives me extreme creeps), and a great score. Seems when someone wants to get out of Hell, that person would do just about anything!

Sure, there are many low-budget things that those who enjoy "teen" fare will gripe about (most likely they'll whine about Irma St. Paule's hacking cough throughout the film or the death by remote control plane). I had no problem with the film's budget limitations, as Tomaselli is quite a visionary and makes up for any flaws with an abundance of ambition, style, and originality even when giving a nod to his influences. It's rare for me to be so excited by a discovery such as "Desecration," and I urge those with open minds to see why, in general, reviews from the press as well as lovers of obscure cinema are raving about this gem.

I first got "Desecration" when it was higher-priced, and did not regret it. Now that the price is extremely low, you'll find that this DVD is a great bargain! My only complaint is that we get just an excerpt of the short film this was based on. Maybe someday if its cult status grows, we'll be treated to a special edition with commentary and more. Until then, I cherish this film as it's a treat with each additional viewing. Dane Tomaselli is a director to watch for, he's going to be revolutionizing horror and giving it new life, you can bet on it!

This relatively unknown film ranks among one of my favorites. "Desecration" is truly a film done by a gifted talent and is for those who love surreal and imaginative storytelling!

A point is taken away for this video complilation for a few reasons: 1) This is not a complete collection of clips, and since it only runs an hour Universal could have gone the extra inch and at least updated it by adding one of ABC's most striking videos "Love Conquers All." I had to obtain a Best Of New Wave DVD from the Netherlands to get that clip. For the price, Absolutely ABC should be a more complete collection. 2) The abrupt "swipe" of the last image of each video kind of gives it a feel of rushing it along rather than letting you enjoy and reflect these wonderful songs, and 3) The lack of a discography or other extras.

That said, this is otherwise an enjoyable experience from a time when music was abundant in creativity. From the "romantic new wave" of ABC's beginnings to the later clips' house music style, Mark White and Martin Fry provided something different with a pop sensibility making ABC accessible to many tastes.

The music: These songs are just as good today as they were then. I was always fond of ABC's use of string arrangements from the likes of Trevor Horn to Anne Dudley, and songs like "The Look Of Love," the grand "All Of My Heart," "Ocean Blue," and even rougher-edged songs like "That Was Then But This Is Now" are memorable for what you hear in the background, making these songs rather cinematic. There was a lot of care and emotion conveyed in those songs. ABC's third album and look boasted more of a cartoon flair with White and Fry losing more members yet adding other novelty characters (the girl Eden's name was first actually Fiona as listed on the import 12" single of "How To Be A Zillionaire," showing they were medling with an image for the moment). The songs "Be Near Me" and "Vanity Kills" (particularly the UK version of the latter) are nonetheless exciting and for '80s officionados extreme favorites -- these were always requested on my radio show in St. Louis up through my last show there in '95. The late '80s brought ABC into a more "house" style of sound, but still with signature sounds like "When Smokey Sings," "The Night You Murdered Love," and "King Without A Crown" (at least the house sound was made more apparent in the remixes which I proudly own).

The visuals: It's a matter of personal taste really, but whether you like the concepts behind each clip or not, one good thing they have going for them is that they aren't mega-million-dollar distractions like even today's worst rap vidoes are churning out.
ABC's videos are good examples of visuals accentuating songs instead of overpowering them -- some are simple in execution, but still with a flair for costume and in some cases a film noir touch. Even the animated "How To Be A Millionaire" manages to entertain without being a shrine to a band's ego. I appreciate the choice of actors in clips such as "Poison Arrow," "S.O.S.," and "Vanity Kills (US)," -- if these would have been made now, they would have replaced most of the dancing patrons of "Poison Arrow" with pretty youths, and replaced the male swimmer of "S.O.S." with a female. It's nice to see these clips in a light that is more suited to the concept.

While some may criticize videos like "The Look Of Love" and "One Better World" for a lack of impressive visual flair, you have to at least give them credit for their positive attitude and frivolity. You don't get much of that anymore, as most songs and videos are just so "angry" nowadays. As a fan of ABC even up to their late '90s studio release and as a big fan of '80s new wave, this DVD was a welcome addition to my collection despite the huge mistake of not being a more complete offering. Still, give it a spin and you'll find yourself remembering good times from when these were first released and smiling as you sing along. That counts for something in my book!

If you're a fan of the dark and twisted (with an artsy edge), then Edge Of Sanity will enthrall you. Others should know by the film's packaging summary that this is going to be a perverse ride and BEWARE. Dogging this film is not fair considering other realms into sexual depravity such as From Hell and Eyes Wide Shut are just grandiose eye candy.

While experimenting with anesthetics, Dr. Jekyll accidentally inhales fumes from an altered drug. This unleashes not only ability to act out his inhibitions, it unleashes repressed sexual feelings he had experienced as humiliation during his childhood. He then goes on a killing spree as Jack The Ripper, and becomes obsessed with a prostitute named Susannah that closely resembles the woman from his past.

Yes, Edge Of Sanity is sinister, twisted, perverse, and trashy. It's also lavish, elegant, and beautifully done. The cinematography is excellent (MGM's DVD is a vast improvement over the old VHS from the late 1980s), the costumes are a wow, and the music score is superb as well as appropriate to the scenes it enhances. A lot of imagination went into this production, and it's unfair to say it's an inappropriate film considering the many other "critically acclaimed" attempts at the dark side of sexuality and drug addiction.

Anthony Perkins chews the scenery well, playing his part of Jack Hyde to the hilt. It would be hard to think of any other actor that could have carried this part so well. Those who adored him in Psycho, Pretty Poison, and Crimes Of Passion will find a lot to love about his role in Edge Of Sanity.

I first viewed this film in the late 1980s on an unrated VHS edition, and MGM's DVD is most likely the closest to that version there is. I found no difference that I could notice between that original unrated version and this one, taking into consideration that MGM has been reissuing many obscure films like this one in their uncut forms (such as The Burning) though they have a rating listed. For film collectors of the dark and sinister, this is a nice addition and you'll be pleased with the great transfer. The only extras are a trailer and subtitles, but that's fine considering the low price for this DVD. I'm just thrilled that MGM has rescued Edge Of Sanity from obscurity for a whole new audience to discover and relish as well as make established fans like myself very, very happy.

Call it trash if you want to, but it's quality, wicked, ELEGANT trash and a fascinating tale to savor.

From the sheer joyous fun of "Wounded" to the warm hug of "Show Them What You're Made Of," Nik Kershaw's latest offering To Be Frank is perfect for those seriously looking for true music instead of worrying what will help them be with the "kewl" crowd.

I have been a Kershaw fan since 1984 and Nik seems to care about his fans and shows he loves to share his musical talent. This time around he's more acoustic but still with plenty of emotion to back it up. There have been few songs over the years that have deeply affected me like Paula Cole's "I Am So Ordinary" and Tori Amos' "Crucify," and Nik's song "Already" is the latest example of how perfect a song can be lyrically as well as in the melody. Take a listen to this track and you'll find yourself looking up, tilting your head a little to one side, and smiling as you sing along. It's got such a powerful feeling of hope.

On To Be Frank, Nik's vocals are right upfront, never upstaging the music and never drowned out by effects. When songs are sad they never are depressing, they are hopeful even when about conflict, and upbeat songs can be sly with a knowing wink and smile. It's a nice touch that many of these tracks overlap each other (which might aggravate those wanting certain tracks for personal mix compilations), it keeps a nice flow and gives the feel of a complete story. Musically, it's amazing how the songs never maintain a sameness -- there are shifts within the songs that never interfere with the rhythm or enjoyment.

While an acoustic flavor is present throughout, there are a nice range of sounds going on here. "Wounded" will please those that remember the upbeat fun of "Don Quixote," there's the folk style of "Take Me To The Church," a pinch of funk in the wonderful "All's Fair," the toe-tapping rhythm of "Die Laughing," and the more guitar-driven "Jane Doe" (for those that liked the sound of his previous album 15 Minutes, this track will please). I personally find "Already" to be the most perfect track, it always brightens my day listening to it.

It's a shame that the two import tracks "They Say" and "Food For Fantasy" weren't included on this release as I was not able to get my hands on the CD single of "Wounded" and many in the U.S. like myself will be left without! It is rather odd too, that the acoustic version of "Wouldn't It Be Good" was once again put on To Be Frank since it was also included on 15 Minutes. I never tire of any version of that song, but why they keep including that one is a mystery.

It's also a mystery that Nik Kershaw hasn't been invited to appear on any of the U.S. late night talk shows to perform yet, or even been pushed by MTV/VH1. There could be a whole new group of fans out there for him if some of these more commercial powers-that-be would give him a chance. After all, they are already offering an overdose of artists who scream at the top of their lungs to squeeze money out of the baggy jeans crowd. Nik offers something different, something fresh. In the meantime, I feel proud to be one of his supporters and will be spreading the word about his great music.

In my opinion, as the song "Already" states: "He's already there, he's already made it, he's already stolen the show...he just don't know." I have a feeling though that Nik Kershaw knows how much his music means to his fans, and will continue to share with us for a long time to come.

This is my all-time favorite film!

The First Nudie Musical has held its own for all these years by word of mouth and undoubtedly many pirated copies on vhs made the rounds since it was so hard to find. Even Paramount let it go to at least two other video companies I know of, and the last vhs release of it a few years ago was a collector's item in the fact that it contained the "plumber scene" which is now included on this DVD release as part of the deleted scenes. It's so good to see that people have cherished this film and are doing it great justice by giving us so much on this DVD.

I have been a true fan of this modest classic, telling everyone I know about it and forcing them to see it. No one to this day has been disappointed, especially if you appreciate extreme camp and honest to goodness silliness. The film is aware of its own low budget and uses that to its advantage, as one film critic once said "it was made for one percent of the budget of New York, New York and is a hundred times funnier!" It transcends the boundaries of a T&A comedy by actually appealing to anyone with a giddy sense of humor, straight or gay. Cindy Williams has always had a special place in my heart after seeing her performance in this film, she is top-notch here! SHE makes this film a complete experience, besides the charming and very funny Diana Canova's character of Juanita Juanita. And watch out for that very funny brief cameo by Ron Howard!

The early pressings of the DVD contain the soundtrack on CD -- what a welcome sight since I have held on to my vinyl copy of the soundtrack since it was released in 1977! Many will want this especially for the fact that Annette O'Toole was the singing voice behind the song The Lights And The Smiles! This may sound corny, but with the DVD release of The First Nudie Musical and its soundtrack right now, I feel life has come full circle for me. This has been my all-time favorite film since its theatrical release back in 1976, and I urge everyone to pay their respects and buy this DVD! You'll be glad you did and find yourself saying what Juanita Juanita said: "It's just so BIG!"