Point Blank - any sign of release?

Guest 980 · 05-03-2005, 12:21

I've asked this question here before.
Does anyone know if there are any plans to release the Lee Marvin / John Boorman 60s classic, Point Blank? It would be a great idea to pair this with the documentary Boorman made about Marvin a few years ago, though I suppose this would depend on film rights.

Guest 4140 · 07-03-2005, 09:45

Would love to see it myself. Apparently there's a good looking version which has been aired on an HD channel in the US so hopefully it won't be long.

Guest 25476 · 08-03-2005, 19:19

Far too long overdue, what's holding it up?

Why not a Boorman/Marvin boxset featuring a remastered (and correct ratio this time) 'Hell in the Pacific' as well?

John Hodson · 08-03-2005, 19:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Person A

Far too long overdue, what's holding it up?

Why not a Boorman/Marvin boxset featuring a remastered (and correct ratio this time) 'Hell in the Pacific' as well?

Point Blank, which hopefully will get a mention in the upcoming HTF chat, is a Warners property, and Hell in the Pacific is (unfortunately) a title under MGM's ownership.

Guest 26892 · 08-03-2005, 20:37

Certainly want this film if only for Lee Marvin's made of granite performance. The book is worth reading as well actually.

Guest 1764 · 08-03-2005, 23:01

Looks like they may have to pry the widescreen laserdisc from my cold, dead hands if they delay much longer.

As Classix Nouveaux might say about the film, "Is it a Dream?"

anephric · 09-03-2005, 08:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattwakeman

The book is worth reading as well actually.

All of Stark's (nee Westlake's) Parker books are worth reading - he wrote a new one not so long ago after a 15-year hiatus...

They're magnificent - as one critic described them, like stripped-down drag racers of hardbitten prose...

Guest 25476 · 09-03-2005, 09:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by anephric

All of Stark's (nee Westlake's) Parker books are worth reading - he wrote a new one not so long ago after a 15-year hiatus...

They're magnificent - as one critic described them, like stripped-down drag racers of hardbitten prose...

Fully concur with the above, Westlake's marvellously stark prose can make Thompson or even Spillane appear verbose by comparison.

Guest 21489 · 09-03-2005, 11:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Person A

Fully concur with the above, Westlake's marvellously stark prose can make Thompson or even Spillane appear verbose by comparison.

I say, there is not one word in this post - or in this thread - with which one could disagree!

John Flynn's most satisfying adaptation (1973, with the mighty Robert Duvall in the Parker role) of "The Outfit" would also be most welcome on DVD.

Of course, the dreadful "Slayground" is freely available in this form.

With the exception of James Coburn's effortless scene-stealing, the less said about "Payback" the better. (If I may be so bold...

.)

The best Westlake (albeit non-Parker) DVD to date, I warrant, is the Region 1 edition of Frears' pleasing adaptation of Thompson's "The Grifters", scripted by Mr Westlake. This DVD features a commentary track by the author which other regions' editions lack.

Guest 25476 · 09-03-2005, 13:45

Back on topic (and to stop this being moved the Book Forum

) it seems that the best way to own a half decent copy of this is to wait until TCM next schedule it.

They normally screen it in the correct ratio along with a short, vintage documentary on Alcatraz.

Guest 4140 · 09-03-2005, 13:47

Calling TCM's version half decent flatters it somewhat. I'm hoping the HTF chat may throw some light on this title.

Guest 25476 · 09-03-2005, 14:00

I thought it was half-decent for an off-air broadcast, although I've only watched it on my portable so maybe I am being rather kind.

Another John Boorman curio that I would love to see is 'Leo the Last'. Has anyone on the Forums ever seen this?

John Hodson · 23-03-2005, 23:05

I'm quite pleased about this news:

Point Blank (1967)
Based on Donald E. Westlake�s novel The Hunter, Point Blank is an edgy neo-noir that merges a classic revenge story with imaginative New Wave style. Directed by John Boorman (Deliverance), Point Blank stars Lee Marvin in full anti-hero mode as a thief out for payback. The film also features an outstanding supporting cast that includes Angie Dickenson, Carroll O�Connor and Keenan Wynn.

DVD special features include:
Commentary by directors John Boorman and Steven Soderbergh
Vintage Featurettes: The Rock Part 1 and The Rock Part 2
Theatrical Trailer
Subtitles: English, French & Spanish

Guest 155 · 24-03-2005, 00:12

That's good news.

Incidentally, yes I have seen Leo the Last - at the NFT about a dozen years ago. It's an interesting, though rather arty film with a good performance from Mastroianni.

Guest 26892 · 24-03-2005, 08:47

Yay!

Guest 8198 · 24-03-2005, 15:51

Great news!
Will finally be able to retire the laserdisc.

Guest 25476 · 24-03-2005, 18:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Couzens

That's good news.

Incidentally, yes I have seen Leo the Last - at the NFT about a dozen years ago. It's an interesting, though rather arty film with a good performance from Mastroianni.

Thanks for that Gary.

I recently re-read Michael Ciment's book 'Boorman' - as far as I'm aware the only serious critique of John Boorman's work.

Seeing all those glorious stills has whetted my appetite to see it, although it looks like it won't be anytime soon.

BigH · 05-05-2005, 08:09

just spotted there's a Lee Marvin documentary on tonight (BBC2 - 12.55am)

Documentary tribute to the American actor in which British director John Boorman embarks on a quest to understand the man who had such a profound effect on his own life and work. With contributions from William Hurt, Jim Jarmusch and Marvin's wife Pamela.

could be good

anephric · 05-05-2005, 08:11

It is good: tonight's showing is a rescheduled broadcast from when it got bumped by the sport a few weeks ago...

Guest 4140 · 12-05-2005, 08:47

Is it just me or are do dvdsoon not have this anywhere? Can't find night moves or scarecrow either.