Nostalgia

Here's a screenshot from the 1983 flick" Valley Girl".


The old style Master Card and the charger-slider-thingie. I remember these! It made this loud crunching sound as they copied your card number. It wasn't electronic so I see why it's a thing of the past.


Still, seeing it kinda made me wish it would come back.

Fixing the Howard the Duck DVD cover

I just realized something is missing from the Howard the Duck DVD cover.

Check out the original poster:


See the difference? Yeah, his feet aren't on the poster, but that's not it.

His cigar is missing!

Seriously? I know they love to censor smoking from things, but Howard needs his cigar! Plus, how many kids take up CIGAR smoking because of a duck in a nearly 30 year old movie?

I'm fixing it.


A little coloring and cutting and we have this:


Done.

You know, maybe I should add something so that no one misses the cigar...



Yeah. That's better.

Watergate Hotel paper

A few years ago my brother stayed at the Watergate Hotel. He brought me back this stationary. I treasure it... even though I assume it was in a suitcase with his dirty laundry at some point.

Atari paddles

Here is an oddity in my video game collection. These are unopened Atari paddles.


I found these in my in-law's basement. They long since gotten rid of the Atari, but never got rid of these paddles.


These are never used! On one hand this makes me happy... but thinking of my wife growing up without playing breakout with an Atari paddle makes me sad.

Disney Classic #5: Bambi

Looking at the poster for Bambi, first I am surprised that Bambi was a book first. Second, I am surprised Bambi is a male deer and not a hot chick.


I have never read the book... in fact I don't think I ever SAW the book. Other Disney flicks like Cinderella and Snow White are often read by kids and adapted by different cheapo companies with low budget DVDs and such.

Not Bambi.


I am sure there is a reason for that, but I don't want to bother looking it up.


Bambi is a change of pace from Dumbo.

Literally.

Dumbo is fast paced. This film floats along slowly with long interludes of beautiful music and great animation.

One of the reasons I think the pace seems so slow is that the famous "Bambi's mom gets shot scene" isn't until about 45 minutes in.

Oh yeah... spoiler alert.

I've seen this movie a bunch of times, but as I watched it tonight I kept thinking "when is she gonna be dinner"?


After she finally croaks Bambi has a quick chat with dad and then BAM, he grows up.

Bambi's dad is a stern mysterious character. He should have had a mustache.

There are a few moments after that that really stand out from an animation stand point.

Particularly the fight Bambi has as with the other deer suitor. I mean the other deer that had the hots for his dame. Not some guy who fits deer for a suit and tie.

Another great scene is the fire. Breathtaking.

They made a sequel a few years ago called Bambi 2. I know the direct to DVD sequels Disney makes are often derided, but Bambi 2 feels really necessary. I really want to see what happens in the middle of this film and THAT is when Bambi 2 takes place. Plus Patrick Stewart plays his dad.

In fact, I am watching it now! Bye!

Oh yeah, I give Bambi two hooves up. Fantastic flick.

Guy Hutchinson

DVD gimmicks

I am a sucker for a clever DVD case. If they come up with a unique way to present it, I can't pull out my wallet fast enough.

Actually, it's not just DVDs. I can't tell you how many times I have bought a drink because it was served with a light up ice cube or bought a plate of ribs because it was served on a trashcan lid.

But back to DVDs, I listened to the Movie Brain Rot podcast (and I know, I plugged it the other day too... but i'ts a good show.)

The most recent episode was all about clever posters and catchy DVD box art.

In response, I made a video to send to Jim Desantis, and thought I would share it here:






Here are some others I own that DIDN'T make the video:

The "Big Lebowski" bowling ball:

The "Total Recall" Mars shaped tin:

 The "Showgirls" boxed set with shot glass and playing cards:

Here are a few I don't own, but find neat:
The "Basic Instinct" faux ice case with ice pick (pen).

NOTE: I just realized the last 3 gimmick packages were ALL of films made by director Paul Verhoeven! Coincidence? Most likely!

Here is the "Wicker Man" wooden box:

And finally the first season of "Coach" in a DVD set that's pretending to be a notebook... that's pretending to be a football:

I actually own that coach set, but I listed it with the others I don't own... because I am ashamed I bought it. Oddly enough, I am not ashamed I bought "Showgirls".

Guy Hutchinson