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Posted: |
Jul 22, 2013 - 10:14 AM
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By: |
Recordman
(Member)
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On August 13, 2013 "Seconds", John Frankenheimer's often discussed but often forgotten 1966 film as well, is to be released in a new Criterion Blu-ray edition. The film was previously released on a 2002 DVD which went out of print and was relegated to the high-priced web auction fandom.
The black and white film has often been described as an extended "Twilight Zone" episode of the "be careful what you wish for" type. A mysterious company offers an aging businessman, Arthur Hamilton (John Randolph), a second chance at a completely new life and appearance and he is transformed into "Tony Wilson" (Rock Hudson). How he adapts to his new world with no past and its continuing worth to him remain questions.
The film's credentials are top notch with Frankenheimer as director, the excellent but somewhat now cliched black and white 1960's flair photography of James Wong Howe, and a sparse but excellent score by Jerry Goldsmith. Other actors of note include Will Geer, Jeff Corey, and Murray Hamilton.
The film's powerful ending is most often remembered but you can feel it coming at you early on. My personal only perceived faults with the film are that it seemed to drag in spots and the overextended (at least on my DVD) bacchanal scene in which unattractive naked proto-hippies stomp grapes together in a large vat.
The film is well worth your while...but don't drink the wine.
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I am also stoked for this. Hurray! for Criterion.
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Okay, UPS got me my Blu-ray of Seconds just before 8PM last night (boy, those guys work late) so I only had time to watch the extras- and of course the titles by Saul Bass and the opening cue by Jerry Goldsmith- and in the extras there is a long talk by Alec Baldwin who has some things to say about working with John Frankenheimer and about the acting (which, I guess, he knows something about) in Seconds which I found to be revealing and worthwhile.
As far as the quality of the transfer goes I would refer anyone interested to Andy Dursin's fine review in his 8/13's Aisle Seat review.
Looking forward to watching the movie later tonight.
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