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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Michael Woodhead- TCM Reviews, December 19, 2009
This review is from: Mystery, Suspense, Film Noir and Detective Movies on DVD: A Guide to the Best in Cinema Thrills (Paperback)
They don't make them like they used to do. And reading through this compendium of some of the best `mystery, suspense, film noir and detective movies on DVD' reminded me of that.
In many cases, these films were made under the studio system, whereby the scripts were tailored to the actors' strengths and personalities. This is one reason why many of the old films were so good.
The author has brought together outlines of hundreds of them, each complete with a cast list, the major production staff, copyright and release notices, story synopsis, and his own personal comment about the film.
Also embellishing some of the outlines are dozens of black-and-white photos, as well as a lengthy but well-written article on `noir, crime and mystery'. Several other shorter articles are included, aimed at those interested in the genres--the best Sherlock Holmes, and Raymond Chandler as adapted for the movies, for example.
Reid has done a marvelous job putting these all together, thus taking a lot of the legwork out of trying to locate these movies for our viewing pleasure--he includes a small list of DVD suppliers where many of these films can be purchased at very reasonable prices.
Many titles will be familiar; for example, The Maltese Falcon. However, those same people who recognize it might not realize that there were at least four adaptations of Dashiell Hammett's 1929 five-part serial; two of the movies are included in the book, one starring Ricardo Cortez, the other with Humphrey Bogart.
Other titles, of course, won't be so familiar. There are some fascinating anecdotes, too. For example, for the movie Odd Man Out, "director Carol Reed asked the composer to write the score from the shooting script and record it, so that [James] Mason could walk in time to the beat". Such tidbits encourage readers to find copies of the films in order to see for themselves how it was accomplished.
So, for the lover of vintage thriller movies, this book would make an ideal and extremely informative purchase.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Over 700 Examples of the Best in Cinema Thrills, January 18, 2010
This review is from: Mystery, Suspense, Film Noir and Detective Movies on DVD: A Guide to the Best in Cinema Thrills (Paperback)
Mystery, Suspense, Film Noir and Detective Movies on DVD-A GUIDE TO THE BEST IN CINEMA THRILLS by John Howard Reid is a dream come true for movie buffs. If your collection of movies is less than classic or you would like to sample the best thriller flicks of the former century then this book is the place to begin.
Mr. Reid has researched, reviewed and listed over 700 examples of the best in cinema that can be found in the DVD format. The first 218 titles included, feature an extensive review page. He includes the full cast and the parts played by name. The director, screenplay writer, editor, music, sound and producers are listed as well as copyright date, studio, world wide release dates and running times. Each title is summarized with Mr. Reid's own personal review and other comments. He rates the transfer DVD on a 1 to 10 scale, ten being a superb transfer from film and one being an unwatchable DVD. The remaining 500 films are briefly described.
Most of the titles were released in the 1930's to 1950's with several selections from the 60's and 70's. You'll recognise many of the well known classics like Twelve Angry Men or A Kiss Before Dying. However, this book really shines in its ability to bring exposure obscure titles like Attack of Giant Leeches.
What is film noir? Mr. Reid takes a one-hundred page look at Noir, Crime and Mystery with several hundred movies mentioned. Interested in Sherlock Holmes or Raymond Chandler movies? How about the Thin Man series? Mr. Reid designated a full chapter o each of these categories. How about hard-boiled movie tough guys? Mr. Reid takes an in depth look in a chapter called Bogart versus Ladd.
The amount of time and research needed to produce a book this detailed and informative is remarkable. Hundreds of wonderful black and white photos add to the authenticity of the collection. Mr. Reid has over 50 years of writing experience and it shows on every page as his descriptions flow smoothly from point to point without any trite or clichéd passages. All movie buffs should take advantage of this wonderful guide. Flipping through the pages you can't help making a list of must-sees before running out to the local rental shop. If you enjoyed classic thrillers back in the day and wonder about current DVD availability then you need this book. If you are tired of the CGI filled dribble that Hollywood is passing off as Mystery/Thrillers these days then this is guide is a must read for finding something very different.
Highly Recommended.
[...] (September 27, 2009)
978-0557122233
By William R. Potter for Reader's Choice Reviews [...]
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Film Noir Comes Out Of The Shadows, December 19, 2009
This review is from: Mystery, Suspense, Film Noir and Detective Movies on DVD: A Guide to the Best in Cinema Thrills (Paperback)
If you're a fan of cinema noir, mystery and suspense make room on your bookshelf, clear your netflicks queue and dust off your Mill Creek mystery/suspense/crime DVD set. This movie reference book is different. Among the 1200 movies rated are the "usual suspects" of expected noir and mystery classics but what is a pleasant surprise is the number of forgotten and lesser know noir and mystery movies. I would venture to say that many of these movies were never reviewed when released and are just now given the serious consideration they deserve. Mill Creek and Alpha among others have released DVDs that contain many of the films reviewed and sources are given for most films.
The featured movies have a complete cast list , I really like this because I'm a fan of character actors and always want to know who that familiar face is.
A synopsis of most of the plots is a feature but the real interest for movie buffs is found in the comments section. Mr. Reid is generous in sharing his bountiful knowledge of movies and is an intelligent and thoughtful critic. The writing is first rate and in the section covering 500 films he moves seamlessly from one film to another while imparting information and movie trivia in a most interesting way. Mr. Reid's enthusiasm for movies is contagious, I found myself making a list of "must see" movies as I read .
"Mystery, Suspense, Film Noir and Detective Movies on DVD: A Guide to The Best In Cinema Thrills" is a welcome edition to my movie reference shelf.
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