I don't have PAN'S LABYRINTH, IF... or BLADE RUNNER yet, but those are titles that should probably be on this list. With that in mind...
1. TWIN PEAKS DEFINITIVE GOLD BOX EDITION (Paramount)
In last year's list, I asked for the second season... and I got something definitive. Well, almost definitive. If only those deleted scenes from TWIN PEAKS FIRE WALK WITH ME were included...
2. CEMETERY WITHOUT CROSSES (FRIEDHOF OHNE KREUZE, Anolis, PAL R0)
Robert Hossein's undeservedly obscure Euro-Western, in a definitive package that features surprising revelations about the credited non-participation of Dario Argento... and the uncredited participation of Sergio Leone! Available as an import from Xploited Cinema.
3. DR. WHO THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON and DR. WHO THE COMPLETE THIRD SEASON (BBC Video/2 Entertain)
Two seasons released at either end of 2007. A great time to be a fan of the Doctor.
4. WITCHFINDER GENERAL (MGM)
Properly and respectfully restored, and doing justice to the memory of Michael Reeves.
5. THE SERGIO LEONE ANTHOLOGY (MGM/20th Century Fox)
Including improved releases of A FISTFUL OF DOLLARS, FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE, and the first-ever R1 release of DUCK, YOU SUCKER, in its most complete form yet.
6. FRANKENSTEIN CONQUERS THE WORLD (Tokyo Shock/Media Blasters)
An entertaining and comprehensive treatment given to a childhood pleasure. If you enjoy bizarre endings that come out of left field, you owe it to yourself to experience the unbelievably loopy Devilfish finale.
7. THE MARIO BAVA COLLECTION VOLUME 1 (Anchor Bay)
Finally, KILL, BABY...KILL! in widescreen with the original Italian soundtrack and English subtitles. (Too bad it doesn't have a certain commentary track you've probably heard of.) Also, BLACK SUNDAY and welcome upgrades of BLACK SABBATH and THE GIRL WHO KNEW TOO MUCH.
8. THE HELLBENDERS (Anchor Bay)
Sergio Corbucci's underrated, existential Spaghetti Western. A big influence on Quentin Tarantino and worthy of rediscovery in its own right.
9. BEDAZZLED (20th Century Fox)
Peter Cook, Dudley Moore, Eleanor Bron and Raquel Welch, all in their prime. And still very, very funny 40 years later.
10. THE CHOCOLATE WAR (MGM)
Keith Gordon's unusual directorial debut, making its first appearance on DVD.
11. A BULLET FOR THE GENERAL (TOTE AMIGO, Koch Media, R2 PAL)
Not just another release of Damiano Damiani's classic Spaghetti Western, but notable for its inclusion of two different English audio tracks, one appearing on DVD for the first time and superior to the dub job found on earlier R1 releases. Also available from Xploited Cinema.
Last year's TWIN PEAKS wish came true, and then some, so here's my Wish List for 2008:
ANDY WARHOL'S BAD
Monte Hellman's CHINA 9, LIBERTY 37 (restored and widescreen)
Dario Argento's FOUR FLIES ON GREY VELVET
Larry Fessenden's THE LAST WINTER
MESSIAH OF EVIL (restored and widescreen)
Sergio Corbucci's NAVAJO JOE
Michael Tolkin's THE NEW AGE
TWO LIVING, ONE DEAD starring Patrick McGoohan
THE WITCHMAKER
Tomorrow: The year's top picks as chosen by VW contributor, author, and Mr. All Day Entertainment, David Kalat.
