Black Dog Newsletter : “Plague Survival Guide Edition!”

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Here we are, about to enter another month in plague city. How are you all making out? What are you doing to keep yourselves sane? Watching movies (me!)? Baking bread? Banging pots? Yelling at folks in the parks? These are strange days indeed. I hope that our little curb-side pick-ups help to ease your stress and anxiety. We’ll be open this Saturday – both shops – from 3-6pm. Send us your orders – – and we’ll do our best to have them ready for you. Check the homepage of the website for more details.

New Releases

(hopefully we’ll have them by Saturday!)

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Baptiste Season 1 (Commercial shop – soon to Cambie) – Guy from another TV series goes to Amsterdam on vacation (wink-wink) and gets embroiled in a murder investigation.

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Birds of Prey – Harley Quinn traipses around with some other lady super-heroes fighting crime and stuff.

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Bloodshot – Vin Diesel (not his real name) is a soldier who gets himself killed only to be re-animated as a tough guy super soldier (not a documentary).

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Fantasy Island – Finally someone took that mediocre TV show from the 70’s and made it into a horror film. I can finally rest.

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Gretel & Hansel – Update on the famous tale of kids wandering in the woods and finding a nexus of evil. A NEXUS of EVIL!

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The Jesus Rolls – From the “Unnecessary Spin-Off Department” comes this comedy thing with John Turturro as the weird bowling guy from Big Lebowski.

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The Photograph – Nice-looking romantic dealie that intertwines stories from the past with the present. I bet a photograph plays an important role!

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Ray Donovan Season 7 (Commercial shop) – Season 7 of Ray Donovan

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Vivarium – Good-looking young couple Jesse Eisenberg and Imogen Poots (favourite name ever!) get stuck in a labyrinth-like neighbourhood where all the house look the same. Welcome to suburbia, kids!

Coming Soon!

Call of the Wild
Tigers are Not Afraid
Brahms: The Boy II
Creepshow Season 1
Emma
Onward
Sonic the Hedgehog
The Way Back

That’s it for this week, kids. I hope that everyone is safe and sound and helping out the local businesses in this time of great need. If you’re looking for some suggestions on what to watch (and take advantage of our fine collection and rental deals) check out the recommendations page on our website! I’ll be adding more to that very soon as well!

Peace.

Copyright © 2020 Black Dog Video, All rights reserved.

Father and Son (and sometimes Wife) Film Appreciation Class

Since we’re all cooped up in our abodes while the plague ravishes the land I thought we’d put together a film appreciation class! Everyday my 14.5 year-old, we’ll call him Swanson, and I (and sometimes his mother, my wife) will take in, what I consider anyways, a classic of cinema. We’ll run the gamut from silent films to a few current selections. I’m going to try to keep it fun so he won’t get bored. It will be non-linear, as in we’ll pop around the 20th Century and explore theme’s, history, where we’re at and how did we get here. Feel free to play along and chime in with thoughts and suggestions!

March 30/2020

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The General (Buster Keaton – 1926) – Made on a rather large budge for the time – $750 K – and making only $475K – it was a big flop and almost ruined Keaton’s career. He later said it was the film he was most proud of. This action/comedy set during the beginning of the Civil War is known for it’s elaborate and crazy dangerous stunts. Watch for the scene when he rides on the cow catcher and tosses railroad ties to clear the way. Incredible.

Post – it was a fun film to watch again. I hadn’t seen it in ages. Cool score by the Alloy Orchestra. Swanson really liked it as well. When asked what he liked about it he replied, “It was funny, well-shot and I like that Buster Keaton guy. He’s short, has a big head and looks weird.”  There ya have it.

March 31/20

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Singin’ in the Rain (Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly 1952) – Since we just watched a silent film and since Swanson loves musicals, I thought this would be the perfect film for tonight as it deals with the struggle of a film company as the adjust going from silent movies to “talkies” or, I guess, “singies” back in the day. Famous for Kelly’s wet rain number but don’t forget Donald, um, Sutherland…nope…Pleasence…nope…Duck….um nope…O’Connor! That’s it, and, of course, Debbie Reynolds. All are amazing.

Post – All enjoyed the fun dancey film. Lots of tap. Maybe too much? Naw. Swanson says, “put it on my staff picks!” He also commented that Gene Kelly looked like Spongebob Squarepants in during one particular number.

April 1/20

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Casablanca (Michael Curtiz – 1942) Look at that cast – Bogey, Bergman, Lorre, Reins, Greenstreet, others! Although Casablanca was an A-list film with big stars and first-rate writers, no one involved with its production expected it to be anything other than one of the hundreds of ordinary pictures produced by Hollywood studio system which churned out films at an alarming rate. Who’s laughing now?

Post – I loved it. As did my wife. Swanson, not so much. He liked it but found it a little confusing. I guess one needs to know a little of the history of the time to put the film in context. Still, he admired Bogie’s enormous head.

April 3rd

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Rear Window (Alfred Hitchcock 1954)Swanson’s seen the Simpsons version so now it’s time for the real thing.

April 5th

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The Third Man (Carol Reed 1949) – Nice to revisit the dank dark streets of post-war Vienna and get reacquainted with the friends of Harry Lime. Swanson liked it but of all the films we’ve watched for this club so far, it was his least liked. I’ll get him an American noir in his eyes soon enough.

April 6th

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Children of Men (Alfonso Cuaron – 2006) – I thought I’d treat Swanson to something a little more current – not just when the film was made (14 years ago!) but timely in it’s subject matter – pandemic, blame the immigrants etc. Told him to focus on the details – so much going on in the background and the intense single shot takes. Still holds up beautifully although it wasn’t his favourite film we’ve watched so far. I loved it.

April 7th

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The Haunting (Robert Wise 1963) – The Haunting (original – forget the lame remake) has been one of my favourite horror films (haunted house category) for such a long time. It was our first horror film for this class and I was quite excited to show Swanson this one. I told him to look for the use of sound, art direction, editing, camera angles and shadows and the fine black and white cinematography (instead of showing you ghosts and things) to create the unsettling atmosphere and give you the chills and the scares. And to my delight (and maybe a little surprise) he loved it! The odd angles and creepy statues were highlights for him. It goes on his staff pick shelf!  That’s 4 out of 7. Not too shabby.

April 9th

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A Night at the Opera (Sam Wood 1935) – The first Marx Brothers movie and any of us had seen! And what a delight. Swanson and Wife really were head over heels for it while I enjoyed it but could have done with less opera singing and harp playing. Made us want to watch more and it goes on his staff picks! What are your favourite Marx Brothers movies?

April 12/20

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Invasion of the Body Snatchers (Philip Kaufman 1978) – I thought it might be appropriate given the times we’re slogging through. I mentioned to watch for the hand-held camera, quick cuts, camera angles and use of background noises to heighten the feeling of paranoia. And to look for cameos from the director and star of the original (which we watched last year and it’s the version that I prefer although I like this version’s ending better). It was great to watch again although Swanson felt there was too much running.

April 14/20

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The Bank Dick (Edward Cline 1940) – Another first – none of us had seen a W.C. Fields film before. This is a weird movie. Swanson really enjoyed it (more than I did) as it has a nice light comedic tone with a sprinkling of good laughs and ends with a crazy car chase. I enjoyed the child abuse and his strange relationship with his hateful family. Bonus points for having a character named Filthy McNasty.

April 16/20

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Double Indemnity (Billy Wilder 1944) Walter Neff looks at the glass of iced tea he’s been handed. “A little rum would get this on it’s feet”. A great line in a film filled with great lines. My favourite noir and now Swanson’s as well. A pleasure to watch again. On the staff pick wall it goes.

April 18/20

A surreal double bill!

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Un Chien Andalou (Luis Buñuel 1929) Thought I’d blow Swanson’s mind with 21 minutes of bizarre surreal imagery (as it blew my mind when I first saw it all those years ago). I still can’t believe this made in the 1920s. The eye slicing scene made him bury his head in a blanket. After that his comment was, “I don’t trust this film anymore”. Might be the best comment I’ve ever heard.

Then…

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Donnie Darko (Richard Kelly 2001) – I’ve seen this film four times now (once the director’s cut – not recommended) and it’s still up for debate about what it’s all about and what actually happens (at least in my mind). Swanson loved it and we discussed the possibilities of what transpired for some time. but came up with no concrete answers. A great cult classic that still holds up incredibly well despite being almost 20 years old (!).

April 21/20

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Duck Soup (Leo McCarey 1933) – Yes, another Marx Brothers film (watched upon recommendations made after viewing Night at the Opera). Pretty funny with a nice short run time. I think I enjoyed Night at Opera better, but this still has some inspired moments (the peanut vendor gags are gold). Swanson requested this one and he was quite enthralled with it. And I can see why Zeppo is the Shemp of the bunch. Not too sure why it was called duck soup – no ducks, no soup.

April 25/20

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Little Shop of Horrors (Frank Oz 1986) – This was a Swanson pick. He’s a big fan of the stage production and soundtrack so what can I say? He enjoyed it (liked the play much more). I thought it was particularly dreadful – lame songs, flat direction, vaguely racist talking plant. I liked Steve Martin until I didn’t. I know it’s beloved by many but I cannot recommend this one at all.

April 26/20

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What’s Up Doc? (Peter Bogdanovich 1972) – As this was one of my favourite comedies growing up, I was a tad apprehensive about watching it again in case it didn’t age well. Boy was I wrong. This is still one of the funniest, silliest, most wonderful of comedies. A young, sexy and totally charming Barbara Streisand leads a hilarious cast through a series of misunderstandings and mix-ups climaxing in one of the most hysterical and thrilling car chases ever. Swanson loved it as well. He said it’s probably his favourite of all the films we’ve watched so far! I was pleased as punch!

April 28/20

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An American Werewolf in London (John Landis 1981) I thought I’d introduce Swanson to one of the earliest (that I remember anyways) examples of the horror/comedy genres combining for a tasty movie stew. For the most part it holds up – effects are still cool – but I forgot the “climax” starts in a porn theatre (not particularly necessary and vaguely uncomfortable to watch with a 14 year-old, “Did those places actually exist?” he asked) and all the ridiculous gory mayhem – people flying through windshields, heads crushed, decapitations, bodies strewn about during the monster’s final rampage! It was still fun but of the time for sure.

April 30/20

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In a Lonely Place (Nicolas Ray 1950) – I’d been told by several people to watch this, so I did. Wow. What a great film. Bogart at his best – might be my favourite role he’s played. He’s sad, angry and pathetic. You’re still rooting for him even as he spirals out of control. A great mash-up of noir and 50’s melodrama. Swanson loved it as well. I’m constantly impressed by how much he enjoys these older films.

May 1/20

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Robocop (Paul Verhoeven 1987) Some fun Friday night viewing! Still a great funny, violent satire. I love Verhoeven and now Swanson does as well. We especially laughed at the Ed-209 audition, the toxic waste fella and Ronny Cox’s long arms as he falls to his death. Good times.

May6/20

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Psycho (Alfred Hitchcock 1960) Hard to believe this came out in 1960. It’s still great and chilling! The boy loved it as well. Rediscovering Hitch all over again myself! I want to live in that house!

May 8/20

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The Road Warrior aka Mad Max 2 (George Miller 1981) – Still my all-time favourite action film. Melted my young brain when I accidentally stumbled across it in the theatres all those years ago. Sure Fury Road is glossier with a bigger budget, but pound for pound, gimme The Road Warrior any day. Oh, and the boy and wife both enjoyed the hell out it!

May 12/20

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North by Northwest (Alfred Hitchcock 1959) Digested another Hitchcock film. Lots of fun, maybe a bit too long (I can think of a few scenes some scissors would have been appreciated) but top notch anyway. I was never a big Hitch fan but re-watching these past few has changed that opinion. Can’t wait for Vertigo! The boy is digging the old man as well.

May 15/20

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Withnail & I (Bruce Robinson 1986) – “We’ve gone on holiday by mistake!”, “I’ve had but a few ales”, “I want the finest wines know to humanity!” “Cool your boots, man” So many fine lines in this cult classic. I was worried that the boy wouldn’t be down with this funny and sad tale of down-on -their-luck actors who hightail to the country-side to rejuvenate with disastrous results. But he quite liked it (he like that fact the other guy is just called “I”). Nice to see these guys again.

Black Dog Newsletter “Pick-Up-Dates!”

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Just a quick update for those of you interested in snarfing up some films from the shops. We’ll be doing curb-side pick ups this week on Tuesday at Commercial and Wednesday at Cambie from 3-6pm. The usual rules apply – send me you requests at and I’ll do my best to have them ready for you.

Rules of engagement:

  • please specify DVD or Blu Ray and have some back up requests in case we don’t have everything that you’re looking for. Remember our deals – 5 old titles for $15 or 3 New Releases for the price of 2.
  • please specify which store you will be picking up at. Very important for obvious reasons.
  • e-transfers (to the above address) work great for fast and easy in and out service. You can also pay in-store with cash, debit or credit card. You decide!
  • bring a bag, keep a safe distance from fellow travelers and be patient (what else do you have to do?)
  • please return your films as others would like to take them home.

And let’s be careful out there.

The Black Dog Newsletter “Love in the Time of Corona Edition!”

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And we press on with our curb-side pick-ups! This Saturday we’ll be open at both shops 3-6 for all of your movie wants and needs. The same song as before – email me – – your requests and we’ll do our best to have them ready for you. E-transfer to that address or cash or debit or credit card as well. I can’t say how much I appreciate your business in these crazy times! I know a lot of small businesses will not survive this and we hope to fling our doors wide open in the future, whenever the future might be. Do your best to support the local small businesses. It’s to everyone’s benefit.

If you have late films (and I know some of you have very late films) can you please drop them off – our drop slots are open 24/7 – as other have been waiting for many titles. There will be no late charges applied so no shame will be heaped upon you.

Also, the influx of new films has dwindled recently (something to do with a plague?) but we’re hoping to have something for this weekend and next as well. In the meantime, it’s a great chance to get reacquainted with some classics and not-so classics. I’ve put together a sweet list of the best of 1970s cinema. Check it out, and check out other lists we concocted over the years. I will be doing more lists in the near future as well. Check in on our website for daily updates on what’s happening with ye olde Black Dog!

New Releases

(hopefully on the shelves Saturday)

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Guns Akimbo – Harry Potter somehow gets some guns attached to his arms and has to compete in a fight to the death, while trying to save his lady friend, in a show that’s broadcast on-line (on the Internets). Fun!

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Rabid – Local horror-heroes the Soska Sisters (American Mary) take a stab at the Cronenberg classic. (Commercial only – soon to Cambie)

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Rhythm Section – Actiony type affair finds Blake Lively hot on the trail of those responsible for killing her family in a plane crash.

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Ride Like a Girl – Nice family-type dealie about the first woman to win the Melbourne Cup (I assume that has something to do with horses). Also stars Sam Neill as the voice of the horse (just kidding probably).

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Synonyms – Well-received comedy/drama about an Israeli fellow who arrives in Paris with only his trusty dictionary.

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Why Don’t You Just Die – Strange, violent and funny Russian offering about a bad dad/detective who gets caught up in some sort of revenge affair. (Commercial shop – Blu Ray only)

Coming Soon!

Bloodshot
Birds of Prey
Emma
The Jesus Rolls
Ray Donovan S7
Gretel and Hansel

That’s it for this week, my lovelies. Stay safe, wash your hands and other parts, and hope to hear from you soon!
Copyright © 2020 Black Dog Video, All rights reserved.

Best of 1970s films (according to us)

Hey, I made up a little (big) list of 1970’s films that we think are awesome and you might as well. It’s a work in progress so feel free to throw suggestions at us. Also handy for our rent 5 catalogue titles for $15 deal! Just sayin’.

Check it out on Letterboxd here.

The Black Dog Newsletter “Double Whammy Edition!”

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Curb-side pick up this Saturday! Both shops! 3-6pm. I will be steering the ship at Commercial and RJ will be the pilot at Cambie. Same rules as before:

  • please specify DVD or Blu Ray and have some back up requests in case we don’t have everything that you’re looking for. Remember our deals – 5 old titles for $15 or 3 New Releases for the price of 2.
  • pleases specify which store you will be picking up at. Very important for obvious reasons.
  • e-transfers work great (and are preferred) for fast and easy in and out service. You can also pay cash or use the debit machine or call in with your credit card.
  • bring a bag, keep a safe distance from fellow travelers and be patient (what else do you have to do?)
  • please return your films as others would like to take them home.

RJ won’t be emailing you back with your information. You can call the store to find out the price if you want or go with the prices we have provided for you. Please check the website daily for any changes and updates. Y’all take care of yourselves and each other.

Copyright © 2020 Black Dog Video, All rights reserved.

Father and Son (and sometimes Wife) Film Appreciation Class

Since we’re all cooped up in our abodes while the plague ravishes the land I thought we’d put together a film appreciation class! Everyday my 14.5 year-old, we’ll call him Swanson, and I (and sometimes his mother, my wife) will take in, what I consider anyways, a classic of cinema. We’ll run the gamut from silent films to a few current selections. I’m going to try to keep it fun so he won’t get bored. It will be non-linear, as in we’ll pop around the 20th Century and explore theme’s, history, where we’re at and how did we get here. Feel free to play along and chime in with thoughts and suggestions!

Mrch 30/2020

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The General (Buster Keaton – 1926) – Made on a rather large budge for the time – $750 K – and making only $475K – it was a big flop and almost ruined Keaton’s career. He later said it was the film he was most proud of. This action/comedy set during the beginning of the Civil War is known for it’s elaborate and crazy dangerous stunts. Watch for the scene when he rides on the cow catcher and tosses railroad ties to clear the way. Incredible.

Post – it was a fun film to watch again. I hadn’t seen it in ages. Cool score by the Alloy Orchestra. Swanson really liked it as well. When asked what he liked about it he replied, “It was funny, well-shot and I like that Buster Keaton guy. He’s short, has a big head and looks weird.”  There ya have it.

March 31/20

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Singin’ in the Rain (Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly 1952) – Since we just watched a silent film and since Swanson loves musicals, I thought this would be the perfect film for tonight as it deals with the struggle of a film company as the adjust going from silent movies to “talkies” or, I guess, “singies” back in the day. Famous for Kelly’s wet rain number but don’t forget Donald, um, Sutherland…nope…Pleasence…nope…Duck….um nope…O’Connor! That’s it, and, of course, Debbie Reynolds. All are amazing.

Post – All enjoyed the fun dancey film. Lots of tap. Maybe too much? Naw. Swanson says, “put it on my staff picks!” He also commented that Gene Kelly looked like Spongebob Squarepants in during one particular number.

April 1/20

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Casablanca (Michael Curtiz – 1942) Look at that cast – Bogey, Bergman, Lorre, Reins, Greestreet, others! Although Casablanca was an A-list film with big stars and first-rate writers, no one involved with its production expected it to be anything other than one of the hundreds of ordinary pictures produced by Hollywood studio system which churned out films at an alarming rate. Who’s laughing now?

Post – I loved it. As did my wife. Swanson, not so much. He liked it but found it a little confusing. I guess one needs to know a little of the history of the time to put the film in context. Still, he admired Bogie’s enormous head.

April 3rd

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Rear Window (Alfred Hitchcock 1954)Swanson’s seen the Simpsons version so now it’s time for the real thing.

April 5th

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The Third Man (Carol Reed 1949) – Nice to revisit the dank dark streets of post-war Vienna and get reacquainted with the friends of Harry Lime. Swanson liked it but of all the films we’ve watched for this club so far, it was his least liked. I’ll get him an American noir in his eyes soon enough.

April 6th

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Children of Men (Alfonso Cuaron – 2006) – I thought I’d treat Swanson to something a little more current – not just when the film was made (14 years ago!) but timely in it’s subject matter – pandemic, blame the immigrants etc. Told him to focus on the details – so much going on in the background and the intense single shot takes. Still holds up beautifully although it wasn’t his favourite film we’ve watched so far. I loved it.

April 7th

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The Haunting (Robert Wise 1963) – The Haunting (original – forget the lame remake) has been one of my favourite horror films (haunted house category) for such a long time. It was our first horror film for this class and I was quite excited to show Swanson this one. I told him to look for the use of sound, art direction, editing, camera angles and shadows and the fine black and white cinematography (instead of showing you ghosts and things) to create the unsettling atmosphere and give you the chills and the scares. And to my delight (and maybe a little surprise) he loved it! The odd angles and creepy statues were highlights for him. It goes on his staff pick shelf!  That’s 4 out of 7. Not too shabby.

April 9th

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A Night at the Opera (Sam Wood 1935) – The first Marx Brothers movie and any of us had seen! And what a delight. Swanson and Wife really were head over heels for it while I enjoyed it but could have done with less opera singing and harp playing. Made us want to watch more and it goes on his staff picks! What are your favourite Marx Brothers movies?

April 12/20

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Invasion of the Body Snatchers (Philip Kaufman 1978) – I thought it might be appropriate given the times we’re slogging through. I mentioned to watch for the hand-held camera, quick cuts, camera angles and use of background noises to heighten the feeling of paranoia. And to look for cameos from the director and star of the original (which we watched last year and it’s the version that I prefer although I like this version’s ending better). It was great to watch again although Swanson felt there was too much running.

April 14/20

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The Bank Dick (Edward Cline 1940) – Another first – none of us had seen a W.C. Fields film before. This is a weird movie. Swanson really enjoyed it (more than I did) as it has a nice light comedic tone with a sprinkling of good laughs and ends with a crazy car chase. I enjoyed the child abuse and his strange relationship with his hateful family. Bonus points for having a character named Filthy McNasty.

April 16/20

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Double Indemnity (Billy Wilder 1944) Walter Neff looks at the glass of iced tea he’s been handed. “A little rum would get this on it’s feet”. A great line in a film filled with great lines. My favourite noir and now Swanson’s as well. A pleasure to watch again. On the staff pick wall it goes.

April 18/20

A surreal double bill!

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Un Chien Andalou (Luis Buñuel 1929) Thought I’d blow Swanson’s mind with 21 minutes of bizarre surreal imagery (as it blew my mind when I first saw it all those years ago). I still can’t believe this made in the 1920s. The eye slicing scene made him bury his head in a blanket. After that his comment was, “I don’t trust this film anymore”. Might be the best comment I’ve ever heard.

Then…

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Donnie Darko (Richard Kelly 2001) – I’ve seen this film four times now (once the director’s cut – not recommended) and it’s still up for debate about what it’s all about and what actually happens (at least in my mind). Swanson loved it and we discussed the possibilities of what transpired for some time. but came up with no concrete answers. A great cult classic that still holds up incredibly well despite being almost 20 years old (!).

April 21/20

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Duck Soup (Leo McCarey 1933) – Yes, another Marx Brothers film (watched upon recommendations made after viewing Night at the Opera). Pretty funny with a nice short run time. I think I enjoyed Night at Opera better, but this still has some inspired moments (the peanut vendor gags are gold). Swanson requested this one and he was quite enthralled with it. And I can see why Zeppo is the Shemp of the bunch. Not too sure why it was called duck soup – no ducks, no soup.

April 25/20

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Little Shop of Horrors (Frank Oz 1986) – This was a Swanson pick. He’s a big fan of the stage production and soundtrack so what can I say? He enjoyed it (liked the play much more). I thought it was particularly dreadful – lame songs, flat direction, vaguely racist talking plant. I liked Steve Martin until I didn’t. I know it’s beloved by many but I cannot recommend this one at all.

April 26/20

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What’s Up Doc? (Peter Bogdanovich 1972) – As this was one of my favourite comedies growing up, I was a tad apprehensive about watching it again in case it didn’t age well. Boy was I wrong. This is still one of the funniest, silliest, most wonderful of comedies. A young, sexy and totally charming Barbara Striesand leads a hilarious cast through a series of misunderstandings and mix-ups climaxing in one of the most hysterical and thrilling car chases ever. Swanson loved it as well. He said it’s probably his favourite of all the films we’ve watched so far! I was pleased as punch!

The Black Dog Newsletter: “Pick-up Lines Edition!”

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So after a lovely and busy successful curb-side pick-up affair we had last Saturday, we’re going to continue with this mode of getting the films into your bleached hands! Tomorrow (Tuesday the 14th) we will be doing such a thing at the Commercial shop from 3-6. The usual procedures will be in effect – email me your requests at (please specify DVD or Blu Ray and payment method – e-transfers work great but cash is also acceptable) and I’ll let you know tomorrow what we have for you and when it will be ready. Bring a bag, space yourselves accordingly and please return your films.

Check out our website for (almost) daily updates including upcoming pick-up dates (probably this weekend!).

One unfortunate note – we won’t be getting The Gentlemen or Underwater anytime soon as the facilities that produce them are closed at the moment. But stay tuned.

New Releases

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Bad Boys For Life – Now I can rest easy in my grave knowing that the trilogy is complete.

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IP Man 4: IP Man Boogaloo – Can you handle some more IP Man? I can!

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Just Mercy – Civil rights lawyering guy works to free a wrongly accused fellow who’s hanging out on death row.

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Like a Boss – Two friends with very different ideals decide to go into business together. Great idea. At least this is a comedy.

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World on Fire Season 1 – WWII disrupts the lives of some British folk, Sean Bean included!

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The Righteous Gemstones Season 1 – Comedy show that has John Goodman (Goodman? Greatman!) and Danny McBride as part of a family of televangelist swindlers (any other kind?).

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The Turning – Tepid take on the classic The Turn of the Screw stars a young Wolf Finnhard. Watch The Innocents instead.

Coming Soon!

Guns Akimbo
Rhythm Section
I Wish I Knew
Bloodshot
The Cremator
Jesus Rolls

I’ll send out another message later this week with times and dates for the next curb-stomp pick-up party. Stay safe, stay clean and stay hydrated. Keep banging those pots!

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The Black Dog Video Newsletter “Rejoice Edition!”

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Just wanted to say thanks to all who came out (so many!) last Saturday for our last pop-up event. It was off the hook (terrifyingly so at times). I was totally overwhelmed with work and how much you all seem to like us. Made this tiny, tiny heart feel two sizes too big. That said, we’re still crafting options to get our fine films into your scrubbed and gloved hands. So what we’re going to do is this: curb-side pick up! There will be no access to the shops but roll up in your sweet ride and, after paying, scooch on home with your selections! Here’s how it will work:

–  email me your selections –

  • I will get ready what we have, email you a response with numbers and price
    You pay either by e-transfer to email above or call in with your credit card or cash upon pick up – the debit/credit machine will not reach to the front of the store so it will not be available
  • You drop by and grab your stuff
  • Everyone goes home happy

Alternatively, you can show up with your list but you will have to wait a bit for us to get it ready for you. Pay cash please.

Look for us this Saturday (11th) at the Cambie shop from 3 to 6pm. Probably at Commercial early next week. Check the website for (almost) daily updates.

One other note, while we still will be offering our fabulous deals, we still have to pay our many bills so a slight price adjustment – 5 catalogue films will now be $15 (still a great deal!). The new release deal will remain the same – rent 2 and get a 3rd for FREE.

One other second thing – I’m doing a fun little film class with my sprog. Follow along here if you like and see what we’re up to!

We’ll see how it goes this weekend. I’d like to do this at least once, maybe twice, a week at each location. We should have another crop of New Releases arriving next week as well.

I hope this works for ya’ll. Stay safe, no necking with strangers (for now), and we’ll see you this weekend!

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Black Dog Video Newsletter “The End is Nigh Edition!”

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So tomorrow (Saturday at the Commercial shop – noon until 3pm) will be our last pop-up for a while. Sunday at Cambie is cancelled. I’ve been getting slightly wigged-out as of late what with all this plague bugaboo and what not and there’s still too many folks not adhering to our rules of conduct. I don’t want to be that guy that gets it and spreads it around, especially to my family. So we’re taking a break. That and I had 5 folks place orders and then not show up at Cambie yesterday, which was a bummer. So, as usual, place your orders here – – and I’ll do my best to have them ready for you. Specify DVD or Blu Ray. Pay in advance if you can – e-transfer works to address above. I hate to do this as I want all of you fine people to get your films and we do need the business but it is what it is. See you tomorrow (briefly please) and then…stay tuned…

A Small Smattering of Releases!

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Clemency – The great Alfre Woodard is an executioner who has to fight all the demons (emotional and psychological, not devily demons – sad face) that comes along with her job of killing people.

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Riot Girls – It’s 1995 and some weird (ahem) virus has killed all the adults! Two girl gangs must battle it out for survival and things!

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Storm Boy – Jeffery Rush is a retired business fella who starts to have visions of the time when he was a boy and he rescued a wounded pelican, who he named Mr. Percival. Good enough name I suppose. I probably would have gone with Dracula or Ted or something.

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This Changes Everything – Documentary that dives into Hollywood’s notorious history of gender disparity. (for some reason it’s directed by a dude! WTF?)

Coming Soon!

Underwater
Just Mercy
Righteous Gemstones Season 1
Bad Boys for Life
The Gentlemen
Like a Boss
The Turning
Ip Man 4: Keep on IPing

A lot of folks have been asking if our catalogue is online. Sadly that answer is still no. We’ve tried several times but failed miserably on all occasions. I’m hoping to redo the website soon and actually have our films there but that will take some doing (and I don’t have a clue how to do it). But for now we have plenty of recommendations!

And be sure to follow along with our Father and Son (and sometimes Wife) Film Appreciation Class!

Stay safe all! And thanks for the support during these difficult times. I’m hoping that we can survive this mess and get back to bringing you all we can in the future! Cheers! (and keep banging those pots!)

Copyright © 2020 Black Dog Video, All rights reserved.