Black Dog Newsletter

Black Dog Newletter for Week Ending May 16th

May 9, 2011/12 Comments/in Newsletter/by Darren

Well it’s been quite the week I must say – the incredibly disappointing election (really? there’s that many people who think Harper is doing that good a job?!), I got burned on Craigslist – details to follow, and Videomatica announced that they are closing. I’ve just completed an essay on my thoughts of this and just what is happening to the DVD rental industry and the possible grim future it has. Check it out on the blog portion of the site if you wish…

Have you ever been burned by some loser, ass-face on Craigslist? Up until this week I have had nothing but relatively positive experiences. I arranged to by a box set of seasons 1-3 of Deadwood from some guy on Craigslist. Seemed like a pretty good deal. He even dropped them off at the Cambie store. I wasn’t there for the transaction but when I came in a few days later I noticed that the it was a cheap bootleg. I contacted him about this and he said he had no idea it was a bootleg (he even claimed he didn’t know what a bootleg was) and that he’d be willing to refund my money. We made arrangements. He never showed. I emailed him a few times and he finally responded saying that he wasn’t going to give me a refund. Buyer beware he said. I was shocked and pissed. I sent him a stern but reasonable email asking what had happened and why he wasn’t going to give me a refund. His response was filled with insults and mockery; “get over it Darren. U act like you never got the raw end of a deal. I never lied to you. The fact is, you should have not left this transaction to your untrained employee. And as far as your business is concerned, did you really think the video business was going to pay your bills? You are the fool. The movie business has changed, ever heard of Netflix? How about LimeWire? I am surprised you actually thought a complete stranger was going to give you a refund! HAHAHAH You’re a sucker. One born every minute….too much fun. I hope everytime you hear the word Deadwood, you think of me and how gullable you are. Civilize this…. Fuck you.”
Needless to say I was entirely infuriated. Crimson anger. After one more email he returned with this; “Maybe u want to buy some more bootleg shit from me? Haha sucker. I make my living off suckers like u. It’s an entire industry. Sucker.”
So not only is he a tool, a thief, and a sociopath, he’s also not very bright (seems to like the word sucker). His signs his name Andy and his email is Sandy Watters <> – His phone number is 604-727-7671. Just in case you run across him on Craigslist or want to drop him a line.

New Releases for Tuesday May 10th

Black Death – Middling sword and knight affair set in the 13th century that follows some inquisitive knights led by Sean Bean as they search for witches to torture and a place in the country to relax that the Black Plague has not ravaged. I was hoping for more blood and torture and gore (just the mood I was in), picturing Sandy Watters being drawn and quartered. Still not a bad watch for those of you who like this sort of thing, I just think that it could have been better.

Blue Valentine – Heavy duty relationship drama starring the always smartly dressed Ryan Gosling and the former Mrs. Heath Ledger, Michelle Williams. Word has it that its gritty, sexily sexy and very good. Also on the Blu Ray.

Concert – Uplifting French drama about a dude, Andrei Simoniovich Filipov, (there’s a mouthful) the renowned conductor of the Bolshoi orchestra, who was fired 30 years ago for hiring Jewish musicians. Now he’s a janitor, or custodial engineer as I like to refer to that profession, at the Bolshoi. Then he sees a chance for a way back in. Drama and enjoyment ensue.

I Am You – Very well received drama, mystery, thriller from down under (Australia) about a family who’s 15 year-old daughter goes missing. Who could be responsible? The loving dad? The loving boyfriend? The psychotic babysitter? Sandy Watters? Who knows? Great cast – Guy Pearce, Miranda Otto, Sam Neill. Looks like one to check out. I must say the quality thrillers coming out of Australia as of late has been quite craggy! ( I think that means impressive) Also known as In Her Skin.

The Illusionist – Amazing animated French film from the cats who brought you the wonderful Triplets of Belleville a few years back. From an original screenplay by Jacques Tati. Nominated for best animated feature at this years Oscars. Also on the Blu Ray.

Life with Murder – Great doc about an Ontario girl murdered in her home. All evidence points to her brother. Or Sandy Watters. Word has it that it’s an amazing story and fine piece of work. Love me a good doc!

No Strings Attached – Oh Natalie Portman, what have ye done? Where have you gone? From winning an Oscar in the excellent Black Swan to starring in a romantic comedy about friends with benefits with Ashton Kutchner. I guess ya got to pay those Harvard bills. On the Blu Ray as well.

The Violent Kind – From auteurs The Butcher Brothers comes this tale of a small group of hardened young bikers and their girlfriends are tormented when one of the girls becomes savagely possessed and a gang of “Rockabillies” seemingly from the 1950’s descends upon them to collect what is growing inside her. I think it may be a documentary?

Coming Next Week

Modra
Down Terrace
The Way Back
Thor: Tales of Asgard (Animated)
The Mechanic
The Rite
Tim and Eric’s Awesome Show Great Job Season 5
Vanishing on 7th Street
Daydream Nation
The Roommate
Autre Dumas

Black Dog Video Newsletter for Week Ending May 9th

May 2, 2011/0 Comments/in Newsletter/by Darren

So much is going on at the moment, it’s hard to keep everything straight! We’ve got the royal wedding between Osama Bin Laden and Kate Middlebrow, Obama finally got have Trump’s douche, er I mean birth certificate released, the US finally were able to hunt down the evil Price William and kill him in his “mansion” on the hill in Pakistan (I thought he was supposed to be living in a cave in Afghanistan?), the Canucks are playing really boring hockey in the playoffs, and we have a real chance of getting President Harper out of office. Crazy times! I hope that everyone gets out today to vote – remember friends don’t let friends vote Conservative. Or as my friend Robert says; “Today is the day where you can either vote for a Harper Government or a Canadian Government”. So get our, vote early and vote often and then pop by the shop to treat yourself to a fine flick for the evening.

New Releases for Tuesday May 3rd

Curious George Plays Ball – A monkey playing baseball?! Well I never. You’ll have to watch this documentary to find out, sorry, what’s that? It’s not a documentary? It’s an animated kids show? Well, OK then.

Curling – I’ve never tried to curl before but it does look like it may be fun to try (more fun than watching I have to assume) as I do enjoy sweaters, sweeping and drinking. As for this film, I’m not to sure if it has much to do with curling. It seems like a somewhat sombre Canadian piece about a strange, off-beat relationship between a dad and his daughter set somewhere in a remote part of the countryside. How Canadian does that sound?

The Dilemma – The real dilemma here is how Vince Vaughn still gets work. Like come on, does he do anything but these lame comedies and cheer for the Blackhawks? At least this film has comic genius Kevin James (Mall Cop) to carry it. (Can you sense the sarcasm dripping from my keyboard?) So the story goes as this – man discovers his best friend’s wife is having an affair. Let the comedy begin. Anyone else getting a little tired of fat, ugly dudes who have drop dead gorgeous wives in the movies and on the TV?

Eleanor’s Secret – Excellent animated feature about a little guy who discovers that the books in the library in his grandma’s house are full of lively characters that need his protection. Or something like that. Fun for the whole family!

The Godfathers of Ganja – From the guys who brought you Cocaine Cowboys comes this tale of Miami’s pot smuggling scene of the 1970s, populated with redneck pirates, a ganja-smoking church, and the longest serving marijuana prisoner in American history. For some reason this film is also called Square Grouper.

Green Hornet – Oh look, here comes another “superhero comic book movie”. Seth Rogan and Jay Chou team up to fight crime and comedy in this popcorn flick. I imagine that Bruce Lee and Van Williams are rolling over in their respective graves (that is a strange expression). Also on the Blu Rays.

Marwencol – Fascinating looking doc about a dude who gets badly beaten up, ends up with brain damage and then for some reason decides to build a 1/6th scale recreation of WWII in his backyard. Brains are weird. Unless you’re a zombie, then they’re tasty.

A Somewhat Gentle Man – Stellan Skarsgård plays a dude fresh out of prison who has to deal with this old gang, his ex, an impending wedding and losing his hair in this dark comedy that, word on the street has it, is quite excellent.

The Two Escobars – Riveting doc about Escobar, the most famous soccer player in Columbia and Escobar, the biggest most powerful drug king-pin in the world (and Columbia). One thing learned from this film – don’t score on your own goal in soccer and don’t become a big drug kingpin. I guess that’s two things.

Old Shite

Sweet Smell of Success – Criterion

Fish Tank – Criterion

Coming Next Week

The Illusionist
No Strings Attached
Black Death
That’s What I Am
Life with Murder
The Violent Kind
Concert
Blue Valentine
I Am You

Go Internets Go!

Here’s an amusing (if a little long) clip of Obama roasting The Donald. Pretty good jabs. What’s with Trump anyways? Is he just plain nuts? I really hope that he runs for President! [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8TwRmX6zs4[/youtube]

With the new Fast and Furious film raking in the dough, here’s a nice interview with the screen writer…[youtube]http://ow.ly/4LvQA[/youtube]

If you’ve been watching the great series Human Planet, here’s a piece that was cut form the final cut; The Douche – [youtube]http://ow.ly/4LwAp[/youtube]

And one more – Oscar Wilde meets the Jersey Shore – [youtube]http://ow.ly/4LwKh[/youtube]

That’s it for this week folks, remember, get out and vote today and also keep watching.

Black Dog Video
https://www.blackdogvideo.ca/

Black Dog Newsletter for Week Ending May 2nd

April 28, 2011/0 Comments/in Newsletter/by Darren

With so much happening right now – impending election (remember, friends don’t let friends vote Conservative!), the impending implosion of the Canucks (I kid, I want them to win as much as the next fan) – when is one going to find time to watch some quality films? I guess it’s not a bad thing that it’s a sub-par week for releases? I take that back it is always a bad thing when pickings are slim. It really has been feast of famine over the past few and next couple of weeks with regards to new films hitting the shelves. Good thing that we have such a swell collection of older titles for everyone to catch up on.

And catch up on you shall with all of our swell deals! Sunday to Thursday 2 flicks for $7.00. Eight dollar madness on Wednesdays – 5 oldies for 8 bones! Don’t forget the $35 pre-paid card. Get them while they last! And the fabulous Black Dog T-shirts are still available. See ya’ll soon.

New Releases for Tuesday April 26th

Casino Jack – Jack Abramoff plays political criminal douche bag Kevin Spacey (or is it the other way around?) in this docudrama that charts the uprise and downfall of the famed evil Washington lobbyist.

Chawz – Is anyone else getting a little tired of the South Korean giant killer pig movies? Raise your hand. I see you! If you’re not, then here you are. Go crazy. Do it!

Human Planet – The Complete Series – Compelling, beautifully shot doc that looks at human’s relationship with nature or something. Word has it that it’s quite awesome and that we’re not really nice to the planet (surprise!) and some critters especially the little monkeys. Also on stunning blu ray.

IP Man 2 – For those of you who couldn’t get enough IP Man! Supposed to be quite awesome in a kick you in the face and then the throat kind of way. Also on the most kung-fuiest of Blu Rays.

Jolene – A teenage orphan travels across the land seeking out adventure, finding love and sex, experiencing heartbreak and solving crimes (maybe not the solving crimes part) in this interesting looking drama type thing.

Lucky – Doc that checks in on lottery winners to see how winning piles of dough has affected their lives – for the good and the bad. Word has it that it’s quite an excellent little number – it’s from the fine folks who brought you Spellbound. I’m always amazed to hear how many people factor in winning the lottery as part of their retirement plans. Good luck!

Wasteland – Most popular film at last year’s film fest! Doc about people who use garbage (it’s set in a huge land fill just outside Rio) to make art. “I don’t know much about art, but I knows what I likes!”

Older titles

Capone – Cool 70’s retelling of the story of the famed mobster. Stars Ben Gazzara, Sly Stallone, John Cassavettes and Susan Blakely.

Coming Next Week

Curling
A Somewhat Gentle Man
The Green Hornet
Bloomington
The Dilemma
The Godfathers of Ganja

Go, Internets, Go!

Here’s a good rant for those of you (us) that feel that maybe TV is ruining everyone’s life. And it’s funny! [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f2iEQwApm8[/youtube]

This has always been one of my pet peeves in films – good to see someone articulate it for me (although it was in my hopper to rant on about on my blog soon – dang!). It’s a funny article about speech giving in films – like in Braveheart when Mad Mel is riding along his enormous legion of troops shouting out some sort of inspirational speech. Who the hell can hear him except maybe the first couple of rows – and that’s if he stands still, not riding up and down the ranks? I picture myself in the army there leaning over to a fellow soldier, “What’d he say? We’re doing what?!” Or shouting “Speak up!”
http://livvyjams.wordpress.com/2010/11/14/strange-cinema-conventions-the-pre-battle-horseback-pep-talk-minus-megaphone/

And to sort of keep with that theme, hear’s a funny article from the Onion about odd movie jobs that we wish were real, especially in these hard economic times…
http://www.avclub.com/articles/nice-work-if-you-can-get-it-22-nichey-job-fields-w,55022/

Alright, ya’ll that’s it for today/this week. Enjoy the hockey game, keep the rioting to a minimum if they lose, get out there and vote next Monday and remember to keep watching!

Black Dog Video

Welcome to Black Dog Video!

Black Dog Newsletter for Week Ending April 25th

April 18, 2011/0 Comments/in Newsletter/by Darren

What a difference a week makes. It’s starting to warm up (trust me it is) ever so slightly, the Canucks are on the verge of a sweep and moving onto the second round (I’m hoping for a sweep of all the series – no problem, right?), there’s a nice full moon to admire and we have a great week of quality DVD and Blu Ray releases! Oh joy!

A couple of things to let you know about; there’s some sort of Easter celebration, egg hunt (I never really got the Easter egg hunt thing – like the symbol for Easter, besides a dude nailed to a cross, is a bunny – bunnies don’t lay eggs. Where’s the Easter chicken?) happening in the Cambie hood this Saturday (the 23rd). Details in the You Go Internets section down below.

Also we have a sweet contest to win a pair of tickets to bat-shit crazy Randy and Evi Quaid’s “film” Star Whackers this Friday the 22nd at the Rio Theatre. Just announced – Randy’s band The Fugitives will be performing as well. Should make for a strange evening. Again, details down below.

New Releases for Tuesday April 19th

Colditz – WWII “escape from the POW camp so you can return to London before the other guy not in a POW camp steals your fiance” type film. Stars Tom Hardy (Bronson, The Take) and Damian Lewis (Band of Brothers). Drama and escaping’, I presume, ensue.

Goemon – Cool looking Robin Hood type, martial arts CGI extravaganza from the Japanese director of Casshern. Also on the Blu Ray. Action, weirdness ans swords, I assume, ensue.

Gulliver’s Travels – Jack Black craps in your eyes for an hour and a half in this half-baked, lame attempt at the famed story of Gulliver – a lout who ends up on the island of Liliput – an island populated by tiny, tiny people. Hilarity, was supposed to, ensue.

Highwater – My description – Surf movie. IMDB description – Real life drama, humor, death-defying waves, rivalries, parties, heart-break, romance, injuries, and humanity all collide during a nearly two month surfing competition on Hawaii’s “7 Mile Miracle”.

I Love You Philip Morris – Jim Carrey embraces his inner gay man, tries to pull some cons and frauds, lands up in jail where he meets Ewan McGregor. Romance, I presume, ensues. For those of you who never thought you’d get to see Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor make out.

The King’s Speech – Tale of King George VI of Britain, as portrayed by unknown actor Colin Firth, and his unfortunate speech impediment. This won some kind of award or something a while back. For whatever reason this film holds little or no interest for me but I’ve been told by reliable sources that it is quite good. Stuttering, stammering and hilarity, I presume, ensue. Also on the Blu Ray.

Like Dandelion Dust – Heavy duty drama starring Barry Pepper and Mira Sorvino as parents of a young boy caught in a custody battle with good parents vs bad parents or something like that. Lots of acting and crying and yelling, I presume, ensue.

Rabbit Hole – Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart star in the director of Shortbus and Hedwig and the Angry Inch, comedy (yes comedy – I’ve been told anyways) slash drama about a couple who lose their son in a car accident. I imagine that crying, laughs, and lots of acting ensue. Make a nice double bill with the above film, don’t you think? Also on the Blu Ray.

Shawn the Sheep – Big Sheep Chase – Shawn the sheep stars in this sheep chase type film. Sheep and chasing, I presume, ensue.

Somewhere – Sofia Coppola makes another sweet film about nothing in particular. This time out it’s Stephen Dorff sitting around examining his live when his 11 year old daughter comes for a visit. Word has it that it’s quite good. This is first in my que for the week. Also on the Blu Ray.

Street Kings 2: Motor City – Because we were all dying for a sequel to Street Kings 1. (Not called one at the time I expect). Ray Liotta replace Canoe Reeves. Don’t hold your breath thinking it will be as “great” as the first one.

The Temptation of St. Tony – From Estonia! A mid-level manager who develops an aversion to being “good” finds himself confronting the mysteries of middle-age and morality as he loses grasp of what was once his quiet life. The plot keywords on the IMDB include murder, chainsaw, cannibalism and surrealism so how bad can it be?

Couple of Old Gregory Peck Titles Just in

Mirage – http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059448/

Arabesque – http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060121/

Coming Next Week

Human Planet
IP Man 2
Chawz
Resident
Jolene
Lucky
Casino Jack

Black Dog Video Newsletter for Week Ending April 18th

April 13, 2011/0 Comments/in Newsletter/by Darren

Sorry for the late newsletter this week folks. I was hoping to have it out on Monday as usual but the world conspired against me. Again. I was swamped with stuff like kitchen renos, 2 beer lunch, attacked by wolverines, you know, life. Anyways…

As far as I can remember there has not been a week like this week for New Releases. And I don’t think that I mean that in a good way. For the first time, maybe ever, there isn’t a single film that I’m familiar with! I don’t understand why the powers that be that are in charge of releasing films would do something like this! Make no sense. So henceforth, this week shall be known by thee name, and thus name only, as the Tuesday of Motion Pictures Unbeknownst to All Who Gaze Upon their Shiny Unfamiliar Descriptive Casings. Next week will more than make up for this week’s weak offerings. Until then enjoy some great older titles, or some of the old hockey game (but not too much).

For those of you not interested in the Canucks drive for the Cup (I know that you’re out there), please don’t forget to take advantage of our swell deals – Wednesday – 5 old great films for a measly $8.00, Sunday to Thursday 2 films for $7.00 – one old one new or two old, two new for $10.00. $35.00 buys you a pre-paid punch card good for 10 films of your choosing (includes new releases and blu rays!) And the T-shirts! Have I mentioned the T-Shirts? Well they’re going fast so come on in and get yours soon!

New Releases for Tuesday April 12th

Country Strong – The box quote says “You don’t have to be country fan to love this movie” No, and you don’t have to have any fucking teeth to eat corn on the cob. Get what I’m saying? I think that I’d rather pour hot wax into my ears and gouge my eyes out with a warm spoon that watch and listen to Gwyneth Paltrow warble her way through this thing. But that’s me.

Farewell – This one I’ve never heard of but it looks pretty darn cool – if you like the spy capers. And I like the spy capers, gimme a good spy caper any day. And this one is reportedly based on a true story about a KGB dude who decides to secretly (all spies do things in secret) give intel to the “enemy”. And it has the great rubbery faced Willam Dafoe in it and, for some reason, a quote from Ronald Reagan on the box! Which is strange unless it’s from a critic by the same name. Who knows these days?

Let Him Be – Two dudes come across a brief video clip of what they think is an older John Lennon (guy from a band called The Beatles) playing some music. Of course they set out on an odyssey to discover the truth. Never heard of this one but I like the premise.

Looking for Pallidin – Have not heard of this film but it may be interesting to some as we follow a Hollywood agent who travels to Guatemala in search of actor Ben Gazzara. Seems to be one of those films about self-yawn-discovery.

Re-Cut – Never heard of this horror number but for us horror aficionados out there this one looks nice and grim. Looks a combination of Wicker Man, Last Exorcism, Eden Lake and any number of “crazy small town-folk hiding a nasty secret” type films.

Summer in Genoa – Not familiar with this number despite the excellent cast – Colin Firth, Catherine Keener, swell director Michael Winterbottom and the lovely Italian setting of, you guessed it, Genoa. Firth’s a dude who loses his wife and then moves his two daughters form the States to Italy to “start over”. Looks like it could be pretty good, even if I haven’t heard of it.

Summer Lover – I think that this one may be a bit of a lesbian romp in the sun. Not too sure as it is unfamiliar to me but the main character’s name is Sappho and she travels to the island of Lesbos for a “vacation” And the cover art kinda gives it away as well.

Vision: From the Life of Hildegard Von Bingen – I’ve been waiting my entire life for a bio-pic of famed 12th century nun Hildegard Von Bingen! Oh happy day! Kidding aside, this is supposed to be an excellent film directed by famed director Margarethe Von Trotta.

White Material – The awesomely great Isabelle Huppert plays a crazy entitled white woman living in South Africa who refuses to give up the family’s crumbling coffee plantation as civil war rages around the place. Directed by the greatly awesome Claire Denis. And it’s a Criterion release!

Releasing on Friday the 15th

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Pt 1 – Never heard of this Harold Potter fellow but I hear he’s quite popular amongst the youngings and the wizard and warlock crowd. Also on the blu ray.

Old Stuff

The Sins of Madame Bovray – If you know who Edwige Fenech is you may have seen this, if you haven’t I’m sure that you will want to. If you don’t know who she is well now’s your chance!

Coming Next Week

The King’s Speech
Guilliver’s Travels
Somewhere
Rabbit Hole
Goemon
I Love You Philip Morris
Colditz
Like Dandelion Dust
Street Kings 2

Internets! F@#K Ya!

I don’t usually throw political like stuff in here but I feel the need to include this humorous, but spot on, piece. Anything I can do to help unseat Harper. Man, I hate that guy! There’s a few F-Bombs sprinkled in hear, just so ya know..
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qItqs4HO6hc&feature=youtube_gdata_player[/youtube]

I know there’s a couple of you out there you are interested in Canadian film and what not. If you are check out the First Weekend Club as they are all knowing, all seeing in the realms of Canadian cinema – http://www.firstweekendclub.ca/

When I first saw this website I thought it was real. Real creepy! http://chickswithstevebuscemeyes.tumblr.com/

And speaking of creepy. I’m not too sure why I put this in here. Maybe just for the WTF factor? Enjoy…[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etU_wtP5Pck[/youtube]

Have a great week folk! Go Canucks but also go movies!

Black Dog Video

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New Releases for Tuesday May 3rd

Old Shite

Coming Next Week

Recently Viewed and Recommended

Go Internets Go!

New Releases for Tuesday April 26th

Older titles

Coming Next Week

Recently Viewed and Recommended

Go, Internets, Go!

New Releases for Tuesday April 12th

Releasing on Friday the 15th

Old Stuff

Coming Next Week

Recently Viewed and Recommended

Internets! F@#K Ya!

Video Store on Commercial Drive

Memberships are here!

Where To?

Search