Comments on: Scream… and Die! (1973) http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/11/jose-ramon-larrazs-scream-and-die-1973/ Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:23:02 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=1.5.1-alpha by: cinebeats http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/11/jose-ramon-larrazs-scream-and-die-1973/#comment-1246 Sat, 12 Jan 2008 14:09:12 +0000 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/11/jose-ramon-larrazs-scream-and-die-1973/#comment-1246 Steve - I hope you're able to check out the film soon. I think you'd really enjoy it. HSB - Many thanks for the nice comment and I'm glad you enjoyed my rather meandering look at the film. I'm often in desperate need of an editor. It's also nice to know that I'm not the only one who appreciates Lanchbury’s performance. My favorite Lanchbury film is probably Larraz's <strong>Deviation</strong>, which I need to see again, but he's really terrific here. Andrew Monroe - I really appreciate your nice comments and I'm happy you liked my look at <strong>Scream... and Die!</strong> I totally agree with your comments about the film and Larraz's work in general. I hope some smart DVD company will release <strong>Symptoms</strong> as well as <strong>Deviation</strong> (my own favorite Larraz film) in nice widescreen editions with commentary and interviews. It's really a shame that more of the director's films aren't available on DVD. Nic - It's worth a rental and I hope you like it. I would probably recommend buying the video over the DVD because the quality isn't much different as far as I can tell. Robert - Many thanks and I'm glad you enjoyed my look at the film. It's a shame that it seems to be so underrated, even among Larraz's fans because it clearly deals with themes that the director enjoys exploring. It's pretty ridiculous that a film like <strong>Symptoms</strong>, which was nominated for a Golden Palm, isn't easily available and <strong>Deviation</strong> is my personal favorite Larraz film, but it's hard to find as well. Steve - I hope you’re able to check out the film soon. I think you’d really enjoy it.

HSB - Many thanks for the nice comment and I’m glad you enjoyed my rather meandering look at the film. I’m often in desperate need of an editor. It’s also nice to know that I’m not the only one who appreciates Lanchbury’s performance. My favorite Lanchbury film is probably Larraz’s Deviation, which I need to see again, but he’s really terrific here.

Andrew Monroe - I really appreciate your nice comments and I’m happy you liked my look at Scream… and Die! I totally agree with your comments about the film and Larraz’s work in general. I hope some smart DVD company will release Symptoms as well as Deviation (my own favorite Larraz film) in nice widescreen editions with commentary and interviews. It’s really a shame that more of the director’s films aren’t available on DVD.

Nic - It’s worth a rental and I hope you like it. I would probably recommend buying the video over the DVD because the quality isn’t much different as far as I can tell.

Robert - Many thanks and I’m glad you enjoyed my look at the film. It’s a shame that it seems to be so underrated, even among Larraz’s fans because it clearly deals with themes that the director enjoys exploring. It’s pretty ridiculous that a film like Symptoms, which was nominated for a Golden Palm, isn’t easily available and Deviation is my personal favorite Larraz film, but it’s hard to find as well.

]]> by: robertmonell http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/11/jose-ramon-larrazs-scream-and-die-1973/#comment-1243 Sat, 12 Jan 2008 08:07:38 +0000 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/11/jose-ramon-larrazs-scream-and-die-1973/#comment-1243 A very perceptive review and good choice of screenshots, Kimberly. Yeah, you caught it: the claustrophobic atmosphere and voyeurism. It's not what happens but how it overturns expectations and turns toward the hidden in reality. It's very underrrated, I agree. I used to rent it out in the early 1990s under SCREAM AND DIE, I wish I would have taped it because it's long gone and haven't seen it again in over 15 years, but it sticks in the memory. Larraz has said he's interested in the connectiion between sex and crime and that's what his best films, like this one, explore. My other favorite Larraz films are VIOLATION OF THE BITCH, DEVIATION &amp;SYMPTOMS, which, along with this are in need of a good DVD presentation. A very perceptive review and good choice of screenshots, Kimberly. Yeah, you caught it: the claustrophobic atmosphere and voyeurism. It’s not what happens but how it overturns expectations and turns toward the hidden in reality. It’s very underrrated, I agree. I used to rent it out in the early 1990s under SCREAM AND DIE, I wish I would have taped it because it’s long gone and haven’t seen it again in over 15 years, but it sticks in the memory. Larraz has said he’s interested in the connectiion between sex and crime and that’s what his best films, like this one, explore. My other favorite Larraz films are VIOLATION OF THE BITCH, DEVIATION &SYMPTOMS, which, along with this are in need of a good DVD presentation.

]]> by: Nicolas Caesar http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/11/jose-ramon-larrazs-scream-and-die-1973/#comment-1241 Fri, 11 Jan 2008 22:17:17 +0000 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/11/jose-ramon-larrazs-scream-and-die-1973/#comment-1241 I added it to my que, it's in the $10 range which is 9$ more than what i'm used to paying for dvds hahaha but the creepy masks sold me :&gt; I added it to my que, it’s in the $10 range which is 9$ more than what i’m used to paying for dvds hahaha but the creepy masks sold me :>

]]> by: Andrew Monroe http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/11/jose-ramon-larrazs-scream-and-die-1973/#comment-1238 Fri, 11 Jan 2008 20:11:15 +0000 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/11/jose-ramon-larrazs-scream-and-die-1973/#comment-1238 Terrific review! Quite possibly the best, most in-depth and thoughtful piece I`ve read on this film. Larraz`s films, particularly the early ones, have an uncanny knack for bringing on a genuine sense of unease...even if his first priority is the erotic. Like you say, there`s never much doubt as to who the killer is but there`s such an off-kilter vibe running through the whole film it still manages to give me goosebumps! I have the Video Treasures tape and while the picture`s not bad for fullframe, I too would love to see Severin pick this up, it seems right up their alley! Btw, anyone looking for a copy of this is welcome to contact me. My number one Larraz film screaming for a nice dvd presentation is SYMPTOMS, I have a super crappy dvd-r of it (the color even drops out in a few scenes!), yet I can still see the greatness of this one. Please, please someone rescue this unnerving gem! Terrific review! Quite possibly the best, most in-depth and thoughtful piece I`ve read on this film. Larraz`s films, particularly the early ones, have an uncanny knack for bringing on a genuine sense of unease…even if his first priority is the erotic. Like you say, there`s never much doubt as to who the killer is but there`s such an off-kilter vibe running through the whole film it still manages to give me goosebumps! I have the Video Treasures tape and while the picture`s not bad for fullframe, I too would love to see Severin pick this up, it seems right up their alley! Btw, anyone looking for a copy of this is welcome to contact me.

My number one Larraz film screaming for a nice dvd presentation is SYMPTOMS, I have a super crappy dvd-r of it (the color even drops out in a few scenes!), yet I can still see the greatness of this one. Please, please someone rescue this unnerving gem!

]]> by: HSB http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/11/jose-ramon-larrazs-scream-and-die-1973/#comment-1237 Fri, 11 Jan 2008 19:52:08 +0000 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/11/jose-ramon-larrazs-scream-and-die-1973/#comment-1237 I originally saw this on a double-bill with LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT when it went under it's US title HOUSE THAT VANISHED. Perhaps it was the juxtaposition of styles between the two films that made SCREAM...stand out for me all those years ago. When it was finally released uncut on VHS under its original title, that was a moment to rejoice. Now there is your (once again -- is receiving praise ever tiresome?)wonderful, vivid appreciation of this nearly completely ignored thriller. Nice to see someone heap on credit where it sorely is due -- esp. your note of Lanchbury's performance. Thank you in perpetuum. I originally saw this on a double-bill with LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT when it went under it’s US title HOUSE THAT VANISHED. Perhaps it was the juxtaposition of styles between the two films that made SCREAM…stand out for me all those years ago. When it was finally released uncut on VHS under its original title, that was a moment to rejoice. Now there is your (once again — is receiving praise ever tiresome?)wonderful, vivid appreciation of this nearly completely ignored thriller. Nice to see someone heap on credit where it sorely is due — esp. your note of Lanchbury’s performance. Thank you in perpetuum.

]]> by: Steve Langton http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/11/jose-ramon-larrazs-scream-and-die-1973/#comment-1236 Fri, 11 Jan 2008 13:47:02 +0000 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/11/jose-ramon-larrazs-scream-and-die-1973/#comment-1236 I'm a keen Larraz fan but this film has thus far eluded me. After reading your review, I'm dying to see it and share your wish that a company such as Severin will do the honours in the not-too distant. I’m a keen Larraz fan but this film has thus far eluded me. After reading your review, I’m dying to see it and share your wish that a company such as Severin will do the honours in the not-too distant.

]]> by: cinebeats http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/11/jose-ramon-larrazs-scream-and-die-1973/#comment-1235 Fri, 11 Jan 2008 12:28:35 +0000 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/11/jose-ramon-larrazs-scream-and-die-1973/#comment-1235 Peter - I hope you'll enjoy <strong>Scream... and Die! </strong>once you get to see it, but it's a film that doesn't seem to appeal to many people. The Jef DVD is pretty awful and the film really suffers because of that. Jeremy - I'm glad you enjoyed me review. I really love the film as well, but we seem to be in the minority. I've read some pretty scathing reviews of it, which inspired me to revisit the film and try to point out some it's best and most overlooked qualities. I may turn in this into a longer essay in the future. Your DVDR copy is probably the same quality as the Jef DVD, which is a shame. I really wish some DVD companies would start making more of Larraz's early films available. Some nice interviews and audio commentaries on the DVDs would also be really welcome. Thanks again! Keith - I think you'd probably find elements to like so I hope you'll give the film a look soon Keith. Thanks again! *Last but not least, I hope I corrected all my typos! I should never post after midnight, but common sense sort of escaped me last night. Peter - I hope you’ll enjoy Scream… and Die! once you get to see it, but it’s a film that doesn’t seem to appeal to many people. The Jef DVD is pretty awful and the film really suffers because of that.

Jeremy - I’m glad you enjoyed me review. I really love the film as well, but we seem to be in the minority. I’ve read some pretty scathing reviews of it, which inspired me to revisit the film and try to point out some it’s best and most overlooked qualities. I may turn in this into a longer essay in the future. Your DVDR copy is probably the same quality as the Jef DVD, which is a shame. I really wish some DVD companies would start making more of Larraz’s early films available. Some nice interviews and audio commentaries on the DVDs would also be really welcome. Thanks again!

Keith - I think you’d probably find elements to like so I hope you’ll give the film a look soon Keith. Thanks again!

*Last but not least, I hope I corrected all my typos! I should never post after midnight, but common sense sort of escaped me last night.

]]> by: Keith http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/11/jose-ramon-larrazs-scream-and-die-1973/#comment-1234 Fri, 11 Jan 2008 08:53:36 +0000 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/11/jose-ramon-larrazs-scream-and-die-1973/#comment-1234 I love the work of Larraz, including Vampyres. This is one of his films that I've never had the pleasure to see. I've heard so much stuff about it. Your blog post definitely has me excited to see this one. I love Spanish films of the 70's. They and the Italians did it pretty much the best in my opinion during the 70's. This one has a pretty intriguing storyline. Andrea Allan is stunningly beautiful. Nothing wrong with some nudity. :-) Great blog. I really enjoyed it. Have a great weekend. I love the work of Larraz, including Vampyres. This is one of his films that I’ve never had the pleasure to see. I’ve heard so much stuff about it. Your blog post definitely has me excited to see this one. I love Spanish films of the 70’s. They and the Italians did it pretty much the best in my opinion during the 70’s. This one has a pretty intriguing storyline. Andrea Allan is stunningly beautiful. Nothing wrong with some nudity. :-) Great blog. I really enjoyed it. Have a great weekend.

]]> by: Jeremy http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/11/jose-ramon-larrazs-scream-and-die-1973/#comment-1233 Fri, 11 Jan 2008 07:42:21 +0000 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/11/jose-ramon-larrazs-scream-and-die-1973/#comment-1233 This is really great Kimberly. I really love this film and have always placed it in among the best works of the great Larraz. You really capture the twisted and sharp edges the film possesses extremely well and it was a pleasure to read. I am sorry to hear that the DVD isn't of a good quality. I have been hoping for a DVD of this so this news is disappointing. I guess I will just stick to my dvdr which is ported off the old VHS as it sounds like what they did...great film...great pics...great post. This is really great Kimberly. I really love this film and have always placed it in among the best works of the great Larraz. You really capture the twisted and sharp edges the film possesses extremely well and it was a pleasure to read.
I am sorry to hear that the DVD isn’t of a good quality. I have been hoping for a DVD of this so this news is disappointing. I guess I will just stick to my dvdr which is ported off the old VHS as it sounds like what they did…great film…great pics…great post.

]]> by: Peter Nellhaus http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/11/jose-ramon-larrazs-scream-and-die-1973/#comment-1232 Fri, 11 Jan 2008 07:19:22 +0000 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/11/jose-ramon-larrazs-scream-and-die-1973/#comment-1232 I've got this film on my queue. I saw <b>The Coming of Sin</b> on DVD a couple of years ago because I was intrigued by that iconic image of the two people inside the large, wooden horse. I’ve got this film on my queue. I saw The Coming of Sin on DVD a couple of years ago because I was intrigued by that iconic image of the two people inside the large, wooden horse.

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