NOTE- If the title is a box-set, the films in the set are the ones in the paragraph in bold.
Emir Kusturica Early Works
This Yugoslavian director is mostly forgotten in recent years, with his last film released in 2007, and his last acclaimed film released back in 2004. But delve far back into his filmography and you'll find some hidden gems. His film début 'Do You Remember Dolly Bell?' (1981), Palm D'Or winner 'When Father was away on Business' (1985), and the epic 'Time of the Gypsies' (1988) are all excellent films, even better than his most known films: 'Underground', 'Life is a Miracle', and 'Black Cat, White Cat', in my opinion. His zany Fellini-esque antics appear in his early works, full in force. Artificial Eye released the first two on DVD (since out of circulation), and they released 'Time of the Gypsies' way back on VHS.
Chances are: Unlikely (3/10). Artificial Eye rarely seem to go back and upgrade their DVDs. Maybe if Kusturica releases a new film, it may give someone an incentive.
The Travelling Players
Theo Angelopoulos's flawless masterpiece. Since reviewing this on the blog, it has stayed in my mind for a while. The film tells main events in the history of Greece between 1939 and 1952 through the eyes of a group of travelling players. These events include the Metaxas's fascist dictatorship, The Second World War and the British occupation. It's very rare for a film to be long and epic, while keeping all of the auteur's unique trademarks throughout.
Chances are: Possible (4/10). There is a Japanese blu ray, so the HD materials exist. But again, Artificial Eye has the rights, and have released the film in a DVD box-set.
Shuji Terayama Box-set
Terayama is the king of the Japanese New Wave, with his ultra-insane visuals, content and techniques. He unfortunately died at 47, but left some phenomenal films, including 'Throw Away Your Books and Rally in the Streets' (1971), 'Pastoral: To Die in the Country' (1974), 'The Boxer' (1977), and 'Farewell to the Ark' (1984). They're all great, and combine shocking visuals, with Fellini-esque content and some great soundtracks. 'Throw Away Your Books and Rally in the Streets' has a punk "fuck the world" attitude, which includes scenes of rioting, weed smoking and rampant sex. 'Pastoral' really impressed me when I first watched, and has a moment half way through the film which is rule-changing. 'The Boxer' is a copycat, but far better version of 'Rocky'. While 'Farewell to the Ark' is a really great last film.
Chances: Eventually (6/10). Arrow said they will think about releasing some Terayama if the Yoshida set sells well. There is a blu ray in Japan as well.
A Brighter Summers Day (1991)
Edward Yang's four hour Taiwanese New Wave Epic, desperately needs a release. Have you seen the available copy? Its been filmed on a potato. But great news, the film has been restored by the World Cinema Project, a magnificent organisation that restores and exhibits films from all over the world, that have been severely neglected over the years. It is strange that a film from 1991 needs to be restored, but what they have done is extraordinary. The film has a big following from those which have watched it.
Chances: Its Coming (9/10). It should be released as part of The Masters of Cinema Collection, either as a stand-alone release or as a part of The World Cinema Project Volume 2. Whether it comes by the end of 2015 or up to 2020, who knows?
The Complete Don Hertzfeldt
Don Hertzfeldt is the ultimate auteur. As an animator, he draws, directs, edits and voices his own films. He also draws every frame. Now that is dedication. This also means there isn't a lot of work and his films can be viewed in 3 hours or so. 'Rejected' is his most known work, and was a mini-viral hit on YouTube a few years ago. As time passed his films have become more mature, resulting in the three-part 'Its Such a Beautiful Day' and Sundance hit 'World of Tomorrow'. I have no idea if the films would look good on blu ray, but having the option to replay those two films would make me, and other fans, incredibly happy.
Chances: Little chance (2/10). A region 2 release is unlikely as Hertzfeldt distributes his own films (what a talented guy), however he recently begun a Kickstarter to release some of his films on blu-ray, so a region 2 release isn't particularly needed. This Kickstarter will be the only chance to get the films on blu ray (and is region free), so funding it now is necessary.
Frederick Wiseman- Early Works
Wiseman is always mentioned when people list the best documentaries, but they are notoriously hard to find. I saw 'National Gallery' at its Toronto International Film Festival Premier last year, even asked Wiseman a question at the Q&A, but I have had no luck looking for the rest of his 42 films. He may be the only director who can make a 3 hour documentary about the National Gallery without boring the viewer. Wiseman focuses on institutions in his work and is most well known for his study on Massachusetts Correctional Institution in 'Titicut Follies' (1967). This is his début film, so a box-set of his earliest work would be a great introduction to the world of Wiseman. A box-set of films he made around this time would be monumental, and should include 'High School' (1968), 'Law & Order' (1969) and 'Hospital' (1970).
Chances: Unlikely (1/10). Wiseman's films are currently distributed through the Zipporah films website, where each film is $30 (+ big fee for shipping), and on DVD.
Marketa Lazarova
The finest Czechoslovakian film as voted by a 1998 poll of Czech critics, and I whole-heartedly agree with them. This film has a unique and grand vision, set in the Middle Ages, with perfect black and white cinematography. This film is always credited to be found by The Criterion Collection (where they released it on blu), but was released 5 years prior by Second Run on DVD in the UK. Second Run are a fantastic company, that release completely unknown (mostly Eastern-European) films in the UK.
Chances: Not as unlikely as you may think (4/10). If Second Run ever release a blu-ray, this is likely to be it. 'Marketa Lazarova' has a bigger following then you may think. I wish they would, but they're audience is on DVD so it is unlikely.
Hou Hsiao-Hsien Childhood Trilogy
Possibly the greatest working director, Hou is still relatively unknown in the West. Three of his early works have recently been restored: 'A Summer at Grandpa's' (1984), 'A Time to Live and a Time to Die' (1985) and 'Dust in the Wind' (1986). 'A Summer at Grandpa's' is based on Chu Tien-Wen's childhood memories, 'A Time to Live and a Time to Die' is based on Hou's, while 'Dust in the Wind' is based on Wu Nien-Jen's. All 3 are must sees, and are incredible. The Taiwanese DVDs I own have very bad Picture/Audio quality, so I would jump on any release.
Chances: Possible (5/10). There has to be a reason why they haven't been released thus far. Its possible the rights issues are because the films may be financed partially by the Taiwanese Mafia. There are recent restorations of all 3 and the last two have been included in a Taiwanese blu ray box-set. I'm going to Taiwan in August, so I'll grab it if I can.
Ocean Waves/Only Tomorrow
These are the final two Studio Ghibli films yet to be released on UK blu ray. For those collecting them, there are two gaps, and there has been for a while. While they may not be seen as the best of the bunch, they are Ghiblis and, therefore, are necessary to watch. I would say Ocean Waves is better than people give it credit for.
Chances: Likely (7/10). Why wouldn't Studio Canal release these? Ghibli releases sell a lot of units. 'The Wind Rises' was released on blu ray in October 2014, and by February 2015, they were still selling over 3,000 copies a month. Most releases sell 500 or so a month. So it should be a no-brainer.
Hou Hsiao Hsien's Historical Trilogy
These are 'A City of Sadness' (1989), 'The Puppetmaster' (1993) and 'Good Men, Good Women' (1995). They are equally as good as his childhood trilogy, but are far more ambitious, with a larger/more epic scope. 'A City of Sadness' is Hou's most acclaimed film, and won the Golden Lion in Venice. The film is historical, with the story revolving around the "White Terror" when the KMT government massacred thousands of Taiwanese. 'The Puppetmaster' is Hou's least accessible film, and is a biopic on Li Tienlu. Li also stars in the film, as a narrator/interviewee. All 3 of these films show Hou in his prime. Feel the power of the long takes.
Chances: Unlikely (3/10). No restorations and lots of rights issues. But one can dream eh?
Day for Night (1973)
Francois Truffaut's best film has only been released in the UK on VHS. Its another fellini-esque film based on the process of making a film, but is brilliant in every way possible. Truffaut knows how to direct a film, and this insider, and satirical, look is utterly wonderful.
Chances: Unlikely (3/10). Warner Bros never release back catalogue titles on blu ray in the UK. Criterion are releasing it in August, you lucky Americans.
Yoji Yamada's 70s Films
Yamada is known in the West for his samurai trilogy, including the critically acclaimed 'The Twilight Samurai'. In the East, Yamada is known for writing/directing most of the 48 Tora-San films. However, if you delve deeper into his work, you'll come across some incredible and breath-taking films which include: 'Where Spring Comes Late' (1970), 'Home from the Sea' (1972), 'The Yellow Handkerchief' (1977) and 'A Distant Cry from Spring' (1980). These films are some of the most well-crafted and enjoyable ever made. Yamada has directed 84 films thus far and needs more attention outside of Japan.
Chances: Never going to happen (1/10). Arrow have been releasing risky films, but this, I feel, is too risky for any of the UK labels. Maybe in 10 or 20 years when they run out of films to release, but now its just a dream of mine.
Peter Greenaway's Remaining films from 1985-2000
Peter Greenaway has always despised the mainstream, and even his audience, with his bleak "cinema is dead!!!" outlook on life, but his films are so peculiar and far from the ordinary, they beg to be seen. Even if his early Avant-Garde work is brilliant (and maybe even more self-indulgent) then his post-1980 films, these films are classics and would look far better in glorious high-definition. These films are 'The Cook, the Thief, his Wife and her Lover' (1989), 'Prospero's Books' (1991) and 'The Pillow Book' (1996). As literary, over-indulgent, inaccessible and sexually gratuitous as his films are, they are undoubtedly incredible.
Chances: Probable (7/10). There is no real reason they haven't been released yet, so they'll come eventually... hopefully...
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