Note:  If listening to Mr. Scorsese talk about film and film preservation made you tear up a bit (like I did), be sure to check out A Personal Journey with Martin Scorsese Through American Movies,  in which he takes us through his favorite films and shares their influence on his work. One viewing is roughly equivalent to a quarter of film school.

Both films begin at 7:30pm downtown at the Seattle Art Museum. For ticket information, please visit their website.

To prepare for her visit, here’s footage of Ms. Schoonmaker discussing her career and how she goes about the editing process.

Make plans to take a late lunch, skip class, or leave work early to meet and chat with a modern film legend. We’ll see you here.

If you need to catch up on the nominated films before  the big show on Sunday, March 7th, here’s a list of films we already have on DVD and what they’re nominated for:

Bright Star–Best Costume Design

Coraline–Best Animated Feature  (I  remember sitting in the theater while the credits rolled, wishing Pixar wasn’t putting out a film that year so it would have a shot at winning this award).

The Cove–Best Documentary Feature (the favorite so far)

District 9–Best Visual Effects, Film Editing, Adapted Screenplay and Best Picture

Il Divo--Best Makeup

Food, Inc.–Best Documentary Feature

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince–Best Cinematography

The Hurt Locker–Cinematography, Film Editing, Best Original Score, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actor (Jeremy Renner!!), Best Director and Best Picture. Go Team Bigelow!!

In The Loop–Best Adapted Screenplay

Inglourious Basterds–Best Supporting Actor (Christoph Waltz, who darn well better win), Cinematography, Film Editing, Sound Mixing, Sound Editing, Original Screenplay, Best Director and Best Picture. Go Team Quentin!

Julie & Julia–Meryl Streep is nominated for Best Actress

Paris 36–Best Original Song –”Loin de Paname”

Star Trek–Best Makeup, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing and Visual Effects

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen–Best Sound Mixing (not Visual Effects!)

Up–Sound Editing, Best Original Score, Best Original Screenplay, Best Animated Feature and Best Picture.  We’re sure it at least has Best Animated Feature locked in.

Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death–Best Animated Short

The Young Victoria–It’s not out domestically on DVD, but we do have this nominee for Art Direction, Makeup and Costume design on an import PAL Code 2 DVD.  Ask us if you’re curious about how to play such discs.

NOMINEES ARRIVING LATER IN FEBRUARY:

Feb. 9th–A Serious Man–Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay

Feb. 16th–Coco Before Chanel–Best Costume Design

WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF THE MOVIES?

Several of the  nominees are scheduled to be released on DVD after the Oscars on March 7th.  Precious: Based on the novel Push by Sapphire, nominated for Film Editing, Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress (Mo’Nique), Best Actress (the awesome Gabourney Sidibe in her first film), Best Director (Lee Daniels) and Best Picture, comes out the following Tuesday, March 9th.  Disney’s The Princess and The Frog, nominated for Best Animated Feature and twice for Best Original Song (for Randy Newman’s “Almost There” and “Down in New Orleans”) arrives the following week on Tuesday, March 16th.  March 23rd brings Wes Anderson’s Best Animated Feature nominee Fantastic Mr. Fox (see my thoughts on Coraline above), and The Blind Side, nominated for Best Actress (Sandra Bullock, the favorite to win so far) and Best Picture. Sherlock Holmes, nominated for Best Art Direction and Original Score (and starring surprise Golden Globe winner Robert Downey, Jr.)  should arrive on DVD Tuesday, March 30th.

After those titles, the DVD release dates get a bit fuzzy.  Of the remaining Best Picture nominees, An Education and Up In The Air are estimated to come out in either late March or April. We can only imagine it will be at least until summer until Avatar runs out of steam and shows up on DVD.  April may also bring Terry Gilliam’s The Imagination of Doctor Parnassus, nominated for Best Art Direction and Costume Design, and Michael Haneke’s The White Ribbon, nominated for Best Cinematography (it’s in B&W) and Best Foreign Language Film.

UPDATE: Our friends at Oscilloscope Laboratories have just announced The Messenger, nominated for Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor Woody Harrelson, will be out on DVD on May18th, and Best Documentary Feature nominee Burma VJ will arrive on June 8th.

We’ll keep you updated when we hear definitive release dates for the remaining nominees. In the meantime, many are still in theaters. Crazy Heart, starring nominees Jeff Bridges and Maggie Gyllenhaal and featuring the frontrunner  for Best Original Song, is currently playing over at our good neighbors The Seven Gables. The White Ribbon just opened last weekend at Harvard Exit, the first (as far as I can tell) of the Foreign Language film nominees to play in town. Let’s hope more follow suit. They’re showing several nominated films down the street from us at the Metro as well. Check Landmark’s site for all the details.

As March 7th draws closer, we’ll be following Awards Daily and The Carpetbagger for breaking Oscar news & gossip.  Let us know what you think of the nominees, what you think will and what you wish would win. Remember, the Oscars start at 5pm our time on Sunday, March 7th with hosts Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin (insert happy dance here).  Stay tuned for more Oscar on DVD news as well as updates on parties in town (we already know our neighbors at Dante’s are hosting a big shindig that afternoon, more details to come).   Happy Oscar season, everyone!

ZOMBIELAND*—A refreshingly good zombie comedy with Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin and that one infamous cameo.  SALE

HOUSE OF THE DEVIL*—The atmospheric homage to early 80s horror film that was making the screener rounds on VHS is now available to those who (mistakenly) got rid of their VCRs

ONG BAK 2: THE BEGINNING*—Six fighting styles + nine weapons + a bunch of elephants = Tony Jaa kicking some serious a–  SALE

PLANET HULK*—A new Marvel animated feature with plenty of HULK SMASH!

COLD SOULS—Paul Giamatti stars as a version of himself who sells his soul in order to beef up his performance in a production of Uncle Vanya. Metaphysical complications ensue.

AMELIA—Mira Nair’s Ameila Earhart biopic starring Hilary Swank & Ewan McGregor. Did you forget about it already?

NEW YORK, I LOVE YOU*—Speaking of Mira Nair, she also directed one of the films in this collection of ten shorts celebrating life & love in the Big Apple.

LOVE HAPPENS*—Your standard romantic comedy, starring Jennifer Aniston and Aaron Eckhart. It takes place in Seattle but mainly filmed in Vancouver—so amuse yourself by counting the geographical inaccuracies (this is also fun to do in Battle in Seattle).

MORE THAN A GAME—The incredible story of future NBA megastar LeBron James and the Akron Fab Five

UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: REGENERATION*—Several staffers enjoyed this Jean Claude Van Damme/Dolph Lundgren vehicle, but don’t take our word for it. Read what Outlaw Vern has to say.

DOCTOR WHO: WATERS OF MARS and END OF TIME PARTS 1 & 2—We’ll miss you, Mr. Tennant…

NEW BLU-RAY: FORMAT OF THE FUTURE

Crooks in Clover
Exiled (2006)
Fame (1980)
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Hellboy: Sword of Storms/Blood—Animated Hellboy action!
Inside Teahupoo
Johnny Mad Dog
Mystic River
Phantom of the Paradise
To Live and Die in L.A.

ANIME NEW RELEASES

Blade of the Immortal Vol. 3 No Virtue in Forgiveness
Dragon Ball: Season 3—Uncut
Nana: Box Set 3—Uncut
Naruto Shippuden: Box Set 1—Original & Uncut

FAMILY NEW RELEASES

Batman: The Brave and the Bold Vol. 3
Wolverine and the X-Men Vol. 4: Fate of the Future

Scooby’s All Star Laff-A-Lympics Vol. 1

NEW TV ON DVD

Bonekickers—A studious, adventure filled British series about archeologists
Callan: Set 2
Criss Angel: Mindfreak—Bonus Episodes
Dhani Tackles Globe: Season 1
Doc Martin: Series  3
Five Lives of Criss Angel: Mindfreak
Girlfriends: Final Season
Kendra: Season 1
McLeod’s Daughters: The Original Movie
Mind to Kill: Series 1
Parker Lewis Can’t Lose: Season 2
Pie In The Sky: Series 2
She-Wolf of London: Complete Series
Third Man (1959)(10 Episodes)
Zane’s Sex Chronicles

Mary Tyler Moore Show: Season 6—I can’t pass up an opportunity to hear this song…

NEW FROM THE WARNER ARCHIVES

American Romance (1944)—An immigrant lives the American dream in this drama by director King Vidor

Awakening Land (1978)—Made for TV drama about frontierswoman Sayward Luckett (Bewitched’s Elizabeth Montgomery). See if you can spot a young William H. Macy!

Cry ‘Havoc’ (1943)—WWII drama starring Margaret Sullavan and Ann Sothern as Army nurses in the Philippines.

Dying Room Only (1973)—A married couple out for a drive stop at a diner. The husband goes to powder his nose and never returns. Things get tense from there in this made for TV movie starring Cloris Leachman, Ned Beatty and Dabney Coleman.

Fifth Avenue Girl (1939)—Ginger Rogers stars in this romantic comedy from director Gregory La Cava.

I Know My First Name is Steven (1989)—A powerful made for TV movie based on the true story a young boy kidnapped at the age of 7 who manages to escape at the age of 14. Corin “Corky” Nemec plays the title character—his parents are played by Ferris Bueller mom Cindy Pickett and Some Kind of Wonderful dad John Ashton.

It’s a Wonderful World (1939)—A bit of crime, a bit of comedy and a bit of romance make up this movie starring Claudette Colbert and James Stewart.

Kismet (1944)—Marlene Dietrich stars in this dazzling adaptation of Edward Knoblock’s play.

Lady of the Night (1925)—The wonderful Norma Shearer stars in a double role in this silent drama.

Pagan (1929)—Ramon Novarro stars as the son of a white father and Native mother straddling both worlds in this silent drama.

Possessed (1977)—More made for TV fare—this time a retired priest turned exorcism expert helps defend students at an all girls school from the evil forces of Satan. Keep an eye out for Star Wars era Harrison Ford.

Scruples (1980)—Wasn’t this just the board game everyone’s parents played while the kids played He-Man? Apparently it’s also a soap opera-esque mini-series starring Lindsay Wagner and Barry Bostwick

Special Bulletin (1983)—“We interrupt our regular programming….” TV news cameras cover every moment of the mounting crisis as nuclear-armed terrorists hold the city of Charleston hostage. Their demand: disable all 968 nuclear warheads in the area or face annihilation. Written and produced by thirtysomething creators Marshall Herskovitz and Edward Zwick and directed by Zwick (Glory, The Last Samurai, Blood Diamond), Special Bulletin tells its desperate, urgent story as if it were a actual newscast. Taped instead of filmed, sprinkled with minor technical and dialogue glitches, the simulation is so realistic that even on-screen disclaimers could not prevent some viewers panicking – and so visceral, so emotionally intense that it earned a number of prestigious awards, including the 1983 Outstanding Drama Special Emmy®.”

White Cliffs of Dover—“Susan Ashwood (Irene Dunne) lost her husband to one war. Will she lose her son to another? Radiating elegance and warmth, Dunne gives “one of her finest performances” (The Movie Guide) in this heartfelt romantic drama as an American who becomes the bride of a handsome British aristocrat (Alan Marshal), only to see him march off to the Great War and never return. Years later, England plunges into World War II…and the past threatens to repeat itself when Susan’s son (Peter Lawford) enlists to fight the Nazis. A Who’s Who of ’40s stars from Van Johnson to Elizabeth Taylor (just before her breakthrough role in National Velvet) lend sterling support to an inspiring story of one woman braving the tragedy of war.”

NEW IMPORTS & FOREIGN FILMS

As It Is In Heaven (2005)—Sweden
Big City (2007) (PAL Code 2)—France
Compulsion (2008)(PAL Code 2)—British drama
Criminal Ways (2003)—Australia
4BIA (2009)(Code 3)—Thai horror
Headcases (2009)(PAL Code 2)—Britain (animated)
Hide (2008)(PAL Code 2)—British drama
Indrajeet (1991)—India
Love + Hate (2005)—British drama
Lovers on a Tightrope (1960)—France
Mucha Sangre (2002)(Code 3)—Spain (It’s a Spanish zombie movie!)
One Foot Off The Ground (2006)—China
Phobia 2 (2009)(Code 3)—Thai horror
Ride, Vaquero! (1953)(PAL Code 2)—USA
Season For Love (1961)—France
Sharaabi (1984)—India
Shirin (2008)(PAL Code 2)—Iran, from director Abbas Kiarostami (Taste of Cherry)
Vanished Empire (2008)—Russia
Westward The Women (1951)(PAL Code 2)—USA, from director William Wellman

Le Donk & Scor-Zay-Zee (2009)(PAL Code 2)—Warning! This trailer contains some heavily accented swearing

Hamlet (2009)(PAL Code 2)—Starring Patrick Stewart as Claudius and Doctor Who’s David Tennant as Hamlet!

NEW DOCUMENTARIES, MUSIC, ART & ASSORTED NON-FICTION WORK

Country’s Greatest Stars Live Volumes 1 & 2—We know they’re not kidding about the Greatest part when they includes performances by Dolly Parton & Loretta Lynn

Detonators—Discovery Channel series that goes behind the scenes of major demolitions–See big structures blow up!

Frontline: A Death in Tehran—“At the height of the protests following Iran’s controversial presidential election this summer, a young woman named Neda Soltani was shot and killed on the streets of Tehran. Her death filmed on a cameraphone, then uploaded to the Web quickly became an international outrage, and Soltani became the face of a powerful movement that threatened the hardline government s hold on power. With the help of a unique network of correspondents in and out of the country, Frontline investigates the life and death of the woman whose image remains a potent symbol for those who want to keep the reform movement alive.”

Frontline: The Card Game—“As credit card companies face rising public anger, new regulation from Washington and a potential perfect storm of economic bad news, Frontline correspondent Lowell Bergman examines the future of the massive consumer loan industry and its impact on a fragile national economy.”

Hitler’s Bodyguard Vols. 1-4—“How did Adolf Hitler manage to survive more than 40 assassination attempts–some by his own generals? Using captured SS documents and eyewitness interviews, this documentary series reveals the secrets of the elite bodyguards who swore loyalty oaths to the Führer himself. It explains how Hitler cultivated rivalries among his security services to ensure his safety, and how his purposefully unpredictable behavior saved his life several times.”

I Am An American—A powerfully patriotic mixture of music and clips from famous speeches from Patty Labelle, Kenny Gamble and the Temple University Symphony Orchestra.

The Ister—A visually innovative illustration of Martin Heidegger’s philosophies.

Jay-Z: Music Videos—“It’s the Hard Knock Life, for us…”

Maybe God is Ill—“Award winning writer, Walter Veltroni takes us on a stirring, unforgettable journey across the vast continent of Africa to witness controversial stories of tragedy, turmoil and hope. Everyone knows Africa is going through a very difficult transition, but who really understands the depths of the wars, hunger and diseases that make up its everyday catastrophes? Are these problems close to being resolved or are they just the beginning of a spiraling pandemic of worldwide crises? Find out as Veltroni takes us on a very personal tour and never-before-seen look at the people of Mozambique, Angola, Senegal, Cameroon, Uganda and South Africa.”

Painters Painting—“…a vibrant collective portrait of the legendary figures who powered the tumultuous post-war New York art scene.”

Powerful Noise—“…takes you inside the lives of three extraordinary women who each overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to bring lasting solutions to their countries. Hanh is an HIV-positive widow from Vietnam. Nada, a peacemaking survivor of the war in Bosnia. And Madame Urbain, who crusades for girls’ rights in Mali. Through their strength and ability to empower others, Hanh, Nada and Madame Urbain are igniting remarkable change. Fighting AIDS. Educating girls. Rebuilding communities.”

Seattle Storm: Seattle’s Perfect Storm—Highlights from their 2004 championship season. Unfortunately this does not include footage of the time I saw Doppler’s pants fall down.

Soul of the Church—Footage from the 60s show TV Gospel Time features rare performances by gospel artists such as The Blind Boys of Mississippi, Ernestine Washington and Reverend James Cleveland.

Training Rules—Narrated by international swimming legend Diana Nyad (National Public Radio), Training Rules examines how women s collegiate sports, caught in a web of homophobic practices, destroyed the dreams of many of its most talented athletes. Specifically, the documentary examines the Penn State’s women s basketball program under 26 year veteran Rene Portland. She had three rules in her program: No drinking, No drugs, No lesbians. After years of discrimination documented here, Portland was sued by a player and Penn State was forced to confront the issue.

Documentaries on the subject of Motorcycling:

Isle of Man TT Review 2002-2009
Superbike World Championship 2007
World’s Fastest Bikes: On Road and Track

Documentaries on the subject of Skateboarding:

Extremely Sorry
Sick Boys
Smoke and Mirrors: Digital Skateboarding

Documentaries on the subject of Surfing:

Five Summer Stories
Fly In The Champagne

Liza’s At The Palace

George Lopez: Tall, Dark & Chicano

AND MORE MOVIES…

Abbott & Costello: Legends of Laughter—A six disc collector’s set containing all 14 episodes of the Colgate Comedy Hour plus trailers, bloopers and lots of rare footage.

Breaking Point (2009)—“TALE OF CORRUPTION AND POWER, IN WHICH ONE MAN MUST OVERCOME A DEEP-SEATED CONSPIRACY AND HIS OWN DARK PAST IN ORDER TO GAIN THE REDEMPTION HE DESERVES.” –The product description for this action film starring Armand Assante, Tom Berenger and Busta Rhymes came in all caps, so we left it as such.

Captive (2009)—“Grief stricken over the brutal murder of her wealthy husband, Samantha Hoffman checks into the posh Dienel Clinic to recuperate. Her “rest” quickly turns into a nightmare when she realizes her husband’s death was just the beginning. Starring Erika Eleniak and Michael Ironside.”

La Cucina (2009)—A heartwarming slice of life drama centered around cooks preparing Italian food for the ones they love.

Death Warrior (2009)—“When an MMA champion is thrown into a twisted world of underground fighting to save his wife’s life, he takes desperate measures and violently fights to the death against many of his fellow MMA champions. They too, controlled by the underground cage, are fighting against their will to save the lives of their loved ones. While onlookers place online bets, one champion will rise to the top and uncover the identity of the mastermind behind the corrupt tournament. The ultimate showdown will prove that there can only be one true Death Warrior.”

Demonic Toys 2—The Child’s Play-esque horror continues.

Falling Up— “Henry O’Shea (Joseph Cross) is on his way to a nursing degree until his dad’s sudden death forces him to take a job as a Manhattan doorman. But no amount of warnings from his high-strung boss or laid-back co-worker can prevent Henry from breaking Rule #1: Never fall for the beautiful daughter of one of the building’s wealthiest tenants. In a world where rich snobs never mix with minimum wage slobs, can a romance between a regular guy from Flatbush and a 5th Avenue rich girl even make it past the front door?”

Freeway Killer—“For years he terrorized California motorists as he rode the endless highways searching for his next victim. The discarded bodies turned up beaten, sexually assaulted and horribly mutilated. Deceptively charming and intelligent, the scheming murderer easily avoided police at first. But as police closed in and the killer’s pattern grew more erratic, the only question was how many more will die? Find out in this chilling true story of one of our most notorious serial killers, William Bonin aka the Freeway Killer, whose poisoned mind struck terror into an entire nation.”

Ghost Machine—“A group of young U.S. military techs borrow a top-secret combat simulator for a weekend of unauthorized gaming. But when they set up the system inside an abandoned prison used for the torture of post-9/11 prisoners, they discover that someone – or something – has uploaded itself into their A.I. software. A deadly new player has now joined the game: How do you survive the final level of lock-and-load virtual reality when escape is impossible, slaughter is uncontrollable and the enemy is unstoppable?”

Ghost of Greville Lodge—“Teenager James Greville has lived in children s homes for nearly nine years: ever since his parents died when he was six years old. So it comes as a shock to find that a distant family member has traced him, and invited him to his home. So begins James trial two-week holiday at his Great Uncle s (George Cole) country manor: Greville Lodge. James spends most of his time alone exploring the sprawling Greville Lodge and soon discovers that the Lodge has many secrets, including doors to the west wing which have been sealed shut. Once night James wakes up to find himself in front of one of the doors and this time it opens! Through the doors, the mysteries of Greville Lodge are revealed.”

Live!–“A shocking look at the lengths some people will go for fame, fortune and a number one rating,” starring Eva Mendes, Andre Braugher and David Krumholtz.

London Betty—“Betty has moved across the pond to become a real life American reporter, but when her first story assignment turns out to be just another fluff piece she begins to think twice about the move. Discouraged and looking for allies Betty forms an unlikely bond with the neighborhood thieves and together they set out to investigate the town s crooked Mayor. Betty might just get her first real news story, but she ll have to be in cahoots with thieves to get it.”

Love Finds a Home—The final installment of the Love Comes Softly series, starring Sarah Jones, Haylie Duff and Patty Duke.

Marine 2—“A relaxing five-star holiday turns into an all out battleground for Marine recon sniper Joe Linwood when a group of local rebels seize control of the hotel taking the billionaire owner, and a group of guests, including Joe’s wife, hostage. With the victims in danger of being brutally murdered, Joe takes matters into his own hands in order to save his wife from certain death.”  Starring WWE wrestler Ted DiBiase Jr.

Mr. Right (2009)—“A fast-paced, colorful, and exuberantly romantic-comedy that tells the intertwined tales of Louise, an attractive Brit looking for love, and her gay friends, including producer Harry who lives with his rascal young actor boyfriend Alex; Rugby player William who dates soap star Lawrence; and wealthy artist Tom who is trying to hold on to the model Lars. When Louise brings her latest catch Paul to dinner, this unwittingly sets off a chain of events that calls into question each couple s relationship, as well as challenging Paul s heterosexuality!”

Runaway (2006)—“On the run from their abusive father, Michael and his younger brother Dylan hide out in a motel until they can save enough money to start a new life. But Michael has a dark secret, and it’s about to catch up with him. Starring Aaron Stanford, Robin Tunney, Michael Gaston, Melissa Leo and Terry Kinney.”

Unwritten…–Eight people find a dastardly destiny while searching a wind swept mountainside for buried treasure.

Watermelon—“Newly divorced and 30 something, Achilles Pumpkinseed spends his days alone, smoking pot and watching TV. One day, an unexpected visitor appears at his home with an old dilapidated camping trailer that is painted like a watermelon. He insists that the gift is Achilles’ inheritance. It is Homer’s mission to get him to accept it. Achilles parks the trailer in front of his home. The Watermelon acts as a magnet and lures all types of weird people to Achilles’ home, including the ghost of his beloved mother. One day Achilles discovers a young runaway sleeping in the trailer. Rather than chase her off as he did the others, he invites her into his home and into his life, a life that will never be the same, in this hilarious romantic comedy.”

3 Ways To Get A Husband

Triangle (2009)

And don’t forget this FRIDAY at 7pm, we’ll have director FRANK HENENLOTTER here at the store. See you then.

1. Moon (BluRay)

2. The Hurt Locker

3. The Hurt Locker (BluRay)

4. Rossellini’s War Trilogy

5. Paris, Texas

6. Viva VHS Volume 1

7. Whip it

8. Moon

9.  This Is It

10. Trailer Park Boys: Countdown to Liquor Day

11. Che (BluRay)

12. In the Loop

13. Inglourious Basterds (BluRay)

14. Inglourious Basterds

15. Paris, Texas (BluRay)

16. Princess Mononoke