Here’s the official description of Episode 42 from MP headquarters:  “Spencer is joined by guest host Brandi Sperry to take another look at the summer movie season, share some of her guilty pleasure/dealbreaker films, and gives DVD picks of the week.”

We heartily agree with Brandi’s DVD pick of the week.

Look for the MacGuffin Podcast filming up in our Western/War/Adventure annex most every Monday evening. And yes, you can walk by them while the camera’s rolling…

In Episode 38, Spencer & John explore the “building blocks of our movie fandom” with a discussion of the first movies they ever owned (raise your hand if yours was also Star Wars). They go on to talk about when they made the jump to DVD (Spencer’s not the only one who did that with The Matrix), the joy of discovering commentary tracks, and pour one on the curb for Suncoast. Next, they expound on the  infuriating practice of releasing different editions of films with nothing but a different cover or just enough varying extra features to sucker you into buying it again.  For example,  I personally own three copies of Mary Poppins. Thanks, Disney vault!

Also in this episode, Spencer reminds us in this episode that before the dawn of the Internet, people often got film recommendation from the folks at their local video store. We’d just like to remind everyone that’s still an option.

In Episode 39, Spencer & John start the countdown to IRON MAN 2 with an overview of past (most of us agree Thomas Jane is the best Punisher) & future (ANT-MAN!) Marvel Comics movie adaptations.  Next, they talk about films & TV shows they’re still waiting to make it to DVD–including The Wonder Years, the ’60s Batman show with Adam West, and the remaining seasons of King of The Hill--and movies they want to come out on DVD with more extras/commentary tracks/bonus features.

While watching this, it occurred to me that a Criterion Collection edition of Let The Right One In wouldn’t be a bad thing at all…

If you’re in the store in the early evenings on a Monday, stop by the Western/War/Adventure section and wave hello to Spencer & John.

With the big night just a few weeks away,  everyone’s a buzz with  who will win/who should win opinions, including Spencer and John of MacGuffin Podcast fame.  Here’s the latest episode in which they speculate about who will get to put those speech tips to the test:

Previously we posted a list of nominated movies we currently have on the shelves , and since then the studios have been rolling out more DVD release dates. Just this morning Cinematical reported that Avatar will be out in time for Earth Day. Here are the new announcements since our last post, including their expected release date and the awards they’re nominated for:

March 9th: Up In The Air–Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Mr. Clooney), Best Supporting Actress (both Anna Kendrick & Vera Farmiga) and Best Adapted Screenplay

April 22nd: Avatar–Best Picture, Best Director and almost everything else other than acting & screenplay awards

March 30th: An Education–Best Picture, Best Actress (Carey Mulligan), Best Adapted Screenplay (the aforementioned Mr. Nick Hornby).

May 25th–Burma VJ--Best Documentary Feature (Oscilloscope previously announced this for June, but now their site has it listed for this day).

We will continue to keep you updated as more dates are announced; meanwhile many of the films are still playing in theaters around town.  Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin will host the Oscar ceremony on Sunday, March 7th. We’ll have Oscar party & event news as the day draws near.

P.S. If you missed the legendary Frank Henenlotter’s appearance at Grand Illusion or here at Scarecrow, here’s the chat the MacGuffin men had with him up in the Western & War section. Check out his awesome tie!

Episode 29 – One of a Kind from Spencer Fornaciari on Vimeo.

The documentary profiles the early days of the RCRG from their origins at a White Center roller rink, to the formation of the league and its four signature teams, to their fierce competition in Tuscon against some of the best leagues in the country. It’s not just a behind the scenes look at the the league and the women who skate but also a profile of the passion and politics involved when a group of dedicated individuals create & maintain a grassroots organization.  Plus, there’s plenty of tough derby action as these athletes race, block, push, and sometimes flat out fight their way to victory on the track. Please enjoy not one, but two trailers (warning: the first one has some salty language)

And here’s an episode of the MacGuffin Podcast, in which Spencer and BOFT co-director Lacey Leavitt discuss her career in film and the genesis of Blood on the Flat Track. They also get to talking about their favorite guilty viewing pleasures (Viva VHS!) and their DVD picks for the week. We’d like to give a virtual high-5 to Ms. Leavitt for the most concise comment on Michael Bay’s Transformers we’ve heard. You hit the nail right on the head!

Episode 28 – A Change Of Pace from Spencer Fornaciari on Vimeo.

Make plans to be here Tuesday night for the DVD release and meet the amazing women behind the movie and the sport. And while you’re here, be sure to check out our ever growing Roller Derby rental section!

And here’s their conversation about films that hold up or don’t hold up to multiple viewings, along with a discussion about vampires on film and The Hurt Locker, now available for rent and sale here at Scarecrow:

I’m not sure why, but I could watch Talladega Nights:The Story of Ricky Bobby every week and laugh uproariously every time. “Because I like to party.”

Let Spencer and John know how you feel about their picks over at the MacGuffin Podcast blog.