Masked superhero films are always fun. Here are two European models from the 1960s. Roger Browne as ARGOMAN (1967) and Georges Franju's JUDEX (1963). I understand the former is now on DVD, I would like to hear of any comments. JUDEX is certainly in need of a R1 DVD presentation. I've always found the film very slow but compelling.
4 comments:
This was screened a number of years back as part of a Franju retro at the Ontario Cinemathque here in Toronto. It was glorious on the big screen. Not meaning to brag. It was one of the odd times the get fun and pulpy.
Unfortunately, I've only been able to see JUDEX via a rather poor old video version which is in unstable contrast, either too dark or too bright with unreadable subtitles. Since I don't understand French and there's a LOT of dialogue, it was impossible to enjoy or comprehend. It did look like it had some interesting scenes and I could tell Franju's high style of Fantastique from EYES WITHOUT A FACE, a favorite film which Jess Franco has borrowed from many many times in terms of story and imagery (exp GRITOS EN LA NOCHE and FACELESS). I would love to see it on the screen in 35mm or on a good DVD. I recently saw SHADOWMAN, but I would like to see the original NUITS ROUGE and the TV series he made L'HOMME SANS VISAGE. Most of Franju's work is still unavailable here on DVD. Thanks for your comment.
The Fantastic Argoman DVD is full screen and sourced from VHS but it's still a very enjoyable film. Hopefully there will be a better release soon, but the current one will have to do for now.
Damn, I was hoping it was in its OAR and from a good quality film element! Thanks, and welcome to the blog...
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