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Movie Matters #19 - Top 10 of 2012

3:00 PM / Podcast / 14 Comments

Later than intended and longer than anticipated, the Movie Matters podcast returns for its first instalment of the new year. In the first part of this bumper six-hour epic, co-hosts Lee Howard and Michael Mackenzie count down their personal top ten films of the previous year, celebrating both the very best and worst that 2012 had to offer. In part two, the attention shifts to the listeners' choices as Lee and Michael read out and listen to MP3s of submitted Top 10 lists, before turning their attention to the year ahead, revealing their most anticipated films of the next twelve months.

• Part I - Top 10 of 2012
• Part II - Honourable Mentions, Listeners' Lists and 2013 Preview
• iTunes

The music in this episode is all sampled from films in our Top 10 lists.

Created by Lee Howard & Michael Mackenzie
Edited by Michael Mackenzie
Music selection and editing by Lee Howard

PS. Listeners, we want YOUR feedback. What do you think of the format for this year's show? Do you like the listeners' lists being kept separate, or would you prefer them to be interspersed with the hosts' Top 10 lists? Do you like the show being split into two instalments, or would you prefer just to have a single MP3 file? Let us know how this experiment was for you, and we'll take any suggestions into consideration this time next year when we come to do our "best of 2013" show.

http://moviematterspodcast.blogspot.com
http://letterboxd.com/moviematters

Last call for Top 10 lists

3:23 PM / Podcast / 9 Comments

The Movie Matters "Top 10 Films of 2012" podcast is being recorded this Sunday, meaning that tomorrow, Saturday 26th January, will be the final day for submissions of your Top 10 lists. If you'd like to submit a list and have it read out on the show, please post it as a comment here or on my original post from December.

Thanks!

Movie Matters [Mono] #1 - The Eye

5:31 PM / Podcast / 2 Comments

The New Year brings with it the first in a string of single-host episodes as we launch the all-new Movie Matters [Mono] series. Intended as an enrichment opportunity for our podcast and an optional piece of extra content for you our lovely listeners, these Movie Matters [Mono] shows will feature a solo host introducing and reviewing a single film. So join Lee as he hosts the first-ever Movie Matters [Mono] instalment by meeting the haunting gaze of the Pang Brothers' THE EYE (2002).

All feedback and comments regarding the idea of Movie Matters [Mono] and this opening episode most welcome and appreciated.

• Direct link
• iTunes

The music sampled in this podcast is all from THE EYE by Orange Music.

Created, edited and with music selection by Lee Howard

http://moviematterspodcast.blogspot.com
http://letterboxd.com/moviematters

Movie Matters #18 - Christmas Special III

11:19 AM / Podcast / No Comments

In the third annual Movie Matters Christmas special, co-hosts Lee Howard and Michael Mackenzie exchange and review seasonal gifts: Ron Howard's FROST/NIXON and Michele Placido's ANGELS OF EVIL, two well-received recent films based around real life historical figures. In addition, Lee and Michael select and announce a winner for the BEYOND THE BLACK RAINBOW Blu-ray competition.

• Direct link
• iTunes

The music sampled in this episode is from THE POLAR EXPRESS by Alan Silvestri, SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT by Morgan Ames and Doug Thiele, NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION 2: EDDIE'S ISLAND ADVENTURE by Nathan Furst, FROST/NIXON by Hans Zimmer, and ANGELS OF EVIL by Negramaro.

Created by Lee Howard & Michael Mackenzie
Edited by Michael Mackenzie
Music selection by Lee Howard
Audio support by David Mackenzie

http://moviematterspodcast.blogspot.com
http://letterboxd.com/moviematters

Call for Top 10 lists

6:53 PM / Podcast / 9 Comments

The end is nigh! No, not the end of the world. That's just silly. But there are only ten days left in 2012, which means it's once again time for myself and Lee to begin preparing for that most sacred of annual traditions, the Movie Matters "Top 10 Films of the Year" special.

And we want your lists.

Last year, we had an overwhelming response - so overwhelming, in fact, that we weren't able to feature all the MP3s we received in the episode itself and had to do a supplemental mini-episode for them. This year, we're going to be slightly strict and impose a five-minute limit on any MP3 files.

So, send us your Top 10 films of 2012 in either text or MP3 form (email MP3s to moviematterspodcast[dot]gmail[dot]com; either email text lists or simply post them as a reply to this thread). The criteria can be of your own choosing, but let us know what they are - e.g. theatrical releases by UK release date, theatrical releases by US release date, DVD/Blu-ray releases. We'll be recording the show at some point in January - there's no confirmed date yet, but we'll let you know as soon as we have one so you can be sure to get your lists in on time.

Movie Matters Mini #5 - The Killing III Part 1

7:45 PM / Podcast / 1 Comment

In the first of two instalments dedicated to Danish serial killer sensation THE KILLING (FORBRYDELSEN), Movie Matters co-hosts Lee Howard and Michael Mackenzie team up to take a look at the first five episodes of the third and final 10-part season, currently airing in the UK on Saturday nights on BBC Four and BBC HD. In addition to discussing the episodes that have already aired, Lee and Michael also speculate on what the remainder of the season will hold for Detective Inspector Sarah Lund and her infamous knitted jumper.

• Direct link
• iTunes

Links of note:

• Buy THE KILLING TRILOGY on Blu-ray

The music sampled in this episode is from THE KILLING by Frans Bak.

Created by Lee Howard & Michael Mackenzie
Edited by Michael Mackenzie
Audio support by David Mackenzie

Please also remember that time is running out for you to contribute to the first ever Movie Matters competition. Your mission? Listen to this clip and identify (a) the actress speaking and (b) the director she is speaking about. Your prize? A copy of the divisive BEYOND THE BLACK RAINBOW on Region A Blu-ray Disc. Send your answers to moviematterspodcast[at]gmail[dot]com.

http://moviematterspodcast.blogspot.com
http://letterboxd.com/moviematters

Movie Matters Mini #4 - Skyfall

6:33 PM / Podcast / 2 Comments

Co-hosts Lee Howard and Michael Mackenzie join the rest of the world in pondering the matter of the new James Bond film, Sam Mendes' SKYFALL, which sees Daniel Craig return for his third outing as 007, accompanied by Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Bérénice Marlohe, Albert Finney and Ben Whishaw. This mini-episode also includes a more general discussion of Daniel Craig's tenure in the role and the Bond series as a whole.

• Direct link
• iTunes

Links of note:

• Movie Matters Letterboxd page
• You Expect Me To Talk - The James Bond Podcast by Jake Del Toro

The music sampled in this episode is from LICENCE TO KILL by Michael Kamen, the SKYFALL title theme by Adele, and the James Bond theme by Monty Norman.

Created by Lee Howard & Michael Mackenzie
Edited by Michael Mackenzie

http://moviematterspodcast.blogspot.com
http://letterboxd.com/moviematters

Movie Matters #17 - Halloween Special III

12:00 AM / Podcast / 10 Comments

All Hallows' Eve descends on the Movie Matters podcast as co-hosts Lee Howard and Michael Mackenzie, accompanied by special guest Daniel Sardella, brave the terrors of three spine-tingling horror movies in the show's third annual Halloween special: Ti West's THE INNKEEPERS, the horror anthology THE THEATRE BIZARRE, and Richard Donner's classic THE OMEN.

This episode also features Movie Matters' first ever competition, open to all listeners worldwide. Listen to the show for details on how to win a Blu-ray Disc of one of the films covered in a previous episode...

• Direct link
• iTunes

The music sampled in this episode is from THE THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS by Danny Elfman, THE INNKEEPERS by Jeff Grace, THE THEATRE BIZARRE by Pierre Marchand and THE OMEN by Jerry Goldsmith.

Letterboxd lists:

• Movie Matters filmography
• Michael's best Blu-ray catalogue titles

Created by Lee Howard & Michael Mackenzie
Edited by Michael Mackenzie

http://moviematterspodcast.blogspot.com

Movie Matters #16 - Sci-fi double bill

8:53 PM / Podcast / No Comments

Co-hosts Lee Howard and an uncharacteristically cantankerous Michael Mackenzie take a look at two of the science fiction genre's more unusual and divisive offerings from recent years: Panos Cosmatos' dark, dystopian BEYOND THE BLACK RAINBOW and William Eubank's ambitious meditation on the human condition, LOVE. Lee and Michael also catch up on films they've been watching recently and upcoming cinema releases they're looking forward to.

• Direct link
• iTunes

The music sampled in this episode is from BEYOND THE BLACK RAINBOW by Jeremy Schmidt and LOVE by Angels & Airwaves.

Created by Lee Howard & Michael Mackenzie
Edited by Michael Mackenzie

http://moviematterspodcast.blogspot.com

Movie Matters Mini #3 - The Bridge

4:31 PM / Podcast / 1 Comment

In this Movie Matters Mini episode, co-hosts Lee Howard and Michael Mackenzie discuss various films and TV shows they've been watching recently before turning their attention to the critically acclaimed Danish/Swedish crime drama THE BRIDGE, the 10-episode first season of which sees a pair of mismatched detectives joining forces to stop a serial killer with an axe to grind against the complacency he sees in both countries' societies.

• Direct link
• iTunes

The music sampled in this episode is "Hollow Talk" by Choir of Young Believers, the main title theme to THE BRIDGE.

Created by Lee Howard & Michael Mackenzie
Edited by Michael Mackenzie

http://moviematterspodcast.blogspot.com

Movie Matters Mini #2 - Prometheus

7:26 PM / Podcast / No Comments

In this Movie Matters Mini episode, co-hosts Lee Howard and Michael Mackenzie turn their attention to one of the most anticipated films of the year: Ridley Scott's return to the universe he helped to create in PROMETHEUS, the long-awaited prequel to ALIEN starring Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender and Charlize Theron. In this free-flowing discussion, Lee and Michael take a detailed look at the already contentious sci-fi blockbuster and where it fits into the Alien series.

• Direct link
• RapidShare
• iTunes

The music sampled in this episode is from PROMETHEUS by Harry Gregson-Williams.

Created by Lee Howard & Michael Mackenzie
Edited by Michael Mackenzie

http://moviematterspodcast.blogspot.com

Movie Matters #15 - Red Riding Trilogy

8:08 PM / Podcast / 4 Comments

After an unexpected hiatus, the Movie Matters podcast returns with a look at the RED RIDING trilogy, the critically acclaimed 2009 adaptation of David Peace's grim and grisly quartet of novels. Co-hosts Lee Howard and Michael Mackenzie look at each instalment in turn - Julian Jarrold's 1974, James Marsh's 1980 and Anand Tucker's 1983 - and offer their thoughts on the trilogy as a whole.

• Direct link
• RapidShare
• iTunes

The music sampled in this episode is from RED RIDING: 1974 by Adrian Johnston, RED RIDING: 1980 by Dickon Hinchliffe and RED RIDING: 1983 by Barrington Pheloung.

Created by Lee Howard & Michael Mackenzie
Edited by Michael Mackenzie
Special thanks to George Fearns for the episode idea

http://moviematterspodcast.blogspot.com

Movie Matters Mini #1 - What We've Been Watching

6:25 PM / Podcast / 5 Comments

Movie Matters returns with the first in a series of mini-episodes designed to bridge the gaps between our more traditional and time-consuming "themed" episodes. The mini-episodes dispense with the likes of the Blu-ray Hall of Fame and upcoming releases section in favour of a more informal, unstructured discussion about various film-related topics. In this episode, co-hosts Lee Howard and Michael Mackenzie discuss various films and TV shows they've been watching recently and play the final remaining listeners' "Top 10 of 2011" MP3 list.

• Direct link
• RapidShare
• iTunes

The music sampled in this episode is from THE WOMAN IN BLACK and THE KILLING.

Created by Lee Howard & Michael Mackenzie
Edited by Michael Mackenzie

http://moviematterspodcast.blogspot.com

Movie Matters #14 - supplement

5:40 PM / Podcast / 5 Comments

Somewhat later than anticipated, we've put together a supplemental bonus to the most recent Movie Matters episode containing the three "Top 10 of 2011" MP3 lists we didn't have time to showcase in the episode itself. We hope you enjoy listening to these additional takes on the year that was 2011 and can forgive the delay in getting them out there.

• https://rapidshare.com/files/2003881223/moviematters-episode14mini-26-02-12.mp3
• iTunes

The music sampled in this episode is from DRIVE.

Created by Lee Howard & Michael Mackenzie
Edited by Michael Mackenzie

http://moviematterspodcast.blogspot.com

Movie Matters #14 - Top 10 of 2011

11:46 PM / Podcast / 4 Comments

In this bumper length special edition of the Movie Matters podcast, co-hosts Lee Howard and Michael Mackenzie cast their eyes back over the previous twelve months, celebrating the best (and worst) of 2011. In addition to their own personal Top 10 lists, the duo also reveal lists submitted by listeners and pick out some anticipated titles for the coming year.

• https://rapidshare.com/files/1153234528/moviematters-episode14-26-01-12.mp3
• iTunes

The music sampled in this episode is from HANNA, DRIVE, TRUE GRIT, ARRIETTY, 13 ASSASSINS, ANGELS OF EVIL and BLACK SWAN.

Please note that we have NOT been able to play every single MP3 list we received. The response was far greater than we were expecting and some of the submitted MP3s were a little on the long side, which would have resulted in what was already a four-hour epic being extended to somewhere approaching the five-hour mark. As a result, we have played the first three MP3s we received and are holding the rest back for a standalone mini-episode to be made available in the near future. We hope you understand and are not too disappointed not to have had your clips featured in the episode itself.

Created by Lee Howard & Michael Mackenzie
Edited by Michael Mackenzie

http://moviematterspodcast.blogspot.com

Call for Top 10 lists

12:01 AM / Podcast / 4 Comments

It's nearly that time of year once again: Lee and I are gearing up to record the first Movie Matters episode of 2012, which, in the tradition of 2011's first episode, will be a countdown of our favourite films of the previous year. We'll each by revealing and discussing our personal Top 10 Films of 2011, and as with last year's episode would like to read out as many of our listeners' Top 10 lists as possible.

So, get in touch with us with your favourite films of 2011. Either list the films in order of preference or not, and use whichever criteria you like (e.g. theatrical release dates in your country, home video release dates, etc.), just as long as you let us know what they are. Also, feel free to let us know about your most hated and/or most disappointing film(s) of the year, and anything else that takes your fancy. Either post your comments here, or email them to moviematterspodcast[at]gmail[dot]com. Alternatively, feel free to get creative and submit your nominations in MP3 form. We've had a couple of these already and would love to feature more, time permitting.

Deadline is Saturday, January 21.

Movie Matters #13 - Christmas Special II

6:03 PM / Podcast / 4 Comments

The Movie Matters podcast returns for its final episode of 2011. In this special Christmas instalment, co-hosts Lee Howard and Michael Mackenzie exchange gifts, casting an eye on French actor turned filmmaker Guillaume Canet's adaptation of American crime author Harlan Coben's TELL NO ONE (NE LE DIS À PERSONNE) and Martin McDonagh's celebrated black comedy IN BRUGES, starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. Upcoming DVD and Blu-ray releases of note are also covered, and another Blu-ray Disc enters the Movie Matters Hall of Fame.

• https://rapidshare.com/files/3431812087/moviematters-episode13-23-12-12.mp3
• iTunes

The music sampled in this episode is from IL DULCI JUBILO, NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION, TELL NO-ONE, SCROOGED, HOME ALONE 2: LOST IN NEW YORK and THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS.

Created by Lee Howard & Michael Mackenzie
Edited by Michael Mackenzie

http://moviematterspodcast.blogspot.com

Request for comments

7:34 PM / Podcast / 7 Comments

This is perhaps slightly premature notice coming just a day after the release of the last Movie Matters episode, but for our upcoming thirteen episode we'll be looking at Pixar's two most maligned features, CARS and its sequel CARS 2. Unlike the last three instalments, all of which were specials covering three films apiece, this will be a "normal" episode covering only two films and therefore marking the return of our regular features: (a) the "upcoming releases" sections and (b) the "listeners' questions" section.

With that in mind, here's the topic for discussion:

What's your favourite and least favourite Pixar film and why?

You can either add your answers as replies to this post, tweet them to us at @MovieMattersTM, or drop us an email at moviematterspodcast[at]gmail[dot]com.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Movie Matters #12 - Brian De Palma Special

10:17 PM / Podcast / 4 Comments

In this episode of the Movie Matters podcast, regular co-hosts Lee Howard and Michael Mackenzie are joined by special guest Daniel Sardella to discuss the films of Brian De Palma. The three hosts cast an eye over three of the equally celebrated and derided filmmaker's most infamous thrillers - SISTERS, BLOW OUT and BODY DOUBLE - and induct another Blu-ray transfer into the Movie Matters Hall of Fame.

• https://rapidshare.com/files/3431812087/moviematters-episode13-23-12-12.mp3
• iTunes

The music sampled in this episode is all from THE UNTOUCHABLES by Ennio Morricone, FEMME FATALE by Ryuichi Sakamoto, SISTERS and OBSESSION by Bernard Herrmann, and RAISING CAIN, BLOW OUT and BODY DOUBLE by Pino Donaggio.

http://moviematterspodcast.blogspot.com

From now on, my contributions to Movie Matters will be recorded using this

9:23 PM / Podcast / 6 Comments

It's a Yeti from Blue Microphones.

The microphone I've been using to record my contributions to the Movie Matters podcast (and indeed before that, for fan commentaries and the like), has been ready to give up the ghost for a while now. The last two episodes were plagued by background crackling which, while not enough to require scrapping what we'd recorded and starting again, was a bit annoying. I decided not to do anything by half and bought the best microphone I could find for a semi-reasonable price.

Feel free to insert the requisite big dick jokes in the comments section.

Movie Matters #11 - Halloween Special II

9:13 PM / Podcast / 8 Comments

The Movie Matters podcast returns after an impromptu extended hiatus with a Halloween special and promises of a more frequent recording schedule going forward. In this spine-tingling episode, co-hosts Lee Howard and Michael Mackenzie cast their eyes over horror movies old and new, discussing Wes Craven's SCREAM 4, Neil Marshall's THE DESCENT and Tobe Hooper and Steven Spielberg's POLTERGEIST.

• https://rapidshare.com/files/626685881/moviematters-episode11-10-11-11.mp3
• iTunes

The music sampled in this episode is all from HALLOWEEN by John Carpenter, THE DESCENT by David Julyan, and THE EXORCIST by Mike Oldfield.

As mentioned in the podcast, here are some comparisons between the two different colour grades of THE DESCENT:

Left: US version (Lions Gate) / Right: Australian version (Icon)

Please note that some minor audio interference may be audible in the earliest parts of the episode. This was due to failing equipment that has since been replaced and should not be a problem in future episodes.

http://moviematterspodcast.blogspot.com

Request for comments

8:21 PM / Podcast / 14 Comments

This Sunday, myself, Lee and our friend/long-term listener Daniel Sardella will be recording an episode of the Movie Matters podcast dedicated to director Brian De Palma.

As without LORD OF THE RINGS podcast, we'd like to read out as many listener comments on air as possible, so if you've got an opinion about the man and his films, please get in touch, either by replying to this post or sending an email to moviematterspodcast[at]gmail[dot]com. Any comments will be accepted, but some suggestions for topics include favourite/least favourite films, his strengths/weaknesses, thoughts on his career progression, etc.

Cheers!

Movie Matters #10 - The Lord of the Rings special

7:28 PM / Podcast / 1 Comment

In the latest episode of the Movie Matters podcast, co-hosts Lee Howard and Michael Mackenzie embark on an adventure as they set off on the long journey of discussing and reflecting upon the strengths, weaknesses and enduring cinematic achievement of New Line Cinema's THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING, THE TWO TOWERS and THE RETURN OF THE KING. In addition to reviewing the films themselves, the hosts also share how they first became acquainted with the world of Middle-Earth, cast their eyes over the recent Extended Edition Blu-ray Disc release of the trilogy, and read out listener comments on all things LORD OF THE RINGS.

• https://rapidshare.com/files/16704125/moviematters-episode10-02-08-11.mp3
• iTunes

The music sampled in this episode is all from THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING, THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS and THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING by Howard Shore. Special thanks to David Mackenzie for audio support.

Please note that this episode suffers from some unavoidable audio interference during its first half as a result of a technical gaffe (a.k.a. not plugging the microphone in properly). We hope that these imperfections don't impair your enjoyment of the episode.

As mentioned in the podcast, here is the summary of the screenplay for the aborted John Boorman adaptation of the books.

http://moviematterspodcast.blogspot.com

Request for comments

2:13 PM / Podcast / 5 Comments

Tomorrow, Lee and I will be recording the next episode of the Movie Matters podcast: a look at Peter Jackson's THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy. I know this is very short notice, but we'd like to read out as many people's thoughts on THE LORD OF THE RINGS as possible - be it about the books, the Jackson trilogy, the Bakshi film, or indeed anything else to do with Middle-Earth.

So comments, thoughts, observations: they're all welcome and we'll do our best to include them in the podcast. Either reply to this post or send an email to moviematterspodcast[at]gmail[dot]com.

Thanks, folks!

Movie Matters #9

10:39 PM / Podcast / 1 Comment

In the latest episode of the Movie Matters podcast, co-hosts Lee Howard and Michael Mackenzie take the Left Hand Path as they delve into the world of the supernatural, examining two adaptations by the renowned Hammer studio of the black magic novels of the prolific Dennis Wheatley, 1968's THE DEVIL RIDES OUT and 1976's TO THE DEVIL A DAUGHTER. The hosts also discuss significant movies that have so far eluded them in a "Never Seen But Should Have" feature, cast their eyes over recent Blu-ray and DVD releases, and induct another Blu-ray transfer into the Movie Matters Hall of Fame.

• https://rapidshare.com/files/3333605622/moviematters-episode9-28-07-11.mp3
• iTunes

The music sampled in this episode is from THE DEVIL RIDES OUT (James Bernard), THE CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN (James Bernard), HORROR OF DRACULA (James Bernard) and THE MUMMY (Franz Reizenstein).

http://moviematterspodcast.blogspot.com

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