Ratings

I finally got my blog rated. I must say, I'm kinda disappointed. I was hoping for a higher rating. Apparently my blog only rates a G.

G

Like kid movies.

So I need to make my blog edgier. So, shock the censors. . .

DEATH!!!!!!

Of all my woes in life,
death is among the grimmest,
for even loosing one's very limbs,
does not appall in the slightest.
Only body soul seperation,
causes death and horrid constipation,
No wait, you don't need to worry
about those things that we all hurry
to avoid at all dire cost,
and kill ourselves when at a loss.

well, lets see what that does. I'll comment on the results.
as does

Chorus: the DVD review

As I said earlier, the DVD for Chorus, the first feature length film by Mirandum Pictures came out last week. I have been asked to write a review of the DVD for The Rambler, and you beloved readers (if there are any of you left) get to read it FIRST!

Chorus: The DVD
By. Matthew Rose

One year ago, Mirandum Pictures, the independent film company formed by Christendom alumni Colin Mason, Nick Mason, and Mike Powell with Dr. Keats, released their first full-length feature film, Chorus. On August 27th, the anniversary of the film’s premiere, the DVD for Chorus was made public. The two-disk set contains interesting goodies not only for fans of Mirandum Pictures, but also for fans of film in general.

Chorus, running at about two hours and twenty minutes, is the story of Mandy Holden (played by Laura Shrader), director of her college’s Shakespeare play. When disaster strikes the performance opening night, Mandy is left to wonder what has happened not only to the production, but to herself as well. The film weaves a tale featuring such characters as the mysterious Phil (played by Julian Ahlquist), the quirky Al (Joseph Powell), the friendly Katie (Annie Clark), and the reclusive Katrina (Anna Svendson). Chorus is their story, and begs the view as well as the characters what they consider a stranger.

The DVD is full of features to accompany this powerful movie. The first disk contains the 1:85:1 widescreen feature presentation of Chorus. The sound has been improved from the theatrical release, and the DVD even offers the choice of playing the movie in 2.0 stereo. English subtitles have been included for the hearing impaired. The first disk also contains a full-length commentary on the film, featuring Writer/Producer/Director Mike Powell, Director of Photography Colin Mason, Sound and visual designer Nick Mason, and actors Anna Svendson and Joseph Powell. The commentary answers many questions raised by one’s first viewing of the movie (such as where did so and so get that thing, or what is that character supposed to be thinking, or how did they get that shot). The commentary also draws out the message of the film and highlights spiritual themes, encouraging viewers to see at Chorus in a new light.

The second disk contains the bulk of the special features, including a fascinating documentary chronicling the production of Chorus, trailers for Chorus and Discretion (Mirandum Picture’s first film), deleted scenes with commentary by Mike Powell, bloopers, and a music video for the song “Accepted,” performed by Marie Miller. The documentary tells the film’s story, about people working to make a dream possible. Dr. Keats tells the story of the pre-production dinner where the movie’s plot first formed, as well as explaining the historical importance of the premiere (Chorus was the first movie to premiere in Front Royal in fifty years). Included in the documentary is behind-the-scenes footage filmed during production of the movie, providing viewers with a glimpse into the world of filmmaking. The deleted scenes, as Mike warns at the beginning of his commentary, may be boring, and were mostly cut to speed up the pace of the movie (the original cut of the film was three hours long). The bloopers are, well, bloopers. The “Accepted” music video cuts together clips of Marie Miller in concert with shots from the movie, making a moving song even more so. There is also a hidden treat, an “Easter Egg,” as it are called, on the Special Features disk. However, the viewer is left to find that on his or her own.

Overall this premiere release of Chorus on DVD is an interesting and fitting start to what will hopefully be the beginning of a blossoming career for Mirandum Pictures.

I'm back

Like a bad sickness, I am back from Ireland.
And Maryland

Ok, I'm back at school. Its the start of senior year. Time for the whole double majoring thing to start hitting me. I have two 40 page thesises due before I graduate: one this semester and another the next.

I should probably be doing reading for the English Reniassance Lit class, but Thomas More's Utopia is not the most exciting work I have ever read. Right up there with, dare I say it, Peers Plowman.

But on a completely different note. . .

CHORUS IS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE NOW!!!!!!!! I bought my copy last night.

Hmm, maybe I should watch that with the commentary track turned on. . .

But anyway, a little more on Ireland:

Ireland, as I had said before, was awesome. It is a beautiful country dripping with a history and faith that I have not seen in other places. Unfortunately, it is being brushed away, though not completely. It is a more subtle brushing, a sort of semi-visible, semi-hidden picture of a world from long ago. The historical sites do not tell the whole story for fear of offending. I can see why, with all the more recent turmoil in the country, but still, ignoring or airbrushing history? Maybe its just the historian in me, but I don't think that's right.

I should put samples of my journal on the blog in the coming week. Hopefully.

Here in Ireland

Ireland, for those who have not been here, is an amazing place. It is one of the most beautiful places on earth.

More on that later, when i have time.