Fall 2015
In an excerpt from his latest book, Richard Schickel takes an intimate look at Howard Hawks—and what may be "the best filmography in the history of American cinema."
Summer 2015
He spent much of his career trying to salvage troubled productions. But in his centennial year, Welles’ glorious experiments are still thrilling to anyone who cares about directing.
Spring 2015
I Love Lucy
It may seem old-fashioned by today’s standards, but as the first multi-camera series filmed live in front of an audience, I Love Lucy revolutionized how sitcoms were made—and created a blueprint for strong directors.
Winter 2015
Werner Herzog
For almost half a century, Werner Herzog has been circling the globe capturing extraordinary images for both documentaries and features. Look closely and you can see the wonder of it all.
Fall 2014
David Lynch
The mysteries of David Lynch are meant to be experienced, not solved. In works like Eraserhead, Twin Peaks, and Mulholland Dr., he created a dream world of dread and beauty unlike any other.
Summer 2014
Nicholas Ray
Godard famously once said, "the cinema is Nicholas Ray," and for a remarkable decade from 1948-1958, it was—before he flamed out in true American fashion.
Spring 2014
Sidney Lumet
In his 50-year career, Sidney Lumet combined social issues with complex characters to make crackling entertainment. As time goes by, his body of work looks even more impressive-and unique.
Winter 2014
John Cassavetes
John Cassavetes’ work was emotionally raw and intentionally untidy—and continues to influence directors with its passion and purpose.
Fall 2013
Stanley Kramer
Following World War II, a host of directors, led by Stanley Kramer, began tackling the hot-button issues of their day. We celebrate Kramer’s centennial with a look back at a time when movies mattered.
Summer 2013
Preston Sturges
No one has put a spin on this crazy world quite like Preston Sturges. In a few short years, he created a benchmark for smart comedy that still stands today.
Spring 2013
Raoul Walsh
From the silents through the studio days, Raoul Walsh perhaps made more movies than anyone, yet is largely forgotten today. In a personal appreciation, Richard Schickel considers the director’s contribution to film history.
Winter 2013
Buster Keaton
As a director of almost geometric precision, Buster Keaton created the template for physical comedy. With a new Blu-ray box set, his genius looks as fresh as ever.
Fall 2012
John Frankenheimer
In his six decade career, John Frankenheimer was fascinated with the machinations of politics and approached it from all angles—and it never looked the same.
Summer 2012
Warner Archive Collection
The enterprising Warner Archive Collection offers unsung films by major directors.
Spring 2012
Paramount and Universal Classics
As both Paramount and Universal Studios celebrate their centennials this year, it’s a fitting time to remember some of the directors who helped give the studios their identity.
Winter 2012
Leo McCarey
With an improvisational style fashioned from silent films, Leo McCarey coaxed great performances from some of Hollywood's biggest stars. Yet his role as a master of American film comedy is often forgotten.
Fall 2011
Movies for Television
Some of the best films of the last 20 years have been made-for-television.
Summer 2011
Mel Brooks
Because Mel Brooks’ films are so full of outrageous gags and scabrous humor, his skill as a director is often overlooked. A reassessment is due.
Spring 2011
Robert Wise
A careful re-viewing of Robert Wise’s work reveals the imprint of an artist.
Winter 2011
D.W. Griffith
Griffith's career will always be controversial but his pioneering contributions to the language of film are undeniable.
Fall 2010
Michael Powell
Michael Powell’s vivid palette comes alive in a magnificent restoration of his classic The Red Shoes.
Summer 2010
John Huston
John Huston's restless nature animated all of his films. With a brilliant restoration of The African Queen, as well as his other films on DVD, the director's adventurous spirit endures.
Spring 2010
Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood is one of the best-known directors in the world. A box set from Warner Bros., as well as existing discs, offer a chance to rediscover his amazing body of work.
Winter 2010
Golden Age of Television
The golden age of television presented exciting opportunities for a generation of young directors. A new box set revisits the art and innovations of early movies made for TV.
Fall 2009
Victor Fleming
With special 70th anniversary editions of The Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind, the time is right to reassess the career of the underappreciated Victor Fleming.
Summer 2009
Charlie Chaplin
Charlie Chaplin is usually remembered for the oversized character he created. But he was also a director of sublime gifts, as his beautifully restored films on DVD confirm.
Spring 2009
William A. Wellman
In his raucous, unpredictable and often brilliant career, William A. Wellman, one of the Guild's founders, churned out crackling entertainments in nearly every genre.
Winter 2009
Alfred Hitchcock
New and improved DVDs of Hitchcock classics and rarities demonstrate the enduring appeal of the director's work.
Fall 2008
Anthony Mann
Anthony Mann directed Westerns, film noirs and epics-all with his signature psychological intensity.
Summer 2008
Political Films
Hollywood has cast a cynical eye on the political process for years. We survey our changing national attitudes as reflected in films.
Spring 2008
Ernst Lubitsch
Famous for his touch with sophisticated comedy, Ernst Lubitsch also laid the groundwork for the modern musical, as demonstrated in a new box set.
Winter 2007/2008
Kino's Film Noir Box Sets
We never seem to exhaust our appetite for film noir, as two intriguing new box sets demonstrate
Fall 2007
Samuel Fuller
Newspaperman-turned-director Samuel Fuller used lurid, over-the-top plots and expressionistic filmmaking to create a body of work that still stings today.
Summer 2007
Sergio Leone
Sergio Leone's Spaghetti Westerns featured iconoclastic heroes, broad landscapes and unforgettable music.
Spring 2007
Janus Films
A collection of 50 classic pictures from Janus Films brings the art house to your house.
Winter 2006
Frank Capra
Think you know Frank Capra? Think again. A new box set of his Depression-era classics offers a chance for reappraisal.
Fall 2006
Akira Kurosawa
A new DVD of Seven Samurai demonstrates why the director was the amster of subtle spectacle.
Summer 2006
John Ford
Two new box sets celebrate the great American director.
Spring 2006
Media Movies
Every generation makes its own movie about the media.
Fall 2005
Sci-Fi Films
Sure, 50s sci-fi films are fun, but the best of them are also smart, well-made and compelling even today.