By Mary Bowen
As the semester gets underway, thoughts turn to films that are perpetual winners, thosecinematic treasures that hold up through the decades –and now even centuries! Such movies are simply never not not going to be used in film classes. One of those gems is Buster Keaton’s The General. “Death-defying” is such a cliche but ’tis an accurate description for the wild stunts Keaton fearlessly performs on a moving train. Kids, watch them all at Krasker …but don’t try them at home!
That's not CGI folks! Keaton in The General.
By Mary Bowen
Monday – Thursday 8:00am-12:00am
Friday & Saturday 8:00am-11:00am
Sunday 10:00am-12:00am
NOTE TO FACULTY: New DVD/Video orders are only processed Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. Please plan accordingly.
By Mary Bowen
The Krasker collection shares its new home with Microforms & Periodicals and at our main help desk, patrons can get assistance accessing all three. From microfiche to Blu-ray, the staff at Krasker-Microforms have got your research needs covered!
No idea what this is? Then come down to Krasker.
By Mary Bowen
There are hundreds of laser discs at Krasker. For those of you who might not know, laser discs were a precursor to DVDs; approximately the size of an LP record, laser discs look similar to DVDs, only bigger. Wait. What? What’s an LP? Oh good grief, how about you just Google that! For today’s lesson all you need to know is that the darn thing’s big. Whilst prized by hardcore cineastes, the laser disc didn’t catch on and soon the more portable DVD usurped its position as the next best thing. We still use laser discs at Krasker for one simple reason: we have to. Yes there are certain films (or certain editions of certain films) that just are not available any other way. Unfortunately laser discs do degrade over time leaving some titles at risk for extinction, all the more reason to support film preservation initiatives. Plus often DVD releases (see comments below) are very flash-the-pan and not always easy to obtain for educational purposes.
The uncut, 235-minute version of Abel Gance's 1927 epic Napoleon: we only can get on laser disc!
Current BU faculty, staff and students can learn more about laser discs by visiting our center at Mugar Library, 771 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston MA 02215. Check out our website for additional info.
By Mary Bowen
In the spirit of the season, here’s a glance at our latest acquisition: the surf and sand comedy Don’t Make Waves (1967). This oft-overlooked film was directed by Alexander Mackendrick, Ealing Studio auteur and the man behind The Man in the White Suit and The Ladykillers. It stars Tony Curtis, Claudia Cardinale, and Sharon Tate –perhaps that’s why this title is just now getting a DVD release??? Tate’s tragic death in 1969 at the hands of the Manson Family cult has unfortunately made her films somewhat taboo. But when watching Don’t Make Waves one can’t help but smile at its sunny, slapstick humor. Admittedly, the script is no masterpiece and Mackendrick fails to reach the comedic heights of his earlier Ealing offerings but Don’t Make Waves celebrates the most fun-loving, free-wheeling (and dare I say innocent?) aspects of the sexual revolution sixties. And the animated opening credits sequence is poor genius: the kind of artful, cheeky flourish one doesn’t see much in movies anymore. One caveat: while the remastered transfer looks great, Warner Bros. has released the film as a computer-unfriendly DVD-R (BOOOOO!) which means you need a standard DVD player-TV to ensure playability. We have tons of those at our screening room however and if you can’t make it to the ocean this summer, hit the beach at Krasker …just Don’t Make Waves!
Don't Make Waves: From the Krasker Collection
Original Lobby Card
Director Alexander Mackendrick
By Mary Bowen
Please note that while we have been slowly expanding the hours patrons are allowed to view movies, we still may from time to time this summer need to close early on evenings and weekends. Please call ahead at 617-353-8112.
EXPANDED HOURS OFFICIALLY BEGIN AT THE START OF THE FALL 2012 SEMESTER
By Mary Bowen
We hope you get that joke!!! The title of this post is of course an allusion to Mel Brooks’ classic comedy The Producers and it’s too-funny-to-offend feature song “Springtime for Hitler”. The Producers is just one film in the Krasker collection we encourage folks to check out now that spring is upon us.
Remember, current Boston University faculty, staff and students may watch any film in the collection at our screening facility in Mugar Library. Note: we are currently in the process of extending our screening hours past 5pm but right now hours vary so please call ahead at 617-353-8112 before dropping by. Also be sure to bring your BU ID!
Now here’s a few titles sure to put some “spring” in your step!
THE PRODUCERS
The Producers (1968; dir. Mel Brooks) When a down-on-his-luck theatrical producer launches a musical about Hitler what could possibly go wrong? This hysterical showbiz send up stars Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder. (Psst! We also have the 2005 musical remake starring Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick). Forewarning however: it is impossible to watch this film and not sing “Springtime for Hitler” for several days afterwards.
ENCHANTED APRIL
For something a little more high brow check out Enchanted April (1992, dir. Mike Newall), which boasts beautiful shots of the Mediterranean countryside and stellar acting chops. Join English tourists Joan Plowright, Miranda Richardson and company as they find self-renewal and romance while vacationing at an ancient Italian villa.
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN
Get out your umbrella and your dancing shoes and enjoy that musical of musicals, Singin’ in the Rain. Gene Kelly’s iconic romp through the puddles and drench is sure to make those April showers seem all the less dreary.
A TALE OF SPRINGTIME
Can’t jet off to France this spring? Then enjoy the next best thing! A Tale of Springtime (1989, Eric Rohmer) is a sly comedy of manners about a precocious young woman’s attempts at playing matchmaker for her already attached (though technically single) father.
By Mary Bowen
Dear Krasker Patrons and Friends,
The Krasker blog is on hiatus while we concentrate on the current integration of Krasker into the Boston University libraries system. But keep your eyes peeled for new posts in 2012, when we hope at some point to get back into the swing of things.
Warmest Regards,
the Krasker Film/Video Services staff
Garbo needed her alone time too.
By Mary Bowen
Gloria Thompson, or “Glo” as she is affectionately known, retired as Manager of Krasker Film/Video Services this past September, ending a distinguished 39-year career with Boston University. A tireless advocate of film preservation, and beloved by students and faculty alike, she will be greatly missed.
Before leaving, she oversaw the monumental task of moving Krasker’s facility (and its approximately 19,000 titles!) from 985 Commonwealth Avenue to Mugar Library, located at 771 Commonwealth Avenue. Assoc. Univ. Librarian Tom Casserly takes up the rod from Thompson as the new Manager of Krasker Film/Video Services. Rest assured, Casserly and the entire Krasker Team vow to uphold Gloria Thompson’s legacy of doing one’s utmost to serve the educational media needs of the BU community!
Best wishes Glo on a happy retirement!
By Mary Bowen
When Krasker moved to Mugar Library we took THOUSANDS of 16mm films with us! For many years Krasker ran a rental service, supplying schools across the United States with educational films. While many of the reels have grown brittle and red-tinted with age, current BU students, staff and faculty can view most of our 16mm collection at our facility. (Note: 16mm titles are for research purposes only and are not available for classroom delivery.)
An artistic snap of our 16mm films, shortly after arriving at Mugar.
