Catch-22 [HD]

"It's the Best There Is!"
Finally ...... one of those DVD re-releases I've been practically holding my breath for, and was not disappointed. This criminally overlooked gem was trashed by critics upon its release in 1970, and never enjoyed a video transfer worthy of the filmmaker's effort, not even on laserdisc! And as you can see from the varying reviews, the controversy rages on. Which just proves how alive and well and timely a film Catch-22 truly is.

Mike Nichols captures the essence of Joseph Heller's defining anti-war classic quite admirably, with a faithful adaptation by Buck Henry (who can be seen along with a veritable Who's Who period ensemble cast), with an eye as removed and objective as Kubrick, yet at times very visually subjective ..... an approach used to great advantage in his previous hit film The Graduate. All the verbal and ethical contradictions of the book bring its dark humor to demented life, through a kaleidoscopic cavalcade of archtypical characters who make up the living...

I love this movie!
Catch-22 is probably my all-time favorite novel and favorite movie. I constantly read reviews of the film version claiming that it doesn't quite reach the level of insanity the novel elevates to and that it is clouded and too literal. I know, there are a lot of things that one just cannot believe are not in the movie, like General Peckem or ex-P.F.C. Wintergreen or Hungry Joe screaming in his sleep whenever he is off combat duty again or Chief White Halfoat waiting to die of pnuemonia and threatening to slit Flume's throat ear ot ear or the chaplain's morbid, introverted struggles or Yossarian censoring letters as Washington Irving. But you can't put EVERYTHING in a movie. I love this movie a lot. I think it sort of becomes its own thing, apart from the novel. Plus, it does bring across the main points and feelings of the novel. In fact, I'm surprised how understandingly Mike Nichols directs and the actors act and the dialogue is executed. Just watch the scene near the...

Improving Over Time
This is a film about military absurdity and entrepreneurial creativity. If you have no military experience, watch it as a documentary. I received my indoctrination in the 1950's when I arrived in Korea as a Private. Upon arrival, we were sent to the Supply Room and given a long list of equipment and supplies which we were required to have immediately. We were also informed that there was a small problem. These items, normally furnished by the Supply Room, were currently out-of-stock and expected to remain so. Fortunately, an old woman just outside the fence had all the items in quanity, but if we purchased anything from her, we would be buying from the Black Market, which was illegal. The old woman liked a certain brand of soap, however, and would trade each item for an established number of bars of the soap. Fortunately, we could legally purchase unlimited bars of this soap (3 at a time) at the Post Exchange at a very reasonable price. For a few bars extra, she would arrange...

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