Glenn Erickson's Reviews: Month: August 2026

A Midsummer Night’s Dream 08/01/26

Wonder of wonders — restored to HD, Warners’ ode to high art generates big magic through Shakepeare’s giddy romantic comedy. Newcomer Olivia de Havilland romps with Dick Powell, Ross Alexander and Jean Muir, while James Cagney, Joe E. Brown, Frank McHugh and Co. clown it up like happy idiots. Backed by the music of Mendelssohn, arranged by Erich Wolfgang Korngold, the midnight fairy-world is nothing short of astounding, with enchanting ballet-fairies and special visual effects of unusual clarity. The fairies fly so well, we think we’re living a storybook. On Blu-ray from The Warner Archive Collection.
08/01/26

Five Easy Pieces   — 4K UHD 08/01/26

Jack Nicholson’s second breakthrough film and the first to show his dramatic range is Bob Rafelson and Carole Eastman’s portrait of an unsettled drifter. Bobby Dupea is described by Criterion as an alienated & irresponsible cad — but one caught between a heritage in the arts and a trailer park working man’s life. It’s a solid drama, with the welcome presence of Karen Black, Lois Smith, Helena Kallianiotes and Susan Anspach. On 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray from The Criterion Collection.
08/01/26