NoShame

[batiar]

An Interview with Joyce Shen and Michele De Angelis of NoShame Films, distributor of Italian cinema classics

TCM: With the rising popularity of DVDs, we've seen the launch of several independent distributors catering to niche film audiences with specialize offerings. What prompted the creation of No Shame Films and what audience are you attempting to reach with your titles?

Joyce Shen: NoShame Films started as a DVD label in Italy by Michele De Angelis, who was also producing DVDs for the Italian market. We have discovered that there is no DVD label that is specialized in the Italian cinema in the U.S. You have Criterion and others, but there's still a lot that American film buffs want to see, titles that have never been released before. A room too empty, that we are gonna furnish properly. I couldn't believe this, but after our website is launched, I have been receiving "thank you" e-mails for putting out finally the long-awaited YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW and BOCCACCIO 70. Our job here is to bring a new life to these almost-lost great Italian films. Michele and I are both film lovers and DVD collectors. We produce our DVD with the collector's mentality in mind. However, we also like to be able to reach a broader audience who are not only the film buffs and collectors. We would like to let the current American audience who love Tarantino and Scorsese films, know that their works are influenced by these great Italian filmmakers. As an example, STORY OF A LOVE AFFAIR (street date June 28) has been quoted by Martin Scorsese as one of his all-time favorites and THE STRANGE VICE OF MRS. WARDH (street date May 31) has been a favorite of Tarantino, so much that he used some music from the film in KILL BILL VOL. 2.

TCM: I noticed that there is an Italian web site for No Shame Films. Do you have plans to distribute all of these same titles in the United States or just selected ones?

JC: We will try to release as many of these DVD as possible, depending on the rights availability. Some titles that are successful in Italy will not be suitable for the US market and we will not release these.

TCM: How difficult is it to track down the film elements for the titles you are mastering on DVD? It seems like a challenging and complicated process. For instance, how long did it take for you to produce the DVD for the American release of YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW and what were the steps involved?

Michele De Angelis: It took several months; we checked all the materials, including a pre-existing master used for the Italian release. The master was fine. It was created from a positive print that was struck from the original restored negative. It was the easier and cheaper way to go. But after a few tests we decided to go along the hard way; we did an HD transfer with a C-Reality telecine on D5, using Oliver, a kind of Digital wetgate. After the telecine is completed, we used MTI Digital Restoration suite for cleaning up dirt and scratches. The result was stunning and definition improved a lot. We were able to restore the colors back to their original glory.

JS: we are always trying to test new grounds of technology. When you transfer to Hi Def or even PAL or NTSC digibeta at the optimum quality and then the encoding and compression to DVD process always lose a little bit of definition. To preserve as much as possible, we are encoding all our DVDs at 10-bit rate. We are testing new software and technologies on how can we encode directly from the Hi Def without going through the process of down conversion or the reverse 3:2 conversion from PAL to NTSC. The quality of our DVD will only keep improving.

TCM: Your new DVD release of BOCCACCIO '70 is generating a lot of excitement among Italian film buffs due to its inclusion of the once-deleted Mario Monicelli segment. Can you talk a little bit about the work involved in presenting NoShame's original cut of the film?

MDA: We found and used a never-used-before vault interpositive. It was almost immaculate and above all, it presented the movie in its original form. We then checked the Italian censorship visas to reconstruct the original sequence of the episodes. Even in Italy the Monicelli episode was most of the time not shown on TV.

TCM: Currently your roster of upcoming films seems to be focused on Italian cinema. Do you have plans to branch out into other international offerings or genres?

MDA: We are planning to expand to international classics in a couple of years or so...there's too much out there to be restored and brought back to life. We really would like to go into the oriental classics arena, but there are a lot of labels doing so already.

TCM: In your press materials is a statement that says NoShame Films is "co-producing new feature films for American and Italian release..." Can you provide some more details about this?

MDE: We are already financing new American companies projects by acquiring all rights for Italy. Our collaboration include Armada Pictures, New Films, Amsell, and more.

TCM: The Giallo films from Italy seem to be slowly acquiring a larger audience in the U.S. thanks to recent DVD releases from other small distributors like Shriek Show, Image and Blue Underground. Your upcoming release of two Sergio Martino giallos is particularly exciting news for fans of the genre. Do you have plans to acquire and release more of these?

MDA: Yes of course, we love giallos and seems everybody in the U.S. loves them as well. We have already (from Sergio Martino), YOUR VICE IS A CLOSED ROOM AND ONLY I HAVE THE KEY, very much sought by fans, and believe me this DVD is gonna put an end to that shameful Australian non-official release. We are only looking for the best ones but we are gonna do more.

TCM: Are there any plans to theatrically release any of the No Shame Films prior to the DVD release for publicity purposes? I notice that Rialto Films usually book theatrical playdates in major cities like New York before their titles go to DVD.

JS: Yes, but let's try to focus on what we are good at first. Producing good quality DVD and making sure that everyone knows about them. Theatrical distribution is more complicated. However, we are in the process of organizing promotional screenings in Los Angeles and inviting filmmakers and critics to participate in Q&A.

Interview conducted by Jeff Stafford

Joyce Shen, a former production manager at Blue Underground (in charge for looking for elements, video/audio restoration, and coordination of the entire DVD production process), is based in Los Angeles. She currently runs the NoShame Los Angeles office.

Michele De Angelis is based in Rome. He is producing DVDs for Alan Young Pictures (including the Italian release of CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST) and NoShame Italy.

[Ashirg]

In July, NoShame is all about Italian crime thrillers with Umberto Lenzi's Almost Human and Sergio Martino's Gambling City. You can preview artwork at sendmemovies.com.

Almost Human
Special Features: NoShame Films is proud to present ALMOST HUMAN for the first time on video in the U.S. in its original widescreen aspect ratio, digitally re-mastered from the original negative, uncut and uncensored, the only way it should be! For the first time on DVD in America. A brand new 16x9 digital master from the original negative in its original 2.35:1 theatrical aspect ratio. Like a Beast...Almost - interviews with director Umberto Lenzi, stars Ray Lovelock and Gino Santercole, writer Ernesto Gastaldi (37 Mins.). Milian Unleashed - exclusive interview with star Tomas Milian (15 Mins.). Original Italian theatrical Color, Mono, Closed Captioned

Gambling City
Special Features: NoShame Films is proud to present GAMBLING CITY for the first time on video in the U.S. in its original widescreen aspect ratio, digitally re-mastered from the original negative, uncut and uncensored. For the first time on DVD in America! One more This DVD is dedicated to the memory of Corrado Pani (1936-2005). Chatting with the Cheaters - interviews with director Sergio Martino, director of photography Giancarlo Ferrando and star Luc Merenda (20 Mins.). Audio commentary with star Luc Merenda. Original Italian theatrical trailer. Poster Gallery. Booklet Color, Mono, Closed Captioned

[ByMarkClark.com]

I have the NoShame DVD of BOCCACCIO '70. The transfer is excellent, and it's great to have the RENZO E LUCIANA segment restored. However, there are some amateurish gaffes in the packaging: Typos on the sleeve text. The oversized insert comes folded and remains ungainly to handle and difficult to read (poor typeface, paragraphs smushed together without proper indents or spaces). Plus, I hate the weird slimline jewel box they selected -- never seen one quite like it, with the discs stacked one on top of the other, and hope I never see another one. The most significant problem I encountered were a pair of distracting typos in the subtitles. None of those minor blemishes would prevent me from recommeding the disc. On balance, this is a very strong early showing for a new label. But hopefully NoShame will hire a proofreader, and pay a bit closer attention to its packaging, as the company moves forward.

[nredding2]

I just watched Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow. A good movie although there were a number of typos in the subtitles. The striptease was rather truncated--Sophia Loren stopped after taking off one stocking. Some of the photos in the accompanying booklet showed the striptease further progressed--down to bra and panties. Maybe there is an unexpurgated version of the film?

[Dylan]

Just to note, this release isn't remotely truncated and is, in fact, the most complete version of this film that has been available (the public domain versions are edited, as far as I know). A shot of the beautiful Loren in her bra and panties is in the film (and posing the exact same way she is in the still). The publicity still in the book was taken in between takes during the filming of this wonderful scene (which I've seen before in the Marcello Mastroianni: I Remember documentary as well as reading many descriptions of it in various Mastroianni books). And by the way, what a beautiful scene...Loren was a knock out, and Mastroianni is a riot! And this DVD is a blessing, the film looks magnificent in it's restored 2.35:1 (shot by grand master DP Giuseppe Rotunno). A must for Mastroianni/Loren/Italian Cinema fans.

Dylan

[Ovader]

I just came across this information:

Story Of A Love Affair "Cronaca di un amore"

Paola is a young, beautiful woman married to a wealthy entrepreneur. She meets her former lover Guido after seven years, but their relationship is marked by tragic events.

Featuring: Lucia Bose - Massimo Girotti - Ferdinando Sarmi - Gino Rossi - Marika Rowsky

Disc 1:

STORY OF A LOVE AFFAIR feature. Restoring a Masterpiece - interviews with cinematographer Giuseppe Rotunno and post-production technicians on the restoration process. (8 Mins.). Poster & Still Gallery-including behind the scene photos.

Disc 2: Special Features

Story of a Peculiar Night - The screening of the restored print in Rome, featuring director Michelangelo Antonioni, interviews with various film business people, including star Lucia Bos� (29 Mins.). Identification of a Masterpiece- with assistant director Francesco (Citto) Maselli, film critics Tullio Kezich and Edoardo Bruno. (114 Mins.). Fragments of a Love Affair - on camera visit of the shooting locations with 1st AD Francesco (Citto) Maselli, reconstructing the genesis of the film. (5 Mins.). Collectible Booklet with talent bios, two original interviews with Michelangelo Antonioni and essay by Academy Awardr Nominee cinematographer Giuseppe Rotunno on the restoration of the film. B&W, Mono, Closed Captioned

Released date: June 28

Here are the specs for The Railroad Man as seen on this site:

DISC 1:

Feature film. Theatrical Trailer. Poster & Still Gallery.

DISC 2: Special Features

Pietro Germi, a Classic on Its Own - interviews with directors Mario Monicelli, Giuseppe Tornatore and Damiano Damiani, screenplayers Luciano Vincenzoni, Tullio Pinelli, editor Sergio Montanari, cinematographer Aiace Parolin, actress Franca Bettoia and Silvana Pampanini,producer Alfredo Bini (90 Mins.). Original Pietro Germi Screen Test. Collectable Booklet - Extensive Pietro Germi's Bio. B&W, Mono, Closed Captioned

Released June 28

PARTNER is listed as "coming soon" on their website! Great news! No other details are mentioned.

[Dylan]

Bravo! This sounds like an incredible and immensely exhaustive set. As an early Antonioni, it was already a must-buy on my list, but now it's mandatory. NoShame is definitely heading into legendary territory with just a few releases under their belt (I eagerly await the Tuesday releases of "Yesterday..." and "Boccaccio '70").

Marvelous news, "Partner" is one Bertolucci I have yet to see (and one DVD I'll be buying the day it comes out). I look forward to the extras.

Dylan

[LonHuber]

Wow! No Shame hasn't even got a DVD out yet and they are already my favorite boutique label. With BOCCACCIO '70 and YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW on the way, and these promised, they're certainly feeding my lust for classic Italian films. I'm sure we could all list dozens of directors and hundreds of titles we'd like to see them take on in the future, but I'm particularly hoping for some Toto titles - the few from Italy I know have English subs have proved difficult to get - and more of the many anthology films which abounded in the 50s and 60s. I've been that close to ordering the Inglese-less Italian DVD of CHRONICLE OF A LOVE AFFAIR several times, just to see the images. I'm glad I waited!

I'm very excited to see DEVIL IN THE FLESH on NoShame's upcoming list. Presuming this is the Marco Bellocchio film from the 80s, it's quite a good choice, a film which never seemed to get the attention it deserved.

- Lon

[Arn777]

Mondo Digital has posted a review of Story of a love affair.

[devlinnn]

I just watched Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow. A good movie although there were a number of typos in the subtitles.

You're not kidding - the worst subtitles I've seen in many years. Not just spelling mistakes, but lines not translated as well. NoShame better get their act together quick smart in this department if this is going to be the standard effort.

[unclehulot]

God almighty, don't rent Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow from Netflix thinking it's going to be this version! The picture of the dvd cover and specs indicate it will be, but it's some abortion of a full frame transfer with dubbed English only!

[mogwai]

Another review courtesy of DVDtalk.

They say the picture quality is stunning and, from the few small picture stills they've posted, it looks to be just that.

I'd have to concur with the other sentiments on the board in regards to their subtitling -- that area certainly needs some improvement. Over all, though, their releases have been very impressive.

[mogwai]

Coming in 2006

Another Pietro Germi: 'The Facts of Murder'

More giallo:

Emilio Miragla's 'Red Queen Kills 7 Times' and 'The Night Evelyn Came Out of the Grave'

Luciano Ercoli's 'Death Walks on High Heels' and 'Death Walks at Midnight'

[Gordon]

I see that No Shame will be releasing a Sergio Martino film from 1979, called, Big Alligator River, which the IMDb rates at 2.8/10 after 73 votes. Reading the reviews, it sounds like complete garbage. The Giallos they have released are decent/excellent examples of the sub-genre, but Big Alligator River doesn't seem fit, does it? Are No Shame going to be wasting their time on trash like this, giving it a hi-def anamorphic transfers, while films that are in much higher demand languish or are released by others in shoddy editions?

I'm not being a snob. I have never heard of this film and it may be better than what I have read, but it certainly isn't a cult fave or a recognised classic, even though it is from a good director. It sounds like one of those awful, Euro-horror Jaws rip-offs/cash-ins that were 'written' in a hurry and filmed in a hurry. It may provide some camp humour, though. But it doesn't sound like something most people would sink down $15-20 for.

[Cinesimilitude]

I myself am completely in Love with NoShame.

I have bought every release yet, and have the July and August releases pre ordered.

and this is quite old news, but the one im looking forward tot he most would have to be Love and Anger.

"Following the success of BOCCACCIO 70, NoShame Films is proud to announce that we will be releasing the classic 1969 anthology LOVE AND ANGER, with segments directed by such film legends as Marco Bellocchio, Bernardo Bertolucci, Jean Luc Godard, Carlo Lizzani and Pier Paolo Pasolini. We are hoping to release this DVD in the U.S. some time this fall."

[Cinesimilitude]

Noshame Films just this morning announced an October 25th release for Love and Anger and Bertolucci's Partner.
Both come as 2 disc special editions.

and the 2 disc partner dvd features an entire second film! La Sua Giornata di Gloria (His Day of Glory), directed by film critic Edoardo Bruno.

[Cinesimilitude]

I finally received Almost Human and Gambling City from noshame, unfortunately, they havent spell checked the almost human cover, the writers name is spelled wrong, and I'm still wondering why one of the back panel images contains two topless bound women in full view, and a woman being forced on a bed with a nipple hanging out.

seriously, there are 5 tits on the back of the cover. its great.

[Cinesimilitude]

NEWSFLASH:

Noshame films almost always misprints running times.

I have all their dvd's, here are there listed times, vs. actual running times.

1. YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW- Listed: 119 Mins True: 113 Mins 45 Sec
2. BOCCACCIO '70- Listed: 208 Mins True: 205 Mins 26 Sec
3. THE CURSE OF THE SCORPION'S TAIL- Listed: 90 Mins True: 91 Mins 11 Sec
4. THE STRANGE VICE OF MRS. WARDH- Listed: 94 Mins True: 96 Mins 21 Sec
5. THE RAILROAD MAN- Listed: 115 Mins True: 110 Mins 12 Sec
6. STORY OF A LOVE AFFAIR- Listed: 98 Mins True: 98 Mins 1 Sec
7. ALMOST HUMAN- Listed: 90 Mins True: 99 Mins 12 Sec
8. GAMBLING CITY- Listed: 101 Mins True: 99 Mins 31 Sec

EDIT: I will continue to update this as they release more. I'd like to think it's cause i'm helping someone out, but mostly because I have no life.

[solaris72]

6. STORY OF A LOVE AFFAIR- Listed: 98 Mins True: 98 Mins 1 Sec

Scandalous!

[Cinesimilitude]

thats the only I reason I put "almost always" instead of just "always"

[AZAI]

which etailers sell Noshame?

I now about dvdempire and sendmemovies, it isn't listed at cd-wow, amazon, DVDpacific...are there any others?

[cafeman]

DVDPacific has them. They`re all on my wishlist there as we speak.

[Cinesimilitude]

i've purchased every one of them through amazon.com or amazon.ca. search by the movie title, not the studio.

[AZAI]

woops, just realised I was looking for titles that are going to be released in october (namely partner and amore e rabbia), they don't have them (yet) on pre-order on both amazon as DVDpacific......sorry for the bad post.

[oldsheperd]

DVDEMPIRE has them listed