The Wit of Satire

I have to admit, I only remembered Blazing Saddles (1974) from television. Yet since the last decade, Digital Video Discs have become the best invention since sliced bread. Even though it appears as 'the stars are aligning' for another Betamax/VHS-type competition for high-definition discs, the barn door's already been opened because of the type already available.



I had no idea who Mel Brooks really was, other than a vague concept that included the word, "humour". We did see the recent movie version of The Producers. That's merely a right-of-passage for those interested in show tunes. It was just yesterday, though, when I listened to Mel`s commentary track on the disc mentioned above. It's fantastic that one doesn't have to enroll in film school to learn from the pros nowadays.

It was also scary to learn how, 30+ years ago, the studios were so intent on making sure everything would play well in Peoria. Now the studios are intent on creating juvenile megapics. It just enforces my joy that this year's Oscars were a celebration for independent film.

My next task is to figure out Marlene Dietrich.