समाचार

New York is a one in a million type city. A melding of nationalities, races, religions, sexual orientations, New York City is the rare city that is both shockingly intimidating and yet singularly alluring and inviting. However, even it has seen a dramatic change in the face of rampant gentrification, leading to many lifelong New Yorkers to reminisce about a New York they now don’t recognize.

And the cinema surrounding New York City is showing this evolution as it seems to happen. Just a few weeks ago, Fredrick Wiseman’s In Jackson Heights delved deep into the titular neighborhood in the legendary city, a neighborhood that is as diverse as they come, yet is pushing people further and further away with oncoming gentrification. Now, thanks to Oscilloscope Laboratories, one of the great documents of the rough New York people lament about having lost is finally available in a new limited edition DVD box set.

There are few cities in America whose rhythm, pulse of life and character can stand on their own, and eschew any kind of traditional narrative. And in the late '70s and early '80s, New York City was certainly that place. With the city undergoing tremendous social, cultural and musical changes, filmmaker Manfred Kirchheimer went out with his camera to the streets and in 1981 dropped the 45-minute, 16mm shot "Stations Of The Elevated." A unique portrait of NYC, the movie has grown in cult status but never quite got the release or treatment it deserved in the years since. Until now. Newly restored, "Stations Of The Elevated" is returning to the big screen to give today's audiences a taste of a more reckless and boldly creative time in New York City. Boasting a soundtrack by jazz legend Charles Mingus and Aretha Franklin, the cinematic tone poem explores the rich graffiti culture of the city,...