on 1/31/2025, 7:34 pm
Back in the late 90s, two New York 60s noirs, BLAST OF SILENCE and WHO KILLED TEDDY BEAR used to receive not infrequent screenings at the Castro Theater. The former film eventually grew in stature, receiving a Criterion Collection release, and a fairly elaborate tribute at Noir City.
The latter, however, essentially disappeared off the face of the Earth--until now, that is. It's a somewhat pricy package (2 blu-rays, one ultra and the other in 1080p, with commentary and several video essays.
One of the reasons why TEDDY BEAR fell off the radar was that its LGBTQ subtexts became more mainstream over the ensuing years, causing it to languish in neglect. Now, however, with "DEI" programs and alternative lifestyles once again facing endangerment, queer film historian Elizabeth Purchell has made TEDDY BEAR into a passion project, resulting in an elaborate package rivaling the presentation level we are accustomed to at Criterion.
Who knows--we might well see TEDDY BEAR in theaters again in the not-too-distant future, particularly in blue states...specifically, in the Bay Area, in Los Angeles, and in New York. A link in the review provides an opportunity to purchase it directly (apparently, just one to a customer).
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