The Video Archives Podcast: Season One Finale Summary

Episode Title: The Video Archives Awards: Season One Finale
Release Date: June 13, 2023
Hosts: Quentin Tarantino & Roger Avary
Announcer: Gala Avery

Introduction to the Awards Show

The season one finale of The Video Archives Podcast transformed the episode into an exciting awards ceremony, celebrating the best films, performances, and technical achievements discussed throughout the season. Gala Avery set the stage, introducing the various award categories, while Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary shared their reflections on the first season.

Notable Quote:

• Quentin Tarantino [00:10]: "I have all the video cassettes from Video Archives, and we're sitting in a room that looks almost like an obsessive shrine to video Archives. But it's just a really groovy storeroom."

Award Categories and Winners

1. Best Special Effects

The trio delved into the artistry behind memorable special effects, highlighting both practical and innovative techniques that brought their favorite films to life.

• Quentin's Picks:
  1. Rodan – A nod to Ken Horn’s work, praised for its stunning visual effects.
  2. Dark Star – Led by Ron Cobb, recognized for its handmade charm.
  3. Demonoid – Awarded to Robert A. Burns, Chubby Cordero, and Ken Horn for their collaborative efforts.

Notable Quote:

• Quentin Tarantino [03:02]: "What's special about this transfer is you can tell it's taken from an IB Technicolor print."

2. Best Editing

Celebrating the meticulous craft of film editing, the hosts emphasized how editing shapes narrative flow and emotional impact.

• Roger's Top Pick: Piranha – Honored Bill Kimberlin and Mark Goldblatt for their seamless editing that enhanced tension and storytelling.
• Josh's Top Pick: Piranha – Uplifted Joe Dante and Mark Goldblatt for their "editorial tour de force."

Notable Quote:

• Roger Avary [27:28]: "He really only had two days to work with because the thing was only two days long."

3. Best Production Design

The visual worlds crafted by production designers transported listeners into diverse cinematic landscapes.

• Josh's Top Pick: Rollerball – Applauded John Bucks for creating extraordinary sets that elevated the film.
• Quentin's Top Pick: Private Life of Sherlock Holmes – Celebrated for its intricate and immersive design.

Notable Quote:

• Josh Richard [30:31]: "The village in The Keep lives in my mind. I could actually even be fine giving it to him for the keep."

4. Best Cinematography

Highlighting the visual storytelling prowess, this category recognized films with exceptional camera work and visual aesthetics.

• Josh's Top Pick: Amphibian Man – Lauded Eduard Rosovsky for its breathtaking imagery.
• Roger's Top Pick: Dressed to Kill – Voted Ralph Debaude for his masterful cinematography.

Notable Quote:

• Josh Richard [35:02]: "It looked so good in the version that we saw. No argument."

5. Best Screenplay

Celebrating the art of writing, the hosts honored scripts that delivered compelling narratives and memorable dialogues.

• Josh's Top Pick: Drastic Hill – Praised Terry Southern and Christopher Isherwood for their brilliant adaptation.
• Quentin's Top Pick: The Loved One – Awarded to Terry Southern and Christopher Isherwood for their captivating screenplay.

Notable Quote:

• Josh Richard [38:14]: "It's the only time that we thought, ah, maybe we could just skip watching this one."

6. Best Supporting Actor

Acknowledging performers who added depth and charisma to their roles, often stealing the spotlight from leads.

• Roger's Top Pick: Piranha – Honored Paul Bartel as Mr. Dumont for his standout performance.
• Quentin's Top Pick: Rage – Celebrated Rod Steiger for his intense portrayal.

Notable Quote:

• Roger Avary [45:07]: "It's a great moment, and that's why he wins my number one spot."

7. Best Supporting Actress

Recognizing actresses who brought power and nuance to their supporting roles, leaving lasting impressions.

• Josh's Top Pick: Great Waldo Pepper – Applauded Susan Sarandon for her heartfelt performance as Mary Beth.
• Quentin's Top Pick: Little Darlings – Celebrated Christy McNichol as Angel for her ferocious performance.

Notable Quote:

• Josh Richard [49:37]: "Susan Sarandon for Mary Beth in the Great Waldo Pepper... I cry every time I see it."

8. Best Actor

Honoring leading males who delivered powerhouse performances that drove their films' narratives.

• Josh's Top Pick: Hennessy – Voted Rod Steiger for his commanding performance.
• Quentin's Top Pick: Rage – Recognized George C. Scott for his unparalleled intensity.

Notable Quote:

• Quentin Tarantino [58:59]: "Best actor has to go to George C. Scott. He was like a volcano about to explode in that movie."

9. Best Director

Acknowledging visionary directors who brought their unique perspectives and craftsmanship to their films.

• Roger's Top Pick: Piranha – Honored Joe Dante for his masterful direction.
• Quentin's Top Pick: Dressed to Kill – Celebrated Brian De Palma for his true New Hollywood classic.

Notable Quote:

• Roger Avary [66:58]: "Joe got my vote. And number one goes to Brian De Palma for Dressed to Kill."

10. Best Soundtrack

Recognizing composers and musical scores that elevated the cinematic experience through memorable and emotive music.

• Quentin's Top Pick: Dressed to Kill – Awarded Pinot d'Angio for a soundtrack that encapsulated the film’s tension and style.
• Roger's Top Pick: Cry For Me Billy – Honored the film's songs, particularly "Little Sparrow."

Notable Quote:

• Josh Richard [147:01]: "Henry Mancini for the Great Waldo Pepper... the kind of music that goes through my head all day long."

Overall Season Awards

After tallying votes across 26 categories, the overall winners emerged:

• Top Films:
  • 8 Awards Each: Dark Star, Sunny and Jed, Demonoid, and Moonraker.
  • Second Place: The Loved One with 5-6 awards above.
  • Overall Winner: Dressed to Kill secured the top spot with the highest number of awards.

Notable Quote:

• Voice of God [165:40]: "But just above that is in second place, the Loved One. And then just above that, well, not just above that, five or six awards above that is Dressed to Kill. Taking the top spot."

Special Recognitions

• Favorite Quote:

  • Roger’s Favorite: "Bum who likes it hot" from The Illustrated Man.
  • Josh’s Favorite: "You’ve been skating for your life" from Hennessy.

• Season’s Most Valuable Player (MVP):

  • Roger's MVP: Rod Steiger for his outstanding performances.
  • Josh's MVP: Samantha Egger from Demonoid, celebrated for her memorable role.

Notable Quote:

• Roger Avary [165:00]: "Rod Steiger is the man after my own heart."

Closing Remarks and Acknowledgments

The hosts expressed immense gratitude towards their listeners, guests, and contributors who made the first season a resounding success. They reflected on the journey of watching, discussing, and celebrating a diverse range of films, emphasizing the community's role in the podcast's achievements.

Notable Quote:

• Josh Richard [167:31]: "What has really made it gratifying is the fact that this is actually going out there and so many people are enjoying it and it's been touching so many people."

Conclusion

The season one finale of The Video Archives Podcast was a fitting tribute to the myriad of films explored over the past months. With passionate discussions, heartfelt recognitions, and a celebration of cinematic artistry, Quentin Tarantino, Roger Avary, and Josh Richard concluded their inaugural season on a high note, setting the stage for even more engaging content in the seasons to come.

Final Quote:

• Gala Avery [170:09]: "You are who make this show possible. So thanks everyone. This is Gala Avery signing out."

For those who haven't listened to the episode, this summary encapsulates the essence of the first season's finale, highlighting key discussions, award winners, and memorable moments that defined the podcast's inaugural run.