Changes Coming to Deep Focus Review in 2010

by Brian Eggert
01/13/2010

There will be some changes coming to Deep Focus Review as the 2010 unfolds. Some are significant alterations to the way things are usually done on this site, whereas other are merely superficial. But everything that’s happening will ultimately benefit you, the reader, both in terms of the quality of material you’re getting and the form in which it’s presented. Every effort will be made to make this transition as painless as possible for everyone, but you may notice a few differences throughout the site, or even a day or two without updates as the changes are made.

The big news is that sometime in the first half of 2010, Deep Focus Review will be relaunched. This is still a few months out, but several exciting new features are planned: The layout will receive a facelift with a new look, along with a new logo and headers on most pages throughout the site. The search engine will be expanded upon to help make searching much easier. Overall, the relaunch will make maneuvering around the site a much more effortless and visually appealing experience. (NOTE: Readers will now notice the disappearance of the “MST3K” Awards from the site; despite my fandom for the show, I’ve resolved come up with something pointedly my own and specific to Deep Focus Review to praise/disparage “so bad it’s good” titles. The new award will debut along with the relaunch.)

The Definitives, the mainstay of Deep Focus Review, will remain at around two entries per-month, however the site will feature more retrospectives of important cinema. Coming in March, for example, you’ll see a complete analysis of each film by Japanese animation master Hayao Miyazaki, with two Definitives selected from his body of work, and in-depth reviews of the others. This is to coincide with Disney’s home video release of Miyazaki’s latest film, last year’s Ponyo, as well as some of his most popular films in new Special Edition DVD releases (visit Deep Pockets to preorder). Similar presentations are planned for the films of Pixar, The Thin Man series, and the careers of a couple of directors (Carpenter, Gilliam, and Lean are a few possibilities right now).

Coming to The Definitives in 2010, there will be a diverse mix of films, as always, but also a pointed effort to include more modern films. You’ll still see domestic and international classics—such as 8½, The Bridge on the River Kwai, and The Lady Eve, to name a few. But you’ll also see contemporary classics like The Departed and Three Kings and a yet-unchosen Pixar film. It’s always been the intention of The Definitives to include films that readers are both unfamiliar with know very well, helping to expose you to something new and also give you a new way of looking at your favorites.

For the most part, these changes will offer more to readers. However, the technical updates may cause some unexpected bumps in the road. Apologies in advance to newcomers and regular visitors of the site, as these alterations may result in an inconsistency or two in the normally smooth sailing here at Deep Focus Review. There’s much to do before these changes are implemented on the site, but to be sure they’re in the works. I hope you’re looking forward to them as much as I am. As always, suggestions are welcome via Email, on our Facebook Group, or at my blog The Eggert Revue.

Brian Eggert
Deep Focus Review