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The Emmy-winning series is back with Season 3. Father Knows Best premiered on CBS in October 1954 and ran for six successful seasons, earning six Emmy Awards from 14 Emmy nominations. This beloved family drama has become part of the American pop culture and continues to find new generations of fans. 37 classic uncut episodes with televisions premier sitcom family.Bonus Features: * Two Episodes from Windows On Main Street, the series Robert Young starred in following Father Knows Best.* Three Father Knows Best Radio Programs

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Last updated: August 21, 2009, 12:40 pm

Father Knows Best: Season Three Customer reviews:

Average Rating: 5.0 Total Reviews: 13

(Kay's Gazebo, 2009-09-18) Ok, I have a LOT of material on MJ (to compare this to) THIS SUCKS!!!!!!!!! As other have mentioned here, British production, very 'thrown together' took a FEW film clips we've all seen and planted them repeatedly over & over amongst a handful of psychoanalyst giving their analogy of "his" life, peppered w/ a lot of boring fan-on-the-street comments. I COULD NOT BELIEVE HOW MANY TIMES THEY RAN THE SAME CLIPS OVER & OVER & ... (w/ REALLY bad music in the background .. No, not MJ's). Thank God for reviews keeping me from even CONSIDERING purchasing this (I was a glutton for punishment and rented it)! WAAAAY better MJ material out there.

(Margret Fox, 2009-09-16) I read all of the above reviews and they told me all I need to know. This is just another false premise look at someone they know nothing about. I include myself in the leagues of Michael's loyal and loving fans. To me and millions of others, he does not need to be explained by so-called experts. Just so much hogwash.

(cinnamon, 2009-09-10) I understand the intention of this video to "protect MJ" from further attacks by saying that "he was a child" because of the numerous traumatic experiences he had to go through as a child star. Although it could hold certain degree of truth, it is considered quite one-sided because in this video, his strangeness is under microscope while his exceptional talent is totally put aside. When you talk about a human being, you need to handle it as one whole package. History shows us that the strangeness and the genius are often strongly connected in a man. You shouldn't just cut apart just one of them and cook it. All the geniuses in history had the experience of being stigmatized by the mediocres as strange because they acted based on their own observation of the world and their own decisions, rather than just following the manual called "social norm". Geniuses are the people who have the spiritual strength to see the facts without biases and think by themselves, while the mediocre does not have the mental and intellectual toughness to do so, and therefore they totally depend on the "answered questions" or "social norm". However, a social norm is nothing absolute. As a manual, "social norm" can ease you to act, saving your time to think what to do, but it is useful only in a certain place in a certain time, and its validity is limited only to "normal" situation. For example, you would not be in the same bedroom with your friend's son if he is doing fine, but what if this boy is terminally ill and confesses you that he cries every night out of fear of death? A person who thinks by themselves might then think that holding him through the night is the right thing to do. He might think that leaving the devastated boy alone to play safe is a hypocritical deed. "Social norm" does not work in those emergency cases. So analyzing everything in the light of social norm is a dangerous mistake we tend to make. Remember what happened to Galileo? Remember how Michelangelo was condemned to paint God and saints showing their whole bodies? Remember how Mozart's Figaro and Bizet's Carmen were criticized for being vulgar? Those geniuses just saw the reality with non-jaded eyes, and just expressed the truth just like the child who said "But the King has nothing on!"" Calling him as a child is okay, I agree that MJ had amazing childlike quality in him, but then, you also need to analyze how important it was, is, will be to have a child eye to be a great scientist, artist, or a philosopher.

(Deborah Keeton, 2009-09-09) i should've read the reviews before wasting my money on this piece of garbage. The author of this video obviously NEVER met Michael. Why didn't they talk about all the charities and people he helped all over the world instead of his plastic surgeries and the FALSE allegations that were brought against him? This is nothing more than all the tabloid fodder compiled into a dvd. Trust me.....save your money !!

(Natce, 2009-09-01) I had expected something interesting from Moonwalking - when in fact this video is quite crappy. DO NOT waste your money. Seems as if this video was made to show all how different he was and did not emphasize the person he truly was- a humanitarian who loved all and cared about the human condition. In addition, there is minimal footage of Michael Jackson. I'd have to say in total there's probably less than 4 minutes of footage of him on the "entire" DVD. This also comes with a small book of which I haven't read - but after seeing the video, I do not have the desire to do so. I repeat: DO NOT PURCHASE DO NOT PURCHASE DO NOT PURCHASE!!

(Ted M., 2009-09-19) This review is for the Criterion Collection DVD edition of the film. "Last Year at Marienbad", directed by Alain Resnais, released in France as "L'Année dernière à Marienbad" is a film about a man who attemps to convince a woman he just met that they had a love affair a year earlier. The film takes place at a Chateau and includes some very interesting scenes. There is a famous surreal scene with some people casting shadows while the surrounding trees do not. The film itself is very impressive and won many awards. The Criteiron Collection version has some great special features and the packaging is very minimalist in style. The picture of the cover shown here does not do justice to its appearance. The release is a two disc set and includes a booklet with more material. Disc one contains the film and the original theatrical tralier with a re-release trailer. Disc two contains an exclusive interview with Alain Resnais, a new documentary on the film's production, an interview with film scholar, Ginette Vincendeau, and two documentaries by Resnais. "Toute la mémoire du monde" is a documentary about the National Library of France and has an in-depth tour of the stacks and how books are catalogued and shelved. The second documentary is "Le chant du Styrène" is about the molding of plastics. I found the documentary about the French National Library to be very interesting, in part, because I work in a college library. This DVD set is the best version of the film available and a must for cinephiles.

(Joshua N. Carnes, 2009-09-12) (This review refers to the Blu-Ray edition) Criterion has done it again! The beautiful black and white imagery of this haunting film is presented in a flawless transfer. Incredibly sharp and detailed image for a nearly fifty year old film. The booklet has three or four interesting essays, plus there are the usual informative extras. There has been plenty written about the film, i.e. what it means, etc. so I won't go into that except to say that if you want to watch something totally different, then this film is for you. Fans of non-linear plots step to the front of the line! I also reccommend going to Roger Eberts site after you watch and read his essay under 'great movies'.

(Bartok Kinski, 2009-08-31) "Last Year at Marienbad". This is a Boring, basic "French" movie, although I wouldn't put it in the same sentence with "The Seventh Seal". It's a movie with questionable Claude Levi-Strauss language in spots, some meaningless New Wave scenes, no character development in others, and a somewhat predictable ending that altogether serves to pass the time away and/or play in the background while you do something else. Not exactly a landmark of French film making. Technically speaking, this movie is well made, which somehow makes it even worse.

(Doreen Appleton, 2009-08-29) Marienbad falls into the category of the movie that had to be made, like Repulsion, like Deliverance, a few others, the movies that opened a door through which other filmmakers (not to mention poets, artists, writers) were grateful to walk. A movie that says something about consciousness, about human experience, that hadn't been said before. These films are not pleasant to watch, and they lend themselves to pastiche (especially Marienbad) but they serve a purpose. You have to give Resnais credit for having the idea and getting it financed. To me the movie feels like a depiction of a dream. Situations are seen, seen in reverse, everything is repeated, everything is contradicted, always with the same verbal refrain: "Try to remember. You love me." Many dreams feel like this. Delphine Seyrig falls onto a bed in five different ways in one scene. Resnais is making a point about repetition and variation. The Russian guy with the game that no one can win -- in my opinion he was put in so that someone would come into the theater and see the movie, rather than no one. Something for people to talk about.

(Glenn Gallagher, 2009-08-25) After the first 30 minutes of the film Last Year at Marienbad I thought it was the most pretentious film I had ever seen. For some reason, I stuck with it, and by the end of the film, I had decided it was one of the most brilliant films I had ever seen. Don't look for a linear, simple story with a discernible plot. Let the film wash over you like waves on the beach, and just accept that what is happening on the screen is not necessarily supposed to make logical sense. My feeling on the film is that the characters are not even alive, they are probably in limbo between life and death, and that is why they appear to be trapped in a world they cannot leave, and why the woman cannot remember what happened to her just a year ago. The beautiful thing about this film is that it allows you to form your own opinion on what is happening to the three main characters - the director himself said the film had no meaning, although I think he was being disingenuous. The film has plenty of meaning, but it's a little like holding up a mirror to the viewer, you see what you bring with you. The film is all about mood, atmosphere, and setting. This film made me think more than the average ten films put together. Highly recommended if you like experimental cinema and want something different than the usual Hollywood movie of the week.

(Antonio Grazie, 2009-11-07) After forty years, I discovered "The Band." What a delight! I remember references to their name, but did not realize that is what they called themselves. I remember one or two of the songs that made it on the radio in the sixties. At that time, I was totally into the Fab Four (John, Paul, Ringo and George). These gentlemen are accomplished musicians. I enjoyed their "story songs" and how they meld varied styles, e.g., rhythm and blues, country, rock, and rock and roll to name a few, into super sounds and words. Most touching, however, is the palpable feeling of connection between these gentleman and their polished ensemble playing and singing that Scorsese's filming and direction reveals. The sound is great, and this is one film that I will watch over and over again.

(Arthur J. Bird, 2009-11-05) I FIRST SAW THE MOVIE ON LARGE SCREEN, THEN BOUGHT THE ALBUM,AND NOW I HAVE THE DVD JUST A GREAT PERFORMANCE BY ALL ENVOLVED I WOULD SAY A HISTORIC PERFORMANCE!!!

(Belerophon, 2009-10-30) I remember when This first came out. I saw it in the Theatre and had it on tape and DVD before finally getting The Blu-Ray version. I love music deeply and I remember "The Band" and those early days of Rock and Roll. I have been in and out of Music myself and have some small appreciation of what it is to make music and what it is to have and run a band. This Movie is a wonderfull collection of roots music with some of the best talent in the world comming together to celebrate one of the most influential groups of the Era. The performances are stunning and the range of talent that came together for this "LAST WALTZ" is like a phone directory of Who's Who in the Music business. The filming and lighting and sound are fantastic. Even if you are not old enough to remember these guys and this type of music may not be your cup of tea I highly reccomend it anyway. You will get a sense of things from a unique perspective and a beautiful one at that. Also there are quite a few short interviews with some very interesting Tid bits about Music, the business, other musicians and various events that make this like a little biography complete with music and Video. Its a music lovers dream especially if you were alive back then. This review is of The Blu-Ray version But if you dont have a Blu-Ray player I have owned The regular DVD version and it is of very good quality but The Blu-Ray is the best because Scorcesse recorded this on 35mm film which really makes a difference when you master a film to Blu-Ray.(they had originally planned to record the event on 16mm) On a side note This film was done as a colaboration between Robbie Robertson and Martin Scorcesse. There are a lot of people who have a beef with this because some band members later on aired their dirty laundry after the film came out, But I think its totally irrelivent about the internal politics and personal rubs inside "The Band" itself. Anyone who has ever had a band will tell you that its like a family and Families usually have lots of quarrels and disagreements and do terrible things to each other behind closed doors. Also there is usually one person Who calls the shots. Bands are usually like that too. Robbie Robertson was the leader and owned most of the rights to the music. Thats why the documentary focuses on him more then the other memebers (as you would expect ......if your sensible.)

(J. Mohr, 2009-10-14) I read the reviews and bought this based on that it was a behind the scenes band interaction and then some of their concert. The bulk of it was their concert and songs - which I didn't care for and the movie was so boring, I got halfway through and stopped watching. Unless you are a fan of this band, and want concert footage, this isn't worth watching.

(Matthew D. Scherba, 2009-09-21) Wish I could have been at this concert, all the legends plus the ultimate band "The Band".

(G. Dochtermann, 2009-10-29) Highly recommended. An inspiring look into the life of the late, great Les Paul. Les Paul was one of the few modern innovators who could hold a candle to great inventors like Edison and Bell, and he smoked on the guitar! What he did for the world of music recording is also impressive, and anyone who records a note of pop or rock music is indebted to Les Paul.

(L. Power, 2009-10-27) Quite often the word genius is bandied about, and given to people who barely deserve it, people who will be little noted nor long remembered. Let it not be so with Les Paul, one of the most musically innovative people of the twentieth century, whose innovations with sound have inspired generations of musicians. When you listen to the Rolling Stones or The Beatles or Eric Clapton or many other recording artists, the guitar sound you are listening to may be coming from a Les Paul Gibson guitar, or a Les Paul designed pick, one of the first electric guitars ever made, which enabled a revolution in sound, and the evolution of rock and roll. If you listen to The Beatles Eleanor Rigby, Paul McCartney double tracking his own vocals, with 'Ah, look at all the lonely people,' this is thanks to Les Paul's innovation in creating multitrack recording. Similarly, when Michael Jackson multi tracks his own vocals on 'Leave Me Alone'. Similarly Paul McCartney's first album McCartneywas entirely recorded on a 4 track Studer multi track recorder, with McCartney playing all the instruments. Les Paul started out as a musician, and became an outstanding one, learning his craft as a jazz musician with greats such as Django Reinhardt, and then becoming a recording artist, even collaborating with Bing Crosby, and having numerous hits with his own wife Mary Ford. He had a desire to multilayer his own musicianship, and his wife's singing, and this inspired his many innovations in sound. You may be familiar with one of his number one hits 'How high the moon,' and if you listen, you can notice his riffs are so quick, dazzlingly fast. If you're like me, you may find this movie inspiring, and next time you listen to a recording you may wonder what aspect of it may have been made possible by an inventiness and enterprise, and the genius of Les Paul. I hope this review is helpful to you, and I hope you enjoy the movie.

(J. Blackburn, 2009-10-03) The DVD is described well by others here but I watched it last night and just wanted to add another positive review. Talk about a person who operated without any creative or innovative boundaries. Les is the man. And this DVD addresses his ability to multitask at the very highest levels in a very complete and organized way. I also found it every bit as interesting for the insights into the life of Mary Ford. She was the perfect collaborator for him and the ground breaking music they made together utilized her intelligence, creativity and natural musical gifts as much as it did Mr. Paul's. Great DVD. And apparently there's another hour and a half of "extras" that I still get to watch. Les Paul certainly deserves a lifetime achievement award and thanks to both Les and Mary for some really amazing music.

(C. Eggers, 2009-01-20) This video, correction, this Man (Les Paul) has changed the music industry forever! How we listen, how we record, how we play. This man has more inventions under his belt than NASA. I would recommend this movie for any person into music. This is one movie to have in your collection.

(Timothy S. Coffey, 2009-01-14) What an extraordinary video! I grew up in part of this time, but had no idea he did so much in the music industry. His influence is still felt today and will continue to be felt for musical generations to come! If you love music, you will love this video!

(Simon Davis, 2009-10-16) I've always been a huge fan of Arabian Nights tales and no matter what age you are they always provide (even if it is only for an hour and a half) a much needed release from the stresses of life. Those exotic tales of far away places populated by beautiful damsels in distress just waiting to be rescued by dashing princes seem to have always been favourites with general audiences of every decade too. Certain performers such as Sabu and Turhan Bey are automatically associated with this genre of film making however on the "B" movie level one of the most loved screen teams in this field in the 1940's were Maria Montez and Jon Hall. Paired in a number of colour filled and exotic escapist yarns far from any reality audiences would ever know, they were the perfect medicine for wartime audiences trying to escape the harsh realities currently being played out in the real world. Maria Montez had the exotic looks that combined perfectly with the very masculine and virile appearance of Jon Hall and despite the limitations of each's acting skills the pair struck an immediate cord with audiences in exotically titled films such as "Arabian Nights", "White Savage", "Sudan" and especially in their biggest hit together "Cobra Woman" (badly needing to be released on DVD!). Here we have one of their best teamings in Universal's lavish "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" made right at the peak of their popularity and it's easy to see from this production the great faith that Universal Studios had in this acting team. It is a wonderfully lavish production filled with grand sets, a stirring musical score, breathtaking costumes and hundreds of extras all rolled up in a hugely enjoyable romp never for one moment to be taken seriously which is the best way to enjoy it. I have a great affection for this childhood favourite and this superb "Universal Backlot Series" DVD release of the film certainly does it proud. The storyline as in most of these tales is pure hokum of course which is partly what makes it such fun. After being driven out of Baghdad when his father the Caliph of Bagdad is ruthlessly betrayed and killed young Ali (Scotty Beckett) is forced to flee and finds refuge with the famous "forty thieves" who have a treasure filled cave as their headquarters and are determined to drive out the Mongol Khan (Kurt Katch) who is inflicting terror on their country. Ali grows to manhood (transforming into Jon Hall in the process!) and he sets out with the help of the forty thieves to revenge his father's death by ridding Baghdad of the evil Khan and winning back the hand of his childhood friend, the beautiful Princess Amara (Maria Montez) who has been tricked by her traitor of a father into marrying the Khan against her will. Real Saturday matinee fare is the best way to sum up the appeal of "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves". Of course no one in the cast looks even remotely Middle Eastern (gravel voiced Andy Devine playing an arab thief called Abdullah??) and everyone looks a little too well scrubbed for a story taking place in the desert but put the logistics aside and you are sure to be swept away by this rousing tale. Maria Montez certainly earned her famous title as "The Queen of Technicolour" in this epic and by the time this film came along she and Jon Hall, aided by Turhan Bey in another of his exotic roles, were a well oiled team who combined perfectly together on screen. Universal's new DVD line being released under the title "Universal Backlot Series" is proving to be sensational in bringing some very obscure and hard to come by movies from the 1930's and '40's back into the spotlight. Although "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" has been previously released on DVD, this new edtion is really wonderful and a definite improvement over the older release with great care taken on the overall restoration of the film. Colours seem much brighter and vivid and the rousing musical score has never sounded better. In fact the film as presented on this disc couldn't be faulted as it looks like it was made yesterday. The only drawback to this DVD release is the sad lack of any extras to make this deluxe presentation complete. I would have liked for example to have seen a documentary prepared about the screen team of Maria Montez and Jon Hall and the impact they had on audiences in the 1940's complete with some biographical information on both performers as well. I'm also a big fan of the wonderfully talented Turhan Bey and I feel he is also long overdue for a proper retrospective on his highly successful career in Universal's fantasy and horror films throughout the 1940's. This would have made another great extra for inclusion on this disk. Despite this short fall however all lovers of these Universal fantasy films like myself should be very pleased here and the obvious care that has gone into restoring the film makes me hope that more of the Montez/Hall teamings, especially the camp classic "Cobra Woman" will see a DVD release sometime in the near future. While not acting "Oscar" material "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" is great escapist entertainment and it's excitng to see the film returned to all its gaudy technicolour splendour in Universal's new DVD release in their "Universal Backlot Series". Enjoy!

(Kevin Blumenstock, 2009-09-27) This is in color and in perfect condition, remember its before Robin Hood and if you go way back as a kid growing up in Brooklyn this is for you this high quality movie....kevin

(Stan V. Sprengert, 2009-09-17) i was about 12 yrs old when i first saw this movie, blew me away with the special effects..but i couldn't understand why he would say "open sesame" until later years when i saw it on television that they said "open says me" wow i felt like a doop..but when this dvd became available , i jumped on it..the acting is great and jon hall was a very good hero of course maria montez..oooo lah lah ... anyway if you wish to be entertained well this is the movie for you..enjoy it .oh, andy devine is just that devine..

(E. D. Deuss, 2009-09-13) This is another pairing of Maria Montez and Jon Hall in the Universal series of Arabian Nights-type action and adventure films. The plot is slight (who cares?) but we have the most gorgeous Technicolor ever, with the babelicous Maria Montez! The music is quite good, and the overall effect is quite a handsome film. I recommend it for nice escapist entertainment. I hope Universal Home Video releases the rest of the Hall/Montez series -- they are well worth your viewing time!

(William R. Ray, 2009-07-17) The DVD transfer is very good. The original Technicolor is well preserved. The detail is all there and the richly colored costumes show up just as brilliant as the first screenings of the film. The evil leader of the Mongol Horde, the Haluga Khan (Kurt Katch) overruns Baghdad with the aid of Prince Cassim (Frank Puglia). The good Caliph (Moroni Olsen) is killed but his son Ali (protrayed later in adulthood by Jon Hall) escapes to find the secret cave of the 40 theives. He is immediately taken in by Al Baba, the older, who adopts Ali, hence the name Ali Baba. 10 years later, enter the Lady Amara (the beautiful Maria Montez). Ali falls in love with her thinking her only a slave girl. Meanwhile, Amara'a father, Prince Cassim, has offered Khan the lovely lady's hand in a political marriage. Ali Baba, now leader of the 40 thieves is determined to free the Lady Amara and drive the evil Khan from Baghdad. We see some incredible horsemanship from the 40 thieves as they ride through the streets of Baghdad at breakneck speed. We also see that these are singing thieves as their song proclaims they steal from the rich and give to the poor. We get dancing mongols waving sabers and a great sword fight between the thieves and the mongols. Humor is supplied by Andy Devine as Abdullah, 1 of the thieves. There is some mild violence, no gore or graphic violence so a little parental guidance is probably needed for kids under 7 but kids 7 to 13 should enjoy this film very much. Parents too! High recommendation for: families with kids, grownup kids, movie fans, Maria Montez and Jon Hall fans, and anyone looking for a little good old escapism. This is really good Universal classic film.

(Leif Sheppard, 2009-06-26) It was in the early part of this decade, when I was in my late teens, that I first began my obsession with movies. In was in these formative years of film study that I first compiled my list of favorite actors, both of the leading and character variety. Though the list continues to grow to this day, there still isn't an actor I favor more than Richard Harris. I find it immensely fascinating how he could convincingly portray the supreme ruler of all Rome, Marcus Aurelius, in "Gladiator" and also so believably give such a nuanced perfomance of the poor, simple farmer Bull McCabe in "The Field". Then there was the soulful portrayal of the brilliant yet haunted Abbe Faria in "The Count of Monte Cristo", and the brief yet scene-stealing role of English Bob in "Unforgiven". Yet, while I had loved each of these performances, they all fell somewhere within the twilight years of his career. I was more than curious to see the early work of Harris and felt that the 2008 Criterion Collection release of "This Sporting Life" would be a perfect place to start. Harris was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance here, the only time he was so honored until he received the nod for "The Field". It's a crime he never won either time, because there's no question that he deserved the trophy for each film. "This Sporting Life" is, in a word, a masterwork. Though I must mention Lindsay Anderson's adept direction, the lion's share of the credit must go to Harris, who portrays miner-turned-rugby-player Frank Machin. It's definitely in the top ten pantheon of film performances because Harris wholly inhabits this role. When he's passive or downtrodden, the depths of his troubles are etched on every line of his face. When he's upset or angry his intensity is electric! The DVD cover captures one of my favorite moments from the film, when Machin is observing himself in the mirror and thrusts a punch into the air. There's a raw masculinity to his demeanor, so much so that his destructive spirit is at once intoxicating and repulsive. I find it difficult to write about the plot of the film, because when the film is over the broad details seem immaterial. The sole reason to watch this film is for Richard Harris, though it bears mention that all the supporting actors turn in strong performances (especially Rachel Roberts performance as Margaret Hammond). Concerning the plot, it's interesting to note that the film is complex enough that audiences are nearly always divided on who is the "villain" of the piece. Personally, I placed great sympathy with Machin, even though he plowed through his world with reckless fervor and often displayed little consideration for the feelings of others. In many ways he was, as Hammond so succinctly phrased it: "just a great ape on the football field". I'm amazed this film isn't more iconic than it is, the themes presented resonate with me to this day - particularly as a young man. Machin embodied a more pure 'rebellious youth' than films such as "Rebel Without a Cause" because he was dealing with reality head-on. There was no placement of blame on a broken marriage between his parents or that he moved somewhere that he didn't like. It wasn't because his puppy died or a kid at school bullied him. Machin had very real and very serious problems. It took nearly all he had to confront them, and often, he seemed to be unable to. The sheer weight of it all was too much too bear at times, he would shut himself off from the world and those around him. But, in the end, Machin was still a good man at heart. The picnic scene is beautifully shot and clearly portrays that Machin's humanity is very much intact, particularly in his energetic and playful interactions with the children. It could be argued that Machin was driven to his destructive tendencies as a manner of coping with the fact that Hammond simply could not return his deep affection for her. By the same token, it could be said that Machin drove the poor widow mad with his overbearing presence and lack of emotional intuition. It's these dense layers within the film that make is so compelling to watch, even though it's utterly depressing to watch two people burn out so quickly and violently. It feels starkly realistic because 'till the bitter end there is little hope of something better. The Paul Newman film "Hud" was once my favorite character study, but these days it takes a distant second to "This Sporting Life". I've seen the film three times so far, and each time I don't feel melancholy afterward, but rather a sense of relief at the notion that - perhaps - things are better for both of them in the end. Maybe, just maybe, the end result isn't so bad after all. I suppose it's a testament to the impact of the film that I'm so completely swept away with it that I delude myself with fantasies of a happier conclusion.

(Mike Crestwood, 2009-06-24) As a rugger I wanted to enjoy this movie very much but was very disappointed. Richard Harris' Frank Machin character rocks back and forth between angry tirades and sadness, with no nuance at all to the character. The actress playing the lonely widow with whom he lives displays almost nothing but contempt throughout the film, and their first romantic scene (a semi-rape) seems incredulous. The story becomes convoluted: in the next scene, which takes place the next morning, he flies into a tirade as she snubs him. A little later they're happily dating, and then a scene or two later she rejects him after he acts stupidly in a restaurant. It doesn't hang together; it's as if the director filmed a bunch of angry scenes between the main characters and then pieced them all together in a string,losing the flow of the storyline. Another few examples of poor directing: In an early scene Machin refers to an old man friend as "Dad" and then moments later in the film walks up to him like he doesn't even know him to ask for a tryout with the local rugby club. Later the character is completley dropped from the film. Also, the rugby club manager befriends Machin early on, but later comes to hate him without any explanation given. As for corruption and greed affecting the poor working class, there is none mentioned. All the viewer sees is over-acting and bad directing. I really wanted to like this movie, but was disappointed. Save your money and get another movie instead!

(Charlene, 2009-06-23) One of the best British dramas I've ever seen. Sad, dark, gritty, realistic performances by the entire cast. A must-see.

(Perry, 2009-06-11) Two great performances by Richard Harris and Rachel Roberts (their best) but the film is very gloomy, did poor business in 1963 and ended the brief flourish of gritty realism that included Saturday Night and Sunday Morning and A Taste of Honey. It was Lindsay Anderson's feature debut and one of his better films. This Criterion DVD is as ever informed and packed with extra material, justifying the high price.

(Craig Connell, 2009-06-05) The film also went from a tight, action-drama in the first half hour to a straight drama the second half hour to a melodrama over the last hour. It had a tightness in the beginning, an edgy feel to it, whether it was "Frank" on the playing field or trying to make headway with "Margaret" and her two small kids. Then, it slowly got almost into a soap opera mindset but still kept my interest if only to find out what wound happen to this "couple." Kudos to Richard Harris and Rachel Roberts ("Margaret") for keeping it interesting because it's a fairly long film and there is a long segment where very little happens. Both Richrd Harris and Rachel Roberts were up for Academy Awards. I thought Harris was the standout here. It's hard to be a loutish rugby jock on one hand and a tender, caring guy at the same time, but Harris pulled it off. He made "Machin" a very believable character with that tough-soft combination. He even looked the part: a rough guy who could (and did in real life) muck it up with the best of 'em in a very physical sport. Harris was so good that one minute you really rooted for him; the next minute you'd think "the hell with this moron." Roberts evoked similar emotions. You wanted this bitter and angry woman to be happy, yet sometimes you thought she didn't deserve someone who seemed to care. As a man, I felt Frank's frustration in trying to get to this lady, who might have a lot to offer (besides sex) if she'd just let go of the past and her anger. She's also upset about being a "kept woman," something this generation doesn't understand. In Margaret's day, you didn't stay in the same house with a man unless you were married. The neighbors were talking, and she was shamed. Roberts, I am told, had many demons in her (real) life and didn't have the career of her co-star, but she was a fine, fine actress. Both these man characters were simple and complex, at the same time. This is why I looked at this film as a character study of two people, instead of a depressing melodrama, which some have labeled it. Yeah, it's not "Mary Poppins" but I didn't find it that depressing. I also enjoyed William Hartnell as "Dad" Johnson. I wish his role had been bigger. He was a very intriguing guy. The rugby team's owners were portrayed - as many were back then - as nothing but exploitive. Another big part of the reason I basically enjoyed the film was the excellent direction and photography, and the fantastic DVD transfer given to us by Criterion. This is a pristine print: no spots, now flaws - just a fabulous picture. If you enjoy the cinematography of film noir, you'll like this. If you appreciate powerful human dramas, you'll find it worth your while.

(Sreema Vikanth, 2009-10-25) The DVD along with the book can take your training to the next level. Make sure you get both though since a lot of things covered by the book are skipped in the DVD and vice-versa. The best way to use the book and the DVD in my opinion is to set it up in your gym and try out the exact movements as described when you are watching it. It also helps to make a few quick check points that can help when you are actually working out.

(Smart Clicks, 2009-09-14) It has been awhile since I have down some power lifts I was all about the P90X workout for a year but then like everything became bored with the program. I bought the DVD so I could see the techniques and I have to tell you I didn't think the DVD was going to be this good. Great Detail that makes you perform the excercises properly. I also love the program short and sweet and a lot of fun. Also my arms have increased in size without doing any curls. This was something I was a little worried about. I am getting bigger everywhere and I like the newly added strength I have gained. Great DVD for any age buy it.

(Iron Steve, 2009-09-11) Complements the book very well over all. Took 1 mark off as there is a fair fews reps obviously performed with poor form that Rip gives the OK on. apart from that, its great

(S. Siemer, 2009-09-05) No matter what your body type, this DVD is for you. It details from multiple angles, each move; and with an array of different sized men AND women. I personally have never been great with trying to imagine just what is being explained in a book. With this DVD I saw and heard the moves explained and was able to follow along in my own living room with a simple stick until I was able to get the form down. The DVD is a must for anyone into weights. If you are a veteran or a novice, this speaks directly to you!

(Bodybuilding Ben, 2009-08-07) I have read Starting Strength and found much value in the book. This DVD is a great tool if you are a visual learner. I will reference the DVD more than the book, but would recommend both. The video/audio quality is decent, but the instruction of the athletes of different backgrounds is very helpful. The video is over 2 hours and is an excellent value.

(Robert Spofford, 2009-10-01) Understand first that I am a liberal, a passionate environmentalist and someone who spends enormous time working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote more sustainable living. So, I should love this film, right? Sorry, but this is the kind of pretentious enviro "art" that gives the movement a bad name. True, some of the photography is stunning, but the painfully minimalist narration and moaning "native" music (reminds me of the theme from "Battlestar Galactica") are like a bad political commercial: all emotion, no facts. Actually there are a few facts offered, but as others have pointed out, many of those are flat-out wrong. (Last time I looked, our species had been on the planet for around a million years, the first cities were created around 7,000 years ago and the Grand Canyon was in Arizona.) I know a lot of Greens who get off on guilt, and they'll probably enjoy this immensely, but it certainly won't educate anyone, change any minds or do anything else to help save the planet.

(Andy Roberson, 2009-09-08) I found this program to move too slowly to hold my kids (ages 5, 9 & 13) interest and the educational content was not adequate to hold mine. The photography on the other hand was stunning. May be better for background viewing with the sound off. It would be of great benefit to those who are skeptical or unaware of man's impact on Earth unfortunately, they aren't the likely audience.

(Marina B. Cattai, 2009-09-08) This is a wonderful, wonderful documentary. The images are very impressive and it is a very good opportunity for people to understand global warming. I love it! I also love "The Earth From Above" of the same author... I just wonder why it is so hard to find these documentaries in English.

(Brian N. Kosich, 2009-09-08) Beautiful cinematograpy is marred by an arrogent, uninformed, dangerously ignorant narration. This movie is Anti-human, and as I happen to be a human, I find it ridiculous that this movie is believed by anyone. Turn off the sound and enjoy the beautiful visuals.

(Ann Barnes, 2009-08-24) The photography is magnificent, the narrative excellent and the overall message goes straight to the heart. Everyone should watch this film and do their bit to protect what remains of our planet before it is too late. The soundtrack was also very dramatic and in perfect harmony with the visual effect - I wish it was available as a CD.

(vikingscool, 2009-09-23) This DVD have closed-captioning on color and B/W version only but not on special features including video commentary.

(Jerry Hodge, 2009-09-12) Jane Russell--wow! Apparently the original negatives are not available, but if this is from a print, it's better than the last two or three I've purchased--and discarded. This is a keeper, until, and if, there's one from the original negative.

(Gwen Mahan, 2009-10-02) I was disappointed with Pure Barre: Pershing Square 1 because it wasn't "pure barre". The workout is great but I was looking for something with real barre work. I am a dancer and was looking for something that I could follow along at home with when I'm not in classes; barre excercises that would challenge me. If you are not a dancer, this is a great workout but if you are, it's nothing but a workout and has little, if anything, relatable to barre. If anyone knows of a good at home barre workout dvd, please post a review response and let me know.

(J. Benton, 2009-09-27) This is a tough workout. Not for anyone who is new to barre workouts. I have almost all the barre workouts available and this is defiantly the toughest. My only complaint, I wish it had a little more upper body work. Get both, you won't regret it.

(Shoppaholic, 2009-08-23) I have and LOVE the first Pure Barre workout. This workout (Carrie with 3-4 PB instructors) looks to have been filmed in a nice bright room with lots of windows with Carrie instructing and giving tips. Much brighter than the original PB. This workout does not disappoint in any way! It is a non-stop burn fest for your thighs, glutes and hip area. After the traditional barre type warmup (knee ups), it's right down to the mat for some plank work, tricep dips knee pushups and back to standing at your support. Carrie uses a small ball to be held behind knee as you squeeze and pulse in familiar barre moves. There are more done without the ball. Having to hold that ball in place really cranks it up a notch and gets into the hamstring intensely. There is also some inner thigh standing work (popping the heels). Carrie and class hold onto the side of a wall for support, you can use a chair or anything really for a support. Working the same leg, you move to the floor and continue frying with various lying moves extending the leg from the hip. My hip was begging for mercy. There are also some quick stretches thrown in between. After you repeat on the other side, you move on to abs holding on your ball. I prefer to use my pilates ring for this ab series. I have done it using a ball and feel it intensely but I just feel like I get a better grip and squeeze going then with the ball. You could do it with nothing and still feel the abs working intensely :) There is a nice soothing stretch at the end. The DVD also has some extras where you can get more tips on form and is chaptered. I have been rotating Pershing 1 & 2 and I have to say I love them both but I find myself most sore from this one and I think that's from the lying floor work. The 2 DVDs compliment each other -- get both!

(S. Rutigliano, 2009-08-11) A great new challenging workout from the Pure Barre series. I was very excited to find this since I LOVE the first one!

(Mac Bender, 2009-10-01) I watch A LOT of TV and I can honestly say there has never been a show that was so riveting and so gripping from beginning to end as Breaking Bad. This show is a masterpiece through and through. During the first season, we come to see how Bryan Cranston's character (acted brilliantly, by the way) could not be any more desperate. And just when you think things couldn't get more low, in comes season two with more problems and more desperation. I won't spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen this season, but my God, if you haven't seen it, get this DVD collection it will be so worth your time.

(Triforce Of Power, 2009-09-18) I wrote a rave review for the first season because of how incredible and sublimely perfect it was. I also pondered whether or not that kind of magic can be duplicated, and feared season 2 would have to be a letdown after a blockbuster first season. I was so wrong. Season 2 blew season 1 out of the water. It was better in so many ways. Aaron Paul deserved the Emmy nomination because he was fantastic, Cranston once again was light years better than any performance you will see on tv. The editing, cinematography, music cues, scene location, and direction were just so perfectly blended. Everything about season 2 was great. But it starts with the story, of course. And naturally youre left, after season 1's finale, wondering what direction the show is going to careen off into and carry a mesmerized audience. The conclusion of season 1 left us with a pretty good idea of what was going to happen, and then season 2 went break-neck speed further past that and well beyond. I was stunned at how beautiful and tragic some of the character developments evolved, such as the scene where Jesse's girlfriend dies, the scene just prior to where Walt is at the bar with (unknowingly) the girls father, and then the action Walt takes to save Jesse from his despair. Its madness and yet its so touching. Definitely one of my favorite sequences. Or the scene where Tuco has Jesse at gunpoint and Jesse mans up and truly breaks bad by actually overpowering the lunatic Tuco. Real solid character development that had me howling for Jesse's triumph. You can have your reality tv, your lame game shows, your crime dramas your adult swim whatever. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING compares to this masterpiece. There has never been a show so engaging, thrilling and groundbreaking as this show, and you will never see a show like this as long as you live. Everything pales in comparison, so enjoy this ride while it lasts, because it seems to me Season 3 may just be the end.

(Gwen, 2009-09-14) If you've never watched Breaking Bad, you are missing out on one of the best series that has hit the waves. Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul are excellent and interact so well with each other. You will definitely get hooked if you watched one episode. Excellent writing.

(Reconnecting To My Childhood, 2009-08-30) ***No Spoiler's Here*** The second season of this AMC series starts right where the first dramatic season left off. From there it winds down a dark path where you can't see what's coming while still managing to up the stakes and get you more involved with the characters with each passing episode. While I wasn't prepared for where this season ended I have high hopes for the third season that will premiere this winter and highly recommend the first and second seasons to fans of well made television. This 4-disc DVD set will contain the following episodes from season 2 of Breaking Bad: Seven-Thirty Seven Grilled Bit by a Dead Bee Down Breakage Peekaboo Negro Y Azul Better Call Saul 4 Days Out Over Mandala Phoenix ABQ 'Seven Thirty-Seven' is an amazing season opener that leaves one anxiously awaiting the rest of the season. 'Grilled' provides a level of tension and excitement so high it leaves one wondering how the rest of the season will follow. While it does level out excitement-wise from there each episode is amazingly well crafted and dramatic from beginning to end. Other stand out episodes for me this season were '4 Days Out' and 'Mandala'. Truly though, every episode stands out as excellently entertaining television making. The first season DVD set included commentaries by the cast and creator Vince Gilligan as well as some interviews and behind the scenes with those responsible for the show. Special features for this second season haven't been announced yet but I will update this 'pre-view' to include them once they are. I will also update this 'pre-view' once I have seen the actual special features but for now I have seen this episodes and as is evident from above I highly recommend them to any fan of well made television drama. Thanks for your time. *Rather than further clutter the review page I have included a list of episode summaries in my comments section for those interested. Thanks.

(P. Bales, 2009-08-17) I concur with what has been said before (especially by Bullard and Padillo). I missed the first season and my interest was piqued by the promo announcments that AMC was going to show all the Season #1 episodes back-to-back-to back, etc. I stayed up that night and watched all the episodes. I was hooked! I made sure I saw the first episode of the 2nd season and watching BREAKING BAD became a Sunday night must do. Kudos to AMC indeed. That network should be commended for taking the chance to air this series. I'm chomping at the bit for Season #3. It's a great and compelling show. Bryan Cranston is very deserving of his Emmy. The character of the DEA agent and the dealer "Tuco" are and were outstanding pluses for the series. I hope the 3rd season continues the high quality of this show.

(Jacques COULARDEAU, 2009-11-02) That film is one of these classics we all know about but we most of us have never seen, in full or in parts. And that was my case. That film of 1952 looks back at the great shift in the cinema from silent movies to talkies and the drama it may have represented for some artists who could not adapt. This film adds to that some nasty aspects of that change, of silent films (and that has not really changed), how everything is artificial and nothing but a glossy appearance. Those actors and actresses love one another in so bizarre ways at times, and they have to cope with producers and directors. But the film is funny because so many elements are shown as ironical, humorous or just plain hilarious, not to mention some cruelty here and there. Then the plot is sentimental and even romantic with a complete rift between a fake mediatic love affair and another secret and deep love that is no affair at all but a passion. The film amplifies that rift by giving to the mediatic mistress the voice of a goat and her impossibility or rather unwillingness to train herself into some kind of drinkable vocal sound, drinkable for the audience. So the studio invents dubbing and the actress is dumb enough to want to speak to her audience who liked the voice on the screen so much. The shock is so hard that they require a song and then the dubbing has to be revealed and that is the end of a career that gets silent and mute because it should have stayed silent and mute, but vanity requires adulation and worship and then a voice has to be put on the nice face and it is the discovery of the lie, of the illusion and the public never takes it with a grain of salt when they discover they have been fooled. That film is famous for one song though it is a singing and dancing treat from beginning to end, an allusion to the career of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, and some others, but with a touch of realism in the behavior of these Hollywood people. And that touch is the best fun of the film: vanity has no limits and vainer than I you die. A real treat of entertainment and an important page in the huge history book of the cinema. Dr Jacques COULARDEAU, University Paris 1 Pantheon Sorbonne, University Paris 8 Saint Denis, University Paris 12 Créteil, CEGID

(Joan D. Harrington, 2009-11-02) bought this for my son who is doing this as their high school musical play. Funny because he didnt realize all the dancing! absolutley loves it and just happens to be one of my favorite movies. one we will watch for a long time.

(R. Margolies, 2009-11-01) I got this for my boyfriend as an anniversary gift because he needed more musicals in his collection. Bought it without a hitch. Love this movie so much!

(Untitled, 2009-09-30) Unlike many other movies that top various best of lists, I absolytley agree that Singin in the Rain deserves to be tops in many great musical lists. There's something that makes Singin in the rain a magical experience, especially when it's stacked against the competition of musicals that threaten it's reputation (West Side Story blows). Maybe musicals aren't my thing, but most songs are slow, drawn out, boring, and the same thing over and over again in most musicals. Music such as Grease have a pretty weak lack of energy (though sometimes that musical evokes some guity pleasures). Singin in the Rain is fasts moving, sometimes implausable and plot hole-ridden (Who the hell conveices an idea like Cosmo and Don did to the RF?), but when your laughing at Lina's hideous vioce (I tend to go Mystery Science Theater 3000 and insult and answer her questions), feeling the rhythmic tap dancing, being hilarious entertained by the humor of it all, or just simple indulging in the movies extreme energy and charisma, who the ______ cares? I sure don't, which is one reason why I enjoy this knockout movie quite the bit. Singin in the Rain is refreshing for me because of it's songs and topics, a fair and well departure from the tired musicals that feature inane plot lines about characters I don't care about, and heavy, drawn out gabage. There are only two things wrong this with this movie. You are my Lucky Star's great music beneath it is slaughtered by the terrifyingly awful lyrics ruining the singing (corny as _____), and You Were Meant for Me is the same way that is saved by a great instrumental passage. That's it. It absolutely bursts with movie magic, something that I often have trouble finding in movies. Movies like Casablanca evoke no sort of emotion in me, it's kind of sad. But Singin' In the Rain does the exact opposite, it's bubbly as hell, but when I enjoy this great movie, I forget I am an cynic and really sometimes believe in movie magic (then once I think of Disney, my gears start grinding again). The music numbers are all knockouts. Few musicals (I dig Chicago's jazzy numbers as a close second) have this much infectious numbers in abundance, but Singin in The Rain possesses an insane amount of energy. The vocals are all richly sang and extremely vibrant and infectious, and the music itself that backs up the movie is virbant, high energy, and often jazzy or big band ish (and sometimes comes off as cartoony, but I think that's kind of a good thing) If the lyrics are about love, I have trouble hating them, as even somebody who is proud of never succumbing to romantic crap, loves songs such as Dreaming of You, Would You, and Beautiful Girl. The music and singing makes it happen like magic every time. Also, the title track may have been sang after he was supposed to be in love with Kathy, but nuts to that emotion. Seriously, I don't even think about love when rain and the music itself makes the magic without the emotion of being in love. ____ love, you don't need it to enjoy the title track. You will wan to know these songs by heart because You will want to sing along. Oh, and how about that dancing. Gene Kelly and Donald O Conner are both excellent, extremely athletic and rhythmatic, and Debbie Reynolds had a fire light under her @$$ and danced excellent as an outcome. Can't forget the others that dance along, being the other dancers and Cyd Charisse as the gangster's girlfriend. But what really what makes Singin in the rain such a great movie is the story line. The love story is there, but it's trivial and takes a second hand to it's main story line: the movie industry itself. This is about the transitions from silent to talking, and delivers it in a sometimes satricial way and satires many of it's aspects, among those including it's reaction and Reynold's character making fun of the way acting was in silent movies (which, in my opinion, was extremely exaggerated). The period the movie is set is handled with great ease, as Gene Kelly was even said to have studied numerous stills and pictures of the time period to get it terribly right. It also has a refreshing lack of heavy drama (thank god), something that pegs down most crappy musicals. The humor is fast paced, sometimes dry, and the slapstick isn't annoying beyond belief (often funny). I also love watching the hilariously awful debut of the Dueling Cavalier, with a horrible sound design that wuold make Ed Wood's Plan 9 From Outer Space sound as well done as a David Lynch movie. I won't say as much as I should, but this is such a gem that I think that it should speak for itself. Singin' In The Rain contains the best set and renditions of Arthur Freed's excellent music. I'm kind of at loss for words, but please just see this movie, especially if you like musicals. I was surprised that this really seems like one of the greatest musicals that film has brought us. Instead, if you are wondering if you should pay some money for this two disc edition, I say it is pretty great and designed very well. I usually don't care that much for this kind of thing as much as I do the movie itself (I wish I would have got the single disc edition of Goodfellas because the special features felt like filler. You only need the movie to speak for itself). Aside from having the movie itself, both discs flow very well with interseting bits, documentaries, out takes, stills galleries, trailers, and even showing where many of the songs originally came. Some of the things arent as interesting as the others, but having the songs without the taps, for example, is great to hear, because there feature great background music. Perhaps one great treat is Debbie ReynoldsI kind of agree with the commentary, it's not bad, but you never get to hear everybody comment at the same time, which would be a total blast to hear. The people that would contribute would have been something to hear. The only time I think this could be topped is when they release it on Blu-Ray with even richer picture and sound. Also, I like the background music for both discs, which play through the whole song. So you can hear the music if you want to and just stay on the menu. This movie is the kind of movie that makes my day better at times, almost so if I have had my Grande Latte Enema and it hasn't even worn out. if people think I'm too happy or something, _____ em'. Heh, jokes on them if they know me (do you tend to notice that once you get know people, you sometimes like them less and less as much as you like them more and more?). Singin' In the Rain is one of the very few things that I love (among others include Pushing Daisies, the romance story in Dead Aive, Pixar, Tom Waits, and Blue Velvet's optimism which is stunning, and ) that are happy and heartwarming, only many, many other forms of media (*cough* Titanc *cough*)that make me feel absolutely nothing. This is a gem of a movie, and while it isn't perfect, nothing quite comes close to it. The Citizen Kane of musicals? Maybe, only it's actually deserving of it's place on the polls. A- For Movie A+ For the DVD itself

(Norma Cole, 2009-09-11) This heartwarming,funny musical will keep your toes tapping with a smile on your face. The performers are wonderful and talented. They don't make these kind of movies anymore. I can watch it over and over again and not be bored.

(Brian Koontz, 2009-10-15) A wonderful, really bad, movie. You will catch yourself sub-refrencing it for months after watching it. People will wonder what you are talking about.

(G. Carver, 2009-10-05) I read about Soylent Green, in comparison to the new health care bill that is now being debated, and was curious, since I had never seen it. It saddens me to think that our country would ever come to a time when we would even consider such a comparison. On a lighter note, Charlton Heston never dissappoints, in any of his movies. He is great!

(R. Kyle, 2009-09-25) 2022 and the future is bleak. 40 million people live in New York City and everything's scarce. A new vegetable based food, Soylent Green, seems to be the solution to the problem. Detective Thorn (Heston) shares his squalid digs with Sol Roth (Edward G. Robinson), an old college professor who insists on telling him (in no small part to remind himself as well) how good the world used to be. When Thorn is called out on the murder of a VIP, Simonson, (Cotten) we get quite a different view of life at the top. Simonson's roommate is an attractive young woman, Shirl (Taylor-Young) who is more or less part of the furnishings of the apartment should the new tenant desire it so. As Thorn continues to investigate, he realizes that something is very wrong at the Soylent Corporation, where Simonson and many of the top officials were affiliated. The idea for this future dystopic originally came from a sci-fi detective novel by Harry Harrison, which was originally titled "Make Room, Make Room!" Harrison's story was one of the initial genre-benders that newer films like "Blade Runner" sprang from. "Soylent Green" was Edward G. Robinson's last film and his performance as a dying old man was by far the best. While the film is one of the great sci-fi classics, many of the effects are outdated. The 'hot pink' blood literally jarred me out of the story momentarily. Rebecca Kyle, September 2009

(Drenn Workman, 2009-09-12) A classic in the truest sense. A future where humanity is reaping the price for it's negligence of nature. Humanity overpopulation and it's effects are vividly depicted.

(Magnifying Glass, 2009-09-11) Soylent Green was Edward G. Robinson's last film. In his scenes, he and the cast and crew had a problem to deal with. You will never guess what it was. View the Commentary Special Feature to find out. You will gain a new appreciation for Mr. Robinson's fine acting skills. The backdrop for Soylent Green is a very crowded, dirty New York City in the year 2022. Civilization is regressing. Life is cheap and disposable. Treatment of women deplorable. This is the future, in which you live. If you are one of the few rich, you work for the Soylent corporation and live comfortably. Not as confortably as you might imagine, since learning is no longer valued, books are nearly nonexistent, and advances in science and technology stalled in 1973. You have an apartment, soap, running water, natural food, air conditioning, and furniture. If you are one of the many poor, you have no job. You stand in long lines for your government benefits. You wait in other lines for your ration of Soylent food, you especially look forward to Tuesday's Soylent Green, arguably the best tasting of Soylent's bland fare. You sleep where you can, preferably someplace cool because it's hot. The green house effect has taken its toll, cold winters are only a memory for some. Plants need special protection to even grow in the hot, smoggy air. No one drives a car, you walk. One night, a rich man is murdered. Detective Thorn (Charlton Heston) is assigned to investigate. He soon becomes a thorn in Soylent's side as he unravels the crime and stumbles onto their dirty little truth. Of special interest, take a look at the vintage 1973 computer space game. Lastly, Warner's reproduction: excellent.

(Walter J. Gordon, 2009-09-04) First saw this on a Delta First Class flight out of Milan, Italy. Never heard of it until I pressed the button for the show's viewing, and--well, I had to watch twice the one and only episode Delta offered. Hilarious, daring, and sarcastically biting. Loved it. Bought the entire disc upon my return to the States, and thankfully Amazon, as always, comes through with every title you might dream of obtaining. Great show.

(Dr. Marjorie Wiener, 2009-08-20) This is black comedy, a devastatingly funny, satiric look at "reality" TV a la Jerry Springer, with crazed guests and equally crazed backstage doings at a TV show. Jennifer Saunders is sensational, and all others in the marvelous cast are also brilliant. Each episode of the six can be enjoyed by itself, but it's best to see them all in sequence. The last episode is the best half-hour I've ever seen on TV.

(Amos Lassen, 2009-05-09) "The Life and Times of Vivienne Vyle" Dark and Biting Amos Lassen "The Life and Times of Vivienne Vyle" is satire at its darkest and most biting. It is also a comedy but not the kind that we usually see. Jennifer Saunders is Vivienne Vyle, a daytime TV talk show hostess and the film focuses on not only the problems of her guests but on her own problems at home and her love life. Miranda Richardson plays Vivienne's manic producer. The film is of a BBC TV series and it is brutal, tragic and funny as it looks at the world in which we live. It is an indictment of media corporations and celebrity worship and we are witness to regular people who no longer try to communicate unless they do so via technology--TV, the internet or cell phones. The film is disturbing and gives real insight into the world of TV talk shows and celebrity culture. As Vivienne, Jennifer Saunders is ambitious and uncompromising. Miranda Richardson is an alcoholic manic editor of the show which she decides should take a new direction. This film is made up of six thirty minute episodes and each is a balance of comedy, tragedy and an authentic view of the celebrity culture in which we live. "Vivienne Vyle" is very, very dark but it is crafted to perfection. It is subtle and deep and the acting is brilliant. As for the comedy, this is not the usual kind--we do not laugh every few seconds nor do we laugh aloud. There is an anger theme here and it is a satire that is quite raw.

(David Baldwin, 2009-10-31) I checked the credits on the back of the DVD box to see if Jud Apatow had any creative involvement in this flick. Much to my surprise he has no connection to this wonderful flick whatsoever. The mastermind behind this latter day comedy classic is John Hamburg who a decade ago wrote the brilliant "Meet the Parents"(and it's unfortunate sequel). The best comedies tap into some eternal, sometime painful, truths. In this case it's what if you enter a certain point in life and discover that you don't have a best friend of the same gender. Director-writer examines this possibility with comic poignance and tenderness, raunchy and crude lingo aside. Paul Rudd is a throwback to vintage cinema, Jimmy Stewart coming to mind, playing the everyman who finds himself in this dilemna. Jason Segel can hang with me anytime. I didn't buy that his gregarious character was as buddy-bereft as Rudd's. For us boomers it was great to see Jane Curtin and Lou Ferrigno in supporting roles. Only debit: Rush doesn't register on my nostalgia meter.

(David M. Doucette Jr., 2009-10-18) if you have trouble sleeping this is the perfect movie for you. It was so hard watching the whole movie just glad I didn't spend $10 at the movies for this!

(DonMac, 2009-10-15) This a a GREAT little comedy. A lot of laugh-out-loud moments combined with a lot of really honest awkward moments make this a real winner. The cast is uniformly excellent throughout. In another era, Paul Rudd would probably (and deservedly) get awards consideration. He is that good in this. Highly recommended.

(Sasha, 2009-10-14) This movie was somewhat of a letdown after all the hype about it on t.v. Maybe I am too old for this movie to be able to enjoy it? Not all that great but in my opinion was "just" ok. Would not watch again that's for sure.

(PhoenixFiresky, 2009-10-11) I was expecting a stupid-man flick and was surprised by the quality of this movie. It's not a great movie, but is definitely a good one for anyone looking for a lighthearted (but not stupid) look at what it's like to be a sensitive guy in a relationship.

(D. G. Frank, 2009-11-03) Cha-ching! (The sound of money being made in the course of performing a valuable public service.) I spent many years in academics, and I concur with Mr. Stein that the 'ideal' university (where diverse ideas are tolerated and explored), is nearly extinct. One of the foundational notions of tenure is that Professors may argue for various positions, regardless of widespread acceptability, without fear of losing their jobs. Intellectual freedom is supposed to be one of the university's foundational values. Instead, several liberally-biased dogmas tend to reign on most university campuses, and it is extremely politically incorrect to question them. It can easily cost you your job. Mr. Stein gives several examples and interviews with scientists/scholars who were 'Expelled' precisely because they had the audacity to question the current paradigm of evolution. In this documentary, Mr. Stein focuses upon a group of scientists who support the biological notion of 'Intelligent Design' (ID). But ID is just one example; there are many such off-limits topics in the academy, including race, gender, religion, and climate. Instead of open discussion and debate, the strategy of the NeoDarwinism crowd is to ignore and suppress the ideas of anyone who does not 'bow at the altar of Darwin' before publishing or presenting their work. It is comical! So much so, it has become a game for me to find the statement in editorials and scientific papers that 'inoculates' the author from being 'quoted by creationists' or criticized by NeoDarwinists. Try it for yourself, and see if you don't agree with me. The next time you read something regarding a Biology topic, look for the 'bowing' comment or statement. It is usually in the first paragraph. Congratulations to Mr. Stein for: a) Being clever and perceptive enough to recognize what was going on (academic intolerance of an opposing point of view); b) Demonstrating his entrepreneurial prowess while exposing intellectual dishonesty and violations of academic freedom (Mr. Stein is clearly brilliant, and he understands capitalism); c) Giving Richard Dawkins enough rope to hang himself (his interview with "fundamentalist Darwinist" Richard Dawkins is priceless!) d) Bringing attention to a scientific matter that has been infected by politics; exposing this problem could actually end up effecting the progress of science in a meaningful way. AND... all the while... e) Being witty and entertaining. Congratulations, and best regards, Ben Stein!

(B. Stan Mccullars, Jr., 2009-10-29) Last night I watched Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed starring Ben Stein. Following are some of my thoughts regarding the film. I have previously only seen Ben Stein on Fox News so I was not too familiar with him. This guy is funny! While the film was a serious documentary, his sense of humor came through in spades. I particularly enjoyed his interview of Richard Dawkins. Dawkins was very clear about his disdain for all things religious. Christians and creationists are stupid, insane or ignorant. One odd thing from Dawkins came when he was asked to give a percentage chance that God existed. He stated he was 99% sure God did not exist. Stein asked why not 49%. Dawkins said he was very certain God did not exist but only gave 99% as a guess because Stein asked him for a number. Then he went on to explain how life absolutely originated by evolutionary means. Improbability does not exist, at least not in Dawkins' mind, concerning evolution. He said Intelligent Design could have played a part in the origin of life but only if it was aliens who deposited the seeds of life on earth. The aliens, Dawkins said, most certainly originated by evolutionary means. He mocks Christians for believing in God, a belief he equates with believing in fairies and hobgoblins. Yet, Dawkins beliefs aliens could have flown here in UFOs and deposited the beginning of life. Talk about credulity! Several other scientists spoke of Christians in a rather hostile manner, calling us things like anti-intellectual idiots. Ideas given for the origin of life included aliens and crystals yet they called Christians gullible idiots. Stein also interviewed a number of scientists (who were not stupid, by the way) who doubted, to one degree or another, Darwinism/materialism. Most of these scientists had lost their jobs due to their challenging big science. It was noted that scientists often speak about intellectual freedom but that one is only intellectually free if they are on the right side of the wall. They compared such a lack of freedom to the freedom of Germans who were on the wrong side of the Berlin Wall. Stein made a good case for academic freedom and clearly demonstrated, with the help of some rather nasty evolutionists, that the scientific community is hostile towards those who don't walk the party line. I highly recommend the movie for all audiences. In my opinion, everyone (except bitter evolutionists) will find this movie informative and enjoyable. A word about naysayers: It seems many who believe in Darwinism are openly hostile to any opposing views. If you have never taken a look at Intelligent Design books on Amazon.com you should consider doing so. Typically you will find many ratings of 5-star and 1-star with several in the middle. If you actually look into the 1-star ratings you will find many of them have reviewed only books on Intelligent Design and rated them all 1-star. It seems in many cases that these folks have nothing better to do than criticize (without a critical mind) such books. Sad. This DVD is no exception to that rule. Currently, the ratings for the movie are as follows: 5-star: 350 4-star: 67 3-star: 17 2-star: 15 1-star: 191 With so many 1-star ratings you can be sure that it has many Darwinists feeling uncomfortable. Thus, it is a safe bet that the movie accomplished part of its mission, namely upsetting the applecart. My rating of the movie will be the 351st 5-star rating. I agree with Ben Stein. The scientific establishment should "Tear down this wall."

(Seth C. Howard, 2009-10-28) Well , although not a disappointment , movie isn't as 'funny' as trailers might have you believe . Having said that , Ben's information and dry humor do make knowledge FUN . For the 'cerebral' , you will be belly laughing in many parts and interviews ; YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP!! WELL WORTH the TIME and money . TITLE is EXACTLY the movie . DUMBFOUNDED is how i would describe your thoughts and expressions thru this film . Ben and company perform a great public service as well as 'film' . I believe this a "MUST SEE!!" and i dont think a week has gone by i dont play this DVD thru past year ; It's that good . pops howard apalachin,new yuck

(G. L. Sinsley, 2009-10-26) This movie is very interesting and worth watching regardless of whether or not you agree with Ben Stein on intelligent design. I recommend that everyone in academia watch this.

(Mark Nolan, 2009-10-25) Expelled tries to make a case that scientists are unfairly having their careers cut short due to their biblical-literalist beliefs, but the "evidence" they present is very one-sided (they never even consider the possibility that the scientists were incompetent as well). Also, one of the scientists wasn't even employed at the job he was supposedly fired from. You can check the Expelled Exposed website to confirm this. There's no nice way to put it: Ben Stein lies.

(Paul Karassavidos, 2009-11-08) History Channel did a great job with this series my only complaint was it lacked battle strategies and tactical overview maps of the warring parties,which would of been sweet! but as it stands they did do a great job none the less.

(Alexander M. Walker, 2009-09-26) Ever wished your favorite movies were documentaries instead of narratives? That Morgan Freeman didn't just offer a few prose passages between Red's time in Shawshank but pretty much read Stephen King's story on an audio track? Or maybe Christopher Walken voicing over the Deerhunter? Really the choices are endless and, to sweeten the pot, imagine the things you'd learn about the characters. Guess what? Apparently the History Channel is doing that now. At least they did it for Kingdom of Heaven, the movie about the crusades starring Orlando Bloom and Liam Neeson. Okay, they didn't really do that but you'd never know the difference. The Crusades: Crescent & the Cross plots out the major events and the hidden history of the greatest mistakes ever pursued in the name of religion. The strip of land on which Jerusalem stands has been the most contested area in the history of the world. Tribes have fought and died for it. Kings have politicked and schemed for it. But full-scale war made the Crusades unique in the size of their blundering. Despite being a horrible mistake (three horrible mistakes, really) the Crusades provide an interesting contrast against which to measure the current happenings both within the Gaza strip and across the globe. Watching the interactions of historical figures like Richard the Lionheart or Nur al-Din you begin to see similarities between their attitudes and those of today's politicians. The re-enactments may sometimes feel like an overwrought presentation from the cutscenes of Medieval Times, but the parallels between then and today still hit home. The three-hour presentation offers a sizeable amount of material and quite honestly it feels twice its length. Even with content as interesting as the Crusades, stretching coverage of each to about an hour doesn't sound like too much. But it is. Or at least, it is in a single serving. Sitting on a couch as a narrator bleats on an on with temporary breaks of people in Crusader or Muslim warrior costumes discussing their motives and anger holds interest for an hour or two - two is the max. The three hour stretch is maddening. Where this epic fails in captivating material it succeeds in creating beautiful imagery using hi-definition filming and decent CGI. The CGI might help the special to imagine how things occurred, but the footage is what makes this special something to behold. Wide breaking shocks of open deserts, sparsely populated desert towns and Crusade-age fortresses have been filmed in hi-definition and add a nice counterbalance to the meager dramatic scenes used to drive the story. The History Channel does this a lot. They create these pieces that might have a substandard concept and narrative audio track, but then complement them with must-see visuals that help their presentations jump off the screen. At the end of it all, you'll have grown so used to the overexposed desert scenes that seeing an outdoor shot that doesn't have a harsh yellow glare will just seem unnatural. It's long, but it's beautiful. With that, we have the reason History Channel chose to release this piece on Blu-ray and not just another standalone DVD to get lost on your shelf. The amount of conjecture and hypothesizing in the story allows for some creativity on the part of the producers but in the end that's not what does the most damage to the special's watchability. Three hours. Listen, I am fascinated by the Crusades. I've read lots of books on the subject and yet three hours in front of this special still feels too long. The pacing is far too dry and the narration not at all immersive. Shave off 45 minutes, replace Keith David as the narrator for the piece and rewrite the narration and this piece could be a compelling special worthy of purchase for more than its good looks. Good looks can only carry you so far, and on the History Channel it isn't nearly far enough.

(J. Salzenstein, 2009-09-18) Although George W. Bush may have viewed (and publicly referred to) his "War on Terror" as a crusade, historians (and most of us with at least a middle-school education) know that the word - not to mention the actual events - is much too powerful to simply throw around as a scare tactic. Thankfully the understands this concept as well; The Crusades: Crescent & The Cross presents the story of these wars, which included some of the most bloody and religiously charged battles of history. Although the story is set in the past, the similarities to current conflicts are clear. For while the techniques and technologies have certainly changed, unfortunately the underlying fears and philosophies have not. The Crusades explores the conflicts between two Middle Age superpowers - Christians and Muslims - fought over a period of two-centuries. The aftermath of the conflict decided the fate of the Holy Land - at least for a while - but left in its path the continuing struggles and conflict we have today. Unlike some documentaries that are often full of bad re-enactments and laden with tedious interviews with historians and academics, the History Channel's presentation is alive with excellent cinematography and high quality production value. The modern-day historians who are included provide excellent and engaging insight into the battles and beliefs of the Crusades, and the ancient locations where it all took place. The re-enactments are impressive, the acting solid, and the use of CGI excellent. This is an engaging, enlightening and entertaining documentary that can be appreciated by young and old alike. The Crusades is presented in two-parts, for a total of three-hours. As a television documentary, Bonus Features are not part of the production process.

(Kezilou, 2009-11-05) Great movie for the whole family. A classic. Intelligently entertaining with lots of lines you'll never forget.

(Daniel, 2009-10-24) The Princess Bride is a timeless classic. Filled with "fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles" - who couldn't be entertained by such a movie? It's funny and quotable, easily enjoyed by adults and kids. The Princess Bride is one of my favorite movies from growing up.

(Randall G. Robles, 2009-10-14) One of the best movies to share with your kids or family. What makes this movie great is the fact that there is something in it for everyone. True love, sword fights, deception, revenge and all without blood and cursing.

(Thomas S Sherman, 2009-10-06) This movie is timeless. 20 years later it still holds up perfectly. Was excited to view it with my 9 year old son and 7 year old daughter, and they LOVED it. Has become their current favorite movie. Good times for everyone.

(Deborah Earle, 2009-09-26) Courtesy of Rob Reiner's skillful direction, and novelist and screenplay writer William Goldman, the world has been presented with a fabulous screen adaptation of the story of an adventurer(Cary Elwes), and his ladylove( Robin Wright), who is very reluctantly about to become a Princess Bride to the Crown Prince of Florin, the evil Prince Humperdinck(Chris Sarandon). The film adds the element of narration not featured in "The'Good Parts' Version" of S. Morgenstern's "The Princess Bride", by way of an elderly gentleman (Peter Falk) reading a story to his bedridden grandson (Fred Savage), whose apprehension over some of the story's content--specifically the kissing scenes--gradually fades. We are regaled with story story of the fictional country of Florin, where Buttercup (Wright) the most beautiful woman in the world, torments the farm boy, Wesley(Elwes), whom she eventually comes to love. He goes away to seek his fortune to provide a comfortable life for them when they marry, and Buttercup learns he has been killed by the dread pirate Roberts. She is devastated, but five years later, is betrothed to Prince Humperdinck. The lonely bride-to-be finds consolation in her daily solitary ride on horseback. But on one such occassion, she is kidnapped by three men, the cunning leader of the group, Vizzini( Wallace Shawn), the Turkish giant, Fezzik (Andre the Giant), and the Spanish swordsman, Inigo Montoya(Mandy Patinkin), who were actually hired by Humperdinck to murder her, frame the enemy country of Guilder for the deed, and start a war. But a mysterious pirate ship thwarts these plans. After besting Montoya (who is on his own personal quest for vengeance) and Fezzik, and engaging in a battle of wits with mastermind Vizzini that results in his death, the mysterious, pirate, believed to be Roberts, lays claim to Buttercup, who initially fails to recognize him as her beloved Wesley. But when she does, their reunion is poignant, and Wesley's words, reassuring and gentle. They survive the fireswamp, only to encounter Humperdinck and his entourage on the other side. Buttercup surrenders herself to the prince in the hope that Wesley will be spared. Wesley notices that the prince's henchman, Count Rugen (Christopher Guest)fits the description of the man Montoya was looking for. The old adage, "The course of true love never ran smoothly" is reaffirmed in this tale. But traveling this course, we encounter many colorful characters, including Mel Smith's Albino, who helps Count Rugen carry out his torture of Wesley (as the Count makes inquiries about Wesley's feelings in calm, intellectual tones), Billy Crystal's Miracle Max, once fired by Humperdick, but whom with the encouragement of his wife, Valerie (Carol Kane), helps tip the balance in Wesley's favor, the Impressive Clegyman (Peter Cook), who is charged with performing the marriage ceremony, and Malcolm Storry's Yellin, the head of the Palace Guard who fits the book's description of that character. Anne Dyson and Willoughby Gray are the King and Queen whose kindness is once of Buttercup's few consolations in her life at the palace. Amid an alliance formed by former foes, and a bit of humor along the way, the story is brought to its highly favorable conclusion.Striking just the right amount of humor, heart, and intelligence, this 1987 favorite has justly earned the title of "classic", and it will undoubtedly continue to withstand the test of time.

(B. Largent, 2008-01-07) This was a Christmas gift for a young man who loves old movies. He was thrilled with these.

(James J. Rossignol, 2007-11-10) From classic Brando to studied Brando this collection runs the gamut. In On The Waterfront it is him against the mob. In an unlikely turn of events he comes out of it bloodied but standing and the docks turn their backs on their benefactors. The culture of corruption and silent desperation is broken and every one gets down to work. In the Wild One he plays a roughneck gang leader who sneers his way through a small town and the whole picture. He respects nothing,but still isn't satisfied. After a showdown he moves on but leaves behind something to remember him by. In The Freshman he spoofs his role as a mafia head and toys with the head of a young college student. A gila monster plays a major role in the high jinks as it terrorizes wherever it goes. It all seems real until the end when the truth is revealed and it was all one big joke. Brando plays his role deftly and with an understated sense of humor. For the price the collection is well worth it.

(B. Largent, 2008-01-07) This was a Christmas gift for a young man who loves old movies. He was thrilled with these.

(James J. Rossignol, 2007-11-10) From classic Brando to studied Brando this collection runs the gamut. In On The Waterfront it is him against the mob. In an unlikely turn of events he comes out of it bloodied but standing and the docks turn their backs on their benefactors. The culture of corruption and silent desperation is broken and every one gets down to work. In the Wild One he plays a roughneck gang leader who sneers his way through a small town and the whole picture. He respects nothing,but still isn't satisfied. After a showdown he moves on but leaves behind something to remember him by. In The Freshman he spoofs his role as a mafia head and toys with the head of a young college student. A gila monster plays a major role in the high jinks as it terrorizes wherever it goes. It all seems real until the end when the truth is revealed and it was all one big joke. Brando plays his role deftly and with an understated sense of humor. For the price the collection is well worth it.

(Peter J. Antisen, 2009-11-06) the movie was ok if you like war movies....though it's not about fighting in the field...not one of Cruise's best performances..but worth a view anyway

(Kathleen Lee Anderson, 2009-11-04) The Valkyrie started off with Tom Cruise showing the dilemma of an officer with total dedication to Hitler's Germany and his own personal conscious, knowing Hitler's plan to destroy all Jews, gays and gypsies. In the documentary of this courageous man, it shows that he witnessed people being shot over a ditch so it would be easier to bury them. This is why the officer elected to kill Hitler and put an end to the war. Valkyrie was to code name of a group of high ranking officers who formed the plot to replace Hitler and his regime. The plot of the movie centered on the magnificent Germany war machine that not only plotted the death of all leading officers, but their conspiracy to replace the German government head within 4 short hours. This movie eliminated the brutality of the concentration camps and replaced with suspense.

(Jeffrey C. Meade, 2009-10-31) I wouldn't go see this in the theater because I just couldnt get past watching Tom Cruise play a German surrounded by all these other people with British accents. I decided to rent the movie on Amazon and it was worth the money. After you get past the early parts of the movie you completely forget about Tom Cruise and his American accent. When they set the bomb off to kill Hitler you really start to move to the edge of your seat and the movie has a great supporting cast of actors. You don't realize how close they came to actually assassinating Hitler until you watch this.

(AlanC, 2009-10-28) When a two-hour movie spurs you to spend four more hours reading about the event on which it is based, it's fair to say the viewing was time well spent. I didn't expect much from Valkyrie. I mean, we all know how this story ends (I realize schooling isn't what it used to be, but do we really need a spoiler alert here?). So I was pleasantly surprised to find myself, frankly, riveted. So much is top notch here: the production design, the photography, the pacing, and especially the supporting actors. Indeed, every actor -- Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson, Eddie Izzard, even -- seems an inspired choice for their respective role, creating multi-dimensional characters that are flawed, conflicted, and all too human. Or at least, every actor but one. The bad news: Tom Cruise just doesn't pull it off here. In fact, he nearly ruins the show. I've liked Cruise in other roles -- he's underrated in Born on the Fourth of July and his bravado-on-autopilot schtick works well in A Few Good Men. But here he is oddly ineffective. The screenwriters don't exactly help him -- when we first see Cruise, his view of the war and its political leaders is already set, and we never get a sense of how this came about. When he is blown up early in the film, losing an eye, one hand, and several fingers on the other, these grievous injuries are treated like a minor inconvenience. This is a theme that continues through the movie: Emotional events rendered with zero emotion. Everyone else here struggles with the decision to try to kill Hitler. They know it should happen, but they're also worried about the consequences of failing (and not insignificantly, what those consequences will mean for their own skin -- maybe not the most noble consideration, but a genuine one). Cruise's character -- who knows well that if he fails his family will likely be arrested, or worse -- never seems to truly wrestle with his decision to deliver the lethal blow (or, more accurately, blast). The few cursory flicks at indecision, like that last long embrace of his wife, seem staged and rote and insincere. His unwavering dedication to the mission might make Cruise's character a hero. But it also makes him seem fake. I mean, here's a plan where the guy with three fingers is picked to arm the bomb -- who wouldn't have some second thoughts about an operation like that? But Cruise treats this all like he's Maverick from Top Gun: Just give me the stick (of TNT, this time) and let me do my job. It doesn't work. But fortunately, almost everything else in this film does.

(Darren Vineyard, 2009-10-22) Wow what an awesome movie. All the movie stars. Each character was played by the perfect actor. Tom Cruise knocked it out of the park on this one.Very well done. I know I heard all the critics say he didnt fit the part. But you know they say that about all of his movies. he has been black balled for being of a certain religion. Dont we americans call that racism? Anyway it is a movie that was pure entertainment.

(Dennis Shumaker, 2009-11-01) The movie showed Hindus attacking and killing Muslims in the ghetto. One person was the mother of the main character. The scene is particularly brutal. I cant help but to feel there is some lopsided bias in this movie? Perhaps a favor for bin Laden? If anyone knows about Indian history, they should surely know that it has been the Muslims that have been the most aggressive against Hindus for centuries! CENTURIES! Muslims back in the 1400s-1700s were vicious animals towards Hindus. They destroyed some beautiful cities : Hampi! Look it up. The Hindus were never militaristic like the Muslims and the Muslims have been instigate most of the aggression recently as well. ie we dont see Hindu terrorists going into Pakistan to bomb people. I see this movie as an insult to Hindus and I dont appreciate it.

(Ben Larkins, 2009-10-26) A solid film crafted in a unique way that carries a lot of similiar themes to that of Blood Diamonds... not big on replayability, but drives home some very important themes that really open your eyes to Indian culture. Easy to follow, but leaves you still connecting some pieces at the end, which made it all the more enjoyable. Great acting, and a plotline that has to be one of the best and most interesting ways to tell a story. Really makes you feel for the characters, and the country in general.

(IV, 2009-10-26) I can understand why some might be hesitant in watching this film, it's not necessarily a movie one just has a sudden burst of enthusiasm and wants to watch. I rented this movie from Netflix and it sat on my dresser for 6 months before I finally decided I wanted to take time out of my day to watch it. This film is quite possibly the most fluent and engaging film I have seen since No Country For Old Men. I honestly cannot conjure up the right words that explains the superiority of quality, direction, emotion, and beauty that this film delivers to its viewers. After the film, you feel like you have just finished a great journey, and the end of that journey was well worth the time.

(Bob Waskiewicz, 2009-10-25) This is the MOVIE everyone was talking about?This is the MOVIE that won all the Awards?The 2 young stars of the film are great,and the girl is BEUTIFULL,but thats it.The fast cut editing,the predictable story line just doesn't get it."Slumdog Millionaire is over 2 hours of pure hell,but at least PAY the kids that were in the film.The producers made millions,and the young children who made this money for you are starving .

(Melissa Niksic, 2009-10-23) I enjoyed "Slumdog Millionaire," but I don't think it's the revolutionary film so many people make it out to be. The best thing about the movie is the unique way it tells the story. A young man named Jamal wins an insane amount of money on India's version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire." He is accused of cheating and is taken into custody. The authorities grill him on how a boy from the slums was able to answer every question on the show. Jamal explains question by question how he knew the answers, and also giving away his life story. This is an amazing story of a young man's life, and I enjoyed the music and the performances by the talented cast of unknowns. However, there were some major holes in the plot, and occasionally the characters' accents were so thick that it was hard to understand them. My favorite part of the movie is probably the credits, which are a lot of fun to watch. I recommend seeing this film, but don't understand why people went so crazy over it.

(Rebecca Maidl, 2009-11-06) While the plot was predictable, the way it was carried out was great. It was such a good movie that the predictable plot could be overlooked and made almost refreshing. The dog reminded me of my dog and the cat reminded me of my cat and the hampster reminded me of my guinea pig. The bonds between them all and the girl just sum up how I feel about a dog's loyalty and cat's personality and the feisty little rodent sidekick. :) As other reviewers have said, the animation and effects/characters/CG is the best Disney CG so far (not counting Pixar/Disney CG in this). They perfected the characteristics and traits of real animals in the animation of the animals, but also was able to personify the animals as well. This is one of John Travolta's best work I think - he did such a good job as the voice of Bolt that I didn't even realize it was him (which when you don't realize an actor is that actor, I think that means they did a fantastic job). I loved the duet between Bolt (Travolta) and Penny (Miley Cyrus) and the little 2-D animation for the end credits - there are just so many things about this movie that I loved - it was all the details and small things they did to make it realistic. It was believable and cute and sweet and heart-wrenching and touching. Maybe it's because I love animals and all the animals in this movie reminded me of mine or others I have met, but I was pleasantly surprised and endeared by this movie when I wasn't expecting much of anything out of Disney (CG) movies anymore. My only regret with this movie was I got to see an early plot/story outline and artwork for the movie back when it was in preproduction (Disney came and did a presentation at my college on the movies they were making and this was one of them), and it seemed so much more original. The cat was supposed to be a mechanic with an eyepatch, and Bolt was a TV star, but more of a pampered one and the film was at that time titled "American Dog" and it was more about Bolt becoming his own person rather than just the "movie star." He was still on a cross-country journey out to rescue his owner (Penny) but there seemed to be more originality to the story and characters. Overall, this film turned out really well, but I just wonder what it COULD have been had it been more original and not so cookie-cutter. The artist that designed and created Lilo and Stitch was also the one to come up with the original story/character designs and while the animals look really similar to how they did in preproduction, I would have liked to have seen his ideas be the ones they used for the final version. I think the area that has the most impact in this movie is its emotional content. If you love your pets (dogs especially) and know that they will do anything for you, then you will also like this movie. If all you care about is a surprising new story idea, then you probably won't like it. P.S. The pigeons' animation (and probably their accents) nailed it.

(Jim Gateley, 2009-10-31) 4 of 5 stars for the animated cute movie Bolt. The movie opens with an exciting adventure segment where our hero, the cute little dog, Bolt (John Travolta), is being chased by bad guys. Bolt demonstrates superhero abilities to save his owner Penny (Miley Cyrus). Well, we later learn that we were watching a movie being made and the abilities (like his super-bark) are movie magic. Well, Bolt manages to get FedExed from LA to NYC and starts his journey home. Along the way Bolt meets several new friends and discovers he is not a superhero, just a cute little dog. I won't spoil the ending. The graphics/animation in this movie are amazing! The most life-like animation I have ever seen. Truly amazing! The characters are wonderful though I was disappointed in the hamster [the movie trailer made the hamster seem more interesting that he really turned-out-to-be]. Even knowing that Bolt's voice was Travolta, it really didn't sound "like him"; yeah it was, just not obvious. This is good fun for the whole family. Even us oldsters found alot to enjoy in this movie. I recommend it!

(JC, 2009-10-20) This is my child's favorite movie. Also, product arrived in excellent condition just as merchant described.

(Denise Moran, 2009-10-19) Totally exceeded expectations, can watch it over and over and over, very heartwarming, reminds kids they are important.

(Kathryn E. Hinrichs, 2009-10-16) ARRIVED EARLY. HAVE NOT OPENED IT, AS IT IS A CHRISTMAS PRESENT. APPEARS TO BE FINE.

(J.L.A., 2009-11-07) Some of the negative reviews are a bit harsh in my opinion. I liked this film. Certainly it falls short here and there...but what do you expect from lower-budget films? With a few tweaks here and there this movie could have been excellent. The main problem was with some of the story development. I'd have liked to have seen more in-depth dialogue and a bit more romance between the father and Chase. One of my main beefs in many of these gay themed movies is the lack of passion between the men. With "Mulligan" you even have one of the actors's who is an out gay man. (Charlie David even wrote this movie) Knowing this, the closed-mouthed, barely passionate kiss really ruined the "big scene" IMO. Overall the story was good. The photography was up-scale and the actors do a fine job given the budget and what I'm sure were time constraints making this film. It's worth watching.

(Darrin C. Smith, 2009-10-26) A Dad Coming Out of the Closet Story; this film spun like an After School TV Drama - oh hum. The story idea could have produced an interesting plot, however I felt this film was lacking in substance; there was barely a hint of Sexual Tension and the Big Moment of Crossing the Lines was anticlimactic {this would have been a HUGE step for anyone who was about to engage such a Taboo, however there just was not enough depth in this scene) and the Dramatic Melody used in the movie was soooo overused it drilled into your head. The conclusion of the film was tiresome and I really could have cared less. I also didn't really care much for Charlie David who played Chase, though he had a nice body, he just seemed to be lacking in substance. I did however enjoy Grace Vukovic who played the young daughter, her character was quite amusing. I also liked Thea Gill from Queer as Folk - it was nice to see her branching out, her performance was fine, however I felt she was a bit limited by a poor script and direction. All and All if you are looking for a Stale, No Brainer, Afternoon TV Coming Out of the Closet Drama, to watch on a Rainy Day, this one might do it for you, especially if you need some sleep.

(M. Nance, 2009-10-06) The movie is perfectly fine. The story is that of a family meeting their college-age son at a lake-side vacation home for a season. To everyone's surprise, the son brings with him a friend. During the vacation the dad (who has homosexual leanings) and the friend (who has only recently decided he was gay) indulge in a brief fling. It's discovered. There's drama. Everyone is happy in the end. This is not some revolutionary story. It's not a "must-see". It won't change the way you think. But you will probably make it all the way through and be left with a warm fuzzy feeling at the end. The acting is not amazing and the interactions between characters oftentimes seem forced, but it is by no means the worst one out there. If you're at the video store, pick it up, but I wouldn't expect it to become your new favorite.

(David S. Kanda, 2009-09-13) I love Charlie David. Ever since he appeared in Dante's Cove, I've been attracted to his sensuality. In this particular drama, The Mulligans, I have to agree, he plays his role well. You can actually feel him struggle with his sexuality and understand the embarrassment of his having come out to his long time friend. In the deleted scenes, you see where an African-American comes on to Charlie but he shuns getting involved with the individual sexually. I would have liked to see him expand on this relationship, but in a different movie with an entirely different theme however.

(Rodney J. Emonson, 2009-09-11) If ever there was a more "corny" badly acted, dull and totlly uninteresting film, it would have to be "The Mulligans" ! Don't waste your money on this American drivel. It is just soooo predictable, so totally unbelievable that it was a real chore to sit through it. DON'T BOTHER

(Amos Lassen, 2009-05-04) "LAVENDER LIMELIGHT" Lesbians in Film Amos Lassen From Go Fish to Paris is Burning to The Watermelon Woman, festival favorite Lavender Limelight goes behind the scenes to reveal seven successful lesbian directors. This is an amazing collection. These talented movie-makers enlighten and entertain as they explore their sexual identity, growing up gay, inspirations and techniques, the Differences between Hollywood and Indie, and of course, love and sex, onscreen and off. The conversations are intimate, the topics unlimited, and the clips from their work enthralling! The film features Cheryl Dunye (The Watermelon Woman), Rose Troche (Go Fish, Bedrooms & Hallways, The L Word), Jennie Livingston (Paris is Burning), Monika Treut (Virgin Machine, Female Misbehavior), Maria Maggenti (The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love, Puccini for Beginners), Su Friedrich (Sink or Swim, Damned If You Don't, Hide and Seek) and Heather MacDonald (Kiev Blue, Ballot Measure 9, Been Rich All My Life). For anyone interested in lesbian film and lesbian filmmakers, this is a movie that should not be missed.

(GreatMovieCriticForever, 2009-09-03) A look at the crappy Health Care system in America that about sums it up. This is an in depth investigation of the unproductive health care system in America. Very few will say that the Health Care system is great in this country, by most opinions the Health Care system in U.S. is a giant failure. Of course most of the problems in the health care industry are obvious, but Frontline does a nice job of providing all the facts especially for those still in denial that the health care system sucks. First of the problem is that Health Care system is ruled by greed and profit. In a capitalistic system like the US that plays right into its hands. Premiums are high, the cost is high, even the coverage itself may or may not even cover you. It's such a bad system it's not funny. It definitely wasn't going to be fixed under the corrupt George W. Bush administration which failed to make any headway with keeping health care affordable. Frontline presents these problems in more detail presents several cases with Americans where the Health Care system either failed, misled, or completely ignored their cries for help. The show presents the rather corrupt process of rescinding coverage. How crappy is the health care system in America? Even the Ceo of Kaiser is interviewed who admits how inadequate the health care system is. Imagine that. As mentioned several stories are presented. Probably the most persuasive cases are the Jennifer Thompson story and Nikki White story. Thompson was initially awarded medical coverage even though she might have cancer. Then after undergoing surgery to Thompson's surprise, the medical insurance company said they weren't going to pay for her coverage. Thompson was left with almost a half million dollars in bills. Way to go Health Care!!! The Nikki White story is even more disgusting. A girl diagnosed with Lupus and no medical company will give her coverage. It seems that the practice of a lot of these insurance companies is to award you coverage but only while you are healthy to begin with which contradicts the whole effort of getting coverage to begin with which is to get help for sick. There are idiots who will claim these are isolated cases but the millions of Americans who either can't pay for coverage or are denied medical coverage are living proof that the Health Care system in America sucks and it needs a major makeover.

(T. Morrison, 2009-10-10) I'm not gay but love the show. I have found it entertaining and insightful. Falling in love with the characters and learning about the social issues of being gay. I don't always agree with the opinions of the writers but can understand more about how people who are gay feel. I know if you don't walk in a persons shoes don't judge...I also believe if more people would see with love they would see people as just being people. I believe being gay isn't a choice...that's the way God made them and God doesn't make mistakes!

(Callahan Score, 2009-10-10) okay so to be honest, I didn't watch this show when it first came out (HA-HA i made a funny!!) and that was because i didn't have showtime in college...and boy did i love living with gay bois!!! my housemate had seasons 1 and 2 on DVD so I managed to sit in the house all day and caught a few stragglers along the way and watched the both seasons in one weekend! I fell in love!! the thing i love about this show is that even straight guys (at least those who are secure in their sexuality that is) I know watched and liked this show as it wasn't just about gay sex and all that. it actually had relate able characters and situations that can can be felt all across the board. after seeing how good this show was I was glued to the TV for an hour every...Sunday night (i think that was when it was on...including the Gay Duck Episodes). And i even got my current boyfriend to watch the pilot with me and asked if he would be interested in watching the show and when he agreed I knew he was a keeper as he was open minded that way unlike the previous guy i dated who would leave the room for QAF but would be glued to The L word. The characters each had their own thing and everyone can relate to each of them in one way or another. I consider myself a mix between Emmett and Debbie (YEAH I KNOW RIGHT!!!) complete with the liking to go dancing and standing up for my friends no matter what. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for a show that will make you laugh cry and most importantly THINK

(Luna Park, 2009-10-07) I just read a few reviews already posted and have to agree that the packaging is good looking but all of my discs were dislodged as well. I'm only up to season 3 and so far have not had any problems with the discs and hopefully none will occur. The ordering and delivery was simple and far quicker than I had imagined. As this was my first order with Amazon, the initial impression is great. As for the show(s) itself, what can I say? It truly is a great program that continues to make me laugh, cry, think and titillate. I highly recommend this product to anyone who has or hasn't seen or heard of the series.

(Nathaniel, 2009-09-09) My only problem was that the discs kept falling out of place... otherwise very happy with my purchase

(Randy Lee, 2009-09-04) Queer as Folk was, and still is THE defining and groundbreaking piece of television. It changed the way for gay television and non-gay television alike. It is extremely sexual, sometimes vulgar, and shocking, but at the same time a very realistic portrayal of gay life, love, and the events surrounding it. It's just a shame it had to end only 5 years in, but it's probably for the better that the show went out on top, and that it did it with style. Another great thing about this show is that it doesn't judge its characters and the things they do, because hey, it's human. Probably one of, if not the best television series out there, this show is extremely addictive, and it knows how to pull the strings of your heart, and make you laugh, feel anger, and cry. (I'm not kidding about the cry thing, just wait until you see the first season finale.) For its fans, "Queer As Folk: The Complete Series" is a no-brainer must own. For people who have never seen this show, it is a must see, whether you are gay, straight, bisexual, a republican, a democrat, or an independent.

(KathleenBrown, 2009-10-28) This show is absolutely fantastic! Completely different yet equally as exciting, twisted, and thought provoking as Buffy.

(Vic, 2009-10-27) I bought this DVD to catch up on the series as I started watching it in the UK then moved to the US where the 2nd seson was about to begin. I enjoy most Joss Whedon stuff so it was no big surprise that I enjoyed Dollhouse but lots of others have commented on how easy it is to watch. If you're a Joss Whedon fan or just looking for something a bit different that pushes the occasional moral button then you will no doubt enjoy. Acting is good all round and I'm very curious where the series will go in Season 2.

(M. Holtzclaw, 2009-10-26) Excellent deal on the coolest show on television. I ordered this on Sunday and it was delivered with their free shipping the very next day. Amazon, you rock!!!

(J. Landis, 2009-10-26) I love this show and wanted to be able to watch it anytime I wanted to. The unaired episode that is on this DVD is just what I expected from this show and I was not disappointed.

(K. J. McGarghan, 2009-10-24) To whom it may concern: I have no idea whether one tiny e-mail will make a difference, but I write to urge you to support Joss Whedon and _Dollhouse_. Historically, Whedon's series have sometimes seemed to take a year or two to 'find their feet', but if you look at both his track record and the income made on DVD sales both while the shows are running and/or in syndication and after the shows end, you know that Whedon has a thoughtful, intelligent, passionate fan base and excellent word-of-mouth. You will always do better than break even on his work, and sometimes the profits must be munificent. Whedon comes from the same proud tradition of Mark Twain -- a deeply humanist man who uses humor and pathos to convey messages that are worth consideration for hundreds of years. Do not think that Whedon's work appeals only to the young -- I'm a middle-aged literary historicist by training, I make my living in the IT industry, and I am constantly delighted and amazed at the thought and intelligence behind the scripts, the care given by the entire cast and crew of each show to performing truly master work. Yes, there were moments early in many of the shows that make us wince, but these are more than outweighed by the poignancy and power of others. If one lone viewer's voice matters not, please consider that for every letter you receive, there may well be ninety nine more you did not, because the would-be writers may have feared they would not be heard. It is hard to see intelligent, thought-provoking, and, yes, value-laden (in both production and ethical senses of the phrase) series be discarded because they don't yield immediate results. But look at the phenomenon of Whedon's shows and know that ten years from now, Fox will be more proud of this type of envelope-pushing, loving, crafted work than 90% of what is on broadcast television today. You are more than welcome to contact me should you wish to discuss this further. Yours most sincerely,

(Kenneth Brunsen, 2009-10-13) Very good adaptation of William Shakespeare's Rome & Juliet into an Anime style and with a few twists. The drawing style and techniques were very good and I enjoyed the voice talents for the English dubbed. There was quite a bit of character development throughout the series not just with the main characters but with secondary characters as well. I don't remember there being any loose ends at the end with any of the characters which is always a big plus. I don't want to give anything away but will definitely enjoy this set - speaking of both parts together which make up the complete series. Thanks!

(ONENEO, 2009-08-12) Funimation has to be credited for their ability to drop anime DVD collections in a timely manner. After all, patience may be a virtue but who wants to wait around to find out how a story they're waist-deep in concludes? Such was the case with Romeo x Juliet. The first collection (known as the Romeo Collection) hit streets on June 23rd and now the concluding set is at our collective disposal as of August 11. Romeo x Juliet from Funimation breaks the 24 total episodes into a pair of two-disc sets. The second of which (reviewed here) is known as The Juliet Collection and contains episodes 13-24. Packaged within an appropriately artistically decorated cardboard exterior slipcase is a pair of thin disc cases each containing a single dvd (with 6 episodes on each). Total runtime comes in at 290 minutes and the show wears a conservative TV PG (13+) rating, based presumably more on the grander adult oriented themes (we do all know how this tale will end) than it is language, sexual scenarios, or gore. Language options are standard fair sub & dub meaning the original Japanese dialog track is presented (in stereo) as well as the option of instead watching an English dub (in Dolby Surround 5.1). Finally English subtitles are available with either vocal option. Extras include an English actor commentary track over Act (episode) 24, textless songs, and a host of Funimation trailers on the second disc. As was the case with the first collection, the source material here deviates from the original William Shakespeare play while retaining many of the same fundamental concepts of forbidden love, dictatorship governments, and the agony of heartbreak. In this installment Prince Montague sentences the captured Juliet to death, which of course spurs her faithful comrades into rescue efforts. For simply aiding in Juliet's escape, Romeo finds himself exiled to the grueling Gradisca mines. Though ripped apart from one another, both Romeo and Juliet focus their efforts to create a world where they can be together while Juliet cements a Capulet strike against Montague complete with the return of her vigilante alter ego, the Red Whirlwind. While the human factions battle each other for control, Neo Verona itself is crumbling as Escalus, the tree that supports everything, begins to wither and die beneath their very feet. Pacing in the show's second half is much grander in terms of scale and scope when compared to that of the first 12 episodes. The love interest between the title characters definitely blossoms into a more believable/ less forced relationship here even as the underlying chaos that surrounds them builds to a fever pitch. Without giving away too many spoilers, I will say to expect some of the tragic nature of the source material to not only carry over but to become a literal ultimatum faced by the characters by the show's dramatic conclusion. However, I really don't wish to insinuate that the entire Juliet Collection serves as a funnel to the inevitable conclusion; in fact the truth is quite the contrary. Thanks to the fact that this half of the tale once again consists of a full 12 episodes should hint toward the truth that the voyage is every bit as rewarding as the arrival. I was particularly moved by the sequences that focused on Romeo's torture in the mines, as they appear to have been lifted from some of the finer science fiction films of yore and work very well here. Juliet's isolated plots were a bit drier and more politically under-toned but I suspect some may find this to be the more enjoyable. Prince Montague's tyranny really comes into fruition in this installment as well; a credit to Gonzo's ability to paint realistic characters (love them or hate them). Like in the first half, the artistry is by no means spectacular but it does work within this setting with emphasis on textures and background detail, sometimes at the cost of the moment. The musical score however continues to build both in scale and mood. Ultimately, it comes off as a very well constructed symphonic score that manages to impress (even in the show's darker moments). Once again I'm left with mixed feelings on the occasional old-English/ Shakespearean-inspired dialog on the English dub, which may actually be superior to the original Japanese dialog (a rarity in the anime world). It's not quite as glaring an inconsistency as it was in the first installment, but it without fail makes the viewer wonder if it would have worked better to quit resisting and just perform the entire show that way or to avoid any and all references to that era and simply do away with it entirely. The English voice cast commentary track is great in terms of demonstrating just what a highly anticipated project the show was to Funimation. It's funny to hear that nearly everyone on staff did their absolute best in the hopes of snagging one of the lead roles. Of course the producers had to narrow it down and surely there were those lowly voice actors left feeling like the last person on the wall during team selection of a gym class dodge ball game. In all, this is a must have for those who watched, loved, liked, or even just barely got through the first half. For everyone else, this is definitely above average anime as a whole and now that the full 24-epiodes are available, this would be the perfect opportunity to get involved. After all, virtuous or otherwise, waiting for a show's conclusion bites.

(Camron Brandenburg, 2009-10-30) I loved it! I grew up on this show and never knew about these episodes!

(LTSpike, 2009-09-30) There are other reviews giving episode content, and there's no reason to repeat that. After Challenge of the Superfriends (starring the Legion of Doom), these episodes seemed like a step backwards. It's like they stepped back in time to retarget 5 year olds like the very first seasons. Challenge of the Super Friends - The First Season (DC Comics Classic Collection) was particularly nice because it used a large variety of super heroes and villians and got rid of the annoying and useless sidekicks - no Wendy/Marvin/Wonderdog or Zan/Jana/Gleek, just the superheroes. Sadly, this collection has the Wonder Twins, who even as a kid I found quite annoying. Although there are a few scattered episodes with various members of the former Legion of Doom, they are not as much fun as their predecessors, and given all segments are around 7 minutes each, the stories are pretty lame and are targeted towards a younger audience than Challenge of the Superfriends. The Wonder Twins segments typically had a 'message' for little kids like an episode where two bullies were taught the error of their ways or one where two kids jumped a fence into a restricted area and got into trouble - reminded me of the very first series in 1973 but without the charm of those early years. Of course, this style may appeal to some, just not me. As a fan of Challenge as a kid, I just found this series to be of much lower quality in terms of stories, art, format, and even the voice casting, and they were written for a much younger audience (5-6 as opposed to 10-11 for Challenge).

(T. Reid, 2009-08-24) Love the cartoon shorts. They really bring me back to a time when you had a Large variety of cartoons to choose from. But the extras are null and void. Most of the extras on the other Super Friends releases were nothing special but this one has ziltch. A digital comic?...who cares. Where are the voice actor interviews? Not much effort into this one. It's like Disney releases.....NO EXTRAS. Plus some of the remastering was sloppy. Some of it looks like I'm watching a VHS tape recording. I still love it though.

(Michael E. Pajak, 2009-08-19) First, to clarify the number of episodes. This DVD set consists of 8 half-hour shows of "Super Friends" from what would have been their 1983-1984 season on ABC Saturday mornings. Each half-hour show is composed of 3 episodic shorts running about 7 minutes each. A total of 24 shorts (8 X 3) are on this DVD set. These 8 half-hour shows are complete with both their original opening and closing credits. Unfortunately, ABC never aired any of these half-hour shows during their network 1983-1984 Saturday morning season. They did, however, air the first half-hour's worth of shorts the following year during the 1984-1985 season of "Super Friends: The Legendary Super Powers Show". Since then, these 8 half-hour shows (or more specifically these 24 shorts) eventually all aired years later in syndication and have become known as "the Lost Episodes" of Super Friends. Each half-hour usually (but NOT always) consists of: 1. a team-up between two or more primary Super Friends 2. a team-up between the Wonder Twins and one or more Super Friends 3. a team-up between one primary Super Friend and one secondary Super Friend Because the original Superman movies with Christopher Reeve were still fresh in the public's mind, these shows are heavy on Superman and Superman lore. Since the titles of each short are listed by other reviewers, I've decided to list the stars of each short for those of you who are looking for particular heroes in this set: Disk 1: 1.1 Superman and Batman 1.2 Wonder Twins and the Atom 1.3 Batman/Robin and Apache Chief 2.1 Superman, Wonder Woman, and Robin 2.2 Wonder Twins and Batman/Robin 2.3 Aquaman and Black Vulcan 3.1 Superman, Batman/Robin, and Wonder Woman 3.2 Wonder Twins and Aquaman 3.3 Wonder Woman and Samurai 4.1 Superman and Batman/Robin 4.2 Wonder Twins, Wonder Woman, and the Flash 4.3 Superman and Wonder Woman Disk 2: 5.1 Superman and Batman 5.2 Wonder Twins, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern 5.3 Superman and Apache Chief 6.1 Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman 6.2 Wonder Twins and Hawkman/Hawkgirl 6.3 Batman/Robin and Black Vulcan 7.1 Superman and Green Lantern 7.2 Wonder Twins and Batman/Robin 7.3 Aquaman and El Dorado 8.1 Batman/Robin and El Dorado 8.2 Wonder Twins, Superman, and Batman 8.3 Superman, Wonder Woman, and Samurai The animation and storylines on these shorts are pretty much standard fare for this time period of the late 1970's to early 1980's. So those of you who grew up on the 1990-2000's DC animated series will most likely groan while watching these. However, there are some unexpected high-points for comic fans: (1.1) another appearance by Mr. Mxyzptlk, (2.1) Jor-El and Lara when Superman returns to Krypton before it explodes, (3.1) the return of the Legion of Doom with all 13 members, (5.2) Gorilla Grodd and Giganta, and possibly the only appearance of 13 members of the Super Friends together (sort of, and no, I'm not counting the Wonder Twins and Gleek), (7.1) the return of the Phantom Zone villains who travel back in time to Smallville and Superboy, (7.3) Brainiac, and (8.3) the return of Bizarro and Bizarro World. The only special features are two Super Friends digital comic book reprints from the late 1970's that you can page through screen by screen, and the usual trailers for other DC animated DVD sets. All in all, this DVD set is recommended for anyone who is a fan of the Super Friends and/or the Legion of Doom, and for anyone who is a fan of this era of Saturday morning television.

(Fortean Anomalie, 2009-08-12) Why would Black Vulcan volunteer to go on a mission to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean? Why did his powers work under the sea? Doesn't EVERYBODY know that electricity and water do not mix? Other than this I have no complaints (but this does really bug me). It is a solidly good season(even the Wonder Twins seem less annoying in this season).

(! Durrkk, 2009-10-15) If you're in the mood for a really good war flick you can't go wrong with 2001's "Enemy at the Gates." Most WWII films take place on the Western Front whereas "Enemy" is one of only two films I can think of that address the Eastern front, the other being Sam Peckinpah's underrated "Cross of Iron" (1977). THE PLOT: The entire story takes place during the pivotal Battle of Stalingrad. Russian troops are carted in by the literal trainloads as the Germans attack/bomb the city. Once the dust clears the situation settles into a more personal battle of sharpshooting wills. A lowly young Russian soldier named Vassili (Jude Law) distinguishes himself for his shooting skills and is promoted as a national hero to motivate the Russian cause. After numerous German officers are assassinated Major König (Ed Harris), the top German sniper, is assigned to seek out and eliminate Vassili. I saw this film back when it was first released to video and three things stuck in my mind over the years: (1.) The opening sequence where the Russian troops are boated across the Volga River to join the fight. This sequence is just extremely harrowing, even more so than Saving Private Ryan's opening D-Day invasion. This is definitely one of the most realistic, well-done scenes in war film history. The film's worth viewing for this incredible sequence alone! (2.) The city-in-rubble sets with bodies strewn everywhere had a lasting impression on me as did the scurring-like-rats-through-the-rubble warfare. (3.) Some may find this weird, but I always remembered the discreet love-making scene while the soldiers laid in the rubble trying to sleep. I'm not sure why this left an impression, maybe because it struck me as so real -- men & women would be drawn to one another and mate even in the worst possible scenarios. I just saw the film a second time recently and, again, the warfare reminded me of human rats scurring through the debris. What's interesting is that I later discovered that the film was based on the book "War of the Rats" by David L. Robbins. Guess the movie was supposed to provoke the imagery of rats, huh? The cast also includes Joseph Fiennes as the political officer who elevates Vassili to hero status via his pamphlets and articles, while Rachel Weisz plays the romantic interest between the two. Ron Perlman is also on hand in a limited role as Vassili's sharpshooting comrade. As with any film based on historical events there are facts-obsessed critics who decry the lack of authenticity in this or that detail (e.g. "The zippers on the trousers aren't right -- blasphemy!!", but "Enemy" gets the gist right and, besides, it motivates the viewer to research the actual Battle of Stalingrad, at least this is what it did for me. What more can you ask for? The fact is Vassili played a key role in motivating the Russians to victory in the Battle of Stalingrad, one of the major turning points of World War II; from then on it was all downhill for Germany. FINAL WORD: "Enemy at the Gates" is a truly unforgettable war film about an oft-ignored important aspect of WWII, the Eastern front. It has numerous memorable scenes, especially the opening crossing of the Volga and also a clever sequence involving a large shard of reflective glass. In my humble opinion the film's far better than the contemporaneous "Saving Private Ryan" (I'm sure I'll get a handful of 'non-helpful' votes for that sacrilegious statement). GRADE: B+ or A-

(James D. Crabtree, 2009-09-27) Be forewarned. This movie is about snipers. Snipers go for headshots. You do the math. Very well done, with a portrayal of Kruschev sent to the city by Stalin to "fix" things. Stalingrad landmarks are well-portrayed in the film. The actors were good, but in some cases I think they were in miscast.

(K. Lynn, 2009-08-10) Ok so the deul between snipers, great propoganda, not likely though. Did the Nazis want Zaitsev dead? Yes. But there were deadlier snipers in the Red Army, including a few women who had much higher kill totals then he did. Really though the Nazis send a major, head of thier sniper school to hunt Zaiysev? Doubtful. Rachel Wiesz's character is supposed to be Ukrainian, and not jewish. Apparently though every World War 2 movie about Europe has to hammer home the Holocaust in some way. Guess it's a standard receipe in Hollywood. She was according to history a deadly individual who arrived in Stalingrad with around a Hundred kills already, and not the timid, afraid to shoot my gun character portrayed in the movie. A slight to her I'm sure, not sure what's wrong with a strong proud woman in a movie, defending her country, BUT Hollywood seems to not like the idea. No the Russians had pleant of guns at Stalingrad. No need to wait for some poor schmuck to buy it so you could have one. Wrong period in history. Not one Russian soldier has a bayonet, despite a Red Army rule against removing them. History? NO! Entertainment, Yes. I liked Ron Pearlman's character. Too bad he dies quick. Ed Harris is awsome as the intenese German Major. And Bob Haskins as Kruschev is awsome. Yes the line...."I don't care you lost half your men, Lose the other half!" is probably true. Historicaly the Russians have always been willing to accept enourmous casualties in war. Stop looking for history and truth, realize it's a propaganda story, a movie about the horror of war, and it's just entertainment.

(J. Pink, 2009-08-08) This movie keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to end. I believe this movies shows the horror of war as much as the human side as well. A must see! Jim P

(Michael W. Yates, 2009-06-27) great gritty war movie about the seige of stalingrad in ww2 strongly recommendedto war movie collectors

(Denise Escamilla Ortiz, 2009-11-04) Probably the most shocking thing about this tragic love story is that it is feasible. I can relate in so many ways to it. It is scary to discover that you were waiting for Juliet instead for Romeo in your life. And not everyone has the guts to live out this kind of love. I guess this happens more often than what we think. And for some it does have a Shakespearean ending to it. The story is good, and the music is awesome. Some of the photography is really great. And it's a kick to see these actresses at such a young age and see what they turned into as young adults. I did like the movie, although you might want to skip it for a day that you are in a mood for serious drama and tragedy. It's not your usual love-romance happy ending story, but it's worth watching it, specially if you are into lesbian movies.

(Paul Bail, 2009-09-05) Piper Perabo's performance will take your breath away. Her portrayal of this passionate, strong, and flawed girl more than makes up for any shortcomings the script may have. See it!

(R. M. Maynard, 2009-07-30) I'm going to try desperately not to give anything away here, so let's just say literarily speaking I get why people like this story. I get that people like the star-crossed lovers, tragic romance stuff- I do. (In fact, I'm a HUGE fan of it.) But this just seemed like watching a plain crash or a train wreck, because you know the ending's coming the whole time, and all you can do is watch the events (and one of the characters) unravel. It's that horribly sad, gut-wrenching kind of melancholy that some folks really get off on; like watching movies about horrible tragedies, mass attrocities and dying things... Some people like that. Me however? Not so much. Don't get me wrong- I love the emotional quality and depth of this film, the cerebral characters and the intellectual nature of the production. I greatly appreciate all of that. I just think people have made way too much of watching a love (in 2 senses of the word) spiral downwards. Plus, ya can't help but wish that somebody wouldda sat a certain little girlie down and gotten her some major therapy- sexuality notwithstanding. I guess to me it seems they're trying to intimate that homosexuality must be akin to (or bundled inexorably with- if not out-and-out lie within) some serious mental illness. To that I say *zerbert.* :P Free hearts and love requited = good. Untended madness, non-present and/or idiotic adults, hardcore denial and other dismal stuffs, = bad...

(Bobbi Jo Kranz, 2009-06-13) I had forgotten how much I realy liked this movie. I am glad I bought it.

(E. G. Bales, 2009-05-25) I saw this movie for the first time when I was thirteen and just discovering sexuality. It was late and I didn't have school so I stayed up searching through the cable channels until I found this movie. For me, this movie inspired me to give it my all when i am in love. I am not a female, and thus, not a "lesbian." However, this movie made me see beyond the labels that modern society thrusts upon us. I was excited to find that the local video store was able to order it for me. The girl behind the counter actually knew what movie I was trying to describe. The whole character of "Mouse" is exactly like that of every young teenager who gets thrown into this kind of situation, trying to help one friend, Paulie, "win" back another, Tory. The last half, after Paulie and Tory are discovered, was done wonderfully. The ending was extremely unexpected and actually made me cry at the loss of Tory's love. I would recommend anybody to watch this movie. It will definitely make you rethink the title that you project onto somebody else. Whether you call them "gay" or "lesbian," they also have a certain way they approach the love they seek.

(D.H., 2009-09-23) Rounders is the only better movie out there about No Limit Texas Holdem and this movie was made earlier. Probably a bit of inspiration to the makers of Rounders as this movie was a bit more comedy than actual reflection on the game of Poker. Richard Donner and Mel Gibson are a team made in heaven. Mel Gibson always in good form, is the card shark on his way to winning a large poker competition...The early Western version of the WSOP. The problem is that he keeps running into people who in one way or another, don't want him to get there. Regarded as the best Poker player in the West, Maverick must outmanuveur a cunning temptress (Jodie Foster/Annabelle Bransford), a jealous degenerate cheat (Alfred Moline/Angel) and the host of the game and all around scalliwag (James Coburn/Commodore). The cast is on form and the action is always engaging.

(Charles E. Ellevan, 2009-09-15) I am biased as I am a Randy Newman fan, and I appreicate his style. I'm also a soundtrack collector. I'm also a fan of the original Maverick series. The music was good in the sense that it was 'western' style...cowboy music . . . as opposed to 'country western'. Overall I was satisfied with the music, it is pretty much what I expected and I did see the movie, so I knew what I was getting. Watching it again on the western channel inspired me to get the soundtrack. I guess my only disappointment was that some homage was not paid to the original Maverick TV series theme. Maybe it was there and I just didn't hear it. That's my only complaint. If you liked the movie, then get the soundtrack.

(CAB, 2009-07-18) No complaints. Good disk even thought it was used. Shipped fast. I would buy from you again.

(Malorie Reynolds, 2009-04-02) I find this movie as funny now as when it first came out. Mel Gibson, James Garner and Jodie Foster are completely charming and wonderful to watch. It is simply a good time for a couple of hours. Not deep. Not thought provoking. Just a good time and a good chuckle.

(Craig Connell, 2009-03-20) A good mix of comedy, drama, suspense and nice scenery all make this a pleasing viewing experience. (Most people watching this leave with a smile on their face.) This "western" is really a lot more of a comedy, but so was the TV show on which it was based. In the movie, we get some really neat twists at the end, too. Kudos also for including TV's original "Maverick" - James Garner - in this film. Mel Gibson (the "new" Maverick) and Jodie Foster play off each other well in the leads and Graham Greene has some very funny lines as a supporting player. Alfred Molina, James Coburn, Geoffrey Lewis also shine in supporting performances and it is really fun to see all the cameo appearances in here. Included in there were a couple of old-time western movie stars along with country-western singers, all at a big card game at the end. Another plus are the two songs during the ending credits. There is rousing C&W rendition of "Amazing Grace" followed by a good Randy Newman song called "Ride Gambler Ride." They are worth sticking around and hearing. One negative about this film: the message seems to be that cheating, lying and just being a dishonorable person if okay if you can get away with it!! That's the movie business, for you!

(S. P. Miskowski, 2009-10-26) People are weird. If you accept this fact, then life will make more sense, but only in a very weird way. Surveillance is set in a town so small, out of the way, and downright boring that the local cops spend their days shooting out the tires of speeders on the freeway. Their follow-up routine is to put the drivers through a humiliating encounter with the law that guarantees they will either never speed again, or never travel through this part of the state. During one of these confrontations something very bad happened. And the very bad thing is somehow connected to a recent series of grisly murders in the area. Enter two FBI agents, sent with their black suits, interrogation training, emotional tics, and cameras to interview everyone involved and get to the bottom of the story. The agents (played with verve and wit by Bill Pullman and Julia Ormond) are as eccentric as their subjects--a rattled police officer, a traumatized little girl, and a young woman who trusts no one. As each character recounts part of the story from their limited point of view, a sort of Rashomon develops. Even if everyone is telling the truth, something doesn't make sense. In her first full-length feature since 1993's Boxing Helena, writer/director Jennifer Lynch uses our expectation of her and her father (executive producer David Lynch) to clever advantage. From the beginning, we suspect that lies are being told, but by whom, and for what purpose? Not knowing makes it difficult to side with anyone, so there is no clear-cut protagonist. Further alienating the viewer is the Lynch signature soundtrack, often inappropriate or off tempo. As certain suspicions are confirmed, and we think we have it all figured out, new and awful surprises come to light. The build is almost excruciating, but the pay-off is oh so sweet. The story's loose ends are tied snugly together, by the final scene. And if you have ever been as bored as the cops who patrol the fringes of this flat, deadbeat town you will probably find the conclusion both creepy and funny. Kudos to Ms. Lynch for the oddball casting in Surveillance. Ormond and Pullman are delightful as middle-aged interrogators with secrets of their own. But every character has depth and significance, thanks to a supporting cast that includes Cheri Oteri, French Stewart, and Michael Ironside. Even if you figure out what's up before the end, the ride is screeching good fun.

(STEPHEN MOORE, 2009-10-04) This movie may not be loved by everyone but----for me it was very entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable. After watching many disappointing flicks recently (other than 'District 9' and 'Inglorious Basterds') this one was definitely welcome. Highly recommended !!

(Daniel G. Lebryk, 2009-09-25) You are driving, you notice a backup of cars on the other side, you slow down to look at what's causing the slow down, you realize it is an accident, you look closer, you can't help yourself, you stop your car, you look closer, there's a huge accident, you look closer, and finally you see the most disgusting gnarled mess of dead humans you have ever seen. Finally you think to yourself, why did I look? Surveillance is exactly that movie. It trapped me in the beginning. The opening scene is a gruesome horrific murder in disgusting detail - oh yes it's done in an artsy fashion with interesting lighting, strange camera angles, and odd editing - but it is disgusting all the same. The story then moves on to Larry, Moe, and Curly policemen in backwater US are joined by two FBI agents that try to solve this murder. The director chose an interesting technique to tell the story, start with a snippet of the three witnesses saying what they did that day, and then visually cut away to what really happened. So my imagination was engaged even more with the solution to this crime. But like a car wreck, the most horrible wreck you've ever seen, don't watch this film. The story telling technique is the only redeeming quality of this film. Even then I wrestled over one star (I hated it) or two stars (I didn't like it); nope the ending and the path there, just left me with a hate feeling. From a technical standpoint, shaky camera movement, horrific pacing...I just hated the film. This film is rated R. If you subject younger viewers to this wreck, I feel very sorry for your children. There is enough blood shot all over, torture scenes, drug use, and strong language to fill up 10 R rated movies. Is this movie a twist on the slasher film, maybe. It's still a bad film. Avoid looking. I know it's hard, moths fly toward the flame. You will hate yourself in the morning if you watch this film.

(M. Guinn, 2009-09-21) I think way too much is put into the "viewpoint" of the world this movie takes, the negative outlook, blah blah blah. It's a movie, it's entertainment and of course you need to have a sense of suspension of disbelief about the cops which, yes, was a bit much. The point, if there was one, was that people are selfish, self centered, stupid, clumsy and simply in their own little world at times (the girl not being able to get anybody's attention but Pullmans) and in the end, you really don't feel very sorry for anybody in the movie. However the performances are top notch. Bill Pullman totally rules in this kind of role. I absolutely loved what he did with his character. Very entertaining. Julie Ormond is a wonderful actress that pulls off an unusual role for her beautifully. Also, I thought the story was quite an original, and gripping twist on an old formula that kept me glued to the screen all the way through. I rarely rave about movies but this one deserves some credit for shining through a sea of crap movies seem to be nowadays.

(The Magician, 2009-09-20) The reviews for this are so varied that I had to check it out. Overall, it really stayed with me which is far more than I can say for most films nowadays. I wonder if all the negative reviews are due to the overall nihilistic tone of the film. In my humble opinion, I think it is. Like "Blue Velvet" it goes to some dark and disturbing places, but I recommend it.

(Jean Poirier, 2009-09-30) Sadly my blu-ray copy had noise coming from the right channel soundtrack on analog mode. This problem was not present on the commentary soundtrack. I think I will buy the standard dvd instead. I do not find the differnce of picture quality of this particular title so great on my tube hdtv screen. Jean

(CHICO AK, 2009-09-23) To bad american film makers cannot go back and make film's like this one. just buy it and enjoy it over and over.

(J. Chinn, 2009-09-17) If you're a fan of classic Japanese film, this is a must for your collection. The Blu-ray rendention is gorgeous, even projected on my 8-foot HT screen. If you've never seen this film before, you'll love it's classic Japanese themes, beautiful costumes, epic scenes with thousands of extras, and of course, the fantastic Japanese cinematography that you'd expect. As the saying goes, "if this is the sort'a thing you like, you'll REALLY like this."

(allangiven.com, 2009-08-19) Bringing writer and director Akira Kurosawa's 1980, three hour epic to the big screen proved to be nearly impossible, for studios were not willing to back the creator of past classics such as YOJIMBO and THE SEVEN SAMURAI for a period piece set during the Warring States period in 16th century Japan. Kurosawa had not directed a film in over five years when he began trying to secure financing for KAGEMUSHA, so the director decided to take brush to paper, creating hundreds of watercolor storyboards of the film as he saw it in his mind. With the unimaginable, but very likely reality that his movie would never get made, George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola famously stepped in, lending their names to the project as Executive Producers so that the film would have backing for an international release, and working with 20th Century Fox, helped finance the rest of the budget in conjunction with Toho in Japan. Both Lucas and Coppola were part of a new generation of filmmakers who had found tremendous success in the 1970s and who were heavily influenced by Kurosawa's early body of work that the directors were each introduced to in film school. The project became a passion for the three filmmakers, and allowed Lucas and Coppola to learn first hand the techniques that made Kurosawa a master. The Criterion Collection has now released a completely remastered and restored high-definition edition of the classic film on Blu-ray that is bound to please both Kurosawa fans and cinema aficionados alike. KAGEMUSHA follows the story of a thief who is saved from execution because he bares an uncanny resemblance to the local warlord, Shingen Takeda (Tatsuya Nakadai). The thief is soon employed as Shingen's double, but when Shingen dies, his retainers try to pass the thief off as the actual warlord to keep Shingen's estate and holdings intact. What develops is a very intriguing study of how power affects an individual, and more importantly, the question of how honor differs between two individuals, who though they look exactly alike, hail from different birthrights. KAGEMUSHA went on to win the Palm d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film and Best Art Direction/Set Decoration. With this new release, it is very easy to see why. The scope of KAGEMUSHA easily equals Kurosawa's classic films from the 1950s, with vast battle scenes of hundreds of armor clad extras fighting each other with swords and on horseback, but as Kurosawa regularly does, the enormity of these scenes are tightly woven together with much smaller and more intimate scenes that allow the complexities of the characters to fully be realized without ever imposing a heavy hand on the part of the director. This is most evident in the opening scene of the movie, a scene that lasts for just under seven minutes and features only three actors, one of whom is in actuality playing dual roles (Tatsuya Nakadi as both Shingen and the Thief). What is so interesting to note about this scene aside from its length though is the fact that the camera never moves. Kurosawa keeps the framing completely fixed, never allowing a pan, a tilt or even a zoom. Even the actors, who are each seated in seiza position, barely move, but each is still able to convey the power and the intricacies of their characters. As the Thief does begin to shift his position though, turning to face Shingen, but still never rising, there is the effect that a still painting is beginning to come to life. This blending of the art of the static and the art of the moving is what Kurosawa then utilizes as the central theme throughout the rest of the film, both on an aesthetic level as well as an emotional one. While Kurosawa may best be known for his beautifully photographed black and white films that each had such a rich depth of field with lush contrasts, KAGEMUSHA shows just how adept the late director was in a color medium as well. The film is visually stunning and does rely on the visual element, just as much as the spoken, to convey its message. The screen is approached as a canvas, and Kurosawa paints strokes of colors across it simply by having a character dressed in a particularly colored costume move a certain direction. Kurosawa masterfully uses color then to not only set a tone for a scene, but to tie together varying themes within the film, allowing him to find an interrelation among the different elements of his production and unifying them into both an accordance, and at times disjointedness, with one another. In a scene where the Thief becomes lost in his own nightmare, Kurosawa and art director Yoshirô Muraki create such a remarkable set that the melding of the contrasting colors become surreal in nature as it personifies the character's own internal conflicting emotions and becomes a key example of the depth Kurosawa incorporates into the film. KAGEMUSHA is a superb movie and one that should not be missed. Wonderfully acted and brilliantly conceived visually, the film at no point feels like it is a three hour epic. While movies such as THE SEVEN SAMURAI and THRONE OF BLOOD may be regarded as quintessential Kurosawa works that belong in everyone's collection who has a deep love for cinema, KAGEMUSHA should equally be included as well, for the film shows the culmination of a brilliant director's career and the progression of his artistic vision. For the Blu-ray release, The Criterion Collection has once again proved to be second to none when it comes to bonus materials. Included with the beautiful high-definition transfer of the film are: a nineteen minute featurette of modern day interviews with George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola who discuss their involvement in the film, a forty-one minute Japanese documentary of the making of the film featuring interviews with cast and crew that is subtitled, a forty-four minute featurette shwoing Kurosawa's original watercolor storyboards that are edited together with the accompanying dialogue and music from the film, a gallery of Kurosawa's storyboards shown side by side with their filmed counterparts, theatrical trailers and a collection of five Suntory whiskey commercials that Kurosawa shot while making KAGEMUSHA. There is of course audio commentary, and to round things out, there is an amazing booklet in the Blu-ray case that has reproductions of Kurosawa's storyboards along with an essay on the film and an interview with Kurosawa from 1981, The bonus materials are stellar and will keep film buffs entertained for hours. Buy this release now, you will be glad you did.

(Lynn Ellingwood, 2009-06-23) I had to watch Kagemusha twice to really appreciate it. The first time I was more obsessed with my computer and missed key parts, the second time I enjoyed it thoroughly. The use of color and photography is amazing and considering how low the budget was, Kurosawa did a very nice job. The story of a Japanese lord who dies and the clan who pushed a thief who resembles the lord to take his place. Of course, he can only live as long as the clan finds him useful. Great movie.

(Erin J. Benedetto, 2009-10-05) A classic Disney film that still works and entertains the whole family. Good old fashioned family viewing. I wish I could find more shows like this!

(B Fas, 2009-09-18) Very corny, yet entertaining and fun. If you like the old Disney corny films, this will be no different. Actually pretty funny sometimes!

(Norman S. Grimes, 2009-09-25) I would buy this, except DX is on the cover. I'm sorry, but not happening, DX doesn't belong there.

(Matthew Kunka, 2009-08-24) I hear people complaining about this being unorganized and that is my favorite part of this DVD set. Most sets are in chronological order which means that most people scan past the older matches. This DVD puts it back and forth so that we have the classic wrestling matches mixed with our new, high flying wrestling matches. It's perfect. The Miz and Morrison are great hosts, too because they have the cockiness that all the other memorable tag teams have. This is the DVD to own if you have any respect at all for the older wrestling. Buy it, now!

(D.P., 2009-08-07) Tag team wrestling has become a lost art in the WWE for the past couple of years but at least WWE hasn't completely forgotten about the past history of tag team wrestling with this release completely revolved around tag team wrestling. This set is hosted by the best WWE tag team (at that time) in John Morrison & The Miz...and if anyone has seen their webshow "The Dirt Sheet", you know they can be entertaining & did a good job hosting this set (at least better than Striker & Maria did on Macho Man's). I'll give credit to WWE in that eventhough they couldn't possibly put a match showcasing every single major tag team for over the past couple of decades, they did at least have various highlight reels mentioning various tag teams broken down into different subjects like aerial teams (Steamboat & Youngblood, High Flyers), brothers (Ole & Arn Anderson, Taker & Kane, Vallants, Strongbows, Smokin' Gunns), international teams (Koloffs, Bushwackers, La Resistance), classic teams (Texas Outlaws, Patterson & Stevens, Wild Samoans, Blackjacks), blockbuster teams (Sting & Luger, Hogan & Savage), and other honorable mentions (MNM, Billy & Chuck, Austin & Pillman, A.P.A.). Matches Include: British Bulldogs vs. Hart Foundation - Bret Hart said on his DVD that eventhough the main eventers like Hogan & Andre were drawing the crowds during this time period, the best matches were between these two teams and this match can validate that point as it was classic tag team wrestling here with both teams building up the pace throughout the match with good double team moves by both men...including the Hart Foundation pulling off a Hart Attack off the top rope at one point. Great showcasing of the Bulldogs as you had to be impressed with the "muscle man" of the team in Davey Boy being so quick & agile himself right besides of Dynamite Kid. ("MSG" Sept. '85) WCW Tag Team Champions Steiner Brothers vs. I.W.G.P. Tag Team Champions Hiroshi Hase & Kensuke Sasaki - This was from the WCW/New Japan joint PPV's they would do once a year back in the early 90's. Unique situation here as the Steiners weren't the crowd favorites but it was a interesting matchup as anyone who's seen japanese wrestling (WWE's Chris Benoit or TNA's Global Impact DVD's for example) knows that they have a completely different style that's more "stronger & stiffer" so you got a different type of match here than you would normally expect from the Steiners in the United States. I'm glad WWE found this lost gem in the vault as this was a history making match with the Steiners at this time being both the World & U.S. Tag Team Champions in WCW and winning the New Japan's tag team championship, they were triple crown champions. ("WCW/New Japan Supershow" Mar. '91) 2 out of 3 Falls Match: Killer Bees vs. Demolition - This match as a good display of storytelling by the Bees & selling by Demolition but overall, it was a nice match but nothing I personally would concider "DVD worthy" (Oct. '87) Hardy Boys vs. Edge & Christian - To my memory, this was both teams their first real televised matchup against each other. This was more like a preview of their later encounters as it was short but fast paced & non-stop action but the highlight was Edge executing one move that got such a reaction that it's become a trademark of his over a decade later. (King Of The Ring '99) Country Whipping Match: Kerry & Kevin Von Erich vs. Fabulous Freebirds - The rules for this match was that both men in the ring were allowed to use their belt straps throughout the match. The matches between the Von Erichs & Freebirds were always described as wild with a football game type reaction from the crowd...and this was no expection as everything here from the crowd to the inring action was just out of control from start to finish. ("World Class Championship Wrestling" Oct. '83) Funk Brothers vs. Brisco Brothers - This was real short & nothing noteworthy outside of the fact that it's rare footage from the archives. ("Championship Wrestling From Florida") WCW Tag Team Champions Harlem Heat vs. Steiner Brothers - Well "Heat" was the right name for Booker & Stevie here because the crowd was all over them right from the start. Harlem Heat had their best series of matches in WCW against the Steiner Brothers because they just had that natural chemistry with each other. I'll go as far as to call this a lost classic when it came to tag team wrestling during this period of wrestling. One funny sidenote was to pay attention to Bobby Heenan's commentary since he kept forgetting that this PPV was on a Saturday, not a Sunday.("WCW Hog Wild" Aug. '96) NWA United States Tag Team Champions Fantastics vs. Midnight Express - When the Rock N' Roll Express left the NWA during this time, their perfect replacements as far as inring ability were the team known as the Fantastics. The stipulation was that Jim Cornette would be suspended above the ring. This was another solid tag team match here as both teams were young & the match had a faster pace than the opener. With the Midnight Express being one of the original high flyin' tag teams of it's time along with the Fantastics being an underrated team, it was the "sleeper" match of the night with Cornette crying & acting scared thoughout the match just adds a bit of humor. ("NWA Great American Bash" July '88) Falls Count Anywhere Street Fight Match: Nasty Boys vs. Public Enemy - This was a hardcore feud in 1996 that is constantly overshadowed by the over big main event feuds, storylines, & events that happened during the year. With both teams having a reputation for being hardcore brawlers & with their first match at the Clash Of The Champions getting way out of control, you knew to expect chaos & you got it. Tables were broken, chairs were used, and trash cans were being piledriven on within the opening minutes. They were fighting in the ring, isleway, concession stands using every & anything they could get their hands on. What a wild brawl. (WCW SuperBrawl VI) Rockers vs. Brain Busters - Eventhough normally the ex-Horsemen duo of Anderson & Blanchard would bring out the best in the Rockers, this wasn't one of those matches as the Rockers were wrestling a more defensive style throughout the match instead of the fast paced high flyin' style that they made their reputation off of. This would have been a better match to showcase Arn & Tully than it was to showcase The Rockers. ("MSG" Mar. '89) WWE Tag Team Champions Strike Force vs. Demolition - This was a nice match as Strike Force were good tag team at that time while Demolition were only around for a few months but established themselves as the biggest & baddest tag team in the federation. The wasn't the best display for Demolition as far as inring work goes but this was historical as it began the longest tag team championship reign in WWE history along with the fact that eventhough they were heels, the crowd clearly showed that they wanted Demolition to walk away with the titles. (WrestleMania IV) WWE World Tag Team Champions U.S. Express vs. Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff - The first championship match at the first WrestleMania resulted in the first title change here. This match will come off as "dated" by today's audience but back then, this had all the elements of a classic "babyface vs. heel" match even down to how important a role a manager can play. (WrestleMania) [Legends Of Wrestling: Iron Sheik & Andre The Giant] Steel Cage Match: WWE Tag Team Champions Dudley Boyz vs. WCW Tag Team Champions Hardy Boys - I know some people compared this to their TLC matches but this was able to stand out on it's own and it wasn't one of those "bloddy massacre" cage matches. These two don't disappoint anytime they're allowed to go one on one in a tag team match and this is the same as well. One moment to look out for was what Jeff Hardy did at the end of the match. And as a funny side note, you could tell how confusing it was having so many championships in the company during that time as everyone from the production team to Howard Finkel introduced the Dudleys as the WWE Tag Team Champions when they were the WCW Tag Team Champions. (Survivor Series '01) WCW Tag Team Champions Outsiders vs. Harlem Heat - This was the only time I can recall these teams facing each other & it was real good as both teams resemble each other real well. Good tag team match between these two which was probably the best match Hall & Nash ever had in WCW as far as inring work & chemistry. (WCW Halloween Havoc '96) NWA World Tag Team Champions Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard vs. Sting & Nikita Koloff - They went to the 20 min. draw here but it was a solid match here from beginning to end. You saw the traits of what made Arn & Tully one of the greatest tag teams as they cut the ring in half & always kept their opponetts in control while Sting & Nikita held their own here as well. (NWA Great American Bash '88) [Ric Flair & The Four Horsemen] Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens vs. Red Bastien & Billy Robinson - Unfortunally, the DVD that I rented this from had a glitch here so I can't comment here but it was nice that WWE decided to use their vault here. ("AWA All Star Wrestling" Dec. '72) Rey Mysterio & Shawn Michaels vs. John Morrison & The Miz - Well, the hosted the DVD so you figured they had to have a match on here. This was the first time Mysterio & H.B.K. teamed and judging by how they interacted with each other, they would make a great full time team if WWE ever decided to go that direction. Miz & Morrison displayed the good elements here of what makes a great classic tag team here & was able to vibe well here. A good match overall. ("RAW" Nov. '08) WWE Tag Team Champions Hart Foundation vs. Rougeau Brothers - Eventhough this match/feud isn't as famous as their others, this was a great example of the Hart Foundation in heel mode with the double teaming behind the referee's back & using the referee's count to their advantage. The Rougeaus were always an underrated team who had good chemisty with the Hart Foundation and this was a good lost match. ("Boston Garden" Mar. '87) TLC Match: WWE Tag Team Champions Edge & Christian vs. Dudley Boyz vs. Hardy Boyz - The first TLC match and this was the one that topped their WrestleMania match months earlier. Again, this is one of those matches that I can't describe in words that you just have to watch. (SummerSlam '00) [The Ladder Match & Hardy Boyz: Leap Of Faith] NWA World Tag Team Champions Ivan Koloff & Khrusher Khruschev vs. Rock `N' Roll Express - This match perfectly displays what various critics claimed were the Rock N' Roll Express' key to success and that's being able to hook the fans by being both defensive (like setting up the "hot tag") offensive wrestlers (their double team moves like the dropkicks). While this wasn't the quality that you would see from their more famous series of matches against the Midnight Express, this was historic as the Rock N' Roll Express would win their first NWA Tag Team Championships here. ("NWA World Wide Wrestling" July '85) WWE Tag Team Champions New Age Outlaws vs. Rock `N' Sock Connection - Two of the most entertaining teams WWE had went at it here in a match that was typical of all teams involved at the time with it being non-stop action with a good mix of brawling & wrestling (Rock & Billy Gunn) along with keeping the crowd entertained (Mankind & Road Dogg). (Armageddon '99) D-Generation X vs. Rated RKO - As usual with Cyber Sunday/Taboo Tuesday, the fans vote on a stipulation for the match & in this case it was who was going to be the referee. The match was actually DX's 2nd best match since reuniting (Hell In The Cell was the first) as they didn't just beat up & dominate their opponents while Rated RKO left with some credibility unlike every other team DX faced at that time. (Cyber Sunday '06) [The New & Improved DX] Los Guerreros vs. World's Greatest Tag Team - During the period where WWE's tag team division was balancing between non-existant & lukewarm, the feud between these two teams was certainly a highlight...to the point where two of their matches have made it onto other DVD's (Viva La Raza & Greatest Familes). Eddie, as usual, kept the match entertaining with his "lie, cheat, steal" antics while Chavo showed why he's still underrated to this day but this was a great showcase for the former Team Angle as they wrestled like the "Anderson's" of old to where they picked a body part on both wrestlers & heavily focused on it. ("SmackDown!" Dec. '03) Nikita Koloff & Dusty Rhodes vs. Lex Luger & Tully Blanchard - Before the match stars, you get an emotional moment as Magnum T.A. made his first appearence since his career ending accident 6 months earlier along with a mini-reunion of with both Dusty Rhodes & Nikita Koloff. This match was good action that you would expect from the NWA at this time with the highlight of the Horsemen being the classic heels they were known to be at that time throughout the match before Dusty pulled off a move that you wouldn't expect from a fat plumbers son from Austin, TX. ("NWA Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Cup" Apr. '87) Legion of Doom vs. Money Inc. - Eventhough they weren't the champions, these were the two best tag teams WWE had at that time. This was a good solid match all around with Money Inc. being the great mat wrestlers but still cheating heels meshing well with L.O.D.'s powerhouse style...but pay attention to L.O.D.'s entrance, it was quite a sight. (SummerSlam '92) [Road Warriors] DVD extras include the Freebirds "Badstreet U.S.A." music video, Gene Okerland visiting The Hart Foundation (the segment is edited...the full version is on the "Greatest Managers" DVD), highlights of the "Los Conquistadors" angle between the Edge & Christian and Hardy Boyz, a funny segment with Mick Foley trying to break up the Rock N' Sock Connection, DX talking about the referee choices for their Cyber Sunday match, the "Mizfits & Mofos" music video by Miz & Morrison mocking Cryme Time, and other promos & interviews from the British Bulldogs, Bushwackers, Demolition, and Legion Of Doom. The huge positive here is that was probably the best use of WWE's video vault in a very long time as we got a bunch of rare footage from different federations to the point where some of them were never even released to VHS which gave us some lost classics & historic encounters. The minor faults I found with this DVD set was that it could have been better organized as the matches & profiles seemed to be all over the place instead of some order, most of the DVD extras could have been left in the vault, there was no mention of any ECW teams out of the Dudleys (Sabu & RVD could have gotten a mention) & some of the matches picked weren't the best showcases of the featured teams. However, the one major problem with this DVD is that it's obivious WWE spent some time in the vault to find some of these matches for these teams so you mean to tell me while they're in there that they couldn't find any other matches to replace the ones that are already on other DVD's here. For example, fans of Anderson & Blanchard would already have had the "4 Horsemen" DVD that had the Sting/Koloff match already on it so another match could have been used to showcase Anderson & Blanchard (maybe one of their matches from their Brain Busters run). Fans of the Road Warriors would have already had their DVD so the Money Inc. match could have been replaced with another match. Same case with the fans of the Hardys/E&C/Dudleys feud would have already had the SummerSlam Ladder Match so another unreleased match could have been chosen to showcase Edge & Christian just like how unreleased matches were used to showcase the Hardys & Dudleys. Overall, this was an enjoyable DVD set but it wasn't as good as it could have been so this isn't something I would rush out to get but something I would put on the list as something to check out when you have a few bucks to spare because there are some gems on here worth watching.

(The Dude, 2009-08-06) I honestly don't get all the negativity I am reading in some of these Amazon reviews. This is an EXCELLENT production. You can tell most of the people who wrote reviews didn't even watch the whole thing, but rather based their opinions off of the chapter point listings. Unbelievable. Anyway, if you are a longtime fan, and you want to add a great DVD to your library, this is a no brainer. They covered over 50 teams. I thought the format was fresh, and I had no trouble following along. Even Miz and Morrison were good. Clearly, this was made before they split up...but these two were very entertaining together. It makes me wonder why the WWE broke these two guys up? As far as the matches go...It was cool to see some of the older matches, like the Briscos match, and some of the WCW matches. Not all the matches were for me, but its cool to see so much of that vast video library showcased. I felt this DVD saved me alot of money from hunting down some of these matches on Ebay. Bottom line, if you want a lesson in tag team wrestling history, you will find this set honors many of the important teams, past and present. Very entertaining. Great release!

(Andrew Willette, 2009-08-05) Where do I begin with what I think is quite possibly the worst WWE dvd ever. WWE has been MIA in the tag team department for years and I really was hoping that they would put out a DVD devoted to the tag teams for those of us who love tag team action ever now and then. Well the day finally came, and I am very disappointed. This DVD is not only so unorganized that it bounces you from one era to the next.. but the lack of respect the tag teams are given.. I mean 1-2 minutes background on some of the teams? I don't know what else to say.. WWE dropped the ball here and I wouldn't waste money on this dvd. this dvd doesn't even deserve a review..

(Gaz Booshay, 2009-09-17) A great resource for a fan like me from outside the US who has vague memories of some of these classic games or wanted to see the games I'd only ever heard about (ala The Bodybag game). I think I'll get most use out of this collection in the off season when I need my Eagles fix. My only request would have been to have had the 'pickle juice game' against Dallas added to this set at the expense of one of the other less memorable games as that is one of my own personal favourites. All the games are good quality as per the original TV broadcast and have been well editted for a seamless view of each game, the ideal way to watch. Highly recommended for any Eagles fan.

(Jeffrey O'donnell, 2009-07-19) I'm sure that I will buy this item since I'm a die-hard Eagles fan but the 10 game line-up looks a little disappointing. None of the Eagles 3 NFL Championship game victories (1948, 1949 and 1960) is included. The 1960 game is probably the greatest game in Eagles history. I know that these games are older but I imagine that NFL Films has them in their vault. Not including the only championships in franchise history definitely leaves a void. Most of the games in the collection are excellent selections. The 1989 game against the Redskins and the 2000 game against the Steelers are weak selections. What about the 1991 "House of Pain" game or the 1993 Eric Allen touchdown return game? I think they could have done a little better. Jeff O'Donnell Mannheim, Germany

(Thomas W. Chilek, 2009-07-17) I'm a ny Giant fan and I have to admit, this is a great set for Eagles fans. I have pre-ordered it and I am especially looking forward in seeing the Miracle at the Meadowlands game from 11-19-78. It is a prime example of how terrible my team was in the 1970's. But unlike the Detroit Lions, we got out of the wilderness as a result of that game and have been consistantly competitive over the last 25 years. Four NFC Championships and three Superbowl victories prove that!!!

(Jackson M. Prather, 2009-06-06) I'm only witholding a star because I'm a Redskins fan who hates having a couple of these games in wide distribution (Anyone remember the 20-6 Redskins win IN Philly IN the playoffs the same year as the vaunted "body bag" game?...anyone?) Anyway...I've seen other "Greatest Games" collections for other teams that really came up short when it came to choosing the right games. While there could be nitpicking amongst diehard Eagles fans (the 1960 championship game win over Lombardi's Packers probably just isn't available), this is the best group of games I've seen for one of these sets. I hope future sets will reflect this improvement (like one for the 'Skins that covers regular season and playoff games, not just the Super Bowls).

(Gabe Sloan, 2009-06-06) First let me start off by saying that I am a New York Jets fan all the way. Bleed Green & white. However the Eagles are my second favorite team for 2 reasons. My aunt and uncle are Eagles fans, and I love Eagles fans because they are just as wild, and a lot of times wilder then Jets fans. Anyway this can't be a greater 10 game series because half of the games on here are actual classics. Here are the games. 1. Eagles vs Giants November 19th, 1978: Miracle at the Meadowlands( I don't need to say anything else) 2.Eagles vs Cowboys January 11th, 1981: The first championship game the Eagles won in the Super Bowl era which got them to the big dance for the first time. 3. Eagles vs Redskins September 17th 1989: Eagles rally at the last minute to score a game winning TD in a 42-37 shoot out 4. Eagles vs Redskins November 12th 1990: Buddy Ryan was quoted 5 days before the game saying " they will get a beating so severe that they will be carted off in body bags," and that's just what happened. The Eagles knocked out the Redskins from the start and scored 3 Defensive TD's when they won 28-14. in the process of the brutal beatdown the Eagles managed to take out 9 Redskins players. Including 2 QB's. It was so severe that Brian Mitchell who was the RB for The Redskins was put in at QB by the end of the game. 5. Eagles vs Lions December 30th 1995: The Eagles beatdown the Lions in the highest scoring game in post season history with the final score being 58-37. That was big, but the even greater part was that they only let Barry Sanders(the greatest and most elusive running back ever) gain only 40 yards rushing all game. 6. Eagles vs Steelers November 12th 2000: Even though the Eagles played terrible for most of the game they rallied back late in the 4th to send the game in to OT and then won it by a game winning FG to make the final score 26-23 7. Eagles vs Packers January 11th 2004: 4th and 26( Don't need to say anything else) 8. Eagles vs Cowboys December 28th 2008: This is a sure classic to Eagles fans and Cowboy haters because everything went right for the Eagles before this game because both the Bears and Bucs would lose to the Texans and Raiders. So all the Eagles needed to do was win and they were in, and that's just what they did. they demolished the Cowboys in a 44-6 thrashing making the Dallas Cowboys America's Choke. 9. Eagles vs Falcons January 23 2005: The Eagles get back to the big dance after beating down the Falcons in a 27-10 win. 10. Eagles vs Cowboys October 8th 2006: My personal favorite because it was T.O.'s first game back as a Cowboy and people were ready to heckle the hell out of him. the game went back and forth until Lito Sheppard sealed it with less than 30 seconds by intercepting a pass and returning it for a TD. Overall this set has at least 5 classics that are definately worth viewing for a lot of fans unless they were a fan of the team on the losing end. I'm definately going to buy it when it comes out.

(Jason Roberts, 2009-10-18) every once and a while me and my father will buy a classic western no matter how cheesy or weird it may look, today he came home with this movie El Dorado, at first i was expecting not too much due to how many westerns that were made, though i should have thought better whenever i saw that it starred two great film actors John Wayne and Robert Mitchum. i may be young but i know good actors when i watch them on screen these two played beautifully off each other and so did another great actor James Caan all the characters were played to perfection, even though anyone can play an alcoholic sheriff with a broken-heart Mitchum really made the role shine, of course John Wayne did wonderful as The Hired Gun, but my favorite role was that of Mississipi played by James Caan, in my opinion he did an astonishing job in this role and the scenes with him and Wayne were glorious. in a lil side note the action scenes were done really well and there was also a slight editing issue during one of the scenes I'm sure you'll notice(but you must take into consideration the time when the movie was made) thank you and you really must see this movie that could never be done today due to the fight between stars in leading roles.

(Guillermo Torres, 2009-09-10) From time to time I've revisited this movie. Entertaining it is. "El Dorado" has its hokey moments, James Caan going on and on about "ride boldly ride" in a poem about El Dorado, Maudie (John Wayne's love interest) taking up where numerous women in Wayne's movies have left off: "I'm not going to cry. I'm just going to buy a pine box, about 6-foot for you" and then the requisite speech about how men are dumb for fighting and women are saintly for waiting valiently for their men to come back home, blah, blah blah. It has has a geezer sidekick (Arthur Honeycutt)who mimics Walter Brennen from "Rio Bravo," James Caan who mimics Ricky Nelson from "Rio Bravo" and Mitchum who mimics Dean Martin from "Rio Bravo" and, finally, Charlene Holt, who mimics Angie Dickinson in "Rio Bravo." See the pattern? "Rio Bravo" and "El Dorado" are essentially the same movie. A sheriff, his sidekick and John Wayne, his sidekick and his girlfriend. Formulaic. Nonetheless, there is a good movie in here. There are elements of Wild Woolly Westerns here. Christopher George plays the bad guy gunslinger who nonetheless warms up to John Wayne's Cole Thornton and SPOILER ALERT! gets it in the end. But there is a scene that is gold: George and his band of bad men walk into the bar to see the other bad guy/rancher Edward Asner. As they walk in, tinkly piano music plays and they swagger in. It's straight out of a 1920s shoot-em-up. It's not a work of art. But it will entertain. It will grow on you with subsequent showings. John Wayne is the ultimate John Wayne with his John Waynisms. Mitchum is pretty much a bystander and goes through the motions. All in all, entertaining and a poem to formula Cowboy movies.

(William E. Tucker, 2009-09-03) This is one of those movies that has the old fashioned western feel from the beginning and all the characters do a terrific job of enhancing that sensation. Wayne and Mitchum are both on their game and play off each other like the pros they were. Since the plot is pretty simple, the characters get to show their stuff regularly throughout the movie. All parts of the movie provide fun and the old belief that the good guy should win and get the pretty girl. When you are through watching you have the feeling that the actors had as much fun making the movie as you had in watching it.

(R. Gale, 2009-07-02) This is a review of the 2009 2-disc Centennial Edition. If you're a fan of this movie (as I am), you probably already own the previous release (as I do), so the real question is: should you upgrade? The answer is unconditionally YES! The image quality of the new transfer is miles beyond the earlier version, and with an upconverting DVD player, it really looks fantastic. The bonus disk is enjoyable as well. Kudos to Paramount for doing a first rate job on this one. Although the movie itself may not qualify for classic status, it's great entertainment and, for my money, a better picture than its previous incarnation as "Rio Bravo." The easy camaraderie between John Wayne and Robert Mitchum, and the fun the director has with James Caan's character equals one good time!

(Richardson, 2009-06-05) I want to be clear as Amazon.com is mixing reviews for all of the editions of the movie of EL DORADO on DVD. This review is for the latest (2009) 2 DVD set Centennial Collection. Being an owner of the previous releases and a huge fan of the movie (probably in the minority who favor it to Rio Bravo)as far as the movie goes it looks stunning! The picture is crisp, the contrast brilliant and the color well saturated. If I didn't know better I'd think it was a VistaVision. The Second disc has some very entertaining and educational featurettes which kept me amused for over an hour themselves. James Caan is great in the film, Mitchum is ....Mitchum ..which is superb and Ed Asner brings a gravitas to his character. Oh...John Wayne is terrific and this is just a lot of fun.

(Lynda E. Walters, 2009-11-05) This is an excellent movie and a classic. Everyone should see it at least once. It is a great asset to my movie collection.

(Michael W. Wilson, 2009-09-20) John Wayne and James Stewart made a very interesting pairing in films. Their last appearance was in "The Shootist." James Stewart was a World War II hero in the real sense. John Wayne, despite all of his war movies, was not a veteran. Likewise Lee Marvin was also a military veteran. In this movie John Ford did to westerns what Alfred Hitchcock did to horror. The audience is not simply spoon-fed a typical movie with a simple plot. At the end of the show, there are many points to contemplate. Too bad it was not produced in color.

(K. Schultz, 2009-09-10) I do not normally like westerns but Jimmy Stewart is becoming one of my favorite actors, including in the westerns. This movie has much suspense and is not boring. It keeps you engaged in it and has some very lovely romance too. What surprised me, however, was that the movie began with the end and went back to the beginning to tell the whole story. That you need to know, but it is a very good movie.

(T. Fisher, 2009-09-07) For me, this film is the greatest western of all. Now, that's a matter of individual taste, and yours may be different. But the themes of justice, deception, good and evil, grief and loss, mourning the past and looking to a new future are all so well balanced that nothing else has been able to knock this off the top spot in the genre for me. Jimmy Stewart is Ransom Stoddard, a young idealist lawyer arriving in the lawless town of Shinbone in the old west, where if you want justice you had better claim it for yourself through skill with a gun. He immediately runs afoul of Liberty Valance (spectacularly played by Lee Marvin), the worst of the local outlaws, and indirectly befriends Tom Doniphon (John Wayne), who by chance also aspires, like Ransom, to get the girl in the picture, Hallie (Vera Miles). Eventually Liberty Valance calls Rance out for a gunfight in the street, which is the pivotal event in the movie. After all, it's called "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" for a reason! But believe me, the gunfight isn't the end of the film. There is a strong theme of the "common man" vs. the rich and powerful. The story is set in the context of deciding whether the local territory (which remains unnamed, but could be something like an Arizona, Nevada or New Mexico) should remain a territory or become a state in the union. The local ranchers are against statehood, because they want to continue using public lands for free to graze and water their cattle. They hire outlaws like Liberty Valance to intimidate the local populace and threaten that terrible things will happen to them if they vote in favor of statehood. John Ford hits all the right notes. Good triumphs over evil, but at a tremendous personal cost. The territory marches inevitably to statehood, bringing new progress to Shinbone but killing its former, freer way of life. Jimmy Stewart's character does tremendous good, but must live a lie to do so. Terrific!

(lisa, 2009-08-04) This is a film that is dark and somber yet deeply moving and poignant. A powerful story dealing with nostalgia, the gunslinging ways of the "old West" versus the civilized future of the "new West" and trying to overcome the injustices of men. Lee Marvin, in one of his great early roles, plays Liberty Valance. James Stewart, plays the Eastern tenderfoot lawyer who is repulsed by the lawlessness of the West and wants to right the wrongs and bring law to the territory. John Wayne, in one of his best roles, gives one of his best performances as Tom Doniphon; the wise, strong, and "just" small time rancher. "I love him in this movie". Vera Miles, Woody Strode, Edmond O'Brien, Strother Martin also co-star. This is a different Ford western in that it does not have his trademark vistas and scenery. There is a claustrophobic and oppressive look and feel to the movie and along with the stark B&W cinematography only enhance the story and make it work. DVD has a nice commentary by Peter Bogdanovich and old interviews with Dan Ford (grandson of John Ford)and Lee Marvin, John Ford and James Stewart. This is a great film in every way and will stay with you long after the movie is over. I'm glad I have it in my film library.

(Staci Jansen, 2009-11-06) Just wanted to say, that I purchased a dvd claiming to be in good condition, and it isnt. The whole movie was fine but at the last 15 minutes of the movie the screen freezes..so you dont even know what happens at the end of it!! Not too happy with this... the next thing you know when the screen finally unfreezes you are watching credits.. Will not purchase anything else from this seller.

(JoJo, 2009-11-03) The cost of this dvd was great. Also from the time I ordered till the time I got the item was so quick. Thanks for the good job!

(David Baldwin, 2009-10-31) I didn't go into this flick with heightened expectations. I was pleasantly surprised that it was more than a "Fatal Attraction" retread with an interracial angle. There were some fresh insights on sexual obsession and office interraction between the sexes explored here. The performances by the principal actors was uniformly solid, notably Idris Elba. The only real debit is an utterly predictable catfight finale that was telegraphed miles away. Not profound, but I place it behind "Play Misty For Me" and before the criminally overrated "Fatal Attraction" in this genre.

(Demond Simmons, 2009-10-27) this was a good movie. i didn't care for Beyonce's lackluster performance but Ali Larter was amazing.

(Kody, 2009-10-26) Beyonce is amazing. However, this movie just drags on and on and on. But it does get really good. Beyonce is good at acting and her fighting skills in the movie is good. I would be scared to death if that woman stalked me around and lying.

(Paul Kao, 2009-10-12) When a French vaudeville theater is closed by the new management, the stagehands manage to reopen it. Things look bad until a beautiful and very talented singer takes the stage.

(Tsuyoshi, 2009-09-25) "Paris 36" ("Faubourg 36") is the second feature film of Christophe Barratier. As in his previous film, critically acclaimed "The Chorus" that was a huge hit in France in 2004, music plays a significant role in "Paris 36" and the soundtrack music is gorgeous. However, as to its storytelling, "Paris 36" is a tad disappointing overall. As its title suggests, the film is set in and around 1936, the era of economic hardship and political unrest. Pigoil (Gérard Jugnot, who played the music teacher in "The Chorus") is a dedicated veteran worker at the Chansonia, an old theater in Paris suburb, which has to be closed because of financial difficulties. Pigoil, now unemployed, also loses custody of his only son to his wife who has just left him for another man. But because of one incident at the now-closed theater, Pigoil and his friends including hot-tempered stage technician Milou (Clovis Cornillac) and good-natured but incredibly unfunny entertainer Jacky (Kad Merad) decide to revive their beloved theater. "Paris 36" sometimes makes me feel like watching classic movies. The gorgeous production designs are something you rarely see in these days (the set was constructed in studio in Prague). The photography (by Tom Stern, "Changeling") is moody and elegant. With meticulous visual details that conjure up a period, and great numbers that you would be humming after leaving the theater, "Paris 36" is always nice to watch and hear. What "Paris 36" doesn't have is a good script. Personally I don't dislike its old-fashioned melodramatic stories, but the overwrought script suffers from too many familiar narrative devices and (mostly flat) characters. The film employs multiple narrative threads - about Pigoil and his accordion-playing son Jojo, Milou and his romance with the theater's new singer Douce (Nora Arnezeder), etc. - but each subplot resolves too quickly, and doesn't allow us to know these characters enough. I liked "The Chorus" and I still remember its last scene which was truly moving. I can tell you the last scene of "Paris 36" is touching, almost equally. Again I say, the music is wonderful in "Paris 36." But I think the film could have been much better with a simpler story.

(Jesus M. Lopez, 2009-09-12) GREAT MOVIE, GREAT MUSIC, GREAT ACTING, GREAT PHOTOGRAPH, GREAT DIRECTION. IN FEW WORDS "CE MAGNIFIQUE"

(Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com, 2009-09-08) "Paris 36" ------------------------------ This romantic melodrama is set amid pre-war Paris, as politics and crime swirl around a dying French music-hall. The film is packed with likable, sympathetic characters, although the script is a bit on-the-nose and prosaic. Still, it evokes the glamour and romance of a bygone time, the era when great tragic chanson stars such as Edith Piaf and Lucienne Boyer brought France to tears... Worth checking out if you go for that brand of nostalgia. (Joe Sixpack, Slipcue film review blog)

(Grady Harp, 2009-08-23) PARIS 36 is a deliciously entertaining blend of history (WW II and the French reaction to the Nazis), of cabarets, French vaudeville, and the fracturing of families that occurred during times of stress - all costumed in a period piece that revives the year 1936 in Paris with gentle humor and sensitivity. It is as refreshing as anything to come on the screen in a long time. Writer/director Christophe Barratier (with Pierre Philippe adding the dialogue) serve up this confection with underscored aplomb and the result is delectable! 1936, and the streets of Paris are being decimated by the recession/depression of the times: workers are revolting (lead by the handsome young Milou - Clovis Cornillac), the small time theaters such as the Chansonia under the loving direction of Pigoil (Gérard Jugnot) are on hard times, and the 'big bosses' of the times are finding ways to take over small businesses. To make things worse, Pigoil's wife runs off with an entertainer, leaving Pigoil to survive unemployment with his beloved son - that son is soon reluctantly moved away to join his prosperous mother and new 'caretaker'. Into this sad turn of events comes a naive but wondrously winsome lass named Douce (Nora Arnezeder) who takes part in the revitalization of the Chansonia, supplying the meager audience with her growing talent while urging the public to applaud for a a loser of a nice guy performer - Jacky (Kad Merad). A little star is born. Somehow it all comes together despite innumerable setbacks, and in the end the people own their hearts and regain their pride. It is a simple story, but told with a glow of Parisian bloom that dissipates the gloom of the times and creates a moment of nostalgia well worth remembering. For an evening of joy this is a must. In French with English subtitles. Grady Harp, August 09

(R. B. Mccullough, 2009-10-25) I don't know why this has not been released in the UK. I got fed up waiting for it and the US version works fine.

(Kevin M. Kaptain, 2009-10-21) Too bad Van did not do a high quality concert film during the seventies. That would have been great...this concert, on the otherhand is merely good. Still it was a worthy addition to my collection.

(Kanawha, 2009-09-26) I don't know flip about cinematography, but I know what I like. This is the best music DVD I have ever seen. I have had the CD for awhile and found it Van's most overall satisfying in years. But the DVD adds so much and enhances the performances. It moves quickly from scene to scene (unlike most music DVDs)yet still manages to showcase the individual musicians' highlights as well as Van the Man's. It accents his polished professionalism, adding a dramatic flare. To me it shows off his personality as well as his immense talent. It pulls off the difficult feat of combining precision with spontaneity. It's a pleasure to watch and listen to. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the CD.

(Robert A. Malgeri, 2009-09-22) My wife and I were at this show and the DVD is a great keepsake.We watch it regularly.The music and musicians are fabulous.Truely a magical evening with one of the treasures of our time.Van has always followed his own path and if you go along you're in for a wonderful ride.

(jay fisher, 2009-09-12) I could not afford the $250 to see Van live. This is the next best thing. Worth every cent. Jay Fisher

(C. John Sullivan III, 2009-10-22) awesome show! we have a half a dozen bluegrass get to togethers a year. this dvd is great for when the band needs a break.

(Steve Riley, 2009-10-18) this is a great video performance of the old crow medicine show live. when the old crows play, you can't sit still!

(J. Smith, 2009-10-13) The best band in America plays an absolutely phenomenal show. Many people say OCMS play with rock & roll energy, but there aren't many rock acts today that match this level of intensity and artistry. These guys are dynamite from beginning to end. One viewing made most of my country collection obsolete, several more viewings put them high on my list of best bands of all time. I could go on all day! Recommended over and over and over again!!!

(T. Ray, 2009-09-20) Awesome DVD, have watched it several times, inspired me to go see them again for the 3rd time in concert. Highly recommend it!

(N. Welch, 2009-09-17) Great dvd! I have them in concert twice this year in Chattanooga and Knoxville TN and they sound a lot better live than on their albums! It's really fun to watch these guys perform!

(Mr. Brian J. Devlin, 2009-10-26) This movie was OK as far as WWII movies go. Let's put it this way,it didn't suck! I've seen alot better.

(John F., Warris, III, 2009-09-12) I enjoyed this film, but it was not as exciting as the new version by Quentin Tarantino. Actor Christopher Waltz stole the picture.

(Brian Lueth, 2009-09-11) From Spaghetti Westerns to Post-Nuke cinema, I'll be darned if there's a genre film Enzo G. Castellari can't handle! The Inglorious Bastards is just such an exceptional example and undoubtedly the kind of film that's able to rise above the classics it so heavily borrows from. Forget The Dirty Dozen, forget Cross of Iron, The Inglorious Bastards has one thing neither of those milestones in combat cinema have...Fred "The Hammer" Williamson. What? You were expecting something deep and profound? There's not one single thing I disliked about The Inglorious Bastards; the action is of the non-stop, two-fisted variety and the characters are incredibly likable, despite being a motley assemblage of thieves, murderers and cowards. The film tackles topics like race, true love and self-sacrifice in the face of impending doom; some emotionally charged topics there for a film many might consider exploitation. The production design far exceeds anything one might expect going into this film and Giovanni Bergamini's cinematography was more than adequate. The score by famed Italian film composer Francesco De Masi was good though perhaps not as memorable as some of his other work in spaghetti cinema. While The Inglorious Bastards may not have been the last film Williamson and Svenson worked on together, this is undoubtedly the best of the lot and an absolute must-see film for cult cinema fans. Severin has really gone all out on this fantastic release and the sound, transfer and extras really set this apart from the film's previous release incarnation. This has got to be one of the top cult cinema DVD releases of 2008! Forget Tarantino...IT'S ALL ABOUT THE CASTELLARI!

(Pumpkin Man, 2009-08-18) I rented this to get ready to see Quentin Tarintino's version of it. I thought this movie was better than I had expected. It has a lot of action and gun-play, and fighting. A group of prisoners are being shipped off to military prison for a variety of infractions. On the way, a German air attack hits the convoy and the prisoners try to escape. They try going to Switzerland to get away from the war, but they end up volunteering for a commando mission. If you love classic action flicks of the 70's, you'll love INGLORIOUS BASTARDS!!!

(CraigalsCosmosis, 2009-05-25) MP prisoners must fight for their lives behind enemy lines and stop a train.German and American forces shoot at them as they go on a mission to regain their freedom.The action is abundant and done well along with the sly tongue in cheek performances of the actors(Fred Williamson haming it up is a spectacular sight to see).The double disc is loaded with extras and features a 35 minute discussion with Quentin Tarantino and director Enzo Castellari.Can't wait to see Tarantino's version coming out in August 2009

(E. Valero, 2009-11-05) This remake of the 1981 chiller is solid with some gruesome kills, spills and interesting characters. The story is routine, about an undistinguished mining town being terrorized by a crazed killer out for bloody revenge but the gloomy setting adds to the films eerie tone and the killer, although never as iconic as the other more infamous horror screen legends, (You know who I'm talkin' about, the one that wears the hockey mask and the William Shatner mask.) is amazingly chilling in his mining gear and wielding a handy pick axe. I originally saw this in the theatre in 3-D and loved it. It definitely looses a bit of its edge when viewing it on the small screen but the tension and dread are still there. Overall, the performances are good. Jaime King is a delight, Tom Atkins, who made a name for himself appearing in several popular horror films; The Fog (Special Edition), Escape from New York (Special Edition), Halloween III - Season Of The Witch, Creepshow (Keepcase), Night of the Creeps, is his usually charming self and it's good to see him back in his genre and Kerr Smith is great as the egotistical Sheriff who has an axe to grind with the overwhelmingly inexpressive Jensen Ackles. Smith's performance is slick, cool and despite his characters unlikable characteristics, he still manages to make him rather likable. Ackles' performance on the other hand does not hold up against his supporting players. He seemed to have graduated from the "Keanu Reeves School of Acting" and his performance at times was embarrassing. Some may state that it was his characters nature since he is portraying a rather troubled young man with absolutely no personality but he could have at least made the character a bit more interesting. He speaks all of his lines in a monotone and his sculpted face is expressionless throughout making his character come across as a complete and utter bore. For those who are fans of the original, you may not find this remake necessary as it is your typical by the numbers slasher film. However, as a re-make of a cult classic, and considering we have had a number of atrocious, Z-grade re-tellings of classic and cult classic horror movies, this one stands out as one of the best. The pacing is great as is the ensemble cast with the exception of Jensen Ackles. The death scenes deliver the goods and the murderer is as chilling as he was in the original. Definitely worth your time. Recommended.

(David Foughty, 2009-11-05) My Bloody Valentine 3-D pulled out all the stops and is every bit worth the ticket price. I admit that my expectations were pretty low at first, but as a horror fan and a 3-D fan, I went to the theater anyway not trying to get my hopes up too much. From the very beginning, the story, action, and the visuals hooked me into it with lots of twists, turns, and shocks. Digital 3-D movies over the past few years have only offered family films or animation in 3-D. Finally, Live-Action Digital 3-D that WORKS!! A MUST see movie if you like blood, gore, and full nudity; all in 3-D! A few story problems in the third act but everything else makes up for it. The movie is meant to be fun anyway, and it was! Bravo to the filmmakers for making this movie entertaining and visually stunning. We are off to a great start in 3-D movies!

(Reginald Taylor, 2009-10-25) I was entertained by this movie.It is a great horror film. The 3D is very good on this DVD.The blu-ray quality also is good.Horror fans will enjoy this movie.

(William Dorfer, 2009-10-25) Although I'm not usually one to jump on the bandwagon when a Hollywood remake of a horror film is made, my curiosity was sparked...well more like electrocuted, when I saw the trailer for this on the DVD for "Haunting in Connecticut". So what do I do? The only sensible thing! I buy it for myself to give it a good view. So what do I think of "My Bloody Valentine"? Well, the short version of my opinion would be that it's a great horror movie that really gives you the feel of the '80s classics, but also suffers from being too Hollywood. However, I wouldn't be doing my job as the horror aficionado I am without giving you all the whole enchilada. The positives about "My Bloody Valentine" are the positives of many classic slasher films: We have a sinister and seemingly indestructible villain who goes on a murderous rampage, lots of blood and gore throughout the movie, amazing special effects, a scene of ABSOLUTELY GRATUITIOUS nudity, a cool small-town setting and overall rather good acting. So indeed, "My Bloody Valentine" is an old-school, nuts-out slasher film extravaganza. The only thing I didn't really like about the film is that it became too "Hollywood" towards the end. The last scene kind of turned from old-school slasher horror to a more drama-thriller sort of affair. The ending is also debatable; watch it and you'll probably be like me, hoping that they better do a sequel the way it ended! Overall, this is for the most part a very good movie that could've had a less mainstream vibe to make it flawless, but the fact that there's a solid amount of special features, and that it comes in either 2-D or 3-D with four pairs of 3-D glasses makes me give it a five-star rating. Although it's a Valentine's Day related horror film, be sure to get this in time for Halloween! Thanks for the time, and peace.

(Mr. Censored, 2009-10-15) A psychotic killer in miner's garb who may or may not have died a decade ago returns to haunt the small, slightly incestuous community of Harmony on Valentine's Day. Armed with a pick-axe, our killer finds many clever and efficient ways of dispatching his victims which include quite possibly the first little-person ever to be splattered in a horror movie. Few remakes nowadays are done with the kind of love and respect that 1981's Canadian cult classic "My Bloody Valentine" has received. As a 3-D upgrade, it's almost like a valentine itself to horror fans, being throwback to the 80's glory days of the slasher genre that it is. With all the over-the-top violence you'd expect from a 3-D horror flick, the film also gets by with a touch of style from director Patrick Lussier ("Dracula 2000") as well as a script from Todd Farmer ("Jason X") and Zane Smith that successfully updates but doesn't manipulate its source material. The only weakness to be found is in the 3-D aspect, which is limited, to be honest. While a better effort is made here to ensure that it's not just a useless gimmick like in "Friday the 13th 3D" or the final sequence in "Freddy's Dead," the novelty wears off after a while, and when it's not giving you the funhouse horror thrills you crave, it'll just make your eyes hurt and distract from the pure slasher delight at hand. In all honesty, the film works just as well without the 3-D (thankfully, the DVD/Blu-Ray releases include a 2-D version as well). "My Bloody Valentine" is simply an efficient and crowd-pleasing remake that will no doubt thrill the young audience it was designed for, but the older one as well, who remembers and cherishes the original and other films like it.

(Nathan Jarvis, 2009-10-17) Alien Trespass is a fine spoof of those grand ol' B sci-fi flicks of yore. Great cast, well written and acted and full of witty references to those marvelous movies of yesteryear that are sure to warm your redundant hearts. get it and put in on the shelf next to Monster Man from Mars and Monarch of the Moon.

(Eric Sanberg, 2009-10-16) Though mildly diverting, this homage to 50s sci-fi films misses the mark by quite a bit. The premise is straight forward enough. A flying sauces crash lands in the American southwest and the pilot needs to inhabit a human form so he can hunt down his escaped prisoner who, if left unchecked, will multiply and devour our precious earth. Being set in a small desert community, the movie focuses on a small group of people who are just a bit too cliche' to raise the movie above being...well.....cliche. You have the teens who no one believes when they try to tell them about the crashed saucer. You have a "Mutt and Jeff" duo who fulfill the comic relief quotient for the script. A womanizing sheriff's deputy, a scientist who smokes a pipe and a few others. The plot develops into scenes where the characters get gobbled up and liquifyed by the monsters as the focus characters slowly come to realize the local teens weren't lying. None of these scenes were really very clever and the monsters looked a bit too goofy. Yes, 50s sci-fi monsters weren't known for their high quality but these were just too............too. Other than half the cast being wiped out, all is well in the end. Some odd notes are: Being shot in a desert which had to provide a desirable lid to the budget, it appears some scenes were shot against a screen. Why? Also, if it is shot in the American southwest why was there both an American and Canadian casting director? Do Canadian's work cheaper? Go figure. There are worse movies to spend 98 minutes on but this could have, should have been better.

(Bill Boyes III, 2009-09-30) A nostalgic and fun flash back to those 'monster sci fi flix' of my childhood. I just loved it...I was not scared just totally entertained and gleefully amused.

(Chanfrancisco, 2009-09-27) If you've read the other reviews, you'll know that this film is supposed to be a 1957 sci-fi movie that was never released until it was uncovered in a vault or basement or someplace on a movie studio lot in 2008 I don't know if you can call what I'm writing here a review. I could only make it through about 30 minutes of this movie. I can't watch films that are untrue to the time of the setting. The TV show Madmen is fine. The first two Godfather movies are fine. "Casino" and Good Fellas are fine. American Grafitti squeaks by in the authenticity aspect.American GraffitiWiseguyGoodFellas (Two-Disc Special Edition) There are others that are OK. This one is not OK. It is so bogus, and such a poor effort as far as the haircuts, the settings, the language and most everything else. I guess it's supposed to be an homage to the 50's and 60's sci-fi movies, but in order to pay homage to something, I'd say you will have done your research about the subject, and perhaps understand the mind-set of the film makers and the audience. It would probably be a good idea to watch a lot of the movies too. The writers and the director for this movie didn't do any of that stuff. Love wasn't their motive; money was the motive. Alien Trespass is so superficial and so tongue-in-cheek, it's like Saturday Night Live for the past 20 years - smugly disrespectful to the audience and to the subject matter. Just like SNL, the actors don't appear to even be in character. Barely professional. If you can forget about it being a homage and watch it just as a movie, it's just a bad movie. If you want to see a good homage to a film genre, buy Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid, Death Proof or Planet Terror. Too bad about this one. I'm sure it sounded good on paper to a movie exec who is a sci-fi buff. Realized on film, it's awful unless it got real good after the 30 minutes of it that I could stomach. Dead Men Don't Wear PlaidGrindhouse: The Sleaze-filled Saga of an Exploitation Double FeatureGrindhouse Presents, Death Proof - Extended and Unrated (Two-Disc Special Edition)Grindhouse Presents, Planet Terror - Extended and Unrated (Two-Disc Special Edition)Mad Men - Season OneThe Godfather DVD CollectionCasino

(Randy P., 2009-09-20) Hey, please don't expect anything of this movie and you'll probably enjoy it. I'm a fan of 50s sci fi films, and I made my kids watch it with me last night. They were dreading it, but by the end we were all in hysterics (except for my 8-year old, who was too young to understand much of the deadpan humor.) Part of what makes this so entertaining is the way it seemingly takes itself so seriously. The extras, including interviews with the stars, are hysterical as well. To give you an idea, the hero spaceman's name is "Urp." If that doesn't strike you as funny, then you probably won't enjoy the movie ;-)

(Zarathustra, 2009-10-25) I'm a big fan of Quentin Tarantino movies. Tarantino is well known for his parodies of cheap exploitation films. I thought that Reservoir Dogs was good, Jackie Brown was very good, Pulp Fiction was excellent, and the two Kill Bills were a masterpiece. Death Proof looks like it was thrown together without much thought or intelligence. Worse, it is mean spirited. Death Proof is not a parody. It IS a cheap exploitation film. Tarantino films have great dialogue and humor and feature interesting characters. There is not a single character I could identify with in this film. If you want to see car crashes, go to a demolition derby.

(Karsten Falkbøll Pedersen, 2009-10-14) I Keep my Jap import deluxe 6 disk, with ALL the good stuff in it - and a Rockin* DTS track. (It's also got the combined version of the to movies.. as it's so-pose to have - why does the Br. version doesent got this? is a pussle.. wassent there more room for all the good stuff?).

(J. tanquary, 2009-08-21) this is at least a four star movie and to some a five its different and crazy and lots of cool scenes

(DannyRay, 2009-03-30) Well, to make this short all I have to say is make sure you don't let your kids view this movie. There is LOTS of swearing and cursing. Very foul mouthed movie (as all of Quentin Tarantino movies are.) But a good story and lots of car chase action. Only thing is I couldn't understand why Kurt Russel decided to play the part of stuntman mike. I mean to me it degrades him as a top actor. Maybe he needed the money. He made some pretty good movies in his life time. But this ones A long ways from the movie he made named "Soldier", or, "Wyatt Earp". I think the best movie Tarantino made was "Pulp Fiction". But I've only seen like 4 of his movies.

(Hortense, 2009-02-27) This is a visually stunning adventure worthy to be in anyone's Blu-Ray collection! I am particularly satisfied that this is an extended version of the film, which includes the steamy lap-dance that was cut short from the movie theaters. The action progresses with the movie, and the sound of the roaring engines really put you in the drivers seat. If you have a sound system with your home theater setup, you will enjoy this!

(Nathan Jarvis, 2009-10-17) Alien Trespass is a fine spoof of those grand ol' B sci-fi flicks of yore. Great cast, well written and acted and full of witty references to those marvelous movies of yesteryear that are sure to warm your redundant hearts. get it and put in on the shelf next to Monster Man from Mars and Monarch of the Moon.

(Eric Sanberg, 2009-10-16) Though mildly diverting, this homage to 50s sci-fi films misses the mark by quite a bit. The premise is straight forward enough. A flying sauces crash lands in the American southwest and the pilot needs to inhabit a human form so he can hunt down his escaped prisoner who, if left unchecked, will multiply and devour our precious earth. Being set in a small desert community, the movie focuses on a small group of people who are just a bit too cliche' to raise the movie above being...well.....cliche. You have the teens who no one believes when they try to tell them about the crashed saucer. You have a "Mutt and Jeff" duo who fulfill the comic relief quotient for the script. A womanizing sheriff's deputy, a scientist who smokes a pipe and a few others. The plot develops into scenes where the characters get gobbled up and liquifyed by the monsters as the focus characters slowly come to realize the local teens weren't lying. None of these scenes were really very clever and the monsters looked a bit too goofy. Yes, 50s sci-fi monsters weren't known for their high quality but these were just too............too. Other than half the cast being wiped out, all is well in the end. Some odd notes are: Being shot in a desert which had to provide a desirable lid to the budget, it appears some scenes were shot against a screen. Why? Also, if it is shot in the American southwest why was there both an American and Canadian casting director? Do Canadian's work cheaper? Go figure. There are worse movies to spend 98 minutes on but this could have, should have been better.

(Bill Boyes III, 2009-09-30) A nostalgic and fun flash back to those 'monster sci fi flix' of my childhood. I just loved it...I was not scared just totally entertained and gleefully amused.

(Chanfrancisco, 2009-09-27) If you've read the other reviews, you'll know that this film is supposed to be a 1957 sci-fi movie that was never released until it was uncovered in a vault or basement or someplace on a movie studio lot in 2008 I don't know if you can call what I'm writing here a review. I could only make it through about 30 minutes of this movie. I can't watch films that are untrue to the time of the setting. The TV show Madmen is fine. The first two Godfather movies are fine. "Casino" and Good Fellas are fine. American Grafitti squeaks by in the authenticity aspect.American GraffitiWiseguyGoodFellas (Two-Disc Special Edition) There are others that are OK. This one is not OK. It is so bogus, and such a poor effort as far as the haircuts, the settings, the language and most everything else. I guess it's supposed to be an homage to the 50's and 60's sci-fi movies, but in order to pay homage to something, I'd say you will have done your research about the subject, and perhaps understand the mind-set of the film makers and the audience. It would probably be a good idea to watch a lot of the movies too. The writers and the director for this movie didn't do any of that stuff. Love wasn't their motive; money was the motive. Alien Trespass is so superficial and so tongue-in-cheek, it's like Saturday Night Live for the past 20 years - smugly disrespectful to the audience and to the subject matter. Just like SNL, the actors don't appear to even be in character. Barely professional. If you can forget about it being a homage and watch it just as a movie, it's just a bad movie. If you want to see a good homage to a film genre, buy Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid, Death Proof or Planet Terror. Too bad about this one. I'm sure it sounded good on paper to a movie exec who is a sci-fi buff. Realized on film, it's awful unless it got real good after the 30 minutes of it that I could stomach. Dead Men Don't Wear PlaidGrindhouse: The Sleaze-filled Saga of an Exploitation Double FeatureGrindhouse Presents, Death Proof - Extended and Unrated (Two-Disc Special Edition)Grindhouse Presents, Planet Terror - Extended and Unrated (Two-Disc Special Edition)Mad Men - Season OneThe Godfather DVD CollectionCasino

(Randy P., 2009-09-20) Hey, please don't expect anything of this movie and you'll probably enjoy it. I'm a fan of 50s sci fi films, and I made my kids watch it with me last night. They were dreading it, but by the end we were all in hysterics (except for my 8-year old, who was too young to understand much of the deadpan humor.) Part of what makes this so entertaining is the way it seemingly takes itself so seriously. The extras, including interviews with the stars, are hysterical as well. To give you an idea, the hero spaceman's name is "Urp." If that doesn't strike you as funny, then you probably won't enjoy the movie ;-)

(R. Walker, 2009-11-05) Keith URban strikes again, if you are not a Keith Urban fan you will be after you view this DVD, this is one of my favorite all times DVD's we watch it regularly and have probably watched it more than any of the other 50 or so music concert DVD's we have... saw Keith live in Memphis in 2009 and the show was absolutely superb, this guy puts on one heck of a show, you will be standing up and rocking before the third song is over, Keith Urban clean is a wonderful thing, thank God he found the light!!!His affection and love for his family will touch your heart, if you know about his and his wife's history it is a very touching story, just goes to show you that LOVE IS STILL ALIVE and it can touch your soul. Keiths guitar playing is a thing of beauty, he will go down in guitar history as one of the great all time country guitar pickers, but this guy ROCKS

(Susan, 2009-10-23) Keith Urban is a phenomenal guitarist and performer. He doesn't glitz up with wardrobe changes but the music keeps you mesmerized. LOVE LOVE LOVE this concert!

(Deimos, 2009-08-22) By the looks of things Urban can't play the guitar, his vocals and songs are terrible pop, bubblegum, chick country trash. No talent garbage for children and teen girls.

(Linda Acker, 2009-07-30) Loved this DVD. I have been to so many concerts. Love Keith Urban!!

(Michelle Davis, 2009-07-12) I originally bought this DVD at WalMart when it first came out. My DVD player died with this DVD in it and we were unable to get our DVD out intact :( We had to buy it again. We watch it all the time, and it reminds us of Keith's concert in Sacramento. We had fantastic seats, and this DVD on a big screen (not as big as his!) is almost as good as being there again.

(TastyBabySyndrome, 2009-11-05) The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a movie that left me conflicted, to say the least. It involves a friendship that comes from the most unlikely of places, and ends with a tragedy that involves droves of Jews and one German boy. While I will not say exactly what happens, I will say that feeling bad for this one boy seems to be a bad thing in some ways because I felt sorry for him only because of the way he was presented. His father was the director of a camp that kills Jews, his family a beast filled with blind followers, and one boy looking into the Jewish camps and wondering why he wasn't allowed to play the game the Jews were allowed to play. As far as movies go, the movie was done well and shows something about the youth of a country that killed at leisure. There is the confusion, the wonder, the want to help, and all of the ignorance that youth can breed. It accomplishes everything it sets out to do, too, making you feel sorrow when the curtain comes down. I hope that the movie was also meant to make a person examine this sorrow they felt, knowing that the word genocide is associated with the thing they just watched. The other people in the striped pajamas were not props but were instead reminders of people that were going to die a horrid death, and yet one boy on the wrong side of the fence was the thing that we were watching. His life, his actions, his family's sorrow; these things were the things we saw. What we did not see were the pieces that were missing from the puzzle; the families that could not cry because they were no longer anything save ash mistaken for snow on the breeze. Do I recommend the movie? I'm not sure. I do know that I liked the movie, that it moved me, but I'm not sure it moved me in the way it was supposed to. It has a complexity to it, one that I hope people do not miss, but that several newspaper reviews seemed to lose in their interpretation of the movie. I suppose I'm saying that I recommend the movie but only to those that see the entire picture, and mourn for the entire picture as it is conceived.

(Annie Johnson, 2009-11-04) This movie is a thoughtful portrayal of two little boys during the Nazi regiem. Very well acted with a punching ending. Recommend this movie highly!

(Boricua 36, 2009-11-04) Boy In the Striped Pajamas is one of my all time favorite movies. Two unlikely boys become friends. For the son of a German officer who does not share the nature of his job or the camp in which he works, the boys new home near a concentration camp is an adventure. His inquisitive nature allows him to befriend a boy whom he believes lives on a farm. The boy whom he befriends who wears the funny striped pajamas is also protected by his father and friends concerning the true nature of the "farm". A heart wrenching film, the boyish nature of play above all adult concern, a must see!

(Catherine Strock, 2009-11-02) Essenstial perspective of the holocaust! The childs acting was top-notch! This is a must watch, must own!

(Glenn S. Brauer, 2009-10-07) I did not read the book that inspired this movie--but I had heard about it and figured it was just another weepy story about the holocaust. Not to criticize that awful time, but there seems to be an overabundance of films and books on this subject as of late, and I just about wrote this one off. (I saw last year's THE READER and while I loved the book, I really soured at the movie. I thought it was proselytizing and unbearably pontificating on the obvious). So it was with much incredulity that I viewed this film. First of all--the boys were so amazingly good--the acting and the true to life portrayals of boys at that age. I was also moved by the heft of the story--that the wife of the commander in charge was so powerfully moral. But what I was not expecting was this amazing story, and particularly, its summation--let me just put it that way. It had such a powerful effect on me that it resonated with me for days afterward. Why did this movie not received the attention that THE READER (a lesser movie, for sure) did? (of course, there was the starring role of Kate Winslet, but still...it really was not that good of a film.) But THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS blew me away. And I totally recommend. This was not just a movie, it was an experience.

(Stephanie, 2009-11-04) The Brainy Baby ABCs video is absolutely the BEST! I would give ALL Brainy Baby DVDs 5 stars. These videos really work, I don't care what anyone says and I've got the proof in my own children. Don't believe all the reports that "DVDs are bad" for your kids. There is GOOD stuff out there and Brainy Baby is definitely one of them. I am very concerned about some of these negative reviews. Please, already... are you kidding? I have not found ANY problems or mispronunciations in the ABCs video or any other video. Also, concerning the one reviewer that said she personally didn't like the video or that it didn't have high production value... It's not about you. It's about your child. If your child learns from these DVDs, then who cares if YOU like it or not? A two or three year old is also not impressed with high production value (special effects, talent, etc). That's what I love about Brainy Baby; they have a pure, simple approach to learning that really engages my children. That is why I get the learning results. For those people who would continue to be negative, please do not assume that your comments are correct and pass them off to consumers as the truth. You are only confusing parents and short-changing children from a huge benefit. Brainy Baby products are fantastic and a real life saver. Unless you plan on producing the "perfect" DVD, please don't spread untruths, just because a certain product doesn't line up with your preference. We should all be supporting companies like this that are doing a good thing for our kids... unless we all want to see LESS products available in the near future!

(Jane Doe, 2009-10-29) My 22 mo son loves this DVD; he is really not interested in TV at all but will sit & watch this in entirety. Priced much better than popular competitor's "educational" DVDs and my son enjoys it more. He loves seeing other children in the show and hearing children's voices. Quite boring for Mom & Dad; let's face it, we know the alphabet so its no suspense movie. But son loves it and is learning alphabet, letter recognition, and names of various objects - so it's worth a little parental boredom.

(Concerned Parent, 2009-09-24) Parents please be aware that many studies show that the more television children under five watch the less likely they are to engage in creative play. (DVDS being basically the same thing). Dimitri Christakis the director of the Child Health Institute at the University of Washington quoted in the book Parenting Inc, states: "Based on the research I have done there is reason to believe these products (DVDs for babies and toddlers) have a deleterious (negative) effect on the developing mind" , "TV, DVDS and video games condition the developing brain to expect a very high, unnatural level of input. Real life by comparison becomes boring". Another quote, again from Parenting Inc." "There is no research to show that watching a screen is beneficial to a baby in any way, educational or otherwise. If anything it may be putting babies at risk" "A two dimensional screen can never replace a real environment, rich in all five senses. Holistic play is what develops the all the pathways to the brain." Alvin Poussaint, child psychiatrist and director of the Media Center of Judge Baker's Children Center in Boston. Please be aware that the fact is The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under two be kept away from screen media. These products are claiming benefits that are utterly unfounded. Please think twice about buying DVDS for a baby or toddler. Do the research, it's not a good idea. Stick to the old fashioned toys that engage kids in creative play - blocks, balls etc.

(HS, 2009-08-29) I like that this DVD goes through the alphabet a few blocks of letters at a time. It will go through, say, "A" through "E", and then go back over them again before moving on. It helps with learning, and it also gives you a place to stop and resume later if you have a toddler that can't sit through the whole alphabet. I also like that they always show the capital and lowercase of each letter (big A", little "a"). It's a good video to watch along with reading books like Dr. Seuss' alphabet book. My son is 22 months old and can recognize and say every letter, upper and lowercase. We also got the Sesame Street letters DVD, and he has fun pointing to the letters we have on his wall in his room as well--it's like a game to him.

(Heather Erin Dow, 2008-11-15) As a speech pathologist, I would highly reccomend this video to any of my clients. To those that have said the phonemes are incorrect have obviously never worked with speech challenged toddlers. There are lots of videos out on the market that encourage children to memorize their ABC's (which in the long run will not benefit their ability to read or spell). I encourage my students as well as my own child to address the sounds of letters first and label them later. I am very impressed that they include the different sounds the vowels (/oe/ and /o/)make and that they review (for those children that need it). To those reviewers who adressed the "uh" they heard attached to sounds - vowels for children under the age of five often need to be pronounced emphatically so they say them correctly (when learning the individual sounds). You can fix the attached "uh" later when spelling and blending words together. Also the vocabulary that follows the pronunciation of the letters encourages against using the "uh". I have not found a video like this one that teaches the ABC sounds and letters.

(Amos Lassen, 2009-03-01) "Lesbian Nation" Five Lesbian Shorts Amos Lassen "Lesbian Nation" is a collection of five lesbian films that is both entertaining and thought provoking. "Carmelita Tropicana" is about a Latina performance artist who is mugged one night after her gig by a thief carrying a knife. The next day she is arrested at a demonstration with anti-abortion protesters and she, Orchid, her animated friend and Sophia, her uptight sister are arrested. She is put in a cell with another woman who just happens to be the person who mugged her the night before. Relationships develop between the two pair of women and among the four of them and they all go through changes during their time in jail. "Lavender Limelight" looks at successful Lesbian film directors and goes behind the scenes with them. We see Jenny Livingston, Monika Treut, Cheryl Dunye, Maria Magnetti, Rose Troche, Su Freidrich and Heather Mac Donald. "Playing the Part" is the story of Mitch and her girlfriend Chat who does not know that he is gay. Cat is off to London after graduation and Mitch thinks about her family a great deal. She decides to tell them during the winter break from school and she wonders how they will react. "Little Women in Transit" is about a family and three sisters, Dana, Jenny and Lisa. Jenny is son to become a seventh grader. The three sisters begin teasing each other and Jen bears the worst of the teasing. She debates whether to defend herself or not.

(calvinnme, 2009-09-06) I had never even heard of Charley Chase until I saw one of his sound shorts - "The Pip From Pittsburgh" - on Turner Classic Movies between features two years ago. His lanky features and unique solutions to problems in that short won me over in just two reels. I was very happy, therefore, to hear about this set. It was postponed a couple of times, but it finally made it out the door. The shorts are excellent, even the early Keystone ones, and that surprised me. I've viewed Chaplin's Keystone shorts, and quite frankly the comedy never rose much above pants-kicking fests, so I really wasn't expecting much from disc one. Chase's Keystone shorts were much more focused on story and using his outrageous facial expressions and lanky build to add to the comedy. Charley Chase never played the guy out to distinguish himself either through legitimate channels (Harold Lloyd's young man in the big city) or illegitimate ones (Chaplin's Little Tramp). Neither was he an outrageous victim of circumstance with great physical prowess and little facial expression (Buster Keaton). Instead, Charley plays an ordinary guy who is trying to keep what he's got - his wife, his job - or, if he plays a single guy, maybe get the girl, not in a big way, but at least to get her to go out with him. The quality of the video here will take a little getting used to. Don't expect "The General" on Blu-Ray. Instead, most of these shorts appear to have come from 16mm material and there are some noticeable scratches in the video. It's not enough to really bother you, just don't be shocked by the shape that the video is in. The music that has been recorded for the shorts is excellent and the mood of the music for each short fits well. Every short includes an audio commentary by one or more of the following film scholars: David Kalat, Ben Model, Ken Gordon, Yair Solan, Robert Arkus, Steve Massa, Bruce Lawton, and Richard M. Roberts. They don't go off on tangents, and they seem to have great knowledge of Chase and his supporting cast and crew and have a real enthusiasm for dispensing their knowledge to the viewer. There are also several informative featurettes. The whole package reminds me of what Warner Home Video used to do with their classic boxed sets. Last year the company that now holds the rights to the Hal Roach sound shorts put out a great set of Our Gang comedies. It would be nice if this same bunch would let us see the rest of the Charley Chase story and release the talking shorts that he made for Roach.

(Chip Kaufmann, 2009-07-29) Charley Chase began his career as Charles Parrott (his real name) at Keystone in 1914 where he worked with Arbuckle, Normand, and Chaplin in small unbilled parts. He turned to direction at roughly the same time and eventually went to work for Hal Roach in the early 1920s where he met a young fellow named Leo McCarey. Together they made a 1924 short called SITTIN PRETTY which has an almost identical version of the mirror gag McCarey would later make famous in DUCK SOUP (It features Charley and his younger brother James Parrott who would also become a comedy director). This 4 DVD extravaganza clocks in at 450 minutes and covers his career as comedian and director from Keystone to the end of the Hal Roach era. He became Charley Chase (hence the name of the set) to distinguish the comedian from the director. His onscreen character bears a remarkable resemblance to Dick Van Dyke who must have been familiar with Chase's comedies. It was initially based on a once popular comedian named Lloyd Hamilton. He became Roach's number one comedy headliner until he was eclipsed by Laurel & Hardy in the late 20s. He continued to act and direct (at Columbia including a few 3 Stooges shorts in the late 30s like VIOLENT IS THE WORD FOR CURLY) until his early death from a heart attack at the age of 46. That was in 1940. The various audio commentaries on the shorts and the brief bio THE PARROTT CHASE provide excellent background information. This set has been years in the making as some of the early material was very hard to come by and there were a number of complications over who was going to release it. Thanks to Allday Entertainment and to VCI Entertainment for finally getting the job done. Chase had a significant influence on screen humor directing it away from outright slapstick and more into the situational comedy we know today. It's astonishing how much of his late teens and early 20s stuff got recycled by others. My initial reaction is one of admiration tinged by a touch of sadness over how he has been forgotten. Hopefully this set will change that. The only thing that keeps it from being a perfect release is the lack of liner notes or at least a listing of what shorts are on which disc. Still a 5 star effort.

(J. Lovins, 2009-06-18) VCI Entertainment presents "BECOMING CHARLEY CHASE" (1915-1925) (Silent) (460 mins/B&W) (Fully Restored/Dolby Digitally Remastered) --- Charley Chase was an American comedian, screenwriter and film director, best known for his work in Hal Roach short film comedies --- While Charley Chase is far from being as famous as "The Big Three" ('Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd) today, he's highly respected as one of the "greats" by fans of silent comedy. Charley Chase after a brief career in vaudeville entered Al Christie's movie studio as a comedian in 1913 before settling down at Keystone Films the following year --- Chase's career in films did not start off with remarkable success --- He played bit parts in a large number of short comedies, appearing with Charlie Chaplin and Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle, among others, before he finally got his chance at Hal Roach Studios as a director, before Roach realized what a gifted performer he had hired. "I can play anything!" Chase once told Roach, and eventually his claim was confirmed --- Although Mack Sennett's Keystone studio has earned legendary status as the ultimate factory of comic invention, it can hardly be denied that Roach developed a more refined style of comedy which obviously fitted Chase better (indeed, Sennett's unsophisticated product increasingly lost favor with the movie-going public by the early 1920s, while Roach's studio flourished). During five years, 1924-29, he starred in nearly a hundred two-reelers, most of which were directed by Leo McCarey. Chase usually portrayed an apparently gentle and charming man who in reality, it eventually turned out, was quite a loser after all. His character was largely inspired by Lloyd Hamilton, another neglected comedian whom Chase had directed in several two-reelers. Among Charley's most memorable shorts are Innocent Husbands, Mighty Like a Moose, and Movie Night. Must send my complements to Paul J. Mular the reviewer from San Carlos, California for his in depth review with inclusive titles, year and date, plus time and music which has been added this year 2009 --- Totally agree that we need to support VCI Entertainment for this silent comedy set and other nostalgic releases --- Also own WEISS-O-RAMA collection, but please do check out VCI's catalog and website for other wonderful titles and give them our support. SPECIAL FEATURES: 1. The Parrott Chase (45 Minute Documentary) 2. The Sounds of Silence Music Featurette 3. Interview With Charley's Daughter June Chase Hargis BIOS: Charley Chase (aka: Charles Joseph Parrott) Date of Birth: 20 October 1893 - Baltimore, Maryland Date of Death: 20 June 1940 - Hollywood, California Hats off and thanks to Robert Blair and his staff at VCI Entertainment --- VCI was named in Variety and Hollywood Reporter as the first company to produce and release motion pictures directly to the home marketplace --- order your copy now from Amazon or VCI Entertainment where there are plenty of copies available on DVD, stay tuned once again for top notch releases --- VCI are experts in releasing long forgotten films and treasures to the collector -- looking forward to more Nostalgic Collections. Total Time: 460 mins on DVD ~ VCI Entertainment ~ (07/28/2009)

(Paul J. Mular, 2009-06-03) First I want to say that there are NO LINER NOTES in this set, you will want to print this review for reference on what is on each disc. This may not be the "best of Charley Chase", but it is VERY GOOD! I don't think there is a clinker in the bunch! This is a comprehensive presentation of the early works of Charley Chase (Parrott). His persona starts out raw and refines itself. His unique humor starts to build from short to short. It is interesting to see the slapstick Keystone influence in PEANUTS AND BULLETS, a rather un Charley Chase like short. But that quickly disappears in the very next film presented here, LOVE IN ARMOR. Charley was clearly bucking the trend at Keystone and going more for situational comedy over pie-in-the face humor. His Keystone Comedies seem even more sophisticated than Chaplin's Keystone comedies. They are very story driven. The King Bee Comedy at the end of disc 1 MARRIED TO ORDER features Oliver Hardy and plays out like a Hal Roach comedy. The documentary at the end of disc 1 is best watched after viewing all four discs as it makes references to comedies on discs 2, 3 & 4. I found the audio mix poorly done in the documentary. The mood music is overwhelming the interviews, making it hard to hear what they say. I listened to this on two different systems & came up with the same results. Discs 2 & 3 would take some dedication to get through all at once. Each is very long, over 150 minutes, and with 10 minute comedies, some repeating the theme of romance triangles several times, it could get monotonous. I would suggest breaking up the viewing of these discs for better enjoyment. The only problem is that if you try to start in the middle, you can not continuously watch them, at the end of the short your player will go back to the first menu & you have to select the title menu and then select the next short. One quick short-cut around this is to push your "Next" button on the remote before the DVD production credit ends. Disc 3 does contain my favorite short in this set: "HELLO BABY" (1925). What may sound like a typical 'Man-takes-care-of-baby' plot is really full of many unexpected comedic plot twists & turns that stray away from the original plot line. And it all happens in 10 minutes! Any attempt to explain it here would ruin the impact. Disc 4 may be missing Charley on screen, but his presence as director is definitely felt. It is a pleasure to see his brother James (Paul) Parrott being directed by Charley, and Snub Pollard has always been a favorite of mine. Their shorts here are some of their best work, no doubt helped by Charley's direction. I also caught Our Gang's Jackie Condon making a brief cameo appearance in a Will Rogers short, "JUS PASSIN THROUGH" (1923). It is quite a long short (27 minutes) & the comedy plot has been repeated many times by other comedians, so it became predictable. Jackie's brief appearance is an example of how actors traveled from set to set on the "lot of fun". Unlike the other two Our Gang member appearances, there is no plot reason for Jackie being there, I bet he just dropped by to watch & they put him in the film. Overall the shorts look good to great, some are a little light. One disappointing title is JUST A MINUTE on disc 2, this is mastered from a video tape that has tracking problems. I guess they could not get access to the original film. The music used here is not traditional silent film music & I am unsure as to how I like it, other than kept at a low volume. Some compositions seem to compliment the film, while others seem to be general mood themes that ignore what is happening on-screen. I would actually suggest watching all of these shorts with their commentary tracks turned on (go to the "More" option in the menu & select the commentary option for all). These historians are very knowledgeable & well prepared to talk about the films. Find out who the then-popular athletes are that make guest appearances, or who that girl is (it's Fay Wray). Sadly some films are lost, and others like SETTLED AT THE SEASIDE, DON'T FORGET, SEEING NELLIE HOME, & ACCIDENTAL ACCIDENTS are presented in fragments. Watch-able complete sequences, but not complete films. On the good side, there is no duplication between this set and the KINO sets. You will be getting all new material here. After I finished viewing all four discs I felt a little sad, there was no more to watch. I got spoiled for a moment with some 10 HOURS of new films & documentaries to watch (O.K. I had seen some of these in the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum Edison Theater). Yes, this a 10 hour set! The contents: DISC ONE: (2hrs, 24min, 10sec) CHARLES PARROTT AT KEYSTONE (AND KING BEE!) PEANUTS AND BULLETS 1/30/15 Music by the Snark Ensemble 12:13 LOVE IN ARMOR 3/11/15 Music by Ben Model 13:29 SETTLED AT THE SEASIDE 03/29/15 Music by Redwine Jazz 6:32 THE RENT JUMPERS 04/08/15 Music by Redwine Jazz 11:01 LOVE, LOOT, AND CRASH 04/24/15 Music by Ben Model 12:21 A VERSATILE VILLAIN 05/29/15 Music by Ben Model 13:00 HE WOULDN'T STAY DOWN 05/30/15 Music by Ben Model 14:23 MARRIED TO ORDER 10/30/20 w/ OLIVER HARDY (King Bee Comedies) Music by the Snark Ensemble 16:11 Bonus: "THE PARROTT CHASE" 45 minute documentary featurette (***Best if viewed after watching all 4 discs***) and optional audio commentaries on all shorts DISC TWO: (2hrs; 39min; 44sec) CHARLEY CHASE BECOMES JIMMY JUMP AT FIRST SIGHT 01/06/24 Music by the Snark Ensemble 9:57 ONE OF THE FAMILY 01/26/24 Music by the Snark Ensemble 10:13 JUST A MINUTE 02/03/24 Music by Ben Model 12:17 POWDER AND SMOKE 02/10/24 Music by the Snark Ensemble 9:57 HARD KNOCKS 03/02/24 Music by the Snark Ensemble 10:41 DON'T FORGET 03/23/24 Surviving extract Music by the Snark Ensemble 2:59 THE FRAIDY CAT 03/30/24 w/ OUR GANG - Music by Ben Model 10:46 PUBLICITY PAYS 05/04/24 Music by the Snark Ensemble 9:55 YOUNG OLDFIELD 06/22/24 w/ Our Gang's JOE COBB - Music by the Snark Ensemble 9:41 STOLEN GOODS 06/29/24 Music by the Snark Ensemble 10:30 JEFFRIES, JR. 07/06/24 Music by the Snark Ensemble 9:27 A TEN-MINUTE EGG 7/20/24 Music by the Snark Ensemble 9:56 SEEING NELLIE HOME 07/27/24 Partial reconstruction from surviving material, Music by Ben Model 5:43 OUTDOOR PAJAMAS 09/14/24 Music by the Snark Ensemble 8:38 SITTIN' PRETTY 09/28/24 Music by the Snark Ensemble 10:15 TOO MANY MAMMAS 10/12/24 Music by the Snark Ensemble 9:00 Bonus Material: ACCIDENTAL ACCIDENTS 11/9/24 surviving extract Music by Ben Model 2:12 EVOLUTION OF A GAG: tracing the history of the mirror gag 7:37 and optional audio commentaries on all shorts DISC THREE: (2hrs; 46min; 14sec) JIMMY JUMP BECOMES CHARLEY CHASE THE POOR FISH 12/07/24 Music by the Snark Ensemble 9:30 THE RATS KNUCKLES 01/04/25 Music by Ben Model 9:17 HELLO BABY! 1/1/8/25 Music by the Snark Ensemble 10:29 FIGHTING FLUID 02/01/25 Music by the Snark Ensemble 9:50 SHOULD HUSBANDS BE WATCHED? 03/14/25 Music by the Snark Ensemble 9:34 IS MARRIAGE THE BUNK? 03/29/25 Music by the Snark Ensemble 9:54 BAD BOY 04/12/25 Charley Chase's first surviving two-reel short Music by the Snark Ensemble 18:24 BIG RED RIDING HOOD 04/26/25 Music by the Snark Ensemble 9:47 LOOKING FOR SALLY The last appearance of Jimmy Jump 05/10/25 Music by Ben Model 20:20 NO FATHER TO GUIDE HIM 09/06/25 Music by the Snark Ensemble 19:09 Bonus: "THE SOUNDS OF SILENCE" music featurette and optional audio commentaries on all shorts DISC FOUR: (2hrs; 10min; 05sec) DIRECTED BY CHARLEY PARROTT A ROLLING STONE Billy West 01/20/19 Music by Ben Model 18:48 THE FLIRTS Harry Mann & Jimmie Adams 04/08/19 Music by the West End Jazz Band 21:38 THE DUMB BELL Snub Pollard 07/16/22 Music by Ben Redwine and Redwine Jazz 9:23 SOFT PEDAL Paul Parrott 12/16/22 Music by Ben Model 9:50 COURTSHIP OF MILES SANDWICH Snub Pollard 06/24/23 Music by the West End Jazz Band 19:12 JUS PASSIN THROUGH Will Rogers Music by Ben Model 27:05 (1923) with a cameo by Our Gang's Jackie Condon. DEAR OLD PAL Snub Pollard and Paul Parrott, the last film directed by Charles Parrott before he became Charley Chase 11/11/23 Music by Redwine Jazz 9:38 Bonus: Interview with Charley's daughter June Chase Hargis 14:31 and optional audio commentaries on all shorts Please note that any pre-orders you may have already placed will not be valid--because of the change of distributor, the set will have a new UPC symbol and will be treated by retailers as a new release, so you will need to re-order all over again. VCI has taken a gamble on releasing this set during hard economic times. Lets all support their effort and buy this great set. And thanks to All Day for assembling this collection! Great job in trying to put as complete a collection of Charlie's early work together from surviving prints as possible, and not double-dipping from the KINO releases. This 10 hour set costs less than a dollar a short!

(Gary in Sun City, AZ, 2009-05-31) Very well done special, narrated by Lilly Tomlin. Eye opening look at how the gay issue has been handled in films & media, years ago, and now.

(Joshua Miller, 2009-04-27) The Celluloid Closet takes its name from a book by Vito Russo and tells us that in 100 years of movies, homosexuality has only rarely been portrayed on screen except to create humor, pity, and/or fear. Besides examining the subtle gay subtext of films as far back as the late 1920s, it also discusses the censorship practices of the Hollywood Production Code. Narrated by Lily Tomlin, the documentary features a whole array of filmmakers, film historians, and studio heads both straight and gay. Some familiar faces include Tony Curtis, Whoopi Goldberg, Harvey Fierstein, Tom Hanks, and Susan Sarandon. The film covers Hollywood's depiction of homosexuality from the `20s to the early `90s. There's the "Sissy," Hollywood's first stock gay character and the subtle way filmmakers would imply homosexuality in cinema. Most know that Peter Lorre's character in The Maltese Falcon Three-Disc Special Edition (1941 & 1931 versions / Satan Met a Lady) was gay, but this film shows the subtle hinting (particularly, the musical score) and the obvious (the novel explaining he's "queer"). When Hollywood introduced the Production Code, scripts were frequently changed to remove "unsuitable" material. This didn't erase homosexuality from film, but made it even harder to find. In one of my favorite parts of this doc, Gore Vidal (the screenwriter of Ben-Hur) talks about his discussion with director William Wyler about introducing a homosexual element into the film. By making Ben-Hur and Messala former lovers, there was a reason for their hatred of one another. Wyler agreed, but only told Steven Boyd, who played Messala, for fear of Charlton Heston's reaction. Vidal gleefully compares the performances of the two, one knowing his character is gay and the other unaware. It wasn't until the 1960s that Hollywood became more willing to pull the subject from between the lines and shuffle it to the forefront. But, it wasn't until the 1970s (particularly with The Boys in the Band) that doors were opened for how homosexuals were portrayed onscreen. Of course the film also covers the `80s and `90s, but it's my goal to get you to see it rather than just explain it all to you. One thing I found interesting was some of the films from the late `20s and early `30s, as the gay stereotype from that era greatly parallels the modern stereotype. The documentary succeeds on several key levels. It is rather enlightening, although covering more obvious films like Rebel Without a Cause (Two-Disc Special Edition) and Cabaret. However, I wasn't aware of the elements in Ben-Hur and tracing elements of homosexuality to a Charlie Chaplin short were pretty enlightening. Also, letting us hear from both straight and gay filmmakers allows the doc to avoid much bias. With films like Brokeback Mountain (Widescreen Edition) and Milk achieving acceptance in the mainstream, the subject of this documentary is not as profound as it may have been in even 1995. Despite this it is still an entertaining, funny, and enlightening history lesson on homosexuality and censorship in cinema. GRADE: A

(Courtney, 2009-03-04) I'm a sucker for documentaries, but I absolutely adore this film! The interviews bring so much life to it, and I want to go see all the movies they talked about now!

(Viva, 2008-12-04) The GLBT world was said to have been hidden, but it was right there out in the open all along, even in cinema, and many people just didn't realize it or did not wish to acknowledge the reality of what was in front of them. From Edison's film of two men dancing in 1895 to Philadelphia, released in the 1990s, cinema has taken some twists and turns over the past century or so in this regard. Writers, activists, actors, and producers discuss various films and their experiences in seeing them or working on them. Done with compassion but without beating us over the head with a message, this documentary is a real eye-opener.

(Brad N, 2008-10-02) I thought this was a new DVD but could not get the CC on it or see it clearly at all....

(Marie Toth, 2009-11-07) What an incredible movie! Parents, kids, aunts, uncles, grandparents... we all enjoyed it. In fact, it started us on an adventure of reading, especially of Cornelia Funke's books. Hope they make the whole trilogy into movies. Highly recommend any audio book versions that Brendan Frasier reads. He is truly versatile, with an amazing repertoire of voices and accents.

(Fooberman, 2009-10-26) The child liked it. The mom and the dad (me) enjoyed making fun of it. It was everything that I expected. It is hard to imagine the plot of the movie having been put together by a functional adult. My only question is whether the story's dreadfulness was due to the book or the adaptation.

(Mary Ann Adams, 2009-10-26) This is a great film for the whole family. Encourage your kids to read the book or read the book with your kids and then watch the movie.Inkheart

(Julie Andrews, 2009-10-23) Need some help planning a rainy/snowy afternoon with the grandkids, then pop in this DVD. This has been enjoyed (without needing censoring) by all ages in this household. The movie has enough fun and action for the children and good acting and storyline for the adults. It would be a great stocking stuffer!

(Mysterious Mr Wong, 2009-10-19) I will keep this short as to not give away any of this films content but just needed to say that we FINALLY have a most exceptional piece of entertainment that everyone can enjoy. This film proves that a good movie does not have to have cursing and sexual content. Films like these are keepers and I have just enjoyed watching this movie immensely. Brandon Fraser is a favorite of mine to begin with, the story is superb and the entire cast made this one of my new favorite movies. Give yourself a treat and watch this movie.

(Terrie L. Yow, 2009-11-02) Schindler's List effectively captures on film, the depiction of one of the most horrific and unconscionable events of all time - the Holocaust. Even through one of the darkest eras in human history, there are those who lifted their hands in quiet, skillful defiance and offered a glimmer of hope and pockets of goodness that continue to reverberate from generation to generation. Oskar Schindler was one of those people. Based on a true story and shot entirely in black and white, Stephen Spielberg shows his brilliance in directing this dark and moving classic starring Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes, and Caroline Goodall. The story begins with Oskar Schindler, a penniless Nazi, and his dream of making a fortune from cheap labor found in the Ghetto - a place where Polish Jews were exiled by Nazi Germany. There they were placed into poverty after being ripped from their homes and stripped of their possessions. As time goes by, Oskar Schindler begins to see a different side of things and finds himself deeply affected by the unjust torment and murderous acts carried out against these innocent people. Incrementally and progressively, he steps out onto a path to save as many people as he can, but must find a way to avoid the cruel and unforgiving transgressions of the German army, else death will come to him as well. Judaism is the central religion of the Jewish people. It is derived from Hebrew beliefs and practices set forth in the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), also known to many Christians as the Old Testament. Their ancestry stems from the tribes of the Children of Israel. Being one of the oldest surviving monotheistic (one God) religions, Judaism considers divine covenants as their foundation. With a covenant being a contract between the Jewish people and God, many felt betrayed and abandoned during the Holocaust. This film is equally inspiring and disturbing. Spielberg has accomplished another masterpiece and forever etched the tragic images into our minds, lest we shall never forget, and nor should we. This movie is highly recommended and should be viewed by all mature audiences everywhere. With great confidence, I can easily say Schindler's List is the best movie I hope to never see again.

(bamaroots, 2009-10-30) This is a film that will move you. It draws you in to the action on the screen so that you feel the emotions and the terror of the events unfolding before you. The opening music is hauntinglty beautiful. The story is heartbreaking and joyful. It shows you that one person can make a difference. And shows you the monstrosity of one man (Hitler) as well. The Voices From the List on the collector's edition is worth the cost of the DVD. These are survivors who worked in Schindler's factory. A first person account of what they witnessed.

(Jocelyn A. Moon, 2009-10-27) SPOILER ALERT - Don't read this if you don't want any spoilers! This movie starts with a member of the SS party named Oskar Shindler. He has one purpose in life and that is to live richly. He takes advantage of the Jews lot in life under German rule to open a manufacturing facility. This movie leaves nothing to the imagination and I suspect that is the way director Steven Spielberg wanted it. You see the coldness of it all. A man, and worker for Shindler, is shot in the head for having one arm. Shindler thinks of this more as a business man one worker lost and therefore one more to hire and train. It isn't until his workers are all driven to concentration camps that the reality of what is happening to the Jews really strikes Oskar. The SS in this movie appear to have no heart. They don't view Jews as humans but rather as rodents. They think nothing of killing them, even the children. In the camps the Jews are humiliated by beatings and forced public nudity. They are shot "arbitrarily" as Oskar puts it. Such awful scenes led "some Jews to complain to God in anguish" (Fisher 275). Many Jews continued to hope for better times just as occured for the biblical Job. God allowed Satan to take everything from him, but he was rewarded for his suffering when God replaced everything. Their enduring hope was shown in the Jewish prayer recited in the beginning and end of the movie. Throughout the movie Shindler moves to protect "his" Jews by listing them as "necessary workers". He tries through reasoning and cunning to save as many lives as possible even putting himself in harms way to do so. In the end Shindler saves 1000 Jews by enlisting them as workers. He allows and encourages them to engage in thier religious celebrations including allowing them to leave their jobs early on Friday to prepare for Passover. Passover is the Jewish Sabbath taking place "from sunset Friday night to sunset Saturday night, because the Jewish "day" begins with nightfall" (Fisher 277). Oskar's actions toward the end of this film show that some SS members did have a heart and that not all hopeful Jews would be let down. Works Cited: Fisher, Mary Pat. Living Religions (7th Edition). Alexandria, VA: Prentice Hall, 2007.

(Star Bux, 2009-09-12) Sometimes, what is sinful is not called a crime, and what is called a crime is not a sin. The rule of law implies the rule of force. Anti-semitism was lawful in Nazi Germany. What is referred to as "the law" by the world, is of men and not of God. And what the Bible says is The Law, the world calls religion. Religion is a word which appears in the Bible (KJV), and given the context in which that word appears, we see that religion is "how you choose to live": See, James 1:27, KJV. John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the first Catholic President of the United States, won a Pulitzer prize for his book, Profiles in Courage, about politicians who refused to govern according to a barometer called 'public opinion' but by the values they held to be true. He also wrote another book titled, Why England Slept. JFK is quoted to have said, Some see things the way they are and ask, Why?, but I like to dream of the way things might have been and ask, Why not? Why did Catholic Germany sleep in the midst of Nazi Germany? Were they told to just follow orders, and obey the ordinances? Do not confuse legality with morality. Sometimes, you have to break the law in order to do the right thing. See, 1 Peter 2:20, KJV. Oscar Schindler committed accounting fraud in order to save life. All things are possible with God, so maybe the numbers a person writes in a spreadsheet are true? What is a USEFUL falsehood? Call not a USEFUL falsehood a lie, for Truth is in Love, and Love is in Truth. Also, do you see a spreadsheet, or an example of abstract art? Can a barcode be a tattoo, or vice-versa? Do not look upon another as a resource to consume upon your carnal lusts, like a cheeseburger. You decide for yourself what is right, and what is wrong, but will you decide correctly? Some seem to think that HONESTY means getting the accounts to balance. No, honesty means saying what you believe to be true. A person can be honest, but say that which is false. Do not science teachers claim, honestly, that the earth is a planet? It is relatively flat, with hills and valleys. Heaven is above, hell is below, and the news stories concerning the lunar landing and telecommunication satellites in a geosynchronous orbit, amount to creative fiction. But what is called, anti-semitism, is a sad reality. A lie is when you believe one thing, but say another. Who has been made perfect in love? The Word of God is Truth. Be honest, but tell the truth. Or don't speak at all. Will you trust in arithmetic? Jesus fed five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fish. Those were the numbers, 5, 2, and 5,000. But will you trust in physics? For all things are possible with God. God is Love. You need BOTH Truth AND Love. I think every household in North America, and the rest of the English speaking world ought to have a copy of this dvd, 'Schindler's List', lest we forget. Of course, "willingness to pay" and "ability to pay" are not the same thing. Which is what somebody tries to explain to Oscar Schindler who is grief-stricken by the thought of maybe he did not do enough, was not able to do more, because of a lack of funds. Trust not in earthly riches. Or as others have said, It's the thought (read, feeling) that counts. For that feeling is like a prayer. God can do the rest. Imagine, what might a tree with beautiful thoughts and feelings look like? For it is written in the Law of Moses that a tree that bares fruit is not to be chopped down. You need both Faith and Love. Trust not in earthly riches. Trust not in coins, or bullets. For money might be refused, and bullets might not hit their target. Coins, like bullets, are useful, but not needful. Like silver bullets used to keep werewolves away, If you spend wisely, you might be given more. Five loaves and two fish. Faith requires work, it seems. Otherwise, everybody would be a tree, and not have to do anything but pray. For example, why bother eating, for by faith hunger would no longer exist? For God does not need man in order to get things done upon the earth, but man is asked to participate, in order that he might learn how to love. God is Love. And so people age, get sick, are weak, need help, or are made strong, beautiful, or talented, so that they might lead. It is very much like a dance. Choose wisely, your partner. To fall in love, per chance, to stay. If everybody was the same, how would any know what this means?: Thou shalt not covet. Do not confuse envy with jealousy. For jealousy is about relationships, and envy is about earthly things, such as a promotion to a higher rank. One of the saddest things about this movie was seeing relationships put on hold. Instead of "falling in love" and "raising children", many are just trying to stay alive. Yet, even in that tribulation, they were still being asked to do the same thing: To discern between good and bad, and do the right thing. You will decide what is right and wrong based on what you believe is good and bad. Consider then, what might have been, and ask, why not.

(Simon M. Lam, 2009-08-04) This is a true story about George Schindler who is a German, that saved a lot of Jews in the Holocaust period. I didn't know who George Schindler was till I saw this movie. I highly recommend to people to watch this movie.

(Grant Harrison, 2009-09-20) I would rate David Garrett's performance in the Live in Berlin Concert as a combination of virtuosity and simplicity. I am glad to have found out about this artist and look forward to getting a copy of the DVD. I rate it a five stars out of five. Much success and God's blessings to you, Mr. Garrett. Dr. Grant Harrison, Jr. 412 Candlewick Drive Salisbury, NC 28147 704/642-1185

(Western Lady, 2009-08-07) I have seen this twice on PBS. They use it in their pledge drive, which is annoying because you do not want this music to stop while public television tries to get into your wallet. Here we have an all new approach to music. When Josh Groban hit the airwaves, I think someone decided to call him symphonic pop. I don't think anyone will be able to pin down what David Garrett performs. In the US, we are late comers to his talent. You can surf the net and read the news from across the world and David Garrett makes headlines. I don't know that anyone else could have me put on the "Summer" (Vivaldi) track and turn the volume way up. Just about everyone has heard "Dueling Banjos" (the Deliverance soundtrack), but they have never heard it like this. Everyone I've played it for, breaks into a big grin because it is such a fun sound. He also did justice to Michael Jackson in his rendition of "Smooth Criminal". In Europe and Asia, this guy fills stadiums because his sound is powerful, beautiful, and enchanting. Who else has ever considered composing an album with everything from Vivaldi to Metallica? He has a website and I encourage folks to look it up. On the website you have the option for International or US and a media player will let you listen to this astounding young man. It would be so very helpful if Amazon might tell us WHEN will this DVD be available?

(Aaron Morris, 2009-10-18) The problem you find with many of the reviews posted on Amazon is the reviewer buys the product with a preconceived notion and then writes the review from a position of what they expected instead of what they got. I was given a mix tape many, many years ago that contained fantastic live versions of Fresh Air and White Bird. In both cases the live versions were far better than what appeared on the original albums by Quicksilver Messenger Service and It's a Beautiful Day. I always wondered where these live versions had come from, and it wasn't until years later that I got around to seeking them out on the Internet, and purchased the CD. Only recently did I discover the existence of this DVD, and was excited that I would get to see these two great live performances. As it turns out, this DVD is more about Bill Graham than the performers, and much to my chagrin, he talks over most of the performance by It's a Beautiful Day. Thankfully, Fresh Air is unmolested. On that basis I could give a one star review, but taking the DVD for what it is, it is very interesting, entertaining and informative. I have many concert DVDs, but this one adds a behind the scenes look at these performances. Being able to watch Jerry Garcia plunking away on a steel guitar while everything is being set up around him provides a view that you would not get from a customary concert DVD. Carlos Santana's prima donna attitude is pretty well known, but watching Bill Graham's boiling frustration in having to deal with it is a true slice of history. Bill Graham himself is a fascinating case study. Although a hard-driven promoter, he was one of these people that thought rock and roll was going to bring peace and harmony to the world. You see his true disappointment that rock was not changing the world, as he talks about the venue and times. In summary, if you buy this DVD purely as a music DVD, or for performances that are not there such as Boz Skaggs, you will be disappointed. But if you want a very interesting historical DVD cataloging that period of rock history, which includes some great rock performances, this DVD is well worth its price.

(Allen B. Goldin, 2009-09-25) The most dynamic performer is left out of the movie, tempting me to return it for poor product advertising. Boz is sorely missed and has a lot of fans in this neck of he woods. We were all set to enjoy his performance and it never came...Otherwise the material is how I remembered it with Hot Tuna being one of my favorites.

(B. Turner, 2009-09-11) I too have fond memories of this film, having first seen it with some buddies in a theatre in 72. And I too remembered the Boz Scaggs performance as the highlight. When this new DVD release suddenly ended, I said, "Huh? It's over? What the f*** happened to Boz?!!" And I agree with the other reviews written here that the footage is way too overedited, with so many performances, if they didn't get cut completely, getting cut short. What was the point of that? I don't give a fig about the brevity of the film. In fact I wish it was four hours long! The early 70s in the Bay Area was a time when the music matured and became more polished. There was an overabundance of great music at that time and personally, I couldn't get enough. Boz, Jerry, Tower Of Power, Cold Blood, Taj, Elvin, they were everywhere. The film misses an opportunity to fully revisit this golden era. The camera work is often very maddening. Being a guitar player myself, I want to see the guitar player and what he is doing when he is playing a guitar solo! So often, Santana, or Neil Schon, or Ciopolina, or Garcia, or Elvin Bishop are not seen at all when they are wailing away, while the camera languishes on another band member out of the spotlight. But in its favor, the footage of Barbara Mauritz and Lamb is great, great stuff! She is maybe one of the hottest singers of that time with exceptional vocal chops, and is unfortunately often disregarded. (I fell in love with her all over again.) Lydia Pence and Cold Blood certainly bring it as well. What is so frustrating about this film, however, is knowing that there are probably miles of vintage, priceless footage that was left on the cutting room floor. There truly should be an effort to re-edit this and restore all, or most of the deleted footage for the sake of rock history. The complete soundtrack is absolutely loaded with classic performances, and the DVD has only a fraction of it. If Rhino or Bill Graham Productions have control over the film, then they owe it to us as curators to release it all. Free The Last Days!

(Elmore Magazine, 2009-08-20) This film, originally released in 1972, ostensibly documents the final performances at the legendary Fillmore West--and great performances they are, with Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna, Jerry Garcia with the Grateful Dead [it]and[it] the New Riders of the Purple Sage, Elvin Bishop, Santana and others onstage for the last five days. Memorable music and wonderful full-length performances, but the musicians do not star in this film. This is Bill Graham's showcase, in every way. Looking and sounding like a cocky Charles Bronson, we see Graham engaged in every aspect of his club, from moving a piano to kicking a cheeky wannabe act out of his office. A tough guy by any standards, Graham's temper erupts time after time, sometimes for effect, sometimes so he doesn't explode from the energy and determination compressed into his thin frame. He attempts to book Santana as his closing act and over a series of phone calls, Graham screams, he pleads, he reasons, then shouts some more, as if his own life would be meaningless if anyone but Santana were the last act at the Fillmore West. Graham got Santana and the filmed performance was brilliant, as Graham undoubtedly knew it would be. He wasn't the best impresario in rock by accident. Graham commands attention from the opening scene in which he assesses ticket buyers, lined up four deep around the block, to the last scene, where he surveys the debris in his empty club, never to reopen, never to be surpassed.

(Roger P. Orcutt, 2009-08-11) In a nutshell, in my view this is an important piece of Americana. This allows you to be "a fly on the wall" and see artists like Jerry Garcia et alia off stage and in their element. Bill Graham's scenes are precious and give a great perspective on the era of 60s. These sections, along with the footage of the Hippies dancing to these wonderful bands, with the camera going from the stage to the audience, is just marvelous. Even though I went to college from 61-72, I missed the 60s in toto. Science students are much different than those in liberal arts or those with business majors. I carried 21 credit hours many semesters with labs in addition to the lectures and had my head in a book the whole time 24/7. Now I am living the 60s for the first time, not re-living them, and this DVD makes you feel like you're right there with the Grateful Dead, Grace Slick and the Jefferson Airplane...listening to Bill Graham on the phone and giving soliloquies about what was happening at the time, on both sides of the fence. As the old saying goes, take my shoes because I've died and gone to Heaven. Roger P. Orcutt, Ph.D. (Microbiology) making up for lost time and having a ball. Come join me and do yourself a favor and get this DVD. Later later alligator, after the blizzard, lizard.

(Oma, 2009-09-21) Cute movie until the 3rd "story", which was a little too scary for my 2-3/4 year old granddaughter. The characters started talking about being scared of monsters and the dark.....time to turn it off! said my granddaughter. May be better for 4 and 5 year olds.

(QA, 2009-09-16) My 15 month old loves Elmo. This DVD however had too much talking and conversation and he was quickly bored. He didn't seem too fond of Elmo's daddy either. His appearance should have been as friendly as Elmo only bigger and with glasses maybe. Those eyebrows and unfriendly voice kept my son very far from the TV set! lol

(Melissa Vaughn, 2009-08-31) This video is great for kids. My child already knows who Andrea Bocelli is, so it was an extra treat to not only get Elmo, but Andrea as well. It has an interactive storybook too that reads the book and follows along on the screen. All in all, a great buy.

(A. Quartararo, 2009-08-25) We bought this for my 2 1/2 year old daughter who just got a big girl bed and was having trouble falling asleep. She could not express why, so we thought this video might help her articulate her feelings. It made everything worse. Now she is afraid of monsters in her room and everywhere else in the house. I think if your child is already afraid of things in the dark it is GREAT, but if your child has no ideas about monsters, or total darkness fears you should not purchase it.

(K. DeWinter, 2009-08-20) I purchased this for my grandson who is 13 months old. He loves it and will sit still and watch the whole thing. Highly recommend as it has great content and variety to keep kids interested.

(Andy B, 2009-10-16) I do enjoy these studio documentaries & find them fascinating, often wondering what those pioneers of film would of thought to us putting our shiny discs in players & seeing our favorites at any time of the day or night? The early chapters were much more interesting for me & I found the later chapters to be some what missing in their information, example, I would of thought the Lethal Weapon series would of played a huge part in Warner's income in the 1980's & 90's but they are missed out & the only time we hear from Richard Donner is on Superman, er Goonies anyone? a huge hit in it's time? I do like the way there was a huge contribution from the then studio heads & their reasons behind some of the movies that were made, that was 1 of the high lights for me. The other plus point for this presentation, is that you can go to any 1 decade without seeing the whole documentary. Good picture image in a mixture of ratios from all the different clips. Worth buying just a little disappointing.

(Jaime Costa, 2009-10-15) The story of Warner Brothers is great, and most of the best films are included in this five chapters anthology, narrated by Clint Eastwood. Many of the big names that made Warners one of the major studios in Hollywood make their mark: Cagney, Robinson, Bogart, Bette Davis, Errol Flynn, directors like Michael Curtiz, Raoul Walsh and John Huston, the gangsters era, the Busby Berkeley musicals, the war years, the film noir with Lauren Bacall and Joan Crawford, the post war nonsenses with Doris Day, the new faces (Brando, James Dean, Paul Newman) and the Elia Kazan films, the controversial sixties, the caothic seventies and the blockbusters of the eighties, Spielberg and Eastwood, Superman, Batman, Matrix and Harry Potter, it's all there, well documented, fully explained and related by most of the people that made the films. That's good. But there's something missing, too. In the war years we don't see any clip from WATCH ON THE RHINE (with Bette Davis and an Oscar winning performance by Paul Lukas), in the post war years there's not one word about JOHNNY BELINDA, and the Oscar to Jane Wyman. What about A STAR IS BORN in 1954, with the glorious come back of Judy Garland? And what about the romantic dramas, very popular in their time, with Troy Donahue and the direction of Delmer Daves (A SUMMER PLACE, PARRISH, SUSAN SLADE, ROME ADVENTURE)? I enjoy very much these kind of anthologies. It's much better than read the same story on books, because you simply can't explain a movie in printed words instead of showing it on the screen, just like it must be seen. How can you explain the face of Bette Davis without seeing it, the way she opens her eyes, the way she moves? And the voice of Humphrey Bogart, the kaleidoscopic choreographies of Busby Berkeley and the way that Lauren Bacall says "If you need something, just whistle"? Great fun, and an unforgettable experience!

(Stephen J. Hayter, 2009-08-27) You Must Remember This: The Warner Bros. Story (Amazon.com Exclusive) I was disappointed upon receiving this eagerly awaited DVD to find it had absolutely no enhancements. For example there were no identifying name supers as various people spoke. While some faces were familiar others were not.This certainly makes the doco an incomplete work. Also there was no identification of the various film clips used and again while some are familiar others are not.It proved quite a guessing game.The closing credits are also absent in their place are shots of the WB backlot with music but no superimposed credits. Also as previously mentioned the DVD is not enhanced for W.S. I can only assume there has been a glitch in the manufacturing process and these DVD's have slipped through the cracks. Finally rather than be completely negative let me say I enjoyed the doco and the archival interviews. I hope this problem is one that can be fixed for future buyers. Or was it just my copy?

(Allan Foo Chuan How, 2009-08-15) This is just a short message regarding wrong labeling on this DVD cover. This DVD set is not ENHANCED FOR WIDESCREEN TVS as stated on the cover. It is presented in STANDARD/FULLSCREEN format, with film materials from different movies present in their original format - either FULLSCREEN or LETTERBOX WIDESCREEN. I repeat - It is NOT ENHANCED FOR WIDESCREEN TVS! 3 STARS for WARNER BROS. for a sloppy job.

(calvinnme, 2009-05-10) I saw this documentary on PBS last year, and it is highly recommended for anyone who is interested in film history and the history of the most successful entertainment empire today - Warner Brothers. It's much better than "Here's Looking At You", the documentary made in the 90's on the studio. For one, there is one consistent narrator - Clint Eastwood, rather than a series of personalities as there was in "Here's Looking at You". In "Here's Looking at You" it seems like these series of narrators are there to show themselves off rather than talk about studio history. Eastwood keeps the focus on the studio, its product, and its strategy. Of course, as the studio moves into the era of special effects the documentary can't help but show off a little bit with some of their superhero and fantasy films, but I'll grant them that. Because so many of the directors that were around when Warners transformed from an upstart playing with sound to a major studio have passed on, they have interviews from the 60's and 70's with directors such as Mervin Le Roy talking about what it was like in the early days. Of course, there is a big focus on Jack Warner who turned out to be much a much shrewder studio head than his nemesis Louis B. Mayer over at MGM. It shows how Warner made the decisions that got the studio through the depression, the war, and the competition of television. I might have missed it, but I don't think the documentary talked too much about a very bad move that Jack Warner made that only the good fortune of the future managed to rectify. At one point Jack Warner sold the pre-1949 Warner film library to raise capital. Warner Bros. would today remain a studio with the finest part of its legacy no longer under its control had it not been for Ted Turner purchasing the RKO/pre-1949 WB/pre-1986 MGM film library in the 80's and then reuniting it under Warner Bros. control at the turn of the century when Ted Turner sold his interests in his cable network and film library back to Time-Warner. This is mentioned in "When the Lion Roared", the sister documentary on MGM. In conclusion, this is a very good documentary on the history of Warner Bros. and its lasting film legacy. Highly recommended.

(Maria Helscel, 2009-11-08) This movie is a great one to watch with the grandkids! They love it. And I did as well. The Rock is awesome!

(animal lover, 2009-11-05) We are saving this movie for christmas, but by the looks of it the disc is in very good shape. We received the movie quickly and the cover was in excellent condition as well.

(Tim Pritchard, 2009-11-01) Great movie for the family. Enjoyed it very much and so did the kids. Would recommend it to anyone who likes a great family movie foe the whole group.

(Paul Rainn, 2009-10-15) Race to Witch Mountain is better than the original movie. The Rock, (or Dwayne Johnson to movie fans unaware of his wrestling background) plays his role of a Vegas cabbie who's thrust headlong into an intergalatic imbriglio, complete with advanced aliens, a hottie love interest, secret agents, government conspiricy, flying saucers, and a killer Cyborg (!) in a sharp, believable manner. The movie doesn't take itself too seriously, and delivers on timing, comedy, (especially with the Rock's one liners!) and enjoyment. I give it 4.5 stars of 5. This is a movie the whole family can enjoy and delivers plenty of good special effects, comedy, chemistry, and lots of action scenes!

(chino10458, 2009-10-11) Its not all the great a little action or you check it out and see

(Andrew Ellington, 2009-10-20) 1957 was one of my favorite years for film, and `Det Sjunde Inseglet' is one of the many reasons why. One of Ingmar Bergman's finest films (and that is saying a lot, since he is one of the greatest directors of all time), `Det Sjunde Inseglet' is a startling glimpse at death and religion and the impact those two very important subjects have on life. With stunning performances (Gunnar Bjornstrand gives perhaps my favorite supporting male performance of all time) as well as crisp and engrossing black and white photography, `Det Sjunde Inseglet' is nearly as beautiful as it is powerful. The films core is found on a desolate beach where Antonius Block meets Death and challenges him to a game of chess. This game represents the game we all play, that of life. Death is an inevitable end, a course we cannot cheat (for there is no way that Block can actually `beat' Death), but one has the opportunity to give the game their best effort. Thus, one has the chance to embrace life while they have it. Block has seen a lot in his lifetime (war and plague to mention just two) and so his faith has begun to waver; his doubts surfacing about God and his concern for humanity. This theme of religion (or better yet, spirituality) is touched upon in the majority of Bergman's films, but the poignancy and emotional relevance has never been stronger than it is in `Det Sjunde Inseglet'. I find hesitation in really explaining much more of the film, for it is an experience that one should walk into blind almost. There is so much to uncover here, but what is so wonderful about filmmakers like Bergman is that they present a message one has to really uncover themselves. There are many ways to interpret this film, and no which way is really correct. It all depends on how the film touches and or moves you. If I really elaborate on my own personal findings it could unfairly influence your interpretation of the film, and so I'll reserve my thoughts on the matter for those who have already developed their own opinions. So watch the movie! The acting, like I mentioned, is sublime. I easily fill my Best Supporting Actor ballot with almost everyone in this film. Like I mentioned, Bjornstrand is my favorite supporting male performance of all time, so he takes this in a cakewalk; but Bengt Ekerot is extremely effective as Death himself, and Nils Poppe is marvelously entertaining as Jof. All three are leagues above any other performance that said year; and 1957 is a stunning year in nearly every category (Lead Actress is also jam packed). I really enjoyed Max von Sydow's detachment here, but he is clearly out-acted by the supporting cast. I wanted to take a few moments to really expound on my love for Bjornstrand here. He is utter perfection; quite possibly the most complete supporting performance ever recorded on film. He is witty, charming, genuine, engaging, stern, desperate, depressed, concerned, focused, heroic, dashing and even a bit scary. He covers all of the bases with effortless balance and not a single ounce of awkwardness. He is stunning here, no ifs ands or buts about it. I am a huge fan of Bergman, and while `Det Sjunde Inseglet' is not my favorite of his films (I reserve that honor for `Scener ur ett Aktenskap') it is certainly one of his finest moments and one of the best films of all time. At the price listed here it is a steal, so for once you don't have to splurge to experience something special!

(Cubist, 2009-06-22) It's safe to say that The Seventh Seal is Ingmar Bergman's most famous film judging by how firmly entrenched it has become in popular culture over the years. Key images and scenes from it, including Death, the chess game, and the Dance of Death, have been emulated and parodied countless times over the years. On a historical level, it has also been credited with helping launch art-house cinema in the 1950s, along with the films Akira Kurosawa and Federico Fellini. However, this has done little to diminish what a powerful meditation on man's search for purpose in the universe it is. The first disc starts off with an audio commentary from the previous edition by film scholar Peter Cowie. He briefly talks about the impact that the first time he saw The Seventh Seal had on him. He points out where Bergman drew his inspiration for the look of Death. Cowie populates this track with production anecdotes along with an analysis of what we are watching as well as the film's themes. "Afterword" is a follow-up by Cowie to the 1987 commentary he did for the Criterion Collection. He points out the film's rich humor, despite its reputation as a dark, brooding film about death. This extra gives him a chance to mention things that he failed to when he originally recorded the commentary. "Max von Sydow Audio Interview" features excerpts of interviews Cowie conducted with the veteran actor in 1988 for a book about the man. He talks about his upbringing and his parents. He recounts his first experience with the theater and how it led to him becoming an actor. "Woody Allen on Bergman" features a wonderful short film from Turner Classic Movies with Allen talking about his love for Bergman's films over a montage of clips from them. He says that The Seventh Seal is his favorite Bergman film. This is an eloquent tribute to the man and his films. Also included is a trailer. The second disc includes "Bergman Island," an impressive feature-length documentary about Bergman that was released in 2006. Bergman reflects on his life and career, coming across as a modest and humble man who tells all kinds of engaging anecdotes from his life. There are many clips from his films and excellent behind-the-scenes footage. Finally, there is "Bergman 101," a crash course on the life and career of Bergman by Cowie. He narrates over stills and clips from the man's films. This is an excellent primer that traces Bergman's career arc and touches upon many of his films while also providing factoids and analysis.

(N. Latham, 2009-09-11) These videos are divided so you can work on the areas that you really want and they are fast. I am actually using this product.

(Busy Mom, 2009-08-19) This is a great workout- perfect for use at home without a lot of time- so i"m giving it 5 stars, BUT the DVD I got from Amazon didn't work. I exchanged it for another, which also didn't work. I finally returned it and ordered the dvd from Joel Harper's website directly, which works fine, and is nicer since all 9 workouts are on one dvd. Unlike one previous reviewer, I was able to get a full refund from Amazon without much hassle- it was a good experience with their customer service.

(H. Lanier, 2009-06-20) Easy to do anywhere. After the workouts I feel strong AND flexible. Love the practicality -- no equipment needed. Took a star off because production quality is a little low. Otherwise very good stuff.

(Robin in Austin, 2009-05-29) Great no- nonsense,get-er-done workouts that can be done anywhere in a minimum of space and with no equipment needed.They are effective and can be tailored to your needs and time frame. A great DVD for keeping in shape while traveling.

(Eleanor, 2009-03-24) Looking for something to alternate with my Pilates mat workout so I wouldn't have to go to the gym on cold snowy days, I serendipitously found the perfect mate for my needs. Joel Harper's Fit Pack - Nine Short Workouts. A masterful combination of resistance, stretching, and balance, beautifully paced. All workouts have beginning, intermediate, advanced examples during the session. It has addressed a naughty piriformis syndrome for which I am grateful. Great way to start the day.

(Robina Suwol, 2009-09-13) Thank you Tracy Effinger for creating this sensational DVD. You are a true inspiration to everyone!! Seeing results & will be purchasing more for holiday & special occasion gifts.

(Nikki, 2009-09-11) TRACY EFFINGER TOOK HER FIRST SQUEEZE WORKOUT, AND RETITLED AND REPACKAGED IT. THIS IS NOT A NEW DVD. FIRST I WAS CONFUSED WHEN I STARTED DOING THE VIDEO AND I KNEW EVERYTHING BEFORE SHE EVEN DID IT, THEN I REALIZED THAT SHE ALREADY RELEASED THIS DVD YEARS AGO. SO I DID A SCENE BY SCENE COMPARISON OF THE ORIGINAL SQUEEZE AND THE 30 DAY BODY TRANSFORMATION: BEGINNING TO END, THEY ARE THE SAME EXACT MOVIE. SAME OUTFIT, SAME MUSIC, SAME MOVES, SAME WORDS, SAME EVERYTHING. ISN'T THIS ILLEGAL? ALL THEY DID WAS REPACKAGE THE DVD AND RETITLE IT AND RELEASE IT LIKE IT IS NEW. I AM GOING TO FIGHT TO RETURN IT EVEN THOUGHT I OPENED IT.

(Maureen Ikwueme, 2009-09-07) If you have a copy of the squeeze, the complete workout dont waste your money as it is exactly the same workout but they just changed the cover. I was so disappointed because i preordered and had to wait almost 2 months to find out that i had the workout already. if i had known this i wouldnt have wasted my money but i am now defintely going to return it an get a refund

(R. E. Mayer, 2009-09-29) Actually, he's a little young for me now, and I'm already married...but I used to want to marry him. And I would still love to live like that! Another good movie to pull-out when you just want to watch something bright and happy :o)

(Alicia V. Bauer, 2009-05-27) This movie is expensive, since it is an old movie the price is a little bit high. It is a good movie for a 5 or 6 year old.

(Ashlee Douglass, 2009-05-04) i was very pleased with my dvd and the time it took to get to me. the cost was great and brand new too! i couldn't be happier

(Deborah C. Nicol, 2009-05-04) Swiss Family Robinson is a fantastic family movie, something you don't see very often anymore. Everyone young or old will enjoy this film immensely. Highly recommend. Even my 20 year old daughter loves this movie.

(Jason Pumphrey, 2009-04-26) This is it the original Swiss Family Robinson from 1960! This great 2 DVD package from the Vault Disney Collection is spectacular!!! Includes a beautiful anamorpic widscreen transfer of the film a "boatload" of great supplimental material!!! I remember watching this on TV w/ my famliy ions ago,never knowing that the TV version was chopping almost 50% of the picture,now w/ this wonderful dvd,one can it in all it's widescreen glory,the way it was meant to be seen!!! I'm pretty sure a Blu Ray version will evenually be released,til then,we have this wonderful edition to emjoy!!!

(Bryan Lambert, 2009-11-09) What a pleasure this series is to watch. An intelligent, somber, complex 'cop show' which will be appreciated by anyone who enjoys substance over flash. Wallender, (Kenneth Brannah) is a swedish police detective (with a very british accent as do all the characters) who is a burned-out, near break down, and very good at solving crimes. What sets this show apart is that the 3 episodes covered are unique and not the typical type you'd see on an 'American' cop show. I can't wait for the next installment of this series.

(two cents critic, 2009-10-04) Based on the wonderful Henning Mankell stories this series could have been really good. It is NOT awful and certainly watchable. The production values are high and the cast(including Kenny) are fine actors. The problem is watching Ken Branagh be a great artist is just so painful. The Wallander character is a tragic burnt out wreck with all kind of issues dealing with his daughter, ex-wife, father and the bottle. The problem with this tv series vs the books is that too much screen time is spent beating you over the head with Wallander's suffering. The storylines and the mystery itself are secondary to almost endless footage of Wallander suffering and being confused. There is almost no time spent on the actual detecting of the crime or the other characters situation in life. So you have Kenneth Branagh hy-jacking the plot with mega suffering scenes.

(estrenten, 2009-09-09) It was as though the heart of true drama on television had dissappeared... Then, Kurt Wallander came stumbling in, looking like he had just washed the tear soaked pores of his face with the very excrement of the worst of humanity and its crimes; all to dirty it again in search of some vindication that the world (Sweden in this case) was not the hateful, hurtful, crime-ridden, demented death-scape that it has become. With an excellent supporting cast, the ever agile Kenneth Branagh ruminating on the all too apparent recent oblivion of the questionable "humane" nature toward others, and totally becoming the embodiment of obloquy through his struggles with a rocky personal/family life, bizarre murders he is faced with unravelling, and trying to find a glimmer of hope, not just for the world, but for himself -- who could resist? Production value is topnotch; there is some creative editing and plenty of "indie-movie" style direction of photography. Bottom line: the crime series Wallander makes CSI, CSI NY, Law and Order, L&O SVU, NSCI, NYPD Blue, the ASVAB (or whatever other abbreviated crime show you can come up with) look like Sister Margaret's third-grade class's stage rendition of "All I Want for Christmas". Totally worth the cost to buy and here goes a finger cross for an Emmy for Kenneth Branagh!

(carol irvin, 2009-09-07) I am a Kenneth Branagh fan and he does a marvelous job playing Wallander. These are wonderful mysteries and I was thoroughly engrossed in them. Wallander himself is pretty much a mess except for when he is solving a crime. This is, of course, usually the case in detective land. Everyone is single...eventually. Here is my quibble and why I have trouble going the whole five stars. I have watched a lot of Swedish film. Most of it is magnificent. There is nothing like seeing it in the original source language played by a Swedish actor. Case in point: INSOMNIA was a Swedish mystery novel. It was made in a Swedish version set in Sweden with Swedish actors. It was made in an American version starring Al Pacino and Robin Williams. I enjoyed both versions. However, I would not have liked to see Al Pacino and Robin Williams playing Swedish detectives in Sweden. Kenneth Branagh plays excellent British and American characters. One could never convince me he was Swedish though. If I hadn't spent 40 years watching foreign films in the original source language with subtitles, I guess I wouldn't even be making such a fuss over this point. However, it is a glaring error to someone who has done so. I have no other complaint. These are well written and directed. Branagh is a terrific actor and can play anyone. If you enjoy PBS mysteries, and I do, you will also enjoy Wallander.

(S. McGee, 2009-08-03) That's the advice troubled Swedish detective Kurt Wallander gets from a former cop, one who has mastered the art of ignoring the uncomfortable gritty reality that surrounds them in today's Sweden. Wallander, a closet idealist, can't grasp that concept, choosing instead to fight for some kind of justice. This television series reminded me (in case I needed reminding) just why Branagh became a nearly-overnight stage, cinema and television star in his early 20s, even before he was nominated for an Oscar for starring in, directing and co-producing what has now become for me the definitive edition of Henry V. (Henry V) Two decades further on, Branagh takes on another iconic role of a very different kind; hordes of mystery addicts have discovered Henning Mankell's police detective hero, Kurt Wallander, in recent years, and now Branagh has brought him to life for Mankell's legion of English-language readers. Branagh doesn't play the role; he inhabits it. (I completely forgot that he was an actor; he WAS Wallander, in the kind of performance that theater- and movie-goers always hope to find, but so rarely do.) His Wallder is battered and bruised by life, struggling from day to day but never really ends up jaded or cynical; he clings his idea of justice, refusing a ham-handed suggestion that he close his eyes to evil-doing, and reacting with outrage to the things that human beings can do to each other. He may be a voice crying in the wilderness, but that isn't going to stop Branagh/Wallander from trying to act. You can see each blow as he receives it (Branagh is actually the only male actor I've seen cry convincingly on screen), whether from the discoveries he makes about his cases and the new Sweden they reveal (a child of 5 who tries to put out his own eyes with scissors??) or those about himself and his relationship with his wife (who never appears in person; they're separated), daughter Linda or his aging father. The plots appear downright bizarre at first -- a trio of young people dressed in 18th century clothing, slaughtered as they celebrate Midsummer's Day; a young woman who suddenly attacks a taxi-driver with a knife and confesses, saying "it doesn't matter; and a teenage girl who sets fire to herself in a field of rapeseed after Wallander, summoned by a concerned farmer, tries to reassure her by identifying himself as a cop. But the bizarre surface quickly reveals a more familiar kind of criminal behavior and plot lying just beneath the surface. There's a lot of suspense, but for me the main reason to watch these was the stunningly good acting and the almost hypnotic cinematography. This is head and shoulders above other recent police procedural imports from the BBC, IMO; so good that even after watching the DVDs as rentals, I'm buying them to add to my collection. (They are now available to US viewers; you don't need a multi-region DVD player any longer. The only series of comparable quality is the one made up of the P.D. James mysteries featuring Roy Marsden as Adam Dalgliesh, although those never had the lofty cinematography and production values that this series does. I only hope that the producers take a leaf from the Dalgliesh/PD James series and proceed to film many new episodes. There's a great bonus feature; a long documentary-style 'behind the scenes' glimpse into Mankell's actual world and Wallander's fictional one that manages to avoid being fawning and gives the viewer (and any Mankell fans out there) some real and significant background to help them understand the evolution of Sweden from an insular and homogeneous society into one of Europe's most multicultural, with all the social ills that has brought with it. If you enjoy this and have read Mankell's books, the next logical place to go are the equally gritty (albeit less procedural) books by Stieg Larsson, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Vintage) and The Girl Who Played with Fire.

(Collegiate Action Mission, 2009-10-20) It seems odd that such an old show would take so long to produce DVD's for sale. I want all seasons and I would like them now! This season was the most enjoyable to date and I love to watch them and recall how much of life was for a lot of us in middle America. Buy this and you will only be disappointed that season 4 is not yet released.

(Global Warming, 2009-09-14) One thing I like about this show is that no one is perfect in it. But, why did they make Betty so stupid? And why doesn't Kathy get disciplined for her behavior? Kathy apparently doesn't respect her parents and does what she wants. Margaret is a slave, I like this show, but I wouldn't want kids like that in my house, LOL.

(M. Jauriqui, 2009-09-05) I think with this season the show had more warmth. The first two seasons were funnier and even a little goofy, but season three everything came into focus. I can't think of any other show from that era that had more heart. Donna Reed show comes close as does Leave It to Beaver, but these shows didnt't have a great actor like Robert Young. Also I think the stories were better as well as their house looking very real to me, in fact it looked like my house growing up with it shadows and such, especially in the kitchen. I think FKB would have a better reputation if it had been called The Robert Young show or The Andersons of Springfield. Most people, even my own friends, laugh and mock the show until I screen them a few select episodes and then they're like "WOW, not too bad!" I know everybody doesn't have a father who knew best, but this Norman Rockwell painting was a great fantasy.

(Bruce Perry, 2009-07-12) I feel this is one of the all time great television shows...and too forgotten....I had not really seen much of the show, for 40 years, until the DVD's came out....in my opinion, the show was perfectly cast, very well directed, the actors did a first rate job, and the shows were a perfect blend of drama, emotion and comedy...but the show was not a true comedy...I would say only 30% comedy/70% drama...but the show certainly stirs the emotions...and after 40 years I was especially impressed with Jane Wyatt and how fine an actress she really was (which I had not really noticed when I was young)...all the episodes are great...but "Betty's birthday" from season 3 and "Margarets premonition" from season 2 really got to me...I highly recommend the whole dvd season 1-3 package and hopefully seasons 4-6 will come out soon...this was a tv show everyone should see

(William A. Lewis, 2009-07-12) Warm, funny, wise, and touching. Long before sitcoms became soft-core pornography, series like this dominated the air-waves. The good news is that we can own them now and schedule our own TV.

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