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THE LEGEND OF 1900 BY FAR MY FAVORITE MOVIE, NEVER HEARD OF IT, BUT TOTALLY LOVE THE PHOTOGRAPHY, ESPECIALLY WATCHING THE FIRST PERSON TO SEE THE STATUE OF LIBERTY, AND HOW HE ZOOMED IN TO HIS PUPIL AND YOU CAN SEE HER STANDING PROUD, AS HE IS SHOUTING AMERICA, AMERICA,WE ARE VERY LUCKY PEOPLE TO HAVE BEEN BORN HERE AND LIVED HERE.I LOVE THIS COUNTRY!

Oh thank you lord! (Pt. 1 of 9) As a DBZ fan all throughout college and wasted somewhere between 2000-3000 dollars on videos. Funimation (the real English team behind DBZ) finally decided to bring the series of DBZ to DVD ha!(DBZDVD!). But it is much more than just seaons.For those who need a little history the first two sagas of DBZ were own by Pioneer entrertainment and they edited the crap out of them. Also the voice acting was poor the background music stunk and the stories just weren't well put together you knew something was missing. Funimation took the series and created two versions for vhs and it was the first time you were able to see DBZ uncut in all its bloody glory. Also a brand new voice staff was brought in with voice talents of Sonny Strait, Christopher Sabbat etc.The first season which introduces Goku and his friends from the preceeding series Dragon Ball and opens the story in a whole new way. Goku now learns he is from outter space and one of the last of his race called Saiyans. He also learned that Saiyans are not very nice especially when the first one he meets is his own older brother Raditz who tries to kill him. Now there are two more coming in search for the infamous Dragon Balls. It is up to Goku's sworn enemy Picollo to train Goku's 4 year old son Gohan that he has a power deep within and might just be more powerful than he knows.This DVD set is worth it because now that Anime is so far beyond mainstreem on the western side of the world. It was time for Dragon Ball Z to be removed of its guenia pig status and finally be revieled that this was not a kids show! Even though it is cropped for wide screen format it really doesn't seem to bother me. But now the first seaons is uncut so the violence his not cleaned up there is plenty of cuts blood and bruses and most importantly there is more story and the voices from all the funimation owned sagas are doing what they do best for this first season. If you like DBZ this is a worthy set for your collection.

Original I Always enjoyed this fine original Scrooge film. Alister Simms IS AWESOME. I haven't seen this version in a long time. I love it.

A True Classic Bruce Willis is great in this movie. A great combination of humour, action, suspence, romance and drama. One of the best endings in movie history.

IV is Fun! Sit back and just enjoy the ride!This Trek is so much fun I have talked to non-followers of Trek and they love this one!I can see why.Best scene is in hospital with Dr. McCoy and 20th century medicine("My God man, drilling holes in his head is not the answer!").Spock trying to fit in by cursing is by far the funniest comic relief in any trek("Admiral, the use of language has altered since our arrival.") One of the other things that I like about this Trek vehicle is the excellent continuity.It is a bonafide sequel to Trek III-Search For Spock.Nothing is forgotten. Kirk and company still have to return to earth and face court martial for violations of Starfleet regulations.Whale special effects are incredible as well.Kudos to Nimoy for an outstanding directorial effort.

Wonderful Film This is a beautiful, engaging film with a captivating plot, drama as well as sweetness, and a beautiful soundtrack. Its biggest drawback is the unfeeling, dull performance by Costner, who was unconvincing in his role. The rest of the acting was fine, and the movie overall was wonderful, if somewhat "Hollywood-ized".

Good acting in a movie that refuses to make any choices. Dawn Wiener, the horribly unpopular girl from Todd Solondz's brilliant debut WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE, is dead. We find out about it in the opening minutes of PALINDROMES, which begins with footage from the character's funeral. This, in and of itself, is a bummer. Dawn has been, to date, Solondz's most layered character - though the pedophile in HAPPINESS is as interesting - and the idea that he would kill her off seems like a sad, sick joke. Of course, sad, sick jokes tend to be Solondz's forte, some better than others. Unfortunately, most of the sad, sick jokes in PALINDROMES fall flat. The film is filled with interesting quirks, but, even though the plot and the point come together at the end of the film, the movie just doesn't work.The film centers on Aviva, a girl of around 12 who decides that she wants to have a baby "so that someone will always be around to love her." Aviva, featured in a couple sex scenes that vary between pathetic-yet-funny and creepy-and-inappropriate, manages to get pregnant.The film then features the issues of abortion, child pregnancy, runaways, deformed children, child molestation and fundamentalism, but it doesn't tackle any of them with any sort of fervor.Ellen Barkin does well in her scenes as Aviva's mother, who seems perfectly reasonable (at first) in her conviction that her daughter should get an abortion. But Solondz isn't comfortable with anything black-and-white, so he then gives the Barkin character a couple wholly wrong, selfish traits that make her stance on abortion a little more murky.Barkin also acts well in her scenes opposite several of the actresses chosen to play Aviva. The film is divided into sections, with a different actress playing Aviva at each section. This is the most interesting aspect of the film, for it shows how very different actresses - and one actor - would play the same role. It also shows you whether the audience's sympathy does change and/or should change based upon the way a girl in that situation looks.To me, Sharon Warren plays the best, most realistic Aviva in the film. Her portrayal most clearly makes Aviva into an idealistic, if naive, girl. Jennifer Jason Leigh also gets a turn at Aviva, but the scenes didn't work as well for me.There's a very funny scene involving a fundamentalist family of adopted, deformed children in a Christian song-and-dance group, but the laughter I got from it was mixed with doubt. I mean, yes, the visual of it is ridiculous, but, if faith works for these people, then what's wrong with it?Of course, Solondz avoids that question altogether by making the patriarch an abortionist-killing hypocrite.No character is allowed completely pure motivations, which makes the film harder-to-take.PALINDROMES is, of course, interesting. But Solondz has done better.

Broken Down & Rebuilt Dream - Brilliant Depiction of Herzog Werner Herzog's film Fitzcarraldo depicts a man's grueling journey towards self-fulfillment and personal dreams. Burden of Dreams tells the story from behind the camera, as Herzog finds himself in an almost five-year long struggle to accomplish a dream that nearly broke him physically, psychologically, socially, and economically in the Peruvian jungle. Despite the many obstacles, Herzog eventually managed to create a brilliant cinematic experience, which now can impress present and future film aficionados. Yet, before viewing this documentary, the audience should consider two notions that support the idea of viewing Fitzcarraldo first. First, the final product raises the awareness of why Herzog pursues making the film, which also helps learning from the filmmaking journey. Second, this documentary would spoil Fitzcarraldo, as it depicts and explains several scenes from the film. It ultimately would reduce the element of surprise and drama.An interesting retrospective notion that comes to mind after the film is the comparable similarities that Herzog has with Fitzcarraldo who is the character that Klaus Kinski portrays in the film. They both have the desire to fulfill a dream to the level of obsession where both seem willing to risk it all in their endeavor. Herzog even mentions in the documentary, "I live my life, or I end my life with this project." This also suggests why Herzog believes that the film had to be done, as it provides a strong reflection of Herzog's own persona and his existential philosophy.Often the journey of reaching a dream drifts into oblivion when the aftermath surfaces. On the other hand, Burden of Dreams makes sure that the audience does remember the importance of the struggle for dreams through Herzog's numerous predicaments. For example, his initial problems include border wars, death threats, and the departure of leading role actors, which consequently makes investors nervous. After having been set back for over a year Herzog commences the shooting of Fitzcarraldo, as difficulty continues to haunt the filming with drought, tribal war, and a plane crash. He even believes that a curse rests over the film production. All of these delays begin to have their toll on him and the rest of the filmmaking crew, as he begins to drift into an angry gloominess blaming the ever so close jungle.All of the negative impacts that the film crew and cast experience are intensified by the Amazon jungle that surrounds them for thousands of miles. Originally, Herzog believed that isolation from civilization would bring out qualities in both the cast and crew that would heighten the cinematic experience. This concept had more validity than Herzog would ever have anticipated, as boredom begins to affect both the crew from the modern world and the natives who live by ancient traditions. Steadily morale keeps on sinking. Fortunately, a cure to the low morale rests within down-to-earth solutions. Yet, through the problems and the solutions Herzog begins to see the dark nature of the unforgiving jungle that seems to come closer and closer.The director Les Blank objectively captures the clash between ancient and modern traditions, as the natives and the film crew interact in the tropical rainforest. The audience gets to observe the making of the traditional masato, an alcoholic beverage made of yuca chewed and fermented with human saliva. There is a also a scene in Fitzcarradlo where Kinski is supposed to drink masato to seal an agreement between him and the natives, but in fear of infection, Kinski avoids it by drinking canned milk. Despite the troubles, the camera effortlessly flows with the fatigued crew of Europeans, Americans, and natives, as they all have to endure the burden of Herzog's dream - Fitzcarraldo.Previous documentaries such as American Movie (1999) and Lost in La Mancha (2002) offer similar experiences, but they do not achieve the anxiety that Burden of Dreams reaches. The forcefulness of the story rests within the topic, which in this case is Herzog and his desire to fulfill his dream. In many aspects, this documentary seems outlandish such as Herzog's idea of pulling a steamboat over a mountain and the abundance of problems that surrounded the making of Fitzcarraldo. Yet, it is within this madness, if you will, where Blank captures the power of dreams in a similar way that the bird Phoenix raises from the ashes.

Excellent drama depicting small town life This is John's masterpiece to the world. This movie proves to everyone that John is one of the most gifted artists of our time. The rension and relationship issues seem real and Mariel Hemingway plays a great part!

I have a few questions... I love a good movie, and this one was great. But if there's something I don't quite understand in a movie, it really bugs me. I have a few questions about this movie, and I'm hoping someone can help me out.1. Is the portal in the office building the same one that Captain..Whatever His Name Was found 90 years ago?2. So let me see if I've got this right: if you enter the portal in the pupal stage, you get stuck forever in the body, if you enter the portal in the larval stage, you get kicked out after 15 minutes, and if you enter the portal in the ripe stage (is it always on the 44th birthday?), you stay in the body for good?3. What determines who the portal will go to next? And is it always the same portal (the one in the building?)And is it just coincidence that the daughter is the next person the portal leads to or am I missing something? Is it because she's Malkovich's daugter? And what determined that the portal led to John Malkovich for that matter?4. So Dr. Lester started out as that Captain, jumped to Lester, and then to Malkovich, and that's why he says he's 105 years old? Or is Lester really 105 years old because of the carrot juice?Maybe I'm thinking too hard here, but I know there are answers to these questions, and, like I said, it's driving me crazy. It keeps me from fully enjoying the movie. Help me out, people! E-mail me with some answers at: rosebrockp@hotmail.com Thanks!

What a Shame, NO Subtitle!! It is inexcusable for Warner NOT to include subtitle for this otherwise excellent edition. There are too many names of places and historical figures mentioned in each part of the program. It is incomprehensible for someone to look up or do further research when these names are not spelled out on the subtitle.I was so excited to hear the news that the whole "World at War" set is coming to DVD. I couldn't wait to order my very own set. However, once I read the detail and found out that the box set doesn't come with subtitle, I decided against to order it. I always thought Warner was the best company when they come to including subtitles for all their DVD releases. All their movies come with at least three subtitles (English, French and Spanish). For this box set, English subtitle is a minimum must to make it complete.Sorry, Warner, I am not going to buy this wonderful set. What a shame, Warner, dropped the ball, big time.Bottom line, 5-star for the program & 2-star for the missing English subtitle. (Once Warner goes back and release a new set with at least English subtitle, I will buy one at that time.)

Bizarre trip through the world of Hollywood Barton Fink is a New York writer with on the cusp of real success when he receives a lucrative offer. After earning accolades for a play he wrote about New York City fishmongers, Hollywood offers him a load of money to head out to Los Angeles to write motion picture screenplays. Fink is slightly unsure he should engage in such a shameless grab for money, but he decides to go for it after his agent assures him that all great writers and artists work in Tinseltown. The idea of a talented artist selling his soul to the moneygrubbers involved in the film industry is an important theme of Joel and Ethan Coen's classic 1991 film "Barton Fink." The picture is notably weird even for the Coen brothers, who made "Raising Arizona," "Fargo," and "The Hudsucker Proxy," all strange films in their own right. "Barton Fink" beats those films by a mile with its bizarre premises. What is this movie about? Oh, nothing more than your typical guy goes to Hollywood to make good, finds himself living next to a mass murderer, gets writer's block, has run-ins with evil studio heads, meets his idol and a pretty girl, winds up facing a murder rap, and encounters the devil himself (maybe). Just your typical, everyday sort of predictable plot passed off on the sheep that go see movies today, right? Dead wrong. This movie is one of the most original films I have seen in years. I never tire of watching it.When Barton arrives in Hollywood he immediately sets himself up in a sleazy hotel, thinking that the claustrophobic atmosphere of his room will inspire him in his work. Problems, horrible, dangerous problems that hint at dark forces haunt him from the moment he checks in. The clerk manning the front desk seems a bit odd, especially considering he emerges from a trap door in the floor to help Fink sign in. Then Barton's neighbor appears on the scene after the writer complains to the front desk about the noise next door. This neighbor, a salesman named Charlie Meadows, at first takes umbrage with Fink's complaints but eventually comes to befriend the nervous screenwriter. The two men spend a lot of time cooling their heels in Fink's room, discussing such diverse topics as the plight of the common man and the difficulties of selling products door to door. While Fink begins to think the world of this portly salesman, there seems to be a sinister personality lurking behind the smiling eyes of Charlie that is occasionally off putting. Eventually, that secret will come to light in the most hideous of ways.Before Fink's life turns to mud, he meets another man who presents a host of problems: his literary hero W.P. Mayhew. Mayhew is a raging alcoholic trying to earn a living in Hollywood. Fink eventually learns an upsetting secret about this writer as well, a secret involving Mayhew's sultry assistant Audrey. Compounding Fink's difficulties is a brassy, smarmy Hollywood big shot who wants Fink to write a screenplay for a wrestling picture starring Noah Beery. Barton Fink might have survived these countless debacles if he didn't suddenly come down with the worst case of writer's block he has ever had. When inspiration does suddenly strike him, it has little to do with a wrestling picture and more to do with his current situation. The people he is under contract with do not understand Barton Fink's screenplay. They don't understand Barton Fink. And they promise that Barton Fink will never work in this town again or as a writer because the contract stipulates anything Fink writes belongs to the studio. Hollywood can be a very unforgiving town.Everything works in "Barton Fink." The performances from John Turturro (Fink), John Goodman (Charlie Meadows), Steve Buscemi (the bellhop Chet), Judy Davis (Audrey), John Mahoney (Mayhew), and Michael Lerner (studio boss Jack Lipnick) all rate off the charts. A special salute should go to Tony Shaloub in the sleazy role of Ben Geisler, an overbearing jerk constantly deriding Fink's position with the studio. The hotel's bleak atmosphere, with its peeling wallpaper, dusty furniture, and canyon wide hallways instills a sense of malevolent dread to the entire proceedings. Who could produce a work of art in such a seedy situation? Barton Fink can when he finally decides to rely on his true abilities by rejecting the typical Hollywood pap. There are many theories about the underlying themes of this movie, most of them quite valid, but I felt that the idea of a young writer selling his soul for a buck and thus nosediving into failure was the central premise. Only when he writes about something he has enthusiasm for does he find a sort of redemption, and even then Hollywood is right there to quash his masterpiece. I suspect the Coen brothers went through a similar experience when they started out in the movie business, that Barton Fink represents to some extent the success and failure of these two filmmakers.The DVD version of the movie is good, not great. The most intriguing extras on the disc are the deleted scenes. They don't add much to the movie, but they do provide a glimpse into how the film might have looked before the final edit. The scenes rely on alternating black and white and color cinematography, which makes for a confusing feel that was appropriately dropped in favor of an all color format. "Barton Fink" is a winner of a film that really isn't all that confusing after repeated viewings. A commentary track from the directors would have been nice, if for no other reason than to confirm what is in that blasted box!

VERY different take on a rock biography film After seeing Walk The Line and Ray it is refreshing to see a new, more creative take on a rock bio film. The choice of several actors to play the many faces of Bob Dylan was a wonderful one. I also thought it was interesting how the young boy Dylan (Woody), and the main character Dylan (Jude) were played by a young black boy and a woman. Both, I felt, gave the best performances in the film, incidentally. To me this helped to illustrate the universality of Dylan's music, and allow any gender/race/age watching the film to feel more connected to Dylan.This film doesn't stop to hold your hand. It makes you use your own brain to catch up as it shifts through the phases of Dylan. This is something I really like about the film. If you are a die hard Dylan fan (which I am not) I'm sure you have to work less to understand what is happening. But, even if you are not, take comfort in the fact that this film believes in the intelligence of its audience. Also, the musical sequences are fantastic.Cate Blanchett's acting is absolutely incredible. She gives the best performance of the film. The worst performance is given by the woman playing Dylan's wife. She is awful. Her accent is terrible and I couldn't tell if she was supposed to be French or English. Her annoying presence is probably the reason I'm not giving this 5 stars.

a classic comedy!!!! my uncle is peter boyle (young frankenstien's monster), and i asked him what it was like to film this movie."it was horrible" is what he said.well......IT SURE WAS WORTH IT!!!!!this movie has all the ingredients of a great comedy.....a spoof, sex, pain, stupidity on the characters part, and Mel Brooks!!!!!this had to have been the greatest comedy ever made,because if it wasnt, it wouldnt have a 5-star rating average.

One of the best movies ever made As a screenwriter this is one of the best screenplays ever written and one of my favorite movies. The script is an excellent example of the three act screenplay and often referenced in screenwriting text books, e.g. Syd Field's, "Fundamentals of Screenwriting." As a story it has it all: sex, violence, mystery, suspense and conflict. The acting is excellent. It's a young Jack at his best. Lastly, lt's Polanski's best directed movie. The film has it all and there's something here for everyone whether you just want to watch an engaging, entertaining movie or you want to see how to write a screenplay. BTW, it's based on a true story.

Dinosaur Valley Girls is fun but could have been better This movie had the potential to be so much more than it was. The stop motion dino effects good but the addition of live lizards (to save money I'm sure) is a bit distracting. The girls in this are all very good looking and for the "little parts" they were given, they did fine. Which brings me to one of the problems I had with Dinosaur Valley Girls, the girls didn't do enough. Their characters were not developed in any way and the supposed romance between Tony and Hea-thor just happens. There's no building to it. I realize in movies like this plot is usually not their strongest point but this movie needed that especially because the cave people speak in cave talk and we, the viewers, can't always figure out whats going on. Why do the cavemen dislike the one member of their tribe? Why does Hea-thor not mind Tony sleeping with ever other cave girl? You'd think she'd be extremely jealous. Lastly, why does the big caveman hate Tony? If he's in love with Hea-thor, he never shows it. Other things in this movie I could have done without were the stupid sound effects that were intended as comedy but seemed out of place and the music video for "Jurassic Punk" that comes out of nowhere. Speaking of which, the resolution to the dinosaur problem is just plain silly. There are some points to this movie I do like. The story does move along at a good pace. There were only a couple of slow parts for me. The women are all very good looking and I did laugh at many of the jokes. I also like the special features. If you like B movies, I'd say rent this before you buy it. If you like every B movie ever made, I know you'll love Dinosaur Valley Girls!

OMG!! I cant't believe it's here! I was planning on buying a used vhs on ebay. Then they bring it onto DVD! This is a movie I remember since I was 4. Hopefully they will release Dot and Whale, along with the others in this series. A wonderful movie for children or those young at heart!

ONE OF THE FUNNIEST I'VE EVER SEEN ! This is a very warm and entertaining movie about the events happening when the neighborhood's big momma was replaced by a FBI agent.A fun for the whole family.Guaranteed make you giggle.

You can never atone, Briony! The setting: English countryside in the interwar period. The storyline: 13-year-old Briony Tallis mistakes her sister's flirtation with the hunky hired help and her own infatuation with him to unjustly implicate the young man in rape, and screws up all three of their lives as a result. Seeking atonement, she works as a nurse in London during WW II, then later writes a book admitting she bore false witness. Sorry Briony, that doesn't make up for destroying a man's life. Burn in Hades, you little brat.Keira Knightley is the best thing in this romance involving the usual props and contretemps - misplaced love, tuxedos, perverts, teapots, country estates, falling bombs, French, stuffy accents and misdirected love letters. As for the movie itself, it's more a vehicle to demonstrate that the actors are, well, great actors. And they are. Every performance was top-notch and the sets were lavish, although I could tell the director and set designer were more concerned with English estates than with Dunkirk. But you can't have everything.I won't give away the ending, but let's just say that overall, though, the movie made me feel a bit depressed. If you're a fan of the genre, then this is a great addition to your collection. For the typical moviegoer, however, it probably is too much a downer.

Great Movie this is a great movie and I bought it as a gift for some friends of ours and they love it also...

Great Show The product has been received well packaged and into the time limit. This show is amazing considering the time it was recorded.

This movie is pure 60s! I LOVED IT! IT DIFINEITLY CAUGHT ONE OF THE Moods of the 60's, I thought running underneath the whole silly comedy, was the thought of how much we changed from free love to responsibility and also how we really still just want our freedom!If you look at it from that point you really have to say who ever thought this movie up and did the work on it actors, etc...Really caught the 60's and brought it to the 90's for an hour or so.

Idealized bio of a Depression Era pugilist CINDERELLA MAN is pure fiction but as boxing films go, decent entertainment. In particular, I was really irritated at how inaccurate they made the '35 Baer title fight. In reality, this was no slugfest. Max never looked like a crazed beast during it. Jimmy spent much of the fight circling to his right. Mostly the two boxers clinched and threw ineffective inside uppercuts.There were no two low blows, no face slap and no moment near the end of Round 15 when Braddock was staggered wth Max closing in for a headshot kill. In reality, Baer lost his zest for headhunting after he killed a man in the ring. Worst of all was the elimination of Baer's Star of David from his trunks. Max was proud of his Jewish heritage and this symbol should've been retained. Political correctness is nonsense, especially when supposedly depicting actual events.To see the REAL fight in its entirety, check outCINDERELLA MAN: THE JAMES J. BRADDOCK STORY.

Not Worth A Sigh I started watching this psudo-horror flick the other night and turned it off after about 45 minutes. Completely unoriginal (so called) horror courtesy of Hollywood. What ever happened to real horror flicks! This movie was about as dull and prosaic as can be expected from a sequel. If you truly want to be terrified, rent or buy the Evil Dead. Now that's a classic, low-budget or not.

Fantastic It seems like all of Bruce Marchiano's works are always right on with the bible and are done in a very inspirational way. I had the 7 day rental and watched it 4 times as I had different people over who wished to view it. It is only 32 minutes long but has a high quality content. This would be excellent for any Christian but I recommend for someone who may not have a good background in theology as it explains Jesus' purpose and fulfillment of the scriptures

A bizarre little love triangle. A Place in the Sun starring Montogmery Cliff, Elizabeth Taylor, and Shelly Winters is a moody, rich, and very melodramatic movie of its time. This film probably wouldn't work in today's standards of movie cinema, it's long and shallow but the acting is superb and the story of a man in love with two very different women is a timeless storyline. Montogmery Cliff was a gorgeous and striking young man, he grabs your attention in the very first scene. Taylor and Winters shine in their roles, Taylor has never looked more beautiful and Winters is understated and completely flawless as a dramatic actress. This film is worth a viewing and by the way it's driected by George Stevens so you can't go wrong with that. A Place in the Sun is a movie you'll want to visit every now and then.

The most misleading jacket cover ever! You would have to be disturbed to say that this is a warm hearted comedy. That said the performances in this warped story were the redeeming feature. Nice to see Hugh Grant in a role that is so different to the role he has been boxed into. Alan Rickman is superb.

THIS MOVIE CRAWLS This movie crawls and deserves a double punch on your hacker's card. It begs the moral question, "Is it okay to kill others to stay alive?" We all already know the answer to that: Tele-marketers-yes, Pizza delivery boys-no. Beverly Hynds does a great acting job on a poorly written and developed script. The beginning scene of the boyfriend/girlfriend interaction during the car's flat tire was done well and brings out the differences between the sexes. However, once their flesh starts to rot, so does the movie. Beverly's back must be hurting from trying to carry this whole movie. A great movie to watch with emo friends you don't like.

Chris Tucker makes this movie... ...Ironically, he is not on the cover...but some chick dressed in blue with octopus tentacles coming out of her head is...All joking aside, this movie is pretty good and Milla Jovovich is absolute hot!!!

Welcome back, Sir John, you were sorely missed! Why it took this superb set so long to be released in DVD format is one of those inexplicable things that seem so typical of the music industry ... Originally released more than 20 years ago, it marked Giulini's celebrated return to live opera after more a decade's absence, encompassing performances in Los Angeles (where at the time he was chief conductor of the LAPO) and London with the same cast save for the smaller parts. DG issued on LP a composite of the LA performances, the London one circulated only on video. Actually, I first got acquainted with the video via a hi-fi stereo "super betamax" tape I purchased at the NY Metropolitan Opera store than with the DG LP's. The betamax release gave way to vhs, but no dvd alternative came along till now. Of course, this transfer to DVD adds considerably in detail and brilliance to this old friend in either of its tape incarnations, as well as it greatly improves the original, dullish sound.Ladies first: for once we catch Katia Ricciarelli properly cast and in a role that suited her voice like a glove as was that of Alice Ford. She was an outstanding singer, that for some reason decided to tackle roles far heavier than was advisable, a fact that no doubt shortened her career as those roles took their toll on her voice. Her sprightly Alice is joined by the witty and difficult to forget Mrs Quickly of the much-lamented Lucia Valentini Terrani, a remarkable mezzo with good low notes who would not long thereafter and untimely succumb to cancer. The young Nannetta is in the delicious hands (and voice!) of Barbara Hendricks, and Brenda Boozer (a Covent Garden regular whom I haven't encountered again since) is very good as Meg. The ensemble of these female plotters works far better than their individual contributions, remarkable as they all are, would suggest, so good is the understanding between them and the "click" among them.As for the men, Bruson was the Falstaff of the day, a baritone in the grand italian tradition. He also makes for a fine actor, nuanced and full of debonnair, never the clown others unfortunately choose to portray all to often. Nucci was then at the very top of his form, a mortified Ford who yet never loses his poise. His scenes with Falstaff are a joy to watch and listen to, two consumate singer/actors really doing an outstanding job. Dalmacio González is Nanetta's young lover, Fenton, and his sweet voice is a delight to hear, especially in his last act arietta. The other, minor roles are affectively and effectively assumed by good supporting singers, Bardolph a trifle clowninsh for my taste.The Royal Opera House Orchestra play magnificently for Giulini, who provides for a golden perspective on this most autumnal of scores, yet an autumn with a crisp, cloud-less sky and a bright day. Myriad details in this wonder of wonders of opera writing shine out from Giulini's baton and mostly relaxed and natural tempi, rapidly affirming in the viewer/listener the notion that this is indeed Verdí's grandest masterpiece, the jewel that shines most brightly among those that adorn a distinguished crown.The production is firmly rooted in the traditional and is most pleasant to watch. Stage movement is judiciously arranged by producer Ronald Eyre and tastily filmed by Brian Large, and the frequent laughing of the audience reveals that those Londoners present were having quite a good time. The only minus is Kultur's habitual lack of printed material, just a leaflet with the list of tracks.

Spectacular, Beautiful, Wonderful Transfer What a great story. Beautifully transferred, with surround sound I felt I was there when the Halloween party took place, and with DVD was able to really see it all, too. No other DVD format, but who cares - the movie was great. Colors are superb. Have read the book several times, now I want to re-read it after seeing this DVD. Liked intermission - break for whatever- could hardly wait to get back to the movie.

Good for the Kids Nothing is as good as the first time, but this one still held their interest ! Grandson loves these guys ! The Papaw

"Insomnia" will keep your eyes open Christopher Nolan's "Insomnia" is, without a doubt, one of the best films so far this year. It is a great follow up to his brilliant work on "Memento", and in my opinion, "it is even better. Christopher Nolan proves with this film that he can make a smart, creepy, and brilliant thriller with a big budget and cast and still keep his creative style completely. I now consider him to be one of the best directors working today and I believe that he has a long future of great films ahead of him. Al Pacino and Robin Williams give some of their best work to date with this film. I was completely fascinated at how both of these high profile actors could play characters such unique and troubled characters. They both pull it off very nicely. Hillary Swank does a fair job in her role, she is convincing as a rookie cop who looks up to Pacino's character. Screenwriter Hillary Seitz has produced as memorable work of writing with crisp, clever dialouge. This film was great and I strongly recommend it. Hopefully when Oscar season starts, the Academy will not forget this brilliant work.

Frankie & Annette Movie Legends Collection All the great movies of our time that my wife remembers and enjoyed - thanks Amazon for making my wife a happy woman again.

Come aboard,don't miss it! This is one of my favorites. Well done, makes you wish you had been along for the cruise and singing. A blessing indeed.

Excuse me while I whip this out... I first saw Blazing Saddles when I was five years old. It was playing at the drive-in as a double-feature along with Young Frankenstein. While I thought it was hilarious at the time, I laugh even more when I watch it today! It has some of the most memorable scenes and lines in movie history, and the performances by Gene Wilder, Cleavon Little and Harvey Korman are splendid.While some may be offended by the ethnic humor, I think that's part of what makes the movie great. This movie makes fun of everyone, but it's the fools and bigots who are the real brunt of all the jokes, from the ignorant townspeople to Hedley Lamar and his gang.The DVD is fantastic if for no other reason than to have a widescreen copy of this. The Mel Brooks commentary is interesting, but a special edition would be fantastic (especially if it's not in one of those terribly cheap snap cases).

Jane Austin Titanic is the worst movie ever made in the history of the world. I wonder what the dirctor was on when he created this movie. When I saw this movie, It was so boring that I fell asleep through the entire movie. The only good part is when the ending credits came on. This movie is so terrible, that the orignal actors must be spinning in their grave. The only other good part I liked about this movie was able to turn it off. I encourage anyone who saw this stinker to send an message to HollyWood and tell everyone there to cease and desist making any movies like this and/or have Leonardo DiCaprio in them. If it is possible to rate this movie any lower than 1 star. I would rate this movie an -1,000,000 stars

Avatar disk differences I really liked the movie but I have a question about the similarity in disk chapters. Is the only difference between disk one and disk two "A Message From Pandora?" If you look at the disk contents, they are otherwise exactly the same for disks one and two except there is a variation in the order. Does this mean that there is really a two disk set with an extra on one disk?

Hokey Rubbish and bad acting. This series is hokey rubbish, and at the same time it takes itself WAY too seriously, like its High Art, or something.I started watching it on TV because I went to the same gym as Daniel Goddard, the muscle-bound star who plays Dar. (Cronulla Gym, then when it changed owners, Hotbods at Miranda, both in Sydney's southern suburbs.) Hey, that's right ... Daniel Goddard is Australian. Couldn't you tell from his appalling attempt at and American accent? By the way, Big Dan was a total arrogant *%$# when I used to see him at the gym (1991 - 1996), way before his 'acting' days had begun; he would strut around the place like he was a god, throwing skinny guys off machines that he wanted to use. ("Excuse me, mate, would you mind getting off that, I gotta do a Super Set"). I can imagine what he's like now. So girls, keep giving this !#@* a swollen head with your salavating comments, I'm sure he's soaking it up.Anyway, back to my review, and some more interesting trivia. This TV show was made at Movie World on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. The Gold Coast is a mixture of Waikiki, Miami and Las Vegas, (but with only one casino). This tends to show through in the general look of the show. Glitzy, fake and arrogant would describe the show's look quite well. The outdoor scenes were shot in the national parks and rainforests behind the Gold Coast, and if you look carefully, you can spot the Eucalyptus trees that make up the rainforest canopy. It looks pretty silly having dark age barbarians running around the Aussie bush.Which brings me to the reason why Big Dan is the star of the show. Apparently, they needed someone who was an Aussie citizen to be the star, due to our actor's union laws etc. Dan won out due to his body, not his acting ability. Incidently, when I was seeing Dan at the gym (and he must have lived there, as he was there every night I was there, no matter what night it was) all those years ago, he was FAT FAT FAT covering the muscle. He was huge, yes lots of muscle, but mainly fat. He obviously lost a vast amount of weight to audition for this show. He actually looks too thin compared to how he used to be like.If you want a good fantasy TV series, try Heath Ledger in Roar. Now that is a good show!

DYNASTY SEASON 2 - Best of all the seasons I am so excited finally the Dynasty series will continue on dvd- I think season 2 was the best of all the 9 seasons -I remember watching Dynasty every Wednesday nite in its hey day and never could get enough- I miss seeing the show and am thrilled I can now finally watch it when ever I want- lets hope all 9 seasons and the reunion movie will make its way to dvd real soon and we wont have to wait years for the entire series to be released. Lets all support this project and buy the dvds and show Paramount we want DYNASTY ! By the way Pamela Sue Martin was the BEST FALLON - I just love her character and bitchness - and Al Corley should have stayed with the show - he was the better Steven - ( sorry Jack).............. Also I loved season 1 - it introduced us to the Carringtons and Krystles struggles from being a simple everyday girl to living up to the rich and their ways-I LOVED WATCHING HER learn the ways of the rich and still beliving in her own values- ok- I am ready for the dvds now.............bring it on..............thanks

Elegiac Western tells the myth with style Jeff Bridges is magnificent as the eponymous "Wild Bill", he takes the overblown legend of Bill and breathes life into the man as myth and as character, the dream like direction of Hill fits the subject spot on. If you have studied the "facts" of Bills' life, some things may jar (such as the "romance" with Calamity Jane, they hardly knew each other in reality, only meeting shortly before Bills' assassination). The film re-creates the Myth of The Wild West to perfection, dust and mud, gun play and dying, hard living and easy death seem to be the order of the day....Jeff Bridges is one of those "still" actors who are perfect for these sort of parts, getting deep under the skin of his characters. I enjoyed this film. It stayed with me for a long time, prompting me to buy a "biography" of Wild Bill to learn more. The mark of a good movie in my mind is that it lingers in your thoughts. The only niggle I had is that Ellen Barkin as Calamity Jane was just a bit too scrubbed up, she looked a bit too fragrant! Jeff Bridges though owned this character from beginning to end, a bravura performance, he never once makes a false step. Walter Hill's direction and the script do not glamorise the gun play, it is shown for what it was, sordid and cruel, an insight into the Amerika of today and why it has developed into what it is.

This is not an anti-government movie.... I have been a huge fan of this movie since it came out. I was 18 and very impressionable when I first watched Red Dawn. Since then I have had recurring dreams in which I am a member of the "wolverines". I would like to think that I would be so brave. Get this movie for your family...your kids...let them see how it could be. If you think it could never happen...remember 9/11. This movie was all I thought of that morning. The acting is good and the story is intense. This is a must for any and all.

Lots of Action and blood I thought that this is a good movie if you are sick of crimials that get away with the crime. There are a lot of gun fire and they have a good cast. Lou Diamond is a very rough guy but he can be calm and nice when he wants to be.

no full screen version in mini collector set If you bought the mini-collector set to get both the wide-screen and full-screen version, don't count on it. The set I received included only the wide-screen. Amazon has agreed to take it back, but either the collection I received was a fluke, or the advertisement is just flat wrong.

Is there a SIX star rating? This should be required watching for every man, woman and child in the US. It's simply a perfect film on every level...an American masterpiece. Deep, funny, literary, charming, haunting, frightening, mysterious, compassionate, graceful, hopeful. It carries the all the weight of adulthood and all the magic of childhood, and encompasses our darkest demons and our brightest angels. Although this is Peck's performance of a lifetime - he is the father, husband, friend and attorney everyone would wish for - all the character portrayals are spot on, especially the children. If this isn't enough, the wonderful music and cinematography make it an over-the-top experience. I see something new each time I watch it.

heat it up one of the all time great movies of all times. A must have if you love a great movie that you can watch over and over again.

a guilty pleasure One of the first movies that I picked up after buying my DVD player was this guilty pleasure of a show that I had seen only a year earlier in the theaters. Personally, any movie that sports a naked Denise Richards is a pretty easy sell and the "naughty" nature of the movie is quite distracting enough to ignore the plot holes that are simply gaping in this example of plot twist on top of plot twist. For extra features the commentary is just okay and the extras, well they emphasize that everything of any substance was put in the theatrical run (ie they are short, very short). It's hard to really give any plot information on this because to do so would give away the stories many surprises, but suffice to say we are dealing here with a concoction of scheming and counter scheming between an interesting and diverse group of people in Florida. I heartily recommend a purchase of this DVD.

Classic Disney animation, the way it was meant to be seen! Don't listen to any of the pro "Pan and Scan" reviews. Disney's "The Rescuers" was meant to be seen in a widescreen format, so the bars are supposed to be there. If you have the VHS tape, yes there are no bars and slightly more image at the top and bottom, but the director intended one to view the film on a rectanglular screen, not a square TV.As for the image, it's *very* clean for a film thats 20+ years old. Get it now!

The Holy Grail Revisited Great to see this comic masterpiece again, especially after seeing Spamalot. Eric Idle really captured the spirit of the movie with its off-the-wall humor.

Great video This is the most authentic of the many versions out there. Be warned, however. Lenny's demise in this film is more heartbreaking than any I have seen.

I am a big Nick Cage fan, but this just didn't do for me Nick Cage is my favorite actor, and he played the role of a good-hearted and generous cop with the sincerity that he brings to all his roles. I had read about Bridget Fonda, who played the waitress in this film, and was happy to see her in a movie for the first time--and found her quite engaging. The plot for this movie, however, was a disappointment. There were too many coincidences to allow me to really feel fully engaged in this movie. There was also the problem that the contrast between the good characters (the cop and the waitress) and the bad (especially Rosie Perez as the cop's greedy wife) was too great. I generally need a movie to endow its characters with more complexity--especially for bad guys who are meant to be everyday people rather supernatural creatures, monsters, or comic-book villains.

Well Its Just Fantastic So you have a classic movie & now its HD quality. You know what your getting. It has aliens in it.

One of The Best Performances By The Best Actor! This movie is all about a great performance, and I'm not talking about Chris O'Donnell. This movie shows the great acting ability in my favorite actor, Al Pacino. He gets a very well deserved Academy Award, which he should of got a long time ago. This shows how great acting and a great script can go a long way. Nobody could do a better job of acting as a blind man. He pulled it off and made it very believable. The other actors in this movie are mediocre, but it was really about Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade. Great Performance and anyone who is a fan of Al Pacino or of great acting watch this movie!!

Dexter is Delicious! Love him! He is the man of the decade. Killing all the bad people what more can I say. If I could would vote for him to be president. YAY Dexter. Afterall most people only dream of getting rid of the bad people just like he does.

Wonderful First off, stop putting down Fold Your Hands, Child... That album is, in my opinion, B&Ss best.Secondly, this is a wonderful glimpse into the band's life. Why not?!

CHALLENGING THE REVISIONISTS Tod Browning's Dracula is often unfairly compared to Murnau's unauthorized Nosferatu, and it is an unfair comparison because the two are very different films, which merely happen to share the same literary inspiration. (Neither are mere adaptations. The only film to fairly compare to Murnau's would be Herzog's remake with Kinski and, indeed, it compares very favorably). The vampire of Murnau and Schreck is an accursed, repulsive animal, the carrier of a dreaded plague and the beast fights fiercely to sustain it's life, like a rodent in it's death throes. The Dracula of Browning and Lugosi is an outsider, a mesmerizing and intensely austere intruder, who comes to nourish on the aristocratic London Society, who he, paradoxically, yearns to to join (fittingly, for a genuine outsider, it is to no avail of course; he makes rather pronounced overtures and goes to extraordinary lengths to fulfill his ambition there).Dwight Frye's pre-bitten Renfield is nearly as strange an outcast as he is after his transformation, albeit in a far dracula1different light. Renfield is a bizarre, urban effeminate in an old meat, potatoes and superstition land. The villagers are outcasts too, but among them, Renfield is the doomed jester, misguidedly blinded by his foolhardy feeling of superiority over them and stubbornly oblivious to the peasants' warnings.The introduction to the inhabitants of Castle Dracula is among the most discussed in the annuls of Universal Horror and, to many viewers,it is also most perplexing. This is quintessential Browning. The static silence is punctuated with genuine dread, surreal humor, and the unnerving whimpers of a opossum. Karl Freund's camera pans over a decidedly unreal set. The vampire brides slowly emerge as a bee scampers out of it's little coffin. An opossum seems to be ducking for cover in it's dilapidated coffin and it's cries are the only living sounds we hear as we are introduced to Lugosi's Count staring directly at the camera.Renfield's journey to Castle Dracula perfectly captures the sensory view of a crepuscular world. Indeed, no other Universal horror film would convey it as vividly and attempts to do so in later films proved pale imitations.Renfield's arrival to the castle, and state of confusion, is juxtaposed against the awkward but pertinacious emergence of Dracula. Lugosi's emergence seems to partake of a genuine struggle and this echoes the delivery of his greeting which follows. This emergence sharply contrasts with the startling and confused appearance of armadillos scurrying in the ruins below, which also heightens Renfield's confused state.Critics have unfavorably compared this scene to Melford's much more fluid shot of Villar's Count appearance atop the stairwell in Dracula (The Spanish Version). This can be dismissed as sloppy, revisionist criticism. Browning is a master at those elongated pauses where little seems to be happening. With careful, focused attention, this proves to be deceptive, but admittedly is a struggle for viewers corn fed on television bred aesthetics. Comparing the two is akin to comparing an artist as opposed to a mere craftsman. Melford's scene is surface dramatics and cannot illicit anything remotely comparable to the surreal queasiness Browning evokes here. Additionally, Melford's entrance climaxes with a jerky and unintentionally comic Villar greeting his visitor. With Melford, the effect is ruined, never recovers,and only worsens. With Browning, the unreal dread has just begun.The vampire's lethargic descent, set against the massive sets, resembles the pronounced, surreal fire and ice quality of an El Greco. Dracula's torpid greeting to Renfield is an unnatural extension of his body movements, and is exactly how we might expect such a greeting to be delivered after a hibernating state.The absurd myth that Lugosi learned his lines phonetically probably sprang from his verbal introduction here. We sense, not that Dracula is struggling to speak English, but that he is struggling to speak at all here. Lugosi had been in the states for five years and had been playing the part of Dracula on Broadway for three, so in 1931 his English was already as good as it would ever be. His English in Browning's previous "The Thirteenth Chair", while still not expert, was actually "better" than it was in Dracula. Lugosi himself discussed how intensely Browning directed his acting in the film, stating that the direction was very different than the way he had played the part on Broadway. Thus, the abnormal delivery was quite intentional on the director's part and the actor never repeated the stylized performance, even when he played the role again some 17 years later in Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein.Browning, understandably, was an actor's director. He had acted himself in some 50 films early in his cinematic career. While it's true that he never found a real replacement for his beloved Lon Chaney, he did have a rewarding collaborative partnership with both Lugosi and Lionel Barrymore, even if he did not find those as satisfying. (He reportedly worked well with Lugosi, but only used him once more, in Mark of the Vampire. Browning's relationship with Barrymore, by most accounts, proved to be combative but he did work twice more with Lionel in Mark and The Devil Doll , and, to be fair, the teaming of Chaney and Browning would not be equaled again until Herzog and Kinski).Browning makes much use of body language with Lugosi, Van Sloan and Chandler. With Lugosi and Van Sloan he focuses intense concentration on the eyes and hands. When Dracula leers at the seated Renfield, Browning and Freund utilized a pinpoint spotlight in Lugosi's eyes to enhance the hypnotic effect. It's quite unreal and, just as equally effective, later there will be a symbolic connection to Van Sloan's hyper-pronounced glasses.The emergence of Dracula's three brides, in an attempt to feast on the drugged Renfield, will also have a symbolic connection. Renfield will soon be transformed, but it will not be by the three women. Dracula stops them just in time to take over the feasting himself, and one wonders whether Renfield symbolizes the first of Dracula's three replacement brides (Dracula tells Renfield earlier that he is only taking three boxes and one assumes, at first, that his brides will be traveling with him, yet they never re-appear and so this seems to be a set-up for their replacements. Had Renfield been as fiercely loyal a disciple as he professed he was going to be, he may have been converted to full fledged vampire and joined his master).Renfield paves the way for Dracula's entrance into society, a bit like the Baptist proclaiming that good news is coming. Like any disciple, Renfield is, by turns, both overly zealous in his proselytizing and frequently faltering in his loyalty and one feels it is the characterization of Renfield that Browning identifies with and enjoys the most.Before merging with London society, Dracula must feed, and it is an innocent and waif-like flower girl that becomes his first victim. (The girl being of obvious lower class, he does not transform her, but merely kills her. London's elitist status quo system quickly rubs off on him). Dracula is both elegant and sinister here.Dracula enters the opera house to strains of Schubert's "Unfinished" symphony and then, very quickly, the conclusion of Wagner's "Die Meistersinger' prelude. It is the only music in the context of the film. Browning's extensive use of silence proved to be an artistically sound decision. That point was especially made when Universal tacked on Philip Glass' execrable score for the film's anniversary release.We are now introduced to Helen Chandler's complex and vastly underrated Mina. Again, Browning is expert in drawing forth a nuanced and interesting performance from an actor. The role of Mina is one of the most pointed criticisms in the Browning film, deemed unworthy and pale next to Lupita Tovar's role of Eva in Melford's version. Indeed, Tovar gives the only decent performance in the Melford film, but compared to Chandler, Tovar is obvious (yes, she's more overtly sexual) and also more amateurish. Chandler acts with her body, her eyes, and facial gestures. The way Chandler touches herself, as she frequently does in the film, so delicately brushing her collar bone, as if to cover her vulnerably exposed flesh, conveys a sort of girlish outrage at Lucy's expressed attraction to the dark toned utterances of their foreign visitor. Chandler's is a beautifully and subtly nuanced performance which improves as her character evolves. The character of Mina evolves more than any other throughout the film. Mina's bedroom scene with Lucy, further enhances this. As Mina listens to Lucy's fascination with the Count, she again touches herself, folds her hands, looks intensely at Lucy with a young woman's superficial naveté and genuine concern. She runs her fingers over the wooden arm of the chair, a state of occupied wandering, as if it is a diversion from the true extent of her friend's dark sexual attraction to Dracula. "Give me someone a little more normal," Chandler says, acutely capturing her character's Victorian stuffiness and adolescence. Chandler finally relents to Lucy's crush. She gets up, still half mocking Lucy, covers her exposed flesh again, indicating her virginal state,and beautifully kicks up her knee in departure, like a sixteen year old girl.Chandler's years of acting experience are in full flower here. She had been very active in theater for well over ten years, had acted with both Barrymores in productions of Shakespeare and Ibsen, had gotten good reviews for the film Outward Bound and was already deep in the throes of the alcoholism that would eventually take her. She was hardly endowed with the innocence she portrayed in Mina, but undoubtedly tapped into the memory of it (and later, innocence lost) to give Mina resonance.Lucy's death scene is well filmed and shows Browning at the peak of his powers. A lamp with three female figures rests next to her (the figures echoing Dracula's three vampire brides). Behind the lamp is an ominous clock. She drifts to sleep ever so slowly. Dracula first appears as a silent bat hovering before Lucy's open window, then a moment later he is in human form, a few feet away from her as she sleeps. He methodically bends his arm, as if he is re-shaping from bat to human before he approaches her, moving as if almost under water. When he is inches away from her, the scene dissolves into a medical theater of sorts. Doctors are hovering over Lucy's corpse as students watch from above. The students seem as lifeless as Lucy and not only do we have the feeling of undead, but a dream-like feeling of something unreal permeates the scene, as if sprouted from Baudelaire's Poe.We are now introduced to Edward Van Sloan's Van Helsing. From the outset, he is a parallel figure to Dracula and, at times, seems just as sinister. His hand movements, when he touches Renfield's hand for instance, recall Dracula's distinct hand gestures. The exaggerated glasses, as stated above, have as much meaning as the pinpoint spotlight in Dracula's hypnotic eyes. Both Dracula and Van Helsing can see well beyond the confines of their surroundings. They are the only two who actually see, the others are, metaphorically, like lost sheep attempting to see through a glass darkly.Dracula and Van Helsing are metaphorically Christ and Anti-Christ although the distinction between the two is intentionally blurred. The comparison is apt, as this is the most religious of Universal's horror films.The much maligned second half of the film shifts perspective, but still does not resemble a real world at all and casts an aquatic spell over the receptive viewer.Another very well filmed scene is the vignette of Renfield in his cell as his master silently pays call outside. The scene cross cuts between the tense, nerve-frayed, overtly emotional, pleading Renfield and the ice cold vampire; fire and ice again. Renfield bows his head, devastated, in a half prayer for the intended victim, Mina, which goes unanswered. This flows into Mina sleeping in her bed. Again Dracula appears as a bat hovering before a window. Then, Browning's sharp trademark intercut. Dracula is suddenly in the room. He is in human form, but his arm is lifted, almost as if he is unfolding. Lucy's three figure lamp is now mysteriously placed in Mina's room. There is no explanation for this, save for symbolic foreboding. Another sharp intercut; a close-up of Lugosi, who looks young and even handsome here. A long shot of Draculas' full, slowly approaching figure cross cuts with a repeated image of the sleeping Mina, then another sharp intercut to an intense close-up of Lugosi, whose face is now twisted into a hideous expression.The following night reveals a Mina recounting her bad dream to fiancee Harker. Van Helsing overhears this, approaches her, puts on his glasses to examine her, lifts the scarf from her neck, to which she responds with an almost sensual gasp. This is Mina on the verge of transforming into a more ethereal and more interesting character who understandably begins to find her fiancee increasingly dull. Mina's facial expressions range from introverted guilt, shame, half-masked pride, and finally, a thinly masked yearning for Dracula after he makes his appearance to the group. Van Helsing interrupts the foreplay between Mina and Dracula, and Mina reverts back, albeit briefly, to a more fragile, wounded state. But Mina's is a wildly mercurial state and again she shifts, this time chastising the doctor after advises that she go to her room.Dracula feigns concern over Mina's bad dreams, while Mina twirls her fingers through her scarf. She rises her from the couch, kicks up her knee and closes her eyes in a state of ecstasy as Dracula recommends she do as the doctor advises. This is when the Puritan Van Helsing makes his discovery of Dracula in the mirror. The reactions to the smashing of the mirror are priceless. Herbert Bunston's expression of uncomfortable awkwardness during Dracula's explanation plays well with Manners' display of disgust and Van Sloan's gleeful pride.Another highly effective bit of acting is in the scene in which Renfield describes his master, parting a red mist. This is Dwight Frye's best scene in the film and he plays it with all the sincerity of an obsessed apostle. Renfield's narration dracula2here resembles an epitaph for a biblical saint and his miracles.The showdown between Van Helsing and Dracula, both believing themselves to be the protagonist, is made the more surreal by Dracula's hissed departure, fleeing the cross, yet unaccompanied by any dramatic music attempting to tell us this is a dramatic scene.The rest of the film pretty much belongs to Chandler and one of the most unsettling images in that last quarter is the close-up of Chandler, almost fully vampiric, as she leans into Harker. Her wonderfully expressive eyes now express only deadness, a bit like a doll's eyes.Dracula descending down the stairs of Carfax Abbey to kill Renfield takes us back to Dracula descending down the stairs to greet Renfield near the film's opening, and there remains but one act of penance to pay, this being from the film's blasphemer, Count Dracula. When Van Helsing stakes him off screen, Chandler's body twists, thrusting in agonized reaction, her firsts clench and her breasts heave as she loses her master and, we empathize because we will see nothing of the like again. Comparatively, recent pickings from the crop, such as "Twilight" are typical shallow fare. Browning's Dracula is the real thing.* my review was originally published at 366 Weird Movies

One of Argento's best giallo films, exploring derangement and the mind of the artist Protagonist Sam Dalmas, a writer suffering from writer's block is drawn into a twisted, suspenseful mystery when he witnesses the stabbing of a young woman in a gallery. Obsessed with the attack, and with the murders that have been committed by this villain before, he starts his own investigation, drawn into the mind of the artist and the deranged--and those two are not so far apart. Like many giallo films, the key to unraveling the mystery lies not in explicit clues and detective work, but in flashes of color, sinister images, and peculiar sounds. Art and death are intertwined in the mind of Argento, passion and danger fueling the artist's imagination, but bringing him close to his own undoing. Can he identify the killer and what is locked inside his own mind before he becomes a victim? Highly recommended as one of the best examples of giallo cinema.

BELA TARR, OPUS 7 ***** 2000. Co-written and directed by Hungarian director Béla Tarr. 145 minutes of perfection. With Werner Herzog, Sergei Parajanov and Andrei Tarkovsky, Béla Tarr belongs to the small group of visionary directors. During the projection of this film, I had the same feeling that I had a long time ago when I first saw Werner Herzog'sAguirre, the Wrath of Godand Andrei Tarkovsky'sStalker, the feeling to be in the presence of a work of art whose beauty went beyond the screen. You can call Béla Tarr's film bizarre, strange, lyrical, philosophical or poetic if you want but you can't deny the fact that THE WERCKMEISTER HARMONIES is an undisputable masterpiece if you have an ounce of artistic sensibility.

Closest to the idea of the Musketeers. I know that every movie should be judged independent of it's source material, but I have a really hard time when it comes to Dumas' stories. He just did them so well that I find it hard to watch my favorite charaters get butchered on screen. This movie didn't do that so bad. They butchered the story, and many of the charaterizations were just wrong, somehow I think this movie captured the spirit or essence of the novels beter than other movies.That being said now I need to review this as a movie independent of the novel. Most of the performances were good, the direction was adaquite, but the story was flawed, though beter than any other version of the Iron Mask I've seen. More or less it is a good adventure that is quite fun to watch, though it leaves no lasting impression.

Why this was the Best Star Trek Episode The original Star Trek was far superior to the followups for many reasons and City on the Edge of Forever, the pinnacle of that series. Harlan Ellison's legendary feud over script revision with Gene Roddenberry is well known, and supposedly the original script is even better than the one used. Nevertheless I've not seen any other TV script that approaches the profundity of this. Kirk and Spock track Bones through a time/space portal to 1930 and meet Edith Keeler, a person who changed history after being saved by Bones. Kirk falls in love with her, but has to decide between love and the Allied WWII victory. This whole episode is thought provoking, the characters are believable, the fact that this was done in 1967 shines through in its creativity and emotional intensity. Such a contrast to the ridiculous follow-up series and films. All episodes of the original are worth seeing, but this is the best.

What the hell is THIS?! I hate Fox. They're re-releasing all their films. First they did it with Dodgeball, I Robot, Man on Fire and The Day After Tomorrow. Now they're doing it with Die Hard, Planet of the Apes, Fight Club and other films. WITH NO NEW SPECIAL FEATURES!This DVD is EXACTLY the same as the one included in the "Die Hard Trilogy" pack. It's a scam. The same DVDs packaged in a new case, so the die-hard fans will feel as though they have to buy them in order to complete "the collection."DO NOT BE FOOLED! This has already been released. If you have Die Hard: Five Star Collection, you already own this movie. DO NOT fall for their scam.

Just delightful. No more needs to be added, really: this is just another five-star vote for the sensational writing and acting in this series about theater life. It's one of my "get it out once a year and take the day off" videos. (Others include the Smiley dramas, Tinker, Taylor, etc. and Smiley's People; The Godfather; Bull Durham; the Derek Jacobi Hamlet; Chinatown; Lonesome Dove; Local Hero; and Seven Samurai. Listmania Lite.)Hit the "Add to cart" button and enjoy. If you like theater at all, let alone Shakespeare, you'll love it.

Wonderful movie I first watched this movie several years ago. It has since then maintained a place in my mind as one of the better Spike Lee movies ever made. I often wonder why it has not gained more notoriety when compared to movies such as School Days and others of his lesser works. I think that this movie is far less heavy handed and judgemental than Spikes movies normally are. And this use of subtlety allows you to understand how each of the characters is feeling.

Ash To The Rescue...... Army of Darkness, or as it is better known "Evil Dead 3," is a wonderful movie. It's a rare instance where a film in a series will take an entirely different approach from its previous instalments. The first two Evil Deads were cult favourites of 80's horror buffs. Army of Darkness on the other hand has a cult following, but this cult also includes comedic buffs. Yes, comedic buffs. As opposed to sticking with the successful blood, gore & frights common in the first two, the film-makers decided to go with slap-stick, one-liners, mild fright and an over-all good adventure in this film. The movie tells the tale of Ash, who after fighting off the evil of the Necromonicon, gets transported back into medieval times. In order to return home Ash must obtain the Necromonicon, as the book contains the passage required to send him to his own time. But in obtaining the book Ash releases The Army of the Dead/The Deadites who are led by Evil Ash. Ash uses his wit and charm to the best of his abilities and puts up one heck of a fight. Does he survive and make it back to his one time? Well, that depends on which version of the film you watch. This DVD is a masterful collection. Two versions of film are included here....the U.S. Theatrical Version on the first disk, with the second disk holding the Director's Cut Version. The extras are also quite wonderful. The U.S. Version is viewable in both widescreen and full-screen versions, with the Director's Cut in widescreen. As well as talent bios, the theatrical trailer, a great behind the scenes featurette, additional footage, deleted scenes, and story boards, a very wonderful and insightful commentary is also available with the Director's Cut. Even though Army of Darkness is available in a couple of different versions, THIS is the version to own. It was well worth the wait and I highly recommend that it be checked out. Horror fans might get a kick out of it and even comedy fans might enjoy it too. Who'd a thought a Three Stooges routine would work so well with a skeleton? Ash is a super-hero of sorts for the common man and in the great words of him "Shop smart, shop S-Mart."

Hard to believe. Too many things in this movie just wouldn't happen - and I don't mean anything about the space invaders - do they except us to believe a floating museum would be kept armed and fueled and ready to go to battle - I don't think so.

A Masterful Adaptation of the Master This is by far the very best adaptation of the gospel of Jesus Christ ever brought to the screen. I've seen many other versions but this one grabbed me the first time I saw it and still grabs me after the many, many times I've seen it.I first saw this movie about 10 yrs. ago (before I was a Christian) when I rented it from a local video store. My life was still a mess but this movie sank deep into me and gave me a glimpse of the real word and life of Christ that I'd never seen before. This movie was the first time, I got to see the real Jesus. No, this movie is not a video Bible and is not meant to be used as such, but it showed me (a lost sinner) the Lord as close and not somewhere up there. I needed to see that and I remember being so touched and walking around with this movie in my head all day. I felt something inside, something new and real but I wasn't ready yet. A few years later He came to me in my fallen state and called me to Himself. I commited my life to Him, confessed myself a sinner, put my faith in Him as Lord and asked Him into my heart whereafter I was saved by Him. And ever since, this film has meant more and more to me.note: please forgive me for getting off track. When I speak of anything that has to do with the Lord, I can't help myself and am compelled to give my testamony. I shortened it down here but can't seem to write about this without including some of it. :)Back to the movie, Robert Powell gives the performance of a lifetime as Jesus. I haven't seen him in anything else and don't want to as I may think of it when I watch this movie. I believe that God may have inspired the creation of and performing in this film. It's just so good and sticks very close to the written gospels. Not only that but to the character of Mary, Joseph and the apostles. Peter is gruff and rigid. Doubting Thomas is ever doubtful. Judas deceives and is deceived but isn't portrayed as some evil henchman. Joseph comes across as a teacher and loving husband, and has one of the nicest smiles. And we actually get to see Jesus as a boy, something most all other films seem to skip over.The settings, clothing and tools of the time seem historically and periodically accurate. We also get a nice take on some of the places of events in the Bible that were'nt described in detail. One that comes to mind is the last supper. In the movie 'The Greatest Story Ever Told', Jesus is sitting in the middle of a table with his apostles on either side of Him, just like in the famous painting. It looks so set up and unbelieveable. That kind of shows you the perspective behind that movie. I didn't care for that film at all. But here, they're sitting and lounging around on the floor of a very common looking room where it all looks very natural. I appreciate the realism.The birth, feeding the 5000, raising Lazarus from the dead, the crucifixtion and resurrection are all thoughtfully done. I love the repentence of Mary Magdelene. Here the film chose to focus on that rather than her sinful past. We get a short look at it (not graphic of course)but the majority is focused on where it matters, her encounter with Christ and new life after. The arrest and crucifixtion doesn't go nearly as far as 'The Passion' does but doesn't make light of it either. Though I believe 'The Passion' is closer to the reality. By the written word that is. I also love the portrayal of the calling of Matthew and how Jesus brings his and Peters conflict to a peaceful resolution. Oh heck, I love this whole movie and the very touching moments throughout.The audio and video are perfectly acceptable as it's clear to see and hear everything but I wish someone would do a full remaster as it truly deserves it. There's some dirt and blemishes here and there and the audio is totally mono and a little flat but it doesn't detract at all. I love the score for this film though as it perfectly accompanies the events on screen.Over the 2 discs, this movie runs 382 min. or 6 of the shortest hours ever. It was made for t.v. as a mini series but you wouldn't otherwise know it. This movie truly takes advantage and benefits from the run time though as it allows the most of the gospels to be told in splendid detail. Everytime I watch it, I can't believe how fast this film goes by. It's absolutely immersive and enthralling. I find myself spiritually lifted everytime.In closing, this is the most wonderful and accurate portrayal of the events and times of Christ that I've ever seen. If you haven't seen this and are interested, by all means watch it. Whether you believe or don't believe. Whatever background you come from. Whatever your belief system is, it may just get you to thinking or change your thoughts on what you thought you knew or where you stood with God and in this world. All are welcome. If you are a believer, then don't hesitate a second to see this. Purchase it for whatever the price because it's the easiest recommended must see ever.

Non-stop laugh riot! `Meet the Parents' is one of those classic comedies you can't help but love. Ben Stiller proved he's comic genius, Teri Polo burst onto the scene and Robert De Niro and Blythe Danner stole the entire show. I just have to say I'm so glad my father-in-law isn't THIS insane.Ben Stiller plays Greg Focker, a male nurse who's about to pop the question to girlfriend Pam (Polo) but before he can get it out she gets word that her sister is engaged. What makes this a bad thing is that Greg then finds out how old fashioned Pam's father is and realizes before he can propose he needs to ask her fathers permission. Her father Jack (De Niro) is not just an intimidating man, he's an ex-member of the CIA who is bent on exposing Greg for the sap he's certain he must be.With Greg trying too hard to impress everyone he ends up making things much worse for himself, lying to make himself look better, losing Jack's precious cat Jinxie, flooding the backyard with sewage and quite a few other embarrassing and damaging things. What makes this film so delightful is the chemistry between every actor here; no one seems miscast despite what you may think.De Niro is fantastic here proving once and for all that he's one of our greatest actors, and Blythe Danner is just hilarious as Pam's mother Dina. Great supporting performances by Owen Wilson (proving yet again that paired with Stiller they are dynamic) and James Rebhorn who's hilarious as Dr. Larry Banks. Just pop this one in, sit back and get ready to laugh, laugh and laugh some more.

It was great but whats the big deal I saw The Matrix and let me tell you it was a very good movie. A very good movie but not amazing. I loved this movie but I dont understant the people who bill it as the greatest movie ever. The movie has a very good, yet very complex plot that at times is hard to follow. Great action scenes and extreordinary acting make it a four star movie. The movie is about a young hacker who is told that the world he is living in is fake, created by machines. He is thrust into the real world and fightes for the humans. I highly reccomend it but please dont make such a big deal.

Pretty Mediocre An action copycat movie without a very good plot. Not up to action genre standards. Some bad dialogue and an even worse plot. You see this guy bouncing around and shooting two guns, but if you pay attention you can easily see that he wouldn't hit a thing the way he aims the guns. A lot of people get shot. That is the story in a nutshell.

Disappointing This movie disappointed me. I was already anticipating a movie that was laden with special effects. I was anticipating insipid humor. I was still disappointed. Hollywood consistantly uses special effects to compensate for poor plot. This movie disappointed me considerably. I anticipated better acting, and an attempt on a plot. They didn't even try.

Easily the worst movie ever Looks like somebody bought a new camcorder on ebay, and one sunday got together with some (non-actor) friends and filmed this video. Not having a script, they just improvised some silly story as they went along. Now, how did they ever get this piece of junk to be sold by Amazon? I have seen many cheaply made movies, but this is home-made movie is the worst.

Every American should see this film! Michael Moore is courageous in his exploration of the greed, violence and political bullying which have brought our once great nation to its current [...] state. [...] Just this week I learned that the studio that owns the rights to this brave film is not releasing it as planned -- somehow they must believe they are serving the values of our country in silencing Moore -- what sad irony -- they clearly don't know what those values are. See this film! It's funny and sad and above all else, honest.

awesome movie ok, the torture scene is intense, but still a great piece of flimmaking. steve buscemi is my favorite actor, and thought i won't give it away, he has the best part. this movie is wonderful. and whoever said real people don't swear like this needs to wake up and smell the cursin' coffee. because virtually everyone swears like this. i even know that, for better or worse, i swear like this. not a movie to see with you mother, but maybe your father. ah well, this'll be a good buy, i swear.jonathan

Good movie I saw this film because it was recommended by a couple of my friends. I was not disappointed. I thought the premise was great. The only problem I have was that the acting in a couple scenes wasn't so great. In my opinion, I believe they are actually in something along the lines of purgatory. They don't remember how they got there. I think they are dead. The only reason the retard was the only one to survive is because he was the only "pure" one. He did no wrong in the movie, whereas the others did and were "punished" for it. At the end, the retard steps into the bright light, or heaven. You probably don't agree with me, but its just an idea.

Disappointing, with some good parts After reading and hearing first-hand accounts of the Battle of Stalingrad I found this movie very disappointing. While it tried, I don't think it came close to expressing the horrors and tragedy of the battle, and worse, it had too much contrived silliness, such as the scenes with the young Russian woman. It does deserve credit for showing that humanity existed among some of the German and Russian troops, and for some effective combat scenes. If you would like to see a better movie about warfare in Eastern Europe, I strongly recommend the Finnish movie "The Winter War" (in Finnish "Talvisota"), about the 1939-1940 fighting between Finland and the Soviets. It has excellent characters and shows the terror of combat and the cameraderie, squalor and sorrows of the front lines, and life on the home front. It is not as slickly made as "Stalingrad," which actually is a point in its favor.

Classic teen flick The Brat pack rocks! A boring day of detention could never be funnier or more enlightening. I could watch it again and again, and have.

johnny depp is geniuis!!! I think PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN ON STRANGER TIDES is the BEST! POTC movie next to the 1st one PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL! JOHNNY DEPP! did a AWESOME JOB! again as CAPTAIN JACK SPARROW & PEONELOPE CRUZ did a GREAT JOB!as (JOHNNY DEPP) CAPTAIN JACK SPARROW"S love intreast as ANGELICA! I MEAN YES IT IS A LITTLE LONG BUT TOTALLY WORTH IT!! THE ONLY THING I WOULD CHANGE IS THE REALESE DATE!! CAUSE I CAN'T WAIT!!!!

It's Got One Thing Going For It... ...And that's Alastair Sim's definitive performance as Ebenezer Scrooge. His transformation from pathetic wretch to hysterical exuberance is beyond words. I'm not sure any actor will be able to duplicate such a performance. Other actors (like George C. Scott and Michael Caine) have been able to successfully provide their own interpretations however.That said, I cannot bring myself to rate the 1951 version of Scrooge: A Christmas Carol as high as other versions. Though it's one of the shortest renditions at less than 90 minutes, it seems like one of the longest. Part of the reason why is that it spends so much time visiting Ebenezer Scrooge's past. Not only does the film touch on aspects that the other films do (the break-up with his girlfriend, etc), but they also cover his sister's death while giving birth, his first meeting with Jacob Marley, his and Marley's takeover of the business (I don't care what anyone says, no child watching this "family" film will be interested in watching business transactions like the one depicted in this scene - neither will some adults), and they even show Marley on his deathbed. I haven't counted, but this film must devote at least 30 minutes to Scrooge's past, which doesn't leave much room to cover his present and future. This is a problem, because they spend more time on how Scrooge became a bitter old miser and less time on his emotional transformation toward good-heartedness...thank goodness they had Sim to pick up the slack.As much as it pains me to say I also have a problem with how dated the film seems to be. This movie looks more like it's from the 30's or 40's instead of 1951. I don't know if it's due to budget constraints or if they just haven't taken good care of the original film. It just looks old and washed out...and I love films from the 50's many of my favorites are from that era.There's one more thing. It's not a big deal, but have you noticed the young actor playing Tiny Tim? I mean, he has to be at least 15 years old! I might be wrong, but I don't think "Tiny" Tim was in his mid-teens! The sight of Bob Cratchet carrying around this adolescent on one of his shoulders is hilariously absurd.For years, the 1951 production of A Christmas Carol has been considered by many to be the best interpretation of the Dickens' classic, thanks primarily to Alastair Sim's brilliant portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge. To that, I say "Bah, humbug!" The best treatment of this tale not only needs a great performance from its lead actor, but from the entire cast. The film should also be told with just the right atmosphere and pacing. The 1951 version meets none of these criteria. When regarding the classic story of A Christmas Carol, we don't have to settle for a film that rides on the coattails of its lead actor's performance! For my money, the 1984 production of A Christmas Carol with George C. Scott has always been the best...and after viewing the 1999 Patrick Stewart film, it still is!

Great TV show, I wish it had never been cancelled Lee Pace is the pie maker. Enough said right there. He's brilliant, and the show's not bad either. No, but really, the show is excellent. The writers find new and interesting ways in each episode for the pie maker to show off his special talent. The storyline is fun, and the actors are simply the best. Chi McBride as a private investigator, and Kristin Chenoweth as a ditzy, singing, love sick waitress? Sold. Love, love, love this show. I only wish there were more then two seasons. Lee Pace is the big thing.

Nothing like the book This movie was in terms of accuracy a darn big miss, with the similarities between it and Stalingrad closest to that of a whale and a mouse; they are both mammals but only just, in a similar fashion do the semblance tween the movie and the battle stop they are both bombed out cities but again only just. The stupidity of the characters is so full that just by being in existence is hurts the essence of the snipers of Stalingrad burning away any shred of mortal dignity they had from the greedy little minds of the very actors who portrayed them. The making of this movie has shone the world that accuracy no longer maters and soon the books of history will tell the story of Stalingrad as nothing more than a grenaded cereal factory defended by magic sea turtles from the invading mermaid-bunnies. From this horrid portrayal of Stalingrad as a bombed city with two army's sitting in their bunkers, doing nothing but lob the occasional shell or squad the enemies direction, I can say that I cannot understand the reason the malicious entity that directed this film has not yet been killed by hordes of truth loving ninja popes and banished back to the dark chasms from whence it came. I would recommend this movie to any person who sees the Disney movie Tarzan as an accurate film about gorilla hunting, there were certain accurate parts but the rest of the sock was filled with theatrical flash and bang. Logan

Top 10 of all time. Title says it all.Wait for "The Patriot" (summer movie), Gibson will once again prove he is one of the best.

Quality You can't help but come to watch the Godfather with a lot of preconceptions. It was always a film I just never got around to watching, but when I saw it was Number 1 in the Internet Movie Database Chart of greatest ever films I just had to watch it. Now I've seen it, I don't know if I'd call it the greatest ever, but it is certainly a dazzling film that stands up to repeated viewings and has quality stamped all over it from beginning to end. I never realised how big an impact the film had, for example, I didn't realise that 'swim with the fishes' and 'I'll make him an offer he can't refuse' came from the Godfather.All of the acting performances are great. Al Pacino really surprised me with his charismatic performance as Michael Corleone, the man who changes from a war hero not involved in the family business to a man at the very heart of his crime family. By the end of the film I literally could not drag my eyes away from him, he has such a strong and powerful presence, which is amazing considering that I didn't think he was the most imposing of men at first glance. There is something inevitable about Michael's transformation, and to me it was his own decision - what he does, he does willingly, with his eyes wide open to the consequences. Perhaps that is the most chilling - and tragic - thing of all about this film.Marlon Brando was also great as Don Vito Corleone. He gives truly a unique performance and somehow manages to make his whole face, body, voice and general demeanour take on the persona of his character - something that, unfortunately, few actors achieve. As I said, all the performances were great, but I just have to mention Robert Duvall, who plays Tom Hagen, the Don's adopted son and right hand man, with a seriousness and depth that was very impressive. James Caan was also great at the short-tempered son who was never going to be suitable to become Don. Finally, it was great to see Talia Shire, who was so good in Rocky, play a completely different character with the same level of competence.One of my only criticisms of the film is that after the wonderful intense love story between Michael and Apollonia ends so sadly, the movie seems to speed up and the years go by too quickly. I would have liked more explanation about why Michael goes back to Kay and what he was feeling at the time. I kind of felt that was left unresolved to some extent.The 'Godfather' also highlights the utter futility of a life of murder and crime. If someone kills a member of your family, you must kill one of theirs, and then they kill someone else and so on...The 'family' must be protected at all costs, but this protection takes the form of violence, vengeance and control, and is ultimately - and ironically - what pulls the family apart. One of the most interesting ideas about the film for me is what the notion of 'respect' and 'honour' actually mean - and whether these things can ever be gained through murder and fear.The role of women in the film is also fascinating. Kay and Michael are in love at the beginning, but he still leaves her and ends up marrying Appollina, with whom he falls in love with in a very different way. Kay is the wrong woman for Michael as she is too outspoken and doesn't want the Corleone family to continue with a life of crime. She should have said no to his proposal, but she was still 'in love' with the Michael she used to know before he decided to take over from his father. The ideal wife for Michael was Apollonia, who would have been exactly like his own mother - quietly raising children and never asking about the business. Michael's power, magnetic presence and protectiveness are undoutedbly very attractive, and I found myself in the weird situation of being repelled by his actions and yet drawn towards these qualities. In the long run, though, being married to that type of man means a woman has to remain childlike - never discussing important matters or asking questions. In addition, the women are complicit to the violence, they know it goes on even if they say nothing - crucially they all know they are raising their own children for more of the same.Overall, I'd say the Godfather stands up to the hype surrounding it, which is an amazing achievement in itself! It's a serious, entertaining and compelling film that makes you think. Like everybody else, I'm sure, I just wish there were more films made that manage to reach these heights.

Aladdin Got DVD in timely matter, sooner than expected and Granddaughtr loves it. Would buy from this dealer again.

Good special effects Not a terrible movie, Deep Blue Sea is a decent flick for monster movie lovers. Special effects are pretty good. The sharks look a little more realistic than "Jaws". The unusual thing about this one was that the storyline was excellent. That's atypical in this genre. This was good enough to sit all the way through and had some relatively tense moments.

Get lost in "Lost in Translation" Nothing prepares you for the jolt to the heart this film gives you!Bill Murray in this film is where comedians like Jim Carrey aspire to be but just don't have the years of life behind them to make such a role work. Murray does and this movie is his.Scarlett Johansson is a revelation, too. She presents a complicated woman trapped in a world much like Alice in Wonderland; she's trying to find her way out of the rabbit hole. Along comes Bill Murray's Bob and together they plot a joint escape.This movie stays in your heart long after the credits roll. Sophia Coppola if THE writer/director to watch!

SHE LOVES HIM YEAH ! YEAH ! YEAH ! Baz Luhrmann's ROMEO & JULIET is the kind of cultural monstrosity that Hollywood delivers every two or three years. Take a book or a play that everybody has once in his lifetime heard of but hardly has had the time to read like William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, choose a musical score that fits the versatile inclination of the 15-18 years old audience (since they are the only ones left who go to the movies, they have a huge economic power !), cast a handful of young actors the public can identify with and shake a lot !In ROMEO & JULIET's case, the cocktail isn't so digestible. The emotion that lies in the Shakespearian text is annihilated by the hysteric editing and the Broadway-like gesticulation of the young cast. So throw away your handkerchiefs and be ready for a so-so parody of one of the most beautiful text of english literature. In this peculiar example, images have killed the words.If you really want to discover how to adapt with success the old William nowadays, take a look at director Abel Ferrara's CHINA GIRL, you won't regret it.Di Caprio is not credible in Romeo's role and, once or twice, image stays still during one second or so.A "buy the book" DVD.

This one of the best movies I seen this year. This movie was way deep ,if you know your bible you would find some elements that this film uses. The effects were terriffic non-stop action that was base off a japanese animated.

I can defiantly see why this is one of John Singleton's favorite films This film was really good. Writer and director Jamaa Fanaka was still a student at UCLA and Penitentiary was the first starring vehicle for former disc jockey and future evangelist Leon Isaac Kennedy. If you don't know the story it goes like this; Too Sweet (Leon Isaac Kennedy) is charged with murder, and convicted despite his innocence; he's shipped off to a run-down prison where Jesse Amos (Donovan Womack), one of the prisoners, lords it over the other inmates. Too Sweet ends up sharing a cell with Half Dead (Badja Djola), a violent lunatic who is one of Jesse's musclemen. Too Sweet refuses to buckle under to the intimidation dished out by Half Dead and his cronies, even after seeing how they've "turned out" Eugene (Thommy Pollard), another new fish who has become Jesse's sexual slave. Forced to defend himself even though he hates violence, Too Sweet displays a genuine talent for fighting, and is persuaded to take part in the prison boxing tournament, where he could win a night with a woman or even his freedom. However, Too Sweet sees the deck may be stacked against him when he finds out his opponent is the horrible Half Dead.After watching this I found the fight between Too sweet and Half dead particularly interesting. Through out this film you will also find some of the characters to be animated with there jail house humor and realism through others such as Too Sweet's trainer. The cinematography wasn't bad also. The use of the wide angle lenses to give the viewer a distorted view was impressive and the way some characters address the camera was interesting and strange at the same time. Some people say that part two is even funnier and I might give it a try later in the future.This exploitation is a masterpiece, PENITENTIARY (1979) is especially worth watching because of its strange, neo-realism. An almost all-unknown cast (that also contributes a lot to the movie's appeal), realistic 1970s African American dialog and backgrounds, realistic and mind-bending scenes of perverse violence and huge doses of humor make this a blast in every department. It's a must-see if you're a fan of this genre and one to check out.

A Runyon Classic with a great cast! One of the best films based on Damon Runyon's stories, 'Little Miss Marker' is a well-cast, smartly directed movie.Yes, Shirley Temple plays the title character. Five years old and on loan from her home studio, Fox, she gave a fresh and interesting performance. Those who loathe the treacle and unrealistic characters in Temple's later work will find this film a pleasant surprise. Shirley doesn't sing (she has one short song), she doesn't dance, and she doesn't play an angel. She does, however, show off her incredible acting talent as an orphaned child thrown among gangsters. As she spends more time with them, she falls more and more under their influence, until she turns into a baby moll who tells people to "scram" and "lay off". It's an interesting commentary on the influence parents and adults have on the children who observe them.The film captures the atmosphere of the early thirties very well. Dorothy Dell, playing lounge singer/gun moll Bangles,is fantastic, and does a wonderful number at the Diamond Horseshoe cabaret.Even if you aren't a Temple fan, you'll probably love this film!

Excellent Thriller. Plot: Silence of the Lambs tells the story of FBI trainee Clerice Starling (Jodie Foster) who is asked by her boss, Jack Crawford (Scott Glenn) to interview Dr. Hannibal the Cannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) in order to find some information about a serial killer known only as Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine), who is skinning various women and using their skin to make suits to wear. Dr. Lecter is skeptical about sharing information with Starling until she agrees to share information about her personal life. Quid pro quo. She tells Dr. Lecter about the death of her father and her being sent to live on a ranch until she ran away. With every compicated hint, Clarice is a step closer to catching Buffalo Bill. The clock is ticking, and she'd better hurry.Acting: I read the book before I saw the movie, and I must say, nobody could have been better for their parts. Anthony Hopkins was perfect as Hannibal, far surpassing Brian Cox's performance in Manhunter. He really makes the part his own, and is truly unforgettable. Jodie Foster also did a great job as Clarice. The character displayed a lot of emotion throughout the movie and Foster brought that to her character excellently. Scott Glenn also did good as Crawford. Ted Levine was really, REALLY scary as Buffalo Bill, and that trick he does near the end..... BRRRRR!Overall: The directing was good, everything was good. See the movie.

balki rocks..... i love perfect strangers....i can't wait until the 3rd and 4th seasons are released!!! balki is my favorite character out of the 2!

Aliens is a superb example of how to make a sequel. Aliens has been one of my favorite movies since it's original release. James Cameron created a masterpiece of a sequel that I will always enjoy watching. I am disturbed by the negative comments about the Director's Cut. Those 17 minutes helped the movie in every way. The need for editor's to chop movies to there bare essentials just to appease those who do not appreciate character development at the movie theaters, is an unfortunate standard in Hollywood and too many films suffer too much editing. I enjoyed the extra footage in Aliens as it helped explain why Ripley was so attatched to Newt and willing to go against the Queen for her. I encourage others to ignore the negative comments about the Director's Cut and enjoy a more proper version of this film. Aliens tastefully mixes fright and suspense with great action. I truly enjoy the very brief glimpses of the aliens throughout the early parts of the film. You never really get a lengthy look at the creatures until the very end. I feel that adds to the over-all terror they inspire when they appear because you want to stare and absorb their shadowed appearance but Cameron brilliantly disallows that. As with The Abyss and Terminator 2 Director's Cuts, I am pleased James Cameron takes the time to develop worth-while characters in his films. He is indeed a thorough director and Aliens is a fine example of this. My highest recommendation is awarded to this sequel.

when can we return to Star Wars movies that people liked? Wow, George Lucas has done it again, and this time, you will not be reading a glowing review of yet another great action film. ... Firstly, let me get one thing straight. I am not one of those fanatics who believe that the Star Wars triology were masterpieces with hidden genius and all that good stuff. I'm perfectly aware of the fact that even at their best, Star Wars movies are B-rated actions films, which we all watch in order to see whether or not the Millennium Falcon will yet again make it to hyper-drive just in the nick of time to save the day. However, there are certain requirements which even an action movie should have.Any movie should have characters that are interesting and multifaceted. Everyone loved Han Solo because he was a rebel, who occasionally surprised even himself by being a hero. In the latest Star Wars installment however, all the characters are one-dimensional and boring. We have Anakin Skywalker, who cannot decided whether or not to become a Jedi, kill everyone who annoys him, or marry his best friend. He's having a bit of an identity crisis and the fact that Christensen was not able to pull off a decent acting job, making the character come across as a spoiled and rebellious teen, doesn't help the situation. And then there is Padma, who doesn't get any good lines in the first place, and Portman is not able to do much with the few ones she's given, making her character come across as sleepwalking through most of her scenes. Needless to say, none of this helps the love story that is suposed to be developing between these two characters.Not to mention, that Lucas treats all the digtal technology that he gets to use as toys, and he can't get enough of them. It's okay to use digtal effects to improve the story, but it should actually do that, and help to make the story itself more interesting, not to distract from truly terrible acting. While he makes good use of them in creating more interesting landscapes, like the city "sky streets," and the planet Kamino, covered by oceans and rain, he begins to take it a little far by creating a completely digtal diner, and completely fake creatures and robots to go with it. ... Lucas has got one more film to try to redeem some of the charm of the original three, and his best bet is to put the directing in someone else's hands. The third movie will probably be dark and slightly depressing (much like Star Wars, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back.) That movie certainly did not end well, what with Luc losing an arm, and Han getting frozen, but it certainly was the best one, what with the conflict building and the romance between Han and Leia. However, for Episode V, Lucas did not choose to direct it...

Original and Powerful Regardless of what other's say, I myself am madly in love with the indie film industry, and I think that PI is absolutly wonderful. My friend Angela and I watch it at least once a week, and every time I find something else to ponder. This is genius!

High rated action Just take a bunch of terrorists,a president who don't do what they wanted:and "voila":Air Force One! Nice action fight's,thrilling scenes,and a nice sentimental moment!Just see for yourself!

Brian De Palma lives up to his promise.... This is easily the most true-to-life of all the Vietnam war movies. Much more believable than "Platoon", which relegated many of its characters to cartoonish caricatures, such as Junior and Bunny. In THIS film, the personalities are very recognizable as the very sort of young men who either enlisted or were drafted into that war. The characters of Meserve, Clark, Diaz, Hill and others are clearly drawn on real people and are recognizable as post war personalities, peculiar to the sixties especially, of not particularly high character.After repeated frustrations in battle, and spurred by the death of one of their number at the hands of the VC, Meserve, CO of the platoon, decides to abduct and gang rape a Vietnamese girl as revenge for the death, something most of the rest of the platoon thinks is a good idea. Ericksson, the new guy with the moral standards, opts out of the gang rape, and he thinks he has an ally in Diaz, a hispanic private of peripheral importance to the story, but when pressed by Meserve to join in, he quickly abandons Ericksson, who is left alone to report the incident to the brass of the company.He's met with stonewalling and sympathy for the PERPETRATORS, rather than cooperation, and he readily feels like HE is being cast as the villain, trying to spoil the "fun" of the others. Throughout all this, he has but ONE ally, a fella from another company who seems to think just like he does. Someone along the chain of command, though, also must have been in his corner, because after the girl is shot and killed by Meserve, he and the rest are all brought up on charges for the rape and murder of a civilian.Ericksson also has to endure Cpl.Clarke, a character who's actually a little more menacing than Meserve, with sunken eyes and the look and behavior of a drugged-up madman. Oddly enough, at first, just like in Platoon, Ericksson actually ADMIRES Meserve for saving his life, like Taylor initially admired Barnes, but empirical experience soon reveals what a dangerous group he's a part of. The psycho-drama, pathos and tension of this film is palpable, and it has to be one of the best Vietnam war movies as far as drama is concerned, and is definitely one of the best De Palma movies.Make sure only the people you know with the strongest stomachs watch this film, because it IS grueling in parts. But still very, very important and poignant.

Comprehensive conspiracy angles. 'Platoon' may be more visceral and 'Natural Born Killers' more shocking, but 'JFK' has to be Oliver Stone's most controversial film. Lambasted by many in the mainstream media, it nevertheless raises important and insightful questions about the Kennedy assisination. Throughout the film Stone uses a ton of different fast-cutting cinematic styles, conveying the complexity of the conspiracy inolved. The script is a welter of information and Stone cunningly uses an all-star cast to make the audience more comfortable with what's going on and make us digest the story more easily. Stone wants his audience to relive the experience as much as possible, but the MTV-style of B&W; and colour contrast gives a false sense of hysteria.Stone's script also has it's drawbacks. Although piercingly articulate in the characters' analysis of the why's and how's of the assasination, the script descends into cliche when dealing with the drama of Garrison's home-life (presumably a ruse by Stone to make the shady Garrison more human to his audience).Although Stone's critics are many and range from the populist to the academic, few filmmakers can say that they've had a verifibale impact on the politics of their nation. The Assination Records Review Board was appointed by President Clinton and in their final report in 1998, it specifically credited 'JFK' with stirring up public opinion to pressure Congress into setting up the Review Board. Unlike the vast majority of other American filmmakers you have to admit that Stone's movies pack a social and political punch, whether you agree with him or not.

Top film--but don't buy region 1 I have region 1 and region 4 editions of this excellent film on DVD (widescreen Anniversary Editions). If your player is compatible, buy the region 4 edition. This plays slightly more quickly (?!) than the region 1 edition: the result is a 10-minute shorter film, with a noticeable increase in the crispness of the dialogue and music. Also, the region 1 edition suffers from up-and-down volume fluctuations in the dramatic strap-down sequence. The region 4 edition does not; its music is uniform and superb.

awful Was looking forward to this, a movie based on Jewish internees in German concentration camps who actually helped out in the crematoriums. But what a slog:1. Confusing: it's like the movie's two discs and you've just inserted the second disc.2. Horrible acting.3. No attempt at accents.4. Claustrophobic look, tight shots, etc. This, I assume, was because they didn't have much of a budget so kept the shots tight so that they wouldn't have to build expensive sets.5. No attempt at characterization.6. The film's look is too bleak, too dark throughout.

Light at the end of a tunnel After a brief argument between two guys who may or may not structural engineers, the first ten minutes or so contain roughly one reference per minute to the Hudson River and a tunnel, presumably the Holland. It comes as no surprise when a goofy gang of jewel thieves steals a car and accidently rams into some trucks carrying toxic chemicals that shoot massive fireballs, implode the tunnel, and burn like napalm. And you KNOW Sylvester Stallone - as disgraced former EMS chief Kit Latura - loves the smell of napalm in the morning. It's his mission to band together a ragtag group of survivors (who fulfill every stereotypical diversity requirement for "random") who face a variety of dangers, not the least of which is an exponentially diminishing air source, and lead them towards daylight.The special effects for this film are awesome! The explosions throughout are perfect, and at the beginning produce a hilarious human on fire scene - if such a scene exists - where a random extra rolls around in flames like a trick birthday candle that won't go out. Another sends wall tiles and shards of rock like ninja stars into a "token" character with enough concussive force to eject Goose AND Maverick. Comparable to the FX is the action, but many scenes are a bit hokey. One of the more joke-worthy shows Latura battling massive ventilation fans in the most ignorant manner possible, and it's simply a preposterously thought out yet entertaining action sequence. Later an, oil tanker rolls and creates something straight out of Temple of Doom. I also recommend looking out for a ludicrous scene devised for the sole purpose of displaying Stallone's ability to do a one-arm pullup. Brilliant. The hits just keep on coming. From beginning to end there is one intricately dangerous mouse-trap after another from which Latura must lead the superb supporting cast including Viggo Mortensen and Amy Brennemen.There are major downfalls to Daylight, however. The score is too loud, far too melodramatic and detracts from several scenes. As for character development, there is none. The cast is superfluous at best, comparable to the anonymous Ensign Smith who always beams down on dangerous Star Trek away missions with Cpt. Kirk and Spock. I didn't care about one of them, and no connection to the audience is even attempted. Finally, Stallone's never been known to deliver magnificent monologues, but in Daylight he absolutely butchers several lines through the use of grunts, yells, and guttural noises impossible for other humans to produce or understand. Almost forgot, the final scene is completely absurd for a tunnel nearly 100 feet below water.Watching this film is like a metaphor for the actual movie. Parts are hopeless, dark, and disappointing, but eventually there is a light at the end of the tunnel.