Wallace and Gromit: The Wrong Trousers

"Cracking toast, Gromit!"
This British claymation film features bumbling inventor Wallace and his dog, Gromit. It's Gromit's birthday, and to his horror, Wallace gives him not only a collar and leash, but a mechanical, walking pair of trousers to take him out on "walkies." To make matters worse, a mysterious penguin has moved in, taken over Gromit's room, and, it seems, his spot in Wallace's heart. Gromit leaves home and discovers the penguin is the notorious criminal "Feathers," who plans to use the mechanical pants to steal a priceless diamond.

The story is very clever, and the claymation completely enchanted me. It's very droll and sly, often poignant, and really, really funny. Clever Gromit, absent-minded Wallace, and the sinister penguin are comic characters you can enjoy over and over. This Academy Award-winning film can be enjoyed by all ages, and I think adults may laugh even louder than the children.

Kona

Absolutely brilliant
Well, after seeing just a short sample of Wallace and Gromit, I'm sure that your image about clay animation will be forver changed. As we can see here, clay animation is probably the best way to make an animation when we want to make the characters look funny and sympatethic enough. Nick Park nad his fellows have created something that hasn't changed only the world of animation, but also the whole film industry!!! the plot here is so stunning, as it offers quality entertainment to all kinds of people no matter how old they are. Rarely have I seen so brilliant film!!! A true treasure!!!

Outstanding
We received "The Wrong Trousers" as a gift a year or more ago, watched it once, and in the process of moving, packed it away. We just recently found it again, and thinking it might be something our two-year old might enjoy, played it for him. It has been an almost continuously-running feature since. "Again! Again!" cries Caleb.

As many times as I have seen it now (and noticing something new each time), I have developed an immense appreciation for Nick Park's creativity: Wallace's silliness, Gromit's silent toleration of same, quick-take scenes, facial expressions, imaginative camera angles and composition (including subtle props and intricate set piece details) all add up to a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

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Peter Sellers Collection

list of the films in this collection
Here's what's in the collection. It's sad that a customer has to put this up instead of the publisher or Amazon. From Lionsgate...

I'M ALL RIGHT JACK: When naive Oxford graduate Stanley (Ian Carmichael) is hired as a lowly employee in his uncle's missile factory, the factory's socialist shop steward Fred (Sellers) sees a great political opportunity. Soon, Stanley finds himself stuck between Fred's union and the family business, leading to an epic comedic tug-of-war! THE SMALLEST SHOW ON EARTH: When their great-uncle dies, newlyweds Matt and Jean Spencer (Bill Travers, Virginia McKenna) inherit a dilapidated small-town cinema that comes with an eccentric staff including a drunken projectionist (Sellers), a dotty cashier (Margaret Rutherford) and an ancient usher/janitor (Bernard Miles). CARLTON-BROWN OF THE F.O.: When valuable mineral deposits are discovered on the forgotten British colony of Gaillardia, the Foreign Office sends bumbling envoy Cadogen de Vere...

Good quality DVDs
All the DVDs are excellent transfers of the original films, both vision and audio doing justice to the original productions. In particular I was pleased with the copy of "The Smallest Show on Earth", because a copy I'd previously purchased from other offerings on Amazon was practically unwatchable. The films themselves are not Seller's best, but they do demonstrate the range of his talents. All were produced between 1957 and 1963 and none match the standard of "The Mouse That Roared" or "Dr Strangelove" (made in the same period). The Bolting Brother comedies are usually grounded in social comment (e.g. "I'm All Right Jack") so these films (not "Two Way Stretch") are satires rather than simple comedies; the layers of social comment underlay the not always successful farcical activities. "Two Way Stretch" is, I think, the least successful of the vehicles for Seller's talents, the tough guy prisoner giving him little scope. The other four films are quite enjoyable ("The Smallest Show" is...

Minor gems
The sound and picture quality of the film prints and the digital transfers are excellent. The films, though not major works and often find Mr. Sellers in supporting roles, are quite enjoyable for fans of late 1950's British comedy. (Terry Thomas is often more fun to watch than Peter Sellers.)

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Depth Charge

Depth Charge
Decent actioner that won't waste your time. This may be the B variety but Eric Roberts and Corbin Bersen do a good job of keeping your interest. When a prototype stealth sub is hijacked it falls to Bersen to get them off his ship. One by one he takes them out and sabotages their plans to nuke Washington DC. Well worth at least a rental, and maybe a buy if you go in for this kind of action. I enjoy this type movie as I think just because some movies have better budgets doesn't mean they are better movies. Good quality DVD with some replayability. If you enjoyed this catch Firestorm.

CA Luster

Routine story, below-average special effects
"Depth Charge" focuses on veteran naval Commander Krieg (Eric Roberts), who has commandeered his own submarine with the help of mercenaries. While demanding a ransom in exchange for sparing the lives of billions from a nuclear attack, Commander Kreig is unaware that saboteurs are bent on stopping him from carrying out his dangerous and destructive plan. On board are two of the submarine's original crew and they will do anything they can to stop the madman. A standoff begins fathoms below sea level, with the fate of the world at stake. There are elements here of "The Caine Mutiny" (Capt. Queeg, Commander Krieg) and "The Hunt for Red October," with lots of action and a fast pace. Special effects, however, are not convincing.

No closed captioning or subtitles
This DVD is not only unrated, but it's unmindful of the hearing-impaired and deaf community by being without both subtitles and closed captions.

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Soul Men

Charismatic Leads Bring A Lot to The Movie
"Soul Men," a 2008 release, is a musical comedy road picture, with a template of sadness behind it. It stars more frequent action hero, Samuel L. Jackson, and the late Bernie Mac. It was written by Robert Ramsey and Matthew Stone, and directed by Malcolm Lee, noted American filmmaker Spike Lee's kid brother. Jackson plays Louis Hinds; Mac, Floyd Henderson. Together, they were once "The Real Deal," popular soul singers, and released a single record album. But it's been decades since they were together. Then the death of the supposedly legendary Marcus Hooks (John Legend), once their lead singer, gives them a very good reason to reunite: there's to be a memorial concert at New York's famous Apollo Theater, at which they've been invited to sing. It might just jump start their fallow singing careers.

So, quick as you can say Jackie Robinson, it becomes a road picture, as the quarreling ex-colleagues jump into a Cadillac in California, with four days to reach New York...

2 of the Best
What can I say but simply Hilarious! These two guys put together was just perfect! There was never a dull moment with them! I've always loved Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac (Bernie is missed greatly!) this movie never made alot of attention but it should have cause this is one of the best comedy movies I've seen in a long time!

A Funny Road Movie With Laughs At Every Exit!!
This movie is so funny that it had me and my family crying
from laughter, holding onto our sides and rocking
back & forth in our chairs!
This is a fitting tribute to the comic genius of the
late great Bernie Mac, who had such chrisma and that good ol'
down home humor like a crazy uncle who always comes to the
family reunions and lights it up!
He's in great form here and it seems to me, a bit reflective,
as if he knew that this would be his last statement to the world!
If you watch the special features, you'll see what I mean.
Samuel Jackson plays the grizzled world-weary sidekick with finesse!
He and Mac shared a great chemistry and comraderie and boy, it shows!
The supporting cast all pulled their weight too and delivered
funny moments as well. Also, this movie was the swan song for
one of the latter 20th Century's great musical minds...
The Black Moses...Issac Hayes!!
In the late 60's thru early 70's, he...

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Dorothy Mills

REAL GOOD, DIDN'T EXPECTED!!!
This was a very well made movie with quality acting by all. The description of the movie does not tell the whole story. There is much more to the story line that is very interesting. There's a lot of tension and a few bloody scenes, mainly dead sheep. Dorothy is a "gifted" young girl who many believe is under demonic control. A doctor comes to comes to her home after a disturbing incident Dorothy has while babysitting. The doctor believes Dorothy has multiple personalities. This is when the story really takes shape and draws you in. What is really Dorothy's gift??? You will have to watch the movie to find out. Very entertaning story and well worth a watch.

WHAT A PERFORMANCE!!!! This is an amazing film!
WOW...

I can only say "wow"... this film boosts the performance of a lifetime. Young Jenn Murray is simply amazing as this young girl suffering from multiple personalities that may or may not be the work of the dead.

She is simply amazing!

The story is quite simple: a doctor from the mainland goes to a remote Irish island where 15 year old Dorothy Mills seems to have murdered a baby. As she starts to know Dorothy and spend some time with her, she uncovers the many personalities inhabiting the girl's body. There is an innocent 3 year old girl... a boy who protects Dorothy from killing herself... a slut who teases the town's men... and Duncan who is a little more violent than the others.

It all seems to be a simple case of multiple personalities until young Dorothy talks to the doctor as her lost son. And suddenly we start to understand that there's more to the town's dead than we can see... because they all end up in Dorothy's body...

Yawn Fest.
What a boring movie. The premise is okay, but it just moves so slowly. I'm a fan of suspense, but this builds at an utter snail's pace only to reveal a predictable "twist."

Aside from that, the product was shipped quickly, arrived fast and was packed well to prevent any damage to the disc..

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My Name Is Bruce

Bruce Does A Roast On His Fans And Himself
Bruce Campbell seems to have a kind of love/hate thing going with his fan base. Sure, like any actor he enjoys having fans, but as he's stated in his book and elsewhere that his fans can get a bit outrageous and push things far. This seems to be what sparked My Name Is Bruce. Here he pokes fun at his fandom as well as his career.
In the film he plays Bruce Campbell, but a more fictional Bruce Campbell. He's egocentric, a drunk, lives in a trailer, un-liked and un-respected by the cast and crew of his films, and just an all around jerk. A teen in a small gold mining town called Gold Lick has mistakenly unleashed the ancient Chinese god of war, Guan-Di, and now the angry god is killing off the folks of Gold Lick. The teen, Jeff, also happens to be a Bruce Campbell fanatic. He manages to kidnap Campbell and bring him to Gold Lick where he has convinced the townspeople that Bruce will destroy the evil demon. Bruce is under the impression that he's doing some kind of movie(it...

DVD Extras that Bruce Campbell fans should enjoy
There is an audio commentary by Bruce Campbell and producer Mike Richardson. Campbell points out that the entire film was shot on his property in Oregon and they built all of the town of Gold Lick from scratch. He points out all of the intentional goofs in the Cavealien 2 film within the film. Campbell also points out all of the people in the film whom he's known or worked with over the years. He talks about his public persona and how it mixes with his actual life in this film on this entertaining track.

"Heart of Dorkness" is an hour-long making of documentary that starts off riffing on Apocalypse Now. Dark Horse Comics wanted to branch out into independent films and approached Campbell who agreed only if he could direct and star. To cut costs and be more efficient, Campbell hired actors and crew members that he had worked with on other films often going back many years. This is an entertaining and informative look at how this indie film was made.

"Awkward...

No one is safe! Oh the humanity...
One of the best Bruce Campbell films made. There's no need to rant and rave - if you enjoy his films, you must see this one. No, you must own this one. Bits and pieces (pardon the pun), pokes and prods of the best and worst of the Bruce Campbell legacy. There's a little something for everyone - eye candy for Bruce wanna-be's; quaint locales and characters for those who are into scenic adventure; comic creativity from the understated Ted Raimi; and a peek at the new shy side of an even sexier Campbell. It's painful to be given a sneek peek at something wonderful and then have to wait over a month to be able to own it, but pain is part of the beauty of a Campbell venture, isn't it?

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Criss Angel Mindfreak: The Complete Season Four

I Miss Him
I have reviewed every season of Mindfreak, and now, here I am, reviewing the most recent Season 4. Anyone who has read my reviews for the previous three seasons will know that I basically gave the show glowing reviews, with maybe a criticism or two here and there. However, this season is different.

For starters, I will say that if you are a NEW fan who just discovered Criss Angel, then do not start with this season. The only reason for anyone to start with Season 4 would be if you actually watched every episode when A&E aired it, and you fell in love with it. If that be the case, then there's no way to go but back in time. If you haven't started out this way, go back to Season 1 and start chronologically from there.

I was going to write this review after re-reviewing the DVD, but I've seen every episode, plus the extra features. I was prompted by my inner voice to write this now, so here I am.

Season 4 has enough excitement for you if you want a thrill...

A little bit tedious
I have the three previous seasons of Mindfreak and enjoyed them all.
This one is more of the same but with even more hype added (if that is possible). It seems that most major tricks are said to involve the risk of serious injury or death. In reality you know the performer is quite safe and it is all carefully staged. So, being told over and over by people connected with the show how dangerous it is and how worried they are gets REALLY repetitive and boring after the 100th time.
Also, I saw Criss perform live in Las Vegas and his skills are not nearly as impressive as portrayed on the show. It made me realise how much editing and careful camera angles go into the show.
If you are a die hard fan then buy this. But, if you are not, then you can safely give this a miss.

Magician dvd
Always interesting; however, too much intro before each segment; seems a waste of time and dvd space.

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Street Fighter (Extreme Edition)

Obviously flawed but nostalgic fun
Okay, I don't think anyone can reasonably argue that this movie is good; at least, not in any conventional sense. The acting, except for perhaps Raul Julia, is sub-par at best, the story is ridiculous, and even the fight scenes aren't very well-executed (pretty bad for a film with the title Street Fighter, huh).

So why am I giving this 5 stars? Well, for starters, I was all of 8 years old when the film came out, and deeply in love with video games, especially Street Fighter II, which this film is (loosely) based on. I also liked Jean-Claude Van Damme for some bizarre reason-Bloodsport, Hard Target, Timecop-to me, he could do no wrong. Which made this film a perfect storm of sorts. Being older and wiser, I can easily spot the many flaws in this film, but the over-the-top, cheesy dialogue, stunts, and story are what keep me loving this movie. I don't think it's good anymore, like when I did when I was eight, but now I realize it's in that rare...

Definitely One Of The Better Made Early Video Game Movies...Though That Might Not Be Saying Much
Whenever I think of video game movies, I always think of only three movies: Super Mario Brothers, Street Fighter, and Double Dragon. Perhaps because these were the first three made or perhaps because I loved all three as a kid. Either way, of those three, it's Street Fighter I seem to always think of the most as far as these kind of movies go.

Street Fighter: The Movie came out in 1994, a year after the release of Super Mario Brothers. Let's just be upfront in saying it's no where near being an Oscar worthy movie. It's probably not even really "good", at that. It's a somewhat cheesy or campy movie (but not as much as SMB and no where near as much as Double Dragon). But I've always really enjoyed the movie.

So what is the plot of the movie? This is one place I think it hurt itself with a lot of Street Fighter fans. As was once said, for a movie called Street Fighter....there's a glaring lack of street fighting, much less a tournament. I could have easily seen the...

"Quick! Change the channel!"
The biggest distinction that "Street Fighter: the Movie" holds for me is that it's the first Van Damme picture I ever saw. On a global scale, it was the first video game-film adaptation to turn a buck, which should count for something despite the routine bashing it receives for how shoddily it portrayed the most popular fighting game of the time on the big screen. I was personally never a huge "Street Fighter" fan, but while I can certainly spot the plotline unfaithfulness, I can't help but notice just how fun the movie is. It's a poor adaptation and a questionable action movie, but nevertheless a decent teenaged adventure when taken at face value.

The story: when the mad warlord General M. Bison (Raul Julia, The Addams Family) is poised to overrun the earth in pursuit of his own personal empire, it will be up to a multi-faceted group of fighters - including Colonel William Guile (Van Damme,...

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Maybe Tomorrow

booooooring
I lasted almost twenty minutes. Kept waiting for something other than boo hoo, my girlfriend left me and my car doesn't work. i wanted both main charachters to get hit by a train.

A really fun(ny) time!
This movie is hip, fun and hillarious from start to finish. The drama in the film is light, but it has its moments where it can sneak up on you. I'd recommend this movie to anyone. I, myself, have seen it countless times.



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Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!: Season 2

It isn't so complicated...
I grow very tired of having to explain my love for this show to people who seem offended by it's very existence.

To sum it up, dumb it down, and wrap it in a convienent "awkward" little package for people who constantly feel the need to question the merit of this shows humor, I will give examples of WHY the show appeals to me:

1) I enjoy the shows vibrant use of colors. This may seem irrelevant or a ridiculous reason to some, but I find the look of the show to be aesthetically pleasing to my eye. Visually, if I like what I see, that keeps me watching.

2) I enjoy Davin Woods music he creates to accompany certain segments of the show. The man knows what he is doing and is very talented at what he does. Think of the music that accompanies the Cinco commercials, the shows intro, or the hilariously mellodramatic music that plays during the "Damnit" bit of the "Hacky Sack Extreme" skit in Season One.

3) I find that the show brilliantly parodies...

Trying to get a hold of him for two weeks...
Hi, Steve. I hope you read this. Have you talked to Jerry lately? I can't get a hold of him on the phone and I think he might have left to go out of town. He didn't tell anyone if he did, but his TV is on but I think he just left it on so no one would realize he really had left. If you see Janice, or Sherry, or Carmen, I need you to ask them to call me. They'll know why when you tell them. It's a really long story and I think a partially-nude, latex-fetish chatroom isn't probably the place to get into that. I'm... I'm just not ready. (heavy sigh)

Anyway. Hope you enjoy those DVDs I sent you.

Best regards,
Carmine

Awesome Review
As a high school student working at a local pizza pub in Jeffersonville, Indiana, Papa John's founder John Schnatter realized that there was something missing from national pizza chains; a superior-quality traditional pizza delivered to the customer's door. His dream was to one day open a pizza restaurant that would fill that void.

In 1983, "Papa" John Schnatter delivered his last campus pizza, picked up his business degree from Ball State University, and went back to Jeffersonville, Indiana. There, at age 22, he knocked down the broom closet in his father's tavern (Mick's Lounge), sold his prized 1972 Z28 Camaro, purchased $1,600 worth of used restaurant equipment, and began delivering pizzas out of the back of the bar.

Papa John's opened its first pizza restaurant in 1985 and to this day is committed to delivering on its brand promise of "Better Ingredients. Better Pizza." Papa John's is the recognized quality leader of the pizza category and now owns or...

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Dino Squad: Go Dino!

4 Year Old Boy Loves This Movie!
My 4 year old son loves dinosaurs. We watched one of the Dino Squad movies that we rented from Red Box. He loved it. I searched for the movie but could not find it anywhere. I found it here on Amazon. The movie is great & the theme song is catchy! Totally recommend it. I bought another one for a friend's son's bday!

Gotta Get Netflix Back
This is what I wanted, since losing Netflix my son has been without Dino Squad, a tv series unknown as it seems by the majority of the world. The disc only has a few episodes and I guess would meet the price, but this isn't a major popular show so I would expect a season shouldn't be much more in cost than this was. However, it will work until Netflix can return.

LOVE DINOSQUAD!!!
MY 3.5yr old LOVES Dinos and this is his new favorite show! It has great messages on teamwork, safety (even an episode on cyber predators), bullying, manners, friends and more! Has a catchy theme song and is just a really fun show to watch! I haven't purchased them from Amazon, every episode is available on Netflix :)

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Death Note II: The Last Name

Thrilling and full of suspense, if you enjoyed the first film, you're definitely going to enjoy this sequel!
Based on the manga and anime series that has captured the attention of viewers worldwide, "Death Note" the live action film makes its way to the US on DVD.

"Death Note" is an adaption of the popular manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata and stars Tatsuya Fujiwara (known for his work in the popular "Battle Royale" films), directed by Shusuke Kaneko (known for the 2006 hit film "Gamera") and another theme song "Snow (Hey Oh)" by the popular band RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS.

The sequel is the conclusion to the thrilling cat and mouse chase as the murderer Kira (Light Yagami, who has attained a large cult following for killing off criminals) tries to find a way to kill his nemesis, the top investigator in the police force known as L. While L suspects Light Yagami as being Kira.

The film is 140 minutes long, pacing was indeed well done and overall, despite being different from the manga and anime series, both Shusuke Kaneko and...

WOW....I was surprised!
My 14-year-old son got me hooked. He got free tickets to see it in the theatre. Snce he doesn't drive yet, dear old dad had to take him. I thought since this was vol 2, I better see vo1 1 first. I watched the first and was impressed....very cool movie. I was actually lookng forward to the second. I was not disappointed...OUTSTANDING movie. I personally can't wait for it to come out on dvd so I can watch them back-to-back. Definitely worth it and btw...I am a middle aged college grad. Watch it too and you wil be hooked. Now I can't wait until Feb.

The End
Far more a continuation than a sequel, "Death Note: The Last Name" follows the immensely popular and entertaining Death Note. The agile game of cat-and-cat continues between Light (Tatsuya Fujiwara) and L (Ken'ichi Matsuyama). Tables are turned, fortunes are reversed, and a new Death Note and shinigami comes into play.

The story continues almost exactly where "Death Note" left off. A young and popular idol, Misa, gets herself a Death Note and an accompanying shinigami, Rem. An devoted fan of "Killer", she decides to follow in his footsteps, even though she lacks the genius and finesse of execution. She is much more of an emotional wild card than Light's calculated style. L is still in hot pursuit, and he gets to show his stuff a little more in "The Last Name", demonstrating why he has the reputation he has. There are quite a few twists and turns, but the pace is good and the film never gets slow or...

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The Children of Huang Shi

A Nearly Impossible Story to Tell or Believe: True Heroism
THE CHILDREN OF HUANG SHI is a long (greater than two hours) epic tale that happens to be a true story of an extraordinary hero's life and gift to humanity during World War II. If as a film the telling of this story is a bit shaky in spots, it is probably due to the episodic series of events that happened very quickly and under existing conditions of profound stress. Yet despite the occasional misfires in production this remains a bit of history we all should know.

George Hogg (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) is a journalist assigned to Shanghai in 1937 and with his colleagues he plans to explore the extent of the invasion of China by the Japanese. Under the guise of Red Cross workers his small band manages to enter Nanjing where now alone due to the loss of his friends to battle he observes and photographs the atrocities of mass murders of the people of Nanjing. He is captured by the Japanese, tortured when his confiscated camera reveals his terrifying photographs, and it is...

Movie too short
At two hours in length, this beautifully photographed biographical film is still not long enough to flesh out the underlying story we are encouraged to imagine. The movie makes a good companion piece to The Last Emperor, as a record of pre-WWII China. But I do not know of a movie that fills in the psychology of the starving boys orphaned and raised wild by older boys -- their dreams, their fears, their codes of honor. The civilizing work of George Hogg and his allies, and its unexpected consequences, amount to another movie within a movie. And then there is the arduous long trek through mountains and out into the high Gobi desert, which tells yet another story of courage and perseverance that could have been expanded to satisfy my curiosity about the journey. How many animals did they lose along the way? Did their provisions last? Did the vegetable seeds and rice and grain they took with them do as well in sand as in the lowland mud?

Self-Sacrifice Can Be Transformative
This film is about a little known story of the exploits of British journalist George Hogg during the Japanese occupation of China in 1937.

The cast is excellent with very good performances by Michelle Yeoh, Radha Mitchell, Chow Yun-Fat & Jonathan Rhys Meyers. An evocative musical score and some gorgeous cinematography of the wilds of Tibet combine to make this a treat to behold.

During the first 25 minutes or so of the story, it appears that the film will be an action thriller, but the "heart" of the story reveals the transformative power of self-sacrifice & caring in a hostile political and physical environment. It is an amazing story.

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Like a Virgin: the Ultimate Critical

compare with blu-ray disc & dvd
If the product is Blu-ray Disc, I think it will better than dvd. The item which I purchased is quite good, if it is Blu-ray disc, it is the best!!





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Aria the Natural Season 2 Pt. 1

An excellent Continuation
This is an excellent continuation to the Original Series. Again the audience is introduced to the world of Aria and the in training Undines. New characters are introduced in this part of the series, and interestingly enough the series will still show you things that you might recall from the previous series. Its the attention to detail and an actual flow of time that that can easily be noticed throughout all of the Aria Episodes that make these enjoyable. If you watched the Previous series I would highly recommend this one as well.





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Terms of Endearment

Come to Terms!
Another film that made me cry! If you've read my reviews on KRAMER VS. KRAMER and RAIN MAN, then you know my story. But, yes, it's happened again! Another Best Picture Oscar-winner has allowed me to shed my tears freely and openly.

Based on the novel by Larry McMurtry (Lonesome Dove, The Last Picture Show), TERMS OF ENDEARMENT is a "family" film that deals with a 30-year relationship between a flighty mother and her headstrong daughter, played to perfection by Shirley MacLaine as Aurora Greenway, and Debra Winger as her daughter Emma Horton. The film begins by establishing the relatonship between the neurotic Aurora with her young daughter.

It makes you laugh and it makes you cry! Either way, the film deserves its kudos. Created by future SIMPSONS producer James L. Brooks, we see the emotional turmoil that both Aurora and Emma face in their love lives.

The cast consists of: Jack Nicholson, as Aurora's zany cosmonaut boyfriend Garrett Breedlove (a role originally...

Flawless
Exactly how in the world did I never see this movie before? Reputation has made this out to be "the ultimate chick flick" upon which every other tear-jerker is judged. But it's definitely more of a character study than a weepy mushy movie. In fact, it's anything but mushy. Where it could of been over-sentimental, it was poignant. Where it could of been boring, it was insightful. And where it could of been corny, it was tongue-in-cheek. I don't think I need to say anything about the acting in it, if you've seen Terms of Endearment you know that Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, and Jack Nicholson bring their characters to a life rarely seen in movies. I just can't get over how great this movie was. The story is so good, it's so funny and at times among some of the saddest moments I've ever seen portrayed in the movies. I don't want to go any further for fear that I might spoil it for those who haven't seen this incredible story about life and love and laughter among family. This is an...

PREPARE TO CRY
James Brooks, who of late gave us AS GOOD AS IT GETS, has an uncanny way of sketching characters that are believable, and completely winning, despite their many foibles. TERMS is filled with such people, and is so deft at winning your affections that it is virtually impossible not to feel that lump in your throat -- if not tears rolling down your cheek -- as it makes its way to its manipulative but moving nonetheless finale. Each performer works to his/her potential, and the supposed fireworks between Debra Winger (who inhabits her role so intensely she IS Emma) and Shirley MacLaine -- who won an Oscar -- works perfectly on screen. Jeff Daniels pulls off a neat trick, and manages to be both reprehensible as Emma's multi-flawed husband, but also engenders your sympathy vote as the movie wears on. Jack Nicholson (also Oscar winner) and MacLaine combatively explore one of the funniest romances ever; the screenplay's distinctive sense of humor adds much charm and much...

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Domino [Blu-ray]

A highly enjoyable, whacked-out acid trip of a movie
Imagine that before going to bed one night, you've read a magazine article about bounty hunter Domino Harvey, watched an over-the-top action movie and taken a hit of acid. Your dreams would likely resemble Tony Scott's new film, Domino. The film opens with "This is based on a true story........ sort of", and "sort of" is certainly accurate. If you're expecting a film biography of Domino Harvey, then you will certainly be disappointed with this movie. It's not a biography at all, in fact after seeing the movie you might know less about Domino Harvey than you did before. However, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Rather than delivering another dull overly reverent biopic, Tony Scott brings forth something entirely different. The movie is a mixture of fact and fiction, however there's certainly a lot more fiction than fact. Domino Harvey was a real person who was really a bounty hunter, and died earlier this year. Several other characters in the movie were based on real people. The...

Domino
Domino Harvey (Knightley), daughter of actor Laurence Harvey, was a model turned bounty hunter before her recent death. This is her story (sort of). The story is exaggerated and even retold as new information becomes known. Domino is looking to get away from the 90210 world she has lived in, and joins Ed (Roarke) and Choco (Ramirez) as a bounty hunter. They all work for Claremont Williams (Lindo), bringing fugitives to justice. When Williams gets them all involved in a scheme that involves the mob, a billionaire and $300,000, Domino must find a way to get her and her crew out unscathed.

"domino" is a glorious mess that both works and doesn't work depending upon the moment. Director Tony Scott employs ADD filmmaking to get Domino's frantic story across. The constant quick cuts work against the story, but after a while become bearable. Knightly does an adequate job as the titular character, with great support from Rourke. Ironically, two of the best roles are Brian...

Fully equipped with the attention span of a ferret on crystal meth...
When I first saw `Domino' I was in love. I must admit that I adore Tony Scott's directing style. I remember when I first saw `Man on Fire', I was just blown away by the way Scott could capture your attention so effortlessly. I am a huge fan of his brother Ridley (one of our finest working directors) and while I feel Ridley is the finer director, Tony is working his way up their on his own terms. So to get back to my initial statement, when I first saw `Domino' I was smitten, or in love, whatever I said at first. Upon repeated viewings though, I have found that the film, while fun and explosive and utterly irresistible, is not without flaws; quite a few to be honest.

`Domino' tells the fictionalized story of real life bounty hunter Domino Harvey. Former model and daughter of a famous actor, Domino lived a life of prestige and glamour but she desired something a little more gritty. She resented her money and prominence and wanted to escape it as quickly as possible...

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Igor

MORE FOR HORROR BUFFS THAN FOR KIDS!
I can see why some people hated this film, because if you bought the DVD to keep your young children occupied, you didn't get your money's worth. 'Igor' is really for old horror buffs, but it tried to play both sides of the field. It's too adult for kids and not dark enough for adults.

The animation is very good and looks more than a little inspired by 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'. The voice work isn't bad, but the film doesn't have enough inspired characters to keep the momentum going. Most of the comic relief comes from an immortal rabbit who wants to die!

Overall I think if you like old horror films and animated films you'll like 'Igor', but it will not keep the little ones interested. The DVD has an excellent transfer, but not a lot of extras. There is an alternate beginning that is interesting.

This Is A Really Good Movie
I have seen most of the computer generated animated movies. The Pixar ones, naturally, are the best in terms of script quality and overall likability for all ages. The non-Pixar ones are usually pretty good but not up to that quality (Shrek, Over the Hedge, Madagascar, etc.), but some are not good at all in my opinion such as Madagascar 2 and Happy Feet to name a few. It all depends on what you want out of an animated movie. I personaly look for an engaging plot and most of all the funny one-line quips that are a staple of this genre. The main thing for me with this movie was its originality. The plot is really unique and there were tons of funny one-liners that I chuckled at throughout. My kids 7 & 9 also were laughing and we watched it twice. I had never even heard of this movie and just picked it off the shelf at Blockbuster, and I am really glad I did. I would say this is one of the best non-Pixar animated movies I've seen.

$10 Rental for 24 Hours
Amazon must be employing some really idiotic salespeople....$10 rental and $14 purchase.....Come on...Get a grip on life!

This is the most absurd rental price I have ever seen shown for a show...

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Harlequin: Recipe for Revenge

The Whole Package!
Recipe for Revenge is one of the best Harlequin Movies made. I would say that it along with Treacherous Beauties are the best. Both movies give you a touch of everything from Romance, Suspense, Mystery and Action. The movie keeps you watching it from beginning to end. I also think that Corbin Bernsen is an awsome actor. If you like the whole package you need to see this movie because it gives it all to you. I was very pleased with my purchase of this movie.

Really Ejoyed This One!!
I really liked this one. It had everything romance, a little suspense, and some humor. I thought the main two characters were cute together and had on screen chemistry. It was so far the best Harlequin movie I have seen.

Halequin: Recipe for Revenge
Got quickly, great condition. Great seller to deal with. Thanks for offering this.

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The Yellow Rolls Royce

FIVE-STAR GEM FINALLY ON DVD!
At last, this superb film is on dvd. The three separate stories, linked by ownership of the titled Rolls Royce, star the most incredible cast, with standout performances by Rex Harrison as the husband deceived by a delicious Jeanne Moreau, mobster George C Scott and his bored floozie Shirley MacLaine who dallies with Alain Delon, and the final segment with Ingrid Bergman and Omar Sharif, where the Rolls is used for an unexpected purpose. The music and cinematography add to the magic of this film, which should not be missed.
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Best Performance By An Automobile In A Starring Role
Few films embody the 60's trend in Hollywood for International Productions that could play in any European Market as well as the good old USofA more than this movie. It is an enchanting concept. The longevity and varied changing ownership of a hand tooled masterpiece of classic automotive technology. Oh....and the star power isn't too bad either. The cast has been mentioned by others. But the Rolls holds its own against the biggest of them and comes out the true central character it was meant to be. Quite an accomplishment with no dialogue. There is quite a bit of interaction with the actors themselves, yet the car never lets itself be upstaged. A finely tuned performance all the way. Today's cars should enroll in the Yellow Rolls Royce's acting class about class acting through every social strata in a feature film. I shall never understand why the Academy wasn't driven to nominate it that year.
You really can't go wrong being the next owner of The Yellow Rolls Royce.

A Class Act All The Way
The Yellow Rolls Royce is a class act from the opening credits to the last shot. A pure example of the silver age of Hollywood doing what it does best. Great screenplay by Terrance Rattigan, gorgeous cinematography, engaging score, and impeccable direction by Anthony Asquith add up to a glittering fun and at times truly touching film experience.
Interestingly enough both Asquith and Rattigan teamed up before for a similar all star romp with the Taylor-Burton film "The VIPS" another story of intersecting lives brought together by a mode of transportation. In "The VIPS" it was airplanes and here in this charming film it is a resplendent canary yellow automobile.
To add to this heady cocktail the director has blended in a glittering all star cast of first rate talent from the early 1960's. This is a truly international roster of superstars each of which brings their unique talents and charms to bear on this film.
The story is in three acts encompassing events some...

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Blossom: Seasons 1 & 2

FINALLY!!
Everytime I think of 'Blossom', I remember myself watching it, at the age of 8 or 9, while eating lunch, getting ready to go to school (I used to see it on its morning reruns) and having great fun. It was probably one of the very first TV series I actually cared about.

I grew up watching this show and it's been a long , long time since I saw it for the last time. I can't even remember the show precisely! I do remember some moments, some situations and of course, those delightful characters that always made me laugh so hard. So, I guess it'll be simply great to revisit the series after so long; I bet it'll be like having a whole new experience.

Well, it's been virtually a decade that I've waited for these DVD's, so I'm really looking forward to this pack with Season 1-2. I'm glad there are extras in the pack, such as commentaries from the director and cast, and interviews with Mayim, Joey and the others!!

Thank you 'Shout!' for bringing these DVDs, and...

In my opinionation, DVD sales will surely shine...
Maybe it's just that ultra-catchy theme song or the refreshingly real title character, but in any case, I was thrilled to learn that these DVD's were arriving in January 2009. It's been long overdue, especially since it hasn't even been shown on TV since I was a kid, so the timing is great to finally have it immortalized through the DVD's!

For those who grew up with the show and remember it as a blast from their 1990's past, this has been a great way to kick off the new year! I was very happy to purchase this over the weekend (at a very good price, too), and it brings back fond memories of those good old '90's classics that will never again be matched by anything. Of course, considering all the reality TV and other "the way teens really are" junk that airs these days, it doesn't seem like most screenwriters are challenging themselves to meet the original standard that was set by television shows from decades past.

Just in case you aren't familiar with show's...

They Don't Make Shows Like Blossom Anymore!
I never saw Blossom during its original run. I only started watching it when it went into syndication and aired in the late afternoons. Shout! Factory released the first two seasons on a six discs set back in 2009, in which I was thrilled to be able to see the quirky comedy again.

The original pilot aired in July of 1990 on NBC as a special and served as a backdoor pilot. Thanks to impressive ratings, the series was picked up, aired its first season in January 1991, and ran for five seasons, ending on May 22, 1995.

Mayim Bialik (The Big Bang Theory) played the teenager Blossom Russo who wore crazy clothes and wild hats, as well as her best friend Six (played by Jenna von Oy), who talks nonstop. Her singer mother abandoned her and her two older brothers, the ex-drug addict Anthony (played by Michael Stoyanov) and the simple minded Joey (played go Joey Lawrence). Their struggling musician father, Nick (played by Ted Wass), raises them all.

The series...

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Bellydance: Beautiful Technique from Step One, with Autumn Ward: Beginner belly dancing classes, Belly dance how-to, Beginner bellydance instruction

Excellent Foundation & Technical Practice
I am a beginning dancer who has to mostly rely on video instruction for my practices. So, I put a lot of thought into what I buy. I bought Autumn Ward's video after seeing clips on Youtube and I'm glad I did. I was looking for a comprehensive video that would break down the dance vocabulary and focus on building a strong foundation. Ward's video provides just that.

The first section is a detailed section on basic moves such as arm work, hip work, and transitions. Autumn spends a great deal of time breaking down each move, demonstrating correct technique, pointing out common mistakes, and adding in her dance philosophies. Therefore, it is a great "reference" for dancers to come back to if they want a calibrated breakdown of a move. As a beginner, it has also greatly helped me learn and recognize dance moves when I see them. In essence, it is the language of the dance, explained for any dancer who desires a muscular and intellectual understanding of the basic moves...

Beautiful dance technique, beautiful dance!
With all the right ingredients, beautiful movement flows on a correct foundation. This program has all the lovely touches that distinguish just movement from dance. Here are the embellishments to present your dance with the qualities of an experienced dancer, flawless, and finessed.

The eloquences in dance terminology and the finished result brings Autumns dance to captivation. I recall performances by Autumn in past issues of WDNY videos Her style is unique as is her look.

I chose to begin my review by viewing her performance section before beginning the program. The performances are rich, with the freedom to embrace a combination of styles; strong in oriental and classical dance; Indian hints sprinkled about. Once I studied her style of expression, I felt it would be simpler to understand her program.

The dance theory is elaborate and begins in full blown detail. There is much to the technique and the warm up is essential to prepare the body for...

How to Create Beauty 101
This fantastic DVD will tell you how to create beauty in belly dance from the very basics to the finer details, and to "dance with the radiant feeling of an open heart." Autumn Ward is a gorgeous, graceful woman with excellent verbal skills, who can teach you both with words and visual examples the fundamentals of her art.

For Beginners:
If you've never taken a dance class in your life, This DVD would be a superb first course, and should keep you busy for months because of its lengthy tutorials. You'll learn terminology, all the basic positions, and some easy to learn choreography. Because of the simple and well lit production, and Autumn's concise demonstrations which are easy to see, this DVD is a great starting point for any beginner, and those of you studying other art forms are sure to learn something too.

For Intermediate Level:
There is much to learn here even for the more advanced student because of the emphasis on style, and the many details...

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Max Payne (Unrated Edition) [Blu-ray]

Suspend disbelief and enjoy!
The Blu-ray Disc includes the Theatrical Version and the Unrated, Extended Cut. We watched the 'Extended Cut' and were not disappointed. They spared no change in producing this film. If you want to see the best your Blu-ray system can deliver, then look no further. It was extraordinarily beautiful---almost 3D like. I'm left to think of some of the snow scenes and how I felt I could reach out and capture the giant snowflakes---how I reached for a throw, suddenly feeling a chill.

I thought Mark Wahlberg did a splendid job portraying Payne. I was immediately drawn into the storyline with him seeking those responsible for the brutal murders of his wife and baby and how he was willing to die to avenge their deaths. His grief and anger were palpable and justifiable.

I've enjoyed Max Payne video games and I don't feel that they did an injustice to the gaming fans, with this production. I could easily translate Mark Wahlberg's character and the setting, into that...

Great action & camera but that's about it
I enjoyed this movie for the action and cinematography but that was about it. The gun play is fantastic, and it reminded me of the movie "Desperado," starring Antonio Banderas and Joachim Almeida (it even featured Cheech Marin as the bartender) from 10 or 15 years ago in its emphasis on fancy gun play. That much was entertaining at least.

I didn't mind that the plot was full of holes (after all, the movie is based on a video game so I wasn't expecting anything profound there),but unfortunately, the worst thing about the movie is that Wahlberg, who is certainly a talented actor and who I like, just doesn't seem that involved in the role. His whole performance is somewhat wooden, and from his past roles he's certainly capable of better. He's also a quite competent martial artist and quite athletic, reminding me of Lawrence Olivier when he was young, who used to do all his own stunts, when he broke a lot of bones. My generation only remembers Olivier from his senior years'...

Max Payne
Three years ago, NYPD detective Max Payne's wife and baby were murdered. Max gets himself transferred to the cold case office where he can continue searching for the killer who got away. He's a loner, but two people reach out to him during a fateful week: Alex, his ex-partner who may have found a clue, and BB, the security chief at the pharmaceutical company where Max's wife worked. Meanwhile, bodies are piling up, some as a result of a drug on the street that is highly addictive and, for many who take it, brings hideous hallucinations. When one of the bodies is a woman Payne was the last to see alive, her sister comes looking for him armed to the teeth; Max must move fast.
I thought this movie was pretty good. If you ever played the games and liked it, then you will like the movie. Great action and great visuals.

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Blood +: Volume 4

The secret of Saya is revealed!
The secret of Saya is finally revealed in the fourth volume of the dark, vampirish anime known as "BLOOD+".

The popular 50-episode anime series that was shown in Japan back in 2005-2006 and also in the US via "Adult Swim" on the Cartoon Network finally starts to catch some steam with more developments on the past of Saya. What we have learned in the previous three volumes is that Saya is a person that has a special power and with the Red Shield, they set out to the road in an effort to destroy vampires aka Chiropterans and Diva, their queen. Representing Red Shield is David who watches over Saya and her two adoptive brothers Kai and Riku. Saya is aided by Hagi, who happens to have a special ability in order to protect Saya and joining the team is their bodyguard Lewis and Red Shield doctor Julia Silverstein. You suspect something about Saya because she always receives these blood transfusions and her blood somehow powers up her sword and her eyes turn glowing red before...

Time to go to Russia...
The battle continues as Red Shield and Saya follows Diva and her Chevaliers to Russia. Train travel, good food, white snow, cold nights, and bloody swords. Outside of the cool action, the great Voice Actors and Actresses, the artwork, there is a developing plot that hooks you in. Because while Saya Otonashi gets closer to her target we learn more and more about her background. I don't wish to spoil it for you, but we learn a few shockers. And we also realize that Diva's protectors have plans for Saya. Too bad there are no extras but five episodes are good enough.

I love Blood+
I love the series and its music. Thank you for sharing such a good show with the world. Blood+ is awesome!

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e2 Transport

e2 Transport recommended
The whole series of e2 is well worth viewing. The series brings a wealth of information about real initiatives that are being developed and implemented world wide in order to make environmentally sensible decisions. The Transport episodes introduced me to new ideas that have real value in today's fragile world. I highly recommend any of the series to people who are looking to be informed about all aspects of how mankind affects the environment and what methods of sensible design, manufacturing and utilization are possible and are being carried out.

A Rose-Colored View
The e

Vicky Cristina Barcelona [Blu-ray]

You can't EVER get what you want...
In "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," Woody Allen begs to contradict another pundit of his age, Mick Jagger. Woody demonstrates in his latest movie that you can't EVER get what you want, and you also can't get what you need. He demonstrates this in the story of how Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson), two lovely young Americans staying in Barcelona for a few months, react to the romantic overtures of the dashing, primally sexy artist Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem). Vicky--a master's candidate in "Catalan identity," although she is not Catalan and barely speaks Catalan or even Spanish--finds that sex with Juan Antonio shakes up her previously solid feelings for her dullish American fiance, Doug (Chris Messina). Cristina--a dilettantish photographer/filmmaker who is defined by the fact that she only knows what she DOESN'T want in a relationship with a man--finds greater satisfaction with Juan Antonio, at least until Maria Elena (Penelope Cruz), Juan Antonio's volatile,...

Vicky Cristina Barcelona - Romance Shake up!
On first hearing about this new Woody Allen film - Vicky Cristina Barcelona, marked up as a comedy and listed as Woody Allen return to form, I was certain to see this on release date in the UK. But life once again had me side tracked and I've only managed to get around to it now. Even though I've heard good/bad opinions from friends it was still a film I was always going to view for myself; so rented this film to draw my own conclusion.

The whole film is interwoven and shaped so that different storylines are voiced together by a narrator who fills us; the viewer; with a bigger picture of what happening at all times. Vicky Cristina Barcelona, three characters are placed in the title, starting with two americans who have different attitudes to life and love. Victoria (Rebecca Hall) plays it straight laced; a no nonsense attitude; questioning everything; her sensible cerebral life is her. Currently working on a Master's degree in Catalan Culture she leaves a well-off fiance...

The Americans
VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA is a film about youth, about self-discovery, and about the anything goes freedom and spontaneity that Americans feel (or try to feel) when far from their own homeland and therefore liberated from their own cultures notions about love and life. Abroad one escapes the tyranny of ingrained convention and habits of mind and one gives oneself permission to experience another version of self and life in another land, or such is the promise of travel.

The problem with Vicky and Cristina (and perhaps with this film) is that Barcelona does not really liberate either of them from anything. Both seem too self-conscious and/or too self-occupied to step outside themselves and what they know. Both have a comfort level with themselves and each other that is never breeched. And so although Barcelona promises and delivers a certain amount of adventure, it does not really deliver either girl from themselves. During their stay, they are exposed to a passionate Spanish...

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Brian Wilson: That Lucky Old Sun

Another Brian Wilson Masterpeice
Brian Wilson shows us once again why he is regarded as one of the best writers and performers by musicians and fans alike. This highly anticipated DVD was well worth the wait. The DVD itself is high quality, with superior picture and sound. Each track from the Lucky Old Sun CD is played in order. I purchased the CD when it was originally released several months ago, and have listened to it many times. Watching Brian and his spectacular Band, which Brian has molded together over the past 15 years, play each track to perfection, is a experience we rarely get to enjoy in todays musical climate. As a bonus, one of the extras on this DVD is another high quality recording of Brian and his band performing several live tracks including a few Beach Boys numbers. This DVD also includes a track by track commentary by Brian and Scott Bennett, giving us insight into the inspiration behind the music on Lucky Old Sun. A great DVD.

That Luck Old Sun (Brian Wilson)
I recently ordered the DVD, "That Lucky Old Sun" by Brian Wilson. This DVD was outstanding. The music was great, the concert footage was great, the documentary was great, the performances were great, and the whole thing was very interesting. I would highly recommend this DVD for any Brian Wilson fan or Beach Boys fan. Though the years have slowed him, Brian is still a major talent and force in the music world. "That Lucky Old Sun" DVD is a home run for Brian.

We Lucky Old Brian Wilson Fans
WHat a time to be a Brian Wilson fan! First this GREAT new concept album and then a tour to support it! We got the chance to see Brian perform this NUGGET live twice in the New York area over the past month and it sounded as good in person as it does on the CD. It is good to know that one of the most influential song writers in the history of rock and roll (or any other medium) continues to make music that can move you! I simply cannot say enough in support of this terrific effort by the founder of The Beach Boys. Go out and get it or, better yet, order it right here on Amazon.Com

Michael Patterson

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Circus Girl

enjoyable circus drama
CIRCUS GIRL (Republic Pictures, 1937) is a fun way to spend a spare hour. The story is tight and compact, with a good balance between conventional circus drama and psychological thriller. The screenplay was co-authored by Bradford Ropes, who penned the original "42nd Street". Just like in that landmark musical, a dark heart lies at the centre of this glittery big-top...

At Roeblings Circus, the star attractions are trapeze artists The Flying Devils: Charles (Donald Cook) and Bob (Robert Livingston). Tensions between the two men start to mount when Charlie secretly marries promising young aerial performer Kay Rogers (June Travis)--whom Bob harbours a secret crush for--even though Charlie is still carrying on a long-time affair with lion tamer Carlotta (Betty Compson). When Charlie is seriously injured during their act, and learns of Bob's feelings for Kay, he decides to kill him....

Alpha's DVD comes from a very ropey video print. A pristine nitrate negative...





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Ah My Buddha: The Aroused One Volume 1 of 6

Ah My Buddha volume 1
Its a fun little time waster of a show and features plenty of jiggling boobs and cleavage plus gratuitous amounts of panty shots. The plot involves a group of nuns (and one monk) in training battling supernatural menaces in their hometown. I liked the third and fourth episodes a lot.

A good Harem anime
Ikkou is an average teenager. He is sent to a Buddhist temple to train under his Grandmother to become a priest. It's a lot more difficult than one might think. Ridding himself of his earthly desires will be nearly impossible with 6 pretty girls also training there with him. It's definitely not all bad though. Ikkou is able to awaken his tremendous spiritual powers when he sees a little bit of priestess you know what. When a rival sect sends a cute priestess to awaken his power through earthly desires, it's gonna cause a major problem.

This is a classic harem anime in the tradition of Tenchi and Love Hina. It's really fun. It's rated 13 and up. There are a lot of risque girl shots, but the graphic stuff is mild. It's only got moderate objectionable content I would say. Not like that stuff bothers me anyway. Ikkou is a little less appealing of a character than Tenchi or some of the other harem anime heroes, but he's a bit more realistic. He doesn't act indifferent or...

BLAH!
As far as the animation and character design goes, it is Absolutely fantastic in every way, but the plot and characters are bland, ditzey, annoying and just plain forgetable, the dubbing is very mediocre and the recuring gags get old real fast. Meaning funny the first tim, but after a while it you heard it before and becomes predictable and you know whats going to happen BLAH, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH! But those of you who are into mindless fanservice with no moral entertainment whatsoever, then this anime is for you, but personally I don't reccomend it to all Otaku's everywhere.

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What Makes Sammy Run?

A "long-lost" classic from the Golden Age of Television.
I am thrilled that this wonderful television adaptation of Budd Schulberg's classic novel "What Makes Sammy Run?" is being released on DVD. The television play was originally shown in two one-hour installments on September 27 and October 4, 1959. Although the color videotapes used for the broadcast no longer exist, for many years a black-and-white kinescope of the first hour was available for viewing at the Museum of Television & Radio (now the Paley Center for Media) in New York City and Los Angeles. Unfortunately, the second hour was on the Museum's list of "lost treasures."

In 2004, I was in the process of revising the book of the 1964 musical version of the same story (which ultimately led to a successful NYC revival in 2006) and arranged an interview with actress Dina Merrill to discuss her performance as the man-eating socialite, Laurette Harrington. Since most of Ms Merrill's performance occurred in the "lost" second hour, I wanted to learn more about the...

Superb Classic TV Drama
"What Makes Sammy Run?" is based on a novel by 27-year-old Budd Schulberg ("On the Waterfront," "A Face In the Crowd") written in 1941. The novel focused on the meteoric rise of Sammy Glick, a poor Jewish kid from the Lower East Side, from newspaper copy boy to Hollywood studio head, steamrolling anyone in his path. Sammy Glick was the forerunner of characters played by Michael Douglas in "Wall Street," Kevin Spacey in "Swimming With Sharks," and Tim Robbins in "The Player."
Hollywood never filmed Schulberg's novel, perhaps because it hit too close to home. Instead, it was adapted by Schulberg and directed by Delbert Mann in a two-part television drama in 1959 for "Sunday Showcase." "What Makes Sammy Run?" stars Larry Blyden in the title role, John Forsythe, Barbara Rush, and Dina Merrill. Supporting cast members include Sidney Blackmer, Norman Fell, David Opatashu, and Horace MacMahon.
Blyden was chosen for the role over many contenders, including Anthony Perkins,...

THE GOLDEN AGE OF TV STUNNINGLY RETURNS
Congratulations to Koch Vision, The Academy of TV Arts and Sciences, The Paley Center and all who are finally bringing these gems of TV's "Golden Age" to quality home video--first with the "Studio One" box, now with "What Makes Sammy Run?" and, hopefully, many, many more. The rich heritage of live (and later taped) TV drama (and comedy) has been sorely neglected in the home video market. FINALLY, something is being done.

I first saw the restored "Sammy" at the Paley Center in NYC. Now I can enjoy it at home with all the "extras" that one comes to expect in a fabulous DVD production.

Please, please, "Archive of American Televison Presents," keep this stuff coming. We all remember how great it was, AND IS.

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Imprint

A LITTLE INDIE JEWEL.
I have to admit, I picked this movie up as a rental, because of the lovely, mysterious artwork on the cover. There was also reference to the fact that it won 'Best Film,' at the 32nd American Indian Film Festival for 2007. I casually thought I'd give it a try, but my expectations weren't high. At the time, I didn't know I was holding a little Indie jewel.

I'm still struggling with placing this film into a genre. It's not slasher horror, because it's free of blood and guts, but it WILL frighten you, at times. It's not just a thriller, because of the supernatural aspects. It is also an atypical ghost story. I think it is a category of its own, encompassing a little of several genres that many of us love. But, what makes it so interesting is the spiritual aspects, and magical realism of the Lakota, woven throughout, which culminates into a crescendo of an unexpected ending.

Shayla Stonefeather (Tonantzin Carmelo) is the chief protagonist, a Native American...

Enjoyable film for older kids and adults
Our family enjoyed this film and we have shared it with several friends. We are happy to see a film with modern realistic Native American characters, played by Native Actors. It had suspense, a good story, with some twists and turns. A "clean" story WITHOUT excessive violence, gore or nudity. Imprint

Outstanding Thriller
I first viewed this film alongside the director, Michael Linn, at the Sedona Film Festival in April 08, which could have put me in an awkward position had I not liked the film. And quite honestly, I thought this would be a typical suspense movie with an ending I could figure out in the first ten minutes. Happily, I was wrong! With a skillfully written plot, an outstanding cast, and some chilling special effects, this film did not disappoint. The unusual twists kept me on the edge and the ending totally blew me away. I would highly recommend this DVD to anyone looking for a fresh take on a suspense/thriller.

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Friday the 13th the Series: The Second Season

For Those Complaining about Video Quality
The reason the show looks the way it does is because of the era. Many shows in the '80s were shot on film and then edited on videotape, which gives it that fuzzy look. It's a lot easier to restore film than video. It's sad it looks this way, but that's just the way it is. Some of you have mentioned that Twin Peaks is amazing restoration - that's because it was shot and edited on film.

I wish the show looked better, but I'm still happy to have them, especially since I never thought Paramount would release them. Be honest: Did you ever think this would be released?

Great Series
I almost didn't watch this when it first came out, thinking it was associated with the slasher films of the same name. Nothing could be farther from the truth! These episodes are great thanks to the overall plot and the excellent scripts. The special effects might seem simple when compared to today's products but I think it has the positive quality of making sure they aren't over-done. I look forward to watching more of these in the future!

Excellent TV from North of the border...
I used to watch this show weekly when I wasn't doing anything more important and I enjoyed it quite a lot. With the lack of quality programming nowdays this has become a classic. Chris Wiggins reminds me so much of Donald Pleasence...either of those two could have played Jack Marshack, and either could have played Dr. Loomis (Halloween). I might be getting off-track here, but let me say that I consider Louise Robey to be quite a beautiful woman. I cannot imagine any other female taking her place in this program. The director may have gone a bit overboard with some of Robey's outfits in the first season, but that didn't detract from her beauty; and in the second season the outfits were all very tasteful. I won't list favorite episodes since I consider all of them to be great and I don't want to detract from the entire package. I have bought the first two seasons already and I hope the third season is also released since the only other way of getting it is to buy the whole set from the...

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Fetching Cody

better than average
For a TV movie this was pretty decent. Definitely unusual and quirky. Worth a watch. I saw it on TV but I've seen it sold for three bucks (new) when i first did a search and I would say worth it.

parts are good
Story is interesting. A lot of the acting is actually pretty good, but the directing and writing struggled at times.

Touching
I really liked this movie. It was nice to see a movie where younger people are shown for their loving sides instead of always for the bad that you see in the everyday norm. There are more to the younger generation then just drugs and violence and I like to see that sometimes. So I gave this movie 4 stars I really enjoyed it.

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Holly

Saddest film I have seen in years; powerful topic
It is too bad that this film took years to come to the masses via DVD with such an important topic. The production companies and staff have made a mission to raise awareness on the child sex slave/prostitution that exists in the world, and in this particular case they cover Cambodia/Vietnam rings very graphically.

The story revolves around an American living in Southeast Asia that runs unknown missions for what appears to be a friend/boss, played by Chris Penn. On one of his sojourns he has to spend some extra time in a slum/brothel neighborhood and happens to cross paths with Holly, a 12-year old girl being sold into the sex trade. Through the course of unlikely and uncomfortable events, they form a bond and Ron's character attempts to "save" her. Along the way we see a spattering of harsh visuals involving 5 year old boys and girls soliciting men for sex and landscapes of the impoverished region ebbing out an existence. There is not much depth given to the American/German...

Wonderfully moving film
This movie tells us the sad, compelling, and realistic story of 12 year old Holly, a victim of the sex trade in South East Asia and her friendship with Patrick, an American expat. The acting is excellent on the part of the lead actress, Thuy Nguyen, the locals, and Udo Kier who plays a German sex tourist. The other main characters have average performances. I found Ron Livingston's role to be a bit nebulous as it's rather unclear exactly what his job/criminal activity entails.

A majority of films concerning sex trafficking are documentaries that jump around from scene to scene- which is what makes this film so refreshing as it tells the story of one girl. You can't help but become immersed right from the start. The film shows us how the underage sex trade spans through all levels of society including the absolute corruption of police and government officials, the brothel owners use of drugs and other compliance techniques, and the hopelessness of the victims. I highly...

"I stopped; I looked into her eyes."
HOLLY, will take you on a 113 minute, harrowing journey, through the streets of Cambodia and into the brothels of Phnom Penh, where much of the filming actually takes place. This film project is a (very) slow-paced, character driven drama, exploring human trafficking and sexual exploitation of children, and, disgustingly, how the Red-Light-District has evolved into a planned vacation stop, for many American and European men, who rationalize their behaviors as being culturally acceptable. It appears that, what happens in Cambodia, stays in Cambodia.

And, indeed, selling children into sexual slavery IS culturally acceptable in Cambodia, becoming almost a right-of-passage for some young girls---a way to help their impoverished family; to stave off hunger. They hold no malice toward those who have profited, only grief of separation. In essence, they have been groomed for this role.

Holly (Thuy Nguyen) meets such a fate, as a 12 year old Vietnamese girl, purchased,...

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Scooby-Doo: The Movie/Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed

This set contains only Full Screen Films
Just a warning to consumers:

This set is full screen, not the 1.85:1 widescreen that is listed. This is exactly the same as the previously released double feature, just with a different cover.

And I don't get it--the majority of folks who watch DVDs have wide screen TVs these days--"standard" tvs are getting hard to even find in stores! It's almost 2010 for crying out loud--why, do manufacturers even produce "standard" versions of films that were originally wide? Now THAT's a mystery!

ps--I should point out that EVERY online store, including the online Warner DVD store itself, lists the incorrect aspect ratio info on this item. I tried to get this corrected on Amazon, but since I couldn't find a url to attach, they wouldn't change their listing. (Even though I have a copy of the actual dvd in my hand right now and it says very clearly "Full Screen Version"). That's progress for you).

Awesome Set of Scooby Movies
This is a review of the Scooby Doo 1&2 Collection on Blu-ray. They are both widescreen movies and look great. I was in middle school when Scooby Doo was first released in theaters, so I'm heavily biased when I say that the 1st movie is awesome. If you like these two movies even a little and own a blu-ray player, you definitely MUST buy this collection. The picture quality is great and this movie is shot very well with colors that pop. It looks really great on my flat screen. Sound is also great. I think this is a well done blu-ray of these two classic movies. And CGI Scooby looks very nice in HD. Yes, its all in high definition.

The only con I can think of is that the bonus features of the 1st movie was obviously shot in full screen but stretched to widescreen for the blu-ray, and I have yet to figure out how to squeeze it back to the normal aspect ratio.

Overall, I highly recommend this product. These movies are very well made (well at least the 1st one was) and...

Scooby-Doo 1 & 2 Collection (Blu-Ray) (2 Discs)
REGION FREE

Disc 1: Scooby-Doo 2002, 87 min.
Video: 1080p High Definition 16:9 Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital
Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, Spanish
Extras: Filmmakers' Commentary,
Cast Commentary,
Unmasking The Mystery (22 min.),
Scary Places (4 min.),
The Mystery Van (1 min.),
Daphne Fight Scene (2 min.),
Rain On The Set (1 min.),
Additional Scenes (14 min.),
Music Video: Outkast . The Land Of A Million Drums (4 min.),
Theatrical Trailer,
Soundtrack Spot

Disc 2: Scooby-Doo 2 Monsters Unleashed 2004, 93 min.
Video: 1080p High Definition 16:9 Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, French 5.1 Dolby Digital
Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, Spanish
Extras: Scooby-Doo's Triple Threat Featurette (10 min.),
True Ghoul Hollywood Stories (6 min.),
Scooby-Doo Is The...

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Back to the Future Part II

THE MOST EPISODE COMPLEX OF THE TRILOGY
IN A NUTSHELL: DOES WHAT A TIME TRAVEL MOVIE IS SUPPOSED TO DO!

This sequel of the superb "Back To The Future" is a very earnest attempt to follow a winning formula up with a truly worthwhile effort in this sequel. Complex, yes, but interesting. Unfortunately, at times it gets a bit too mechanically contrived with the time sequence derivations, and I find myself mentally checking the continuity which detracts from the theme. Nevertheless, if you liked the first "Back To The Future" you will probably enjoy this movie. All the characters are present from the original and they are playing multiple generations almost simultaneously. After all, isn't that what a time travel ovie is supposed to do?

Highly Recommended!
Marty McFly and Doctor Emmett Brown travels to the future to prevent Marty's future son from facing jail time. They ultimately succeed, and when they travel back to the present (1985), they find everything to be entirely different than the way they left it. They find the source of this problem, and they must fix it in order to return 1985 to it's former state.

Highly enternaining with some humour and great special effects makes this a great film. I like the fact that some scenes from Part 1 are incorporated in this movie. This incorporation is what makes this movie very entartaining... especially the scenes where we see two Martys, or two Doc Browns. I would highly recommend this movie!

Back to the Future Part II(1989)
In 1989, Universal Studios, director Robert Zemeckis and writer/producer Bob Gale brought us Back to the Future Part II. This second film has gotten some bad reviews, but it really is an underrated sequel. Marty(Michael J. Fox) and Doc Brown(Christopher Lloyd) travel to the year 2015 to stop Griff Tannen from sending Marty McFly Jr. to jail. While in the future, Marty buys a sports almanac and plans to use it to bet on sporting events in the past. Doc Brown throws the almanac in the trash and Old Biff Tannen(Thomas F. Wilson) fishes it out of the garbage can. Old Biff steals the DeLorean time machine and gives the book to himself in the past. When Marty and Doc Brown return to 1985, Hill Valley, California has been turned into a crime-filled, gritty, polluted dystopia. Biff is filthy rich and married to Marty's mother, Lorraine(Lea Thompson). Marty finds out that George McFly was murdered in 1973! Marty and Doc Brown must travel to the year 1955 and destroy the sports almanac in order...

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Viva Pinata: The Pinatas Must Be Crazy And Other Stories

Viva Piñata finally on DVD!
The Viva Piñata series is finally being released on DVD. The Piñatas Must Be Crazy And Other Stories DVD only includes 10 episodes from the first season. I guess Shout Factory thinks we want to buy several DVD's of the series in order to get an entire season. Besides that the series is greatly animated and entertaining. I like how the style of the animation kind of has a Tex Avery feel to it. There are no special features included in this DVD. You get the option to just 'Play All' episodes or go to 'Scene Selection' and that is it. No deleted scenes, storyboard art, commentary, no nothing. Despite this, if your sick of having your only option to watch this 4Kids hit on YouTube in poor quality this DVD is your best alternative.

Episodes Include:

1. Cocoadile Tears
2. Candiosity
3. Queen For A Day
4. A Chewnicorn In The Garden
5. Legs
6. Horstachio Of A Different Color
7. Whirlm With A Dream
8. The Crush
9...

Best 3D Saturday Cartoon Ever.
Viva Pinata (now off the air) was the best Saturday morning cartoon out there. The stories were always fun and the 3D artwork was always excellent. I always looked forward to seeing the adventures of Fergie Fudgehog & his pals every weekend on Saturday mornings. The plots were centered around the pinatas having to go to parties to be bashed for their candy but somehow Fergie figured a way out but not before a lot of crazy stuff happened. I'm so glad the series has a DVD out now so I can replay some of my favorite moments of the show. Really great cartoon.

Love It
I purchased this for myself. I enjoyed watching Viv Pinata's when they were on Saturday morning cartoons. All the characters were great. I liked the fact that I can by this for my collections. It is fun and entertaining for kids of all ages including their parents.

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Brain Fitness 2: Sight & Sound

Good documentary but does not contain the Brain Fitness Exercises
This is a well made documentary that explains the science behind the latest advances in neuroscience and applications but does not contain the Brain Fitness Exercises. For that you have to shell out $395: Posit Science Brain Fitness Program for One Person, PC Version

Disappointed
Unfortunetly, I thought this video was the mental exercisers to help the brain but it turned out to be a talking video!

very interesting
I caught part of this show on TV and then went out to purchase it. The program goes into the causes and effects of sight and sound in relationship to age and other factors. I am using it in my art class to tell students how they see and how they can train their eyes and brain to work together to really see the world as it is vs. how our brain tells it is.

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Phineas and Ferb: The Daze of Summer

Let's do the timewarp again!
Other than a penchant for inspired madness and mad scientists, there is no overt relation between Disney's "Phineas & Ferb" cartoon series and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. But you'll see a backstage connection if you read the credits at the end of the five two-cartoon episodes on the this new DVD, "The Daze of Summer," the second in the DVD series.

Comprised of shows selected from both seasons, almost every cartoon in the collection features a very impressive cast of voice actors and others known for their on-camera work. But series creators Jeff "Swampy" Marsh and Dan Povenmire (who also voices the neurotic, insecure Doofensmirtz) must be big-time Rocky Horror fans because the voice of P & F's clueless dad is none other than Richard O'Brien, one of the "Rocky Horror" creators as well as "Riff Raff" in "Rocky Horror" (and the Childcatcher in the London stage version of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang"). Performing other voices in various shows are Rocky Horror alums Tim Curry...

Great Show, Great Episodes, Great Dvd!!!!!!
If you are wondering what episodes are included in Phineas and Ferb: The Daze of Summer, Wonder no more. I own the dvd, and here are the episodes:
1. Jerk De Soleil
2. Toy To The World
3. A Hard Day's Knight
4. I,Brobot
5. It's A Mud,Mud,Mud,Mud World
6. The Ballad Of Badbeard
7. Greece Lightning
8. Leave The Busting To Us
9. Unfair Science Fair
10.Unfair Science Fair Redux
The last two listed episodes( Unfair Science Fair, and Unfair Science Fair Redux) are two episodes which I had never seen before. The episodes are about Phineas and Ferb helping Baljeet build a Portal to Mars, meanwhile Perry is fighting Dr. Doofensmirtz as usual, but it is interesting, because they show Dr. Doofensmirtz first (inator) invention!
Also Candace is trying to get a job with Jeremy.
Also included as a bonus feature on this dvd is THE GOOGOLPLEX MALL SCIENCE FAIR GAME/ACTIVITY. If you are a fan of Phineas and Ferb as I am, I highly...

Great show, but a stingy DVD release
"Phineas And Ferb, v.2: The Daze Of Summer"
------------------------------------------------------------
This is a fun TV series, but it's too bad that Disney only has a handful of episodes available on DVD. We don't get cable, so for us it sure would be nice if they'd put out full "Season One" and "Season Two" collections, rather than just these semi-random DVD releases with only five episodes per disc. Sigh. I'm sure they'll get around to it someday in the distant future, but my kid'll have outgrow the show by then. (Axton)

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