Yankee Doodle - Animated by StarMaker Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Let me help you figure out what this item is since it is hard to tell from the listing. First of all it was NOT animated by Starmaker as the listing states at the time of this review. They only published it to Video. This is actually a Rankin/Bass animated cartoon, (but not one of their "Animagic" stop motion features), about the revolutionary war. It was one of the 30 minute episodes of the Festival of Family Classics that Rankin Bass Productions made for television broadcast on ABC in 1972-73. Rankin Bass made the many great holiday classics we all remember such as Frosty and Rudolph. If you are a fan of their films you will enjoy this great series very much.
This particular episode is the story of a group of young boys that participate in the American Revolution in their own way, and help to slow down the British army with some unusual tactics, such as when they launder the soldier's uniforms and melt them with lye so that soldiers cannot leave their fort to march on Saratoga. We learn that "Doing what you do well is important" and the lead character Danny is a good role model for kids. There are enough historical elements thrown in with Paul Revere, George Washington and others so that kids can learn a bit of history too.
Some of the 18 episodes were very much part of Americana with tales from fact and fiction such as Tom Sawyer, the Ballad of Paul Bunyan, Yankee Doodle, Johnny Appleseed, and Hiawatha. The other episodes in the series include classic literature and famous fables: Swiss Family Robinson, Cinderella, Puss `n Boots, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Robinson Crusoe, Alice in Wonderland, A Christmas Tree, The Arabian Nights, Robin Hood, and two double length episodes - Around the World in 80 Days, and 20,000 Leagues Below the Sea.
VERSIONS TO LOOK FOR - The label Prism Entertainment or Video Craft International released these episodes as possibly the first vhs release in a clamshell package as a set of two episodes per vhs tape. For example Jack O'Lantern and Yankee Doodle were on one tape. I am unsure of the year of this release since it is not listed on package or tape. These are very good quality video, sound and packaging, and the art on the box is authentic from the film. (There is a bad habit among video companies to use some hack art for animation covers that is not from the film, and makes the film look worse on the cover than what is actually on the tape, seems self defeating to me.) In 1988 Prism and Videocraft (now one word rather than Video Craft) released vhs copies in a slipcover package with one episode per tape, but the artwork on the cover does not look anything like the film. Both of the before mentioned Prism/Videocraft releases also say "Childrens Video Playground" on the front cover. In 1989 "Starmaker Entertainment" released some of the episodes, but their copies are not as good a quality as the Prism copies in my viewing. Also their cover art is not as good as what you will se in the film itself. I will update quality and episode details this as I learn more. The most recent vhs re-release is from Anchor Bay Entertainment in 1989 but I am unsure yet of the quality or packaging.
Also "Puss-n-Boots" has been recently re-mastered and is featured on DVD as an extra feature on the holiday Animagic release "Here Comes Peter Cottontail" by Golden Books Entertainment who now owns the whole series and is treating their DVD releases very well with extras and remastering. Maybe they will release more of the episodes, hopefully the full 18, remastered on a multi disc DVD set.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Yankee Doodle - Animated by StarMaker

Watch and be part of the Revolutionary War by joining 12 year old Danny and his Midnight Militia friends.

Click here for more information about Yankee Doodle - Animated by StarMaker

Read More...

Mike Douglas 1 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This VHS video features one complete episode of "The Mike Douglas Show". Originating from Philadelphia starting in mid-1965, "The Mike Douglas Show" was an entertaining 90-minute daytime talk show, with lots of famous guests appearing throughout the many years the show was on the air in syndication. The series first premiered in 1961 and was on the air in many U.S. cities until 1982.
This video gives us the excellent Mike Douglas program that was originally recorded on July 20, 1977 (and broadcast one week later, on July 27, 1977); and it's really quite remarkable how many guests Mike is able to cram into just one show. Of course, the longer 90-minute time-slot no doubt helped in this regard.
On this show, Mike welcomes three relative newcomers to the Hollywood acting scene -- three actors who were starring at that time in a blockbuster movie called "Star Wars". Mike first brings out young 20-year-old Carrie Fisher, and then later introduces two of the film's other stars -- Harrison Ford (age 35) and Mark Hamill (who was just 25 at the time).
Unlike the very short interview segments we now see on the morning shows and on some of the nighttime talk shows, the interviews on "The Mike Douglas Show" were given more time to breathe. These candid interviews with the trio from "Star Wars" are quite interesting to see and hear, especially considering the fact that this program was done in 1977, right at the same time that "Star Wars" was in theaters. At the time of this show's filming, it was still to be another three years before the first "Star Wars" sequel ("The Empire Strikes Back") would be released. This program is indeed, as stated on the video's box, a true "Time Capsule" back to 1977.
In my opinion, these interview segments with the "Star Wars" cast members would have been an ideal bonus feature to add to the "Star Wars Trilogy" 4-Disc DVD set, released in September 2004. I'm sure a lot of Star Wars fanatics would enjoy these casual interviews, wherein we can see these actors as they looked at the time of the movie's original release.
Other guests on this Mike Douglas Show include Richard Thomas (from "The Waltons" TV series, who was Mike's "co-host" for that week), singer Billy Paul, Cincinnati Reds' baseball greats Pete Rose and Tom Seaver, and more.
The segments with Pete Rose and recently-acquired Reds' pitcher Tom Seaver are also very revealing. Pete and Tom discuss free agency, the National League pennant race, and Seaver's controversial trade from the New York Mets. Seaver had been a life-long Met up until just one month prior to this TV program, when he was dealt to the Cincinnati Reds on June 15, 1977, in a trade that did not have most Mets' fans jumping for joy.
Whenever I see an old episode of "The Mike Douglas Show", it reminds me of a similarly-styled daytime talk show from the 1960s and 1970s -- "Bob Braun's 50-50 Club", which aired from Cincinnati, Ohio, for many years. The original host of that program was Ruth Lyons, who is a true legend in the Cincinnati area. Local television programming in Cincinnati from the 1950s to the early 1980s was quite innovative, in fact, and featured quite a few unique and colorful characters .... Ruth Lyons, Bob Braun, Ruby Wright, Uncle Al, Bob Shreve, Skipper Ryle, "The Cool Ghoul", Cliff Lash and his orchestra, among still others.
Another Cincinnati-based daytime program from that era that I can easily recall was "The Paul Dixon Show" (which was quite hilarious at times). Anyone who lived near Cincinnati in the 1960s can also probably recall tuning in to the sometimes crazy antics of Mr. Dixon on weekday mornings! (Remember the "Chicken Wedding"? LOL!)
It's a shame that many of these "local" TV programs will probably never see a viewing audience again, either via re-runs or a home-video release. Many of these shows are lost forever I fear. Some of these local programs (like the "50-50 Club") would occasionally feature some very good guest interviews with famous celebrities. Among the well-known stars that would drop by to visit the Live set of the "50-50 Club" included Bob Hope, Jerry Lewis, Ronald Reagan, Liberace, Red Skelton, Roy Rogers, Rod Serling, Jesse Jackson, and the Cincinnati-born Doris Day. In addition, just about every Cincinnati Reds' baseball player of the era probably put in an appearance or two as well. Not half bad for a local daytime TV show.
This "Mike Douglas: Volume 1" videotape, produced by Rhino Home Video, runs (in color) for approximately 70 minutes and exhibits fairly good video and audio quality.
If you can recall tuning in to "The Mike Douglas Show" when it originally aired many years ago, then I think you'll appreciate this videotape, which will immediately transport you back to July 1977, when talk shows featured better-quality (and longer) interviews and were also a bit more on the "quiet" side, lacking the constant and annoying "hoots & hollers" of a Jay Leno type of studio audience.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Mike Douglas 1

Click here for more information about Mike Douglas 1

Read More...

Saturday Night Live - The Best of 96-97 (1975) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This video is superb. I bought it from amazon a few months back and have watched it several times... definetly worth the minimal money I paid for it! it opens with a very funny Norm Macdonald impression of Bob Dole that gets interupted by... Bob Dole! and continues with some classics skits including... Spartans, The Roxbury Guys (With Tom Hanks), Star Wars Auditions, The Joe Peci show that gets interupted by... Joe Peci and a side splitting performance from Robert Deniro and one of the funniest Celebrity Jeopardy's ever with Burt Reynolds (Norm Macdonald), Jerry Lewis (Martin Short) and how could you have a celebrity jeopardy skit without Sean Connery! One of the cheapest SNL videos but also one of the best! You wont regret buying this comedy masterpiece!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Saturday Night Live - The Best of 96-97 (1975)

Get 41% OFF

Click here for more information about Saturday Night Live - The Best of 96-97 (1975)

Read More...

Pearl Harbor/ Armageddon - 2 Pack (1998) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Well.....all I've got to say is that these two movies are a perfect choice if you're planning to buy new DVDs anytime soon. although "Armageddom" is not exactly "New", I think it will do good to your DVD collection, especially since it's one of the best movies that combines love and tragedy. "Pearl Harbor" is a combination of those two too, and Ben Affleck also takes part in the movie as he did in "Armageddom". I would definetely buy this "movie combo" if I had my parent's credit card, so I definetely recommend this to anyone who loves to see good movies about love and war (Pearl Harbor) and love and sacrifice (Armageddom). And also....if you love movies with nice visual effects and a nice soundtrack, these two are for you!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pearl Harbor/ Armageddon - 2 Pack (1998)

Armageddon - English/French DVD- From the blockbuster-making team who produced and directed PEARL HARBOR and THE ROCK (Jerry Bruckheimer and Michael Bay) comes the biggest movie of 1998 -- ARMAGEDDON! Starring the explosive talents of Bruce Willis (DIE HARD), Academy Award(R)-winners Ben Affleck (GOOD WILL HUNTING) and Billy Bob Thornton (SLING BLADE), Liv Tyler (THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy), Steve Buscemi (CON AIR), and Will Patton (GONE IN 60 SECONDS), ARMAGEDDON is a meteor storm of action-adventure moviemaking that has you on the edge of your seat forgetting to breathe! When NASA's executive director, Dan Truman (Thornton), realizes the Earth has 18 days before it's obliterated by a meteor the size of Texas, he has only one option -- land a ragtag team of roughneck oil drillers on the asteroid and drop a nuclear warhead into its core. Spectacular special effects, laugh-out-loud humor, great characters, riveting storytelling, and heartfelt emotion make ARMAGEDDON an exhilarating thrill ride you'll want to experience like there's no tomorrow. Pearl Harbor 60th Anniversary Commemorative Edition - English/French DVD- History comes alive in the unforgettable epic motion picture PEARL HARBOR, the spectacular blockbuster brought to the screen by Jerry Bruckheimer and Michael Bay. Astounding visual and audio effects put you at the center of the event that changed the world -- that early Sunday morning in paradise when warplanes screamed across the peaceful skies of Pearl Harbor and jolted America into World War II. This real-life tale of catastrophic defeat, heroic victory, and personal courage focuses on the war's devastating impact on two daring young pilots, Ben Affleck (ARMAGEDDON) and Josh Hartnet (BLACK HAWK DOWN), and a beautiful, dedicated nurse, Kate Beckinsale (SERENDIPITY). PEARL HARBOR is extraordinary moviemaking -- a breathtaking reenactment of the "date which will live in infamy" and a heartfelt tribute to the men and women who lived it.

Click here for more information about Pearl Harbor/ Armageddon - 2 Pack (1998)

Read More...

Assembly (2008) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)and the misery that comes to those who are caught up in it is brought to frightening reality on the big screen in this masterfully filmed effort by Feng Xiaogang. The story of a Chinese regiment fighting against the Nationalists in the brutal civil war manages to tug at almost every human emotion. The protagonist officer who leads his men in a savage last stand is perfectly portrayed. The scenes of warfare in this movie are very well done and manage to do so without demonizing the enemy as in so many war films. For those of you who know such things, and there are many, the range of weaponry used in this film spans the the entire history of modern warfare for the Chinese from the 1920's on through the war in Korea and adds greatly to the intense realism of the film. Watch for the scene in which the Captain sees what has become of the old helmets once used by the soldiers.
The main character, Captain Gu Zidi, superbly played by Zhang Hanyu, cannot give up the memory of his lost men and never ceases in his struggle to have their memory honored. The portrayal of this struggle by this one man gives this film everything thing it needs for great drama. This work has a far stronger story than "Saving Private Ryan" and in modern cinema can only be rivaled by South Korea's "Tae Guk Gi". This is not only a great war film but is one of the very best films of any kind I have been privileged to see in recent years.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Assembly (2008)

War feasts upon death. Its greedy appetite carries away many a life on the battlefield, and soldiers must be ready to die at any time. Yet all these sacrifices can be given meaning and reason with honor. A weathered witness of war's insatiable appetite, Guzidi, Captain of the Ninth Company, will struggle his entire life to return honor to his forty six men and their self-sacrifice. The year 1948 witnessed the launching of the Huaihai Campaign during the Chinese Civil War.

Click here for more information about Assembly (2008)

Read More...

The Best of Bonanza, Vol. 1 (1959) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This set contains eight episodes on three DVDs -- five from the first season and one each from the third, fourth and fifth -- that show the broad range of this series that ran from September of 1959 through January of 1973. All of these are family fare and can stimulate good discussions with children about moral issues we all face (even if not as dramatically), or can be enjoyed simply as good entertainment.
The DVDs are of good quality, and as they are licensed, contain all the scenes, all of the original music, and all of the artwork from the credits, unlike many other DVDs and VHS tapes of Bonanza episodes.
1 - Mr. Henry Comstock. The second episode filmed, this is the humorous story of the arrival and impact of Henry Comstock on the future Virginia City. Guest star Jack Carson. From season one, originally aired November 7, 1959. aka "The Henry Comstock Story"
2 - Death on Sun Mountain. Based on actual incidents, a merchant tries to corner the meat market in Virginia City by selling antelope meat to the miners for outrageous prices. When the Cartwrights begin selling cattle as an alternative, the merchant stirs up trouble with the Paiutes. Written by Gene L. Coon and David Dortort; guest star Barry Sullivan. From season one; originally aired September 19, 1959. aka "The Sun Mountain Herd"
3 - The Saga of Annie O'Toole. Based on the story of Eilley Orrum and her future husband, Sandy Bowers. In a light-hearted episode, Adam helps Annie get legal claim to one of two of Swede Lundberg's silver mines. Written by Thomas Thompson, guest stars Ida Lupino and Alan Hale. From season one; originally aired October 24, 1959.
4 - Paiute War. Based on the actual conflict between the Paiutes and the white settlers in May and June of 1860. The Cartwrights get involved when Adam is captured and held hostage by Chief Winnemucca. Written by Gene L. Coon; guest stars Jack Warden, Anthony Caruso, and Michael Forest. From season one; originally aired October 3, 1959.
5 - Enter Mark Twain. Samuel Clemens arrives in Virginia City to write for the Territorial Enterprise (factual) and stirs up trouble with his wild tales. Written by Harold Shumate; guest star Howard Duff. From season one; originally aired October 10, 1959.
6 - The Crucible. Left in the desert to die by thieves, Adam is befriended by Peter Kane, who gradually reveals himself to be a madman. One of the most gripping episodes of the entire 14-year run, Dortort had this episode written and cast to challenge Pernell Roberts, who turned in one of the best performances of his career. Written by John T. Dugan; guest star Lee Marvin. From season three; originally aired April 8, 1962.
7 - Any Friend of Walter's. In one of the funniest episodes, Hoss and prospector Obie are helped to escape from incompetent robbers by Obie's amazing dog, Walter. Written by Lois Hire; guest star Arthur Hunnicutt. From season four; originally aired March 24, 1963.
8 - Bullet For A Bride. Little Joe proposes to a girl he accidentally shot and blinded. Written by Tay Garnett; guest stars Marlyn Mason and Denver Pyle. From season five; originally aired February 16, 1964.


Click Here to see more reviews about: The Best of Bonanza, Vol. 1 (1959)

Click here for more information about The Best of Bonanza, Vol. 1 (1959)

Read More...

Things to Come (1936), Metropolis (1927), the Lost World (1925), Frozen Alive (1964), the Day Time Ended (1980), Slipstream (1989), Journey to the Center of Time (1967), Unknown World (1951), in the Year 2889 (1966), K-Pax (2002) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Please note that this review is just on the movie, K Pax, in this set.
K-Pax was one of the better movies of the year when it came out in 2001, and I found I liked it better than I was expecting. Spacey is excellent as usual, and Jeff Bridges as his therapist has a very sympathetic role and also does a great job. Interestingly, this time Bridges plays the earthman instead of the alien visitor, as he did in his 80s movie, Starman, an underrated Bridges flick that deserves to be better known. Spacey almost had me convinced that he really was from another planet, expecially after the great scene where he amazes and confounds the assembled astronomers with his knowledge of the distant solar system.
The movie is somewhat schizoid because of the contrast between the first and second halves of the movie, but I really didn't mind that too much. The first half of the movie has a much lighter tone and is the most fun, as we learn about Prot, Spacey's otherworldly (literally) character from the planet K-PAX, and the relationship between Bridges, the psychiatrist, and Spacey, is developed.
But the movie takes on a distinctly dark and sinister tone in the second half, as Dr. Powell becomes convinced that Spacey could turn violent and sets out to discover the true nature of Spacey's past, which leads him to an abandoned farm in New Mexico.
My only complaint is that they could have found a better ending. By the end of the movie, you've come to like and sympathize with the unworldly, eccentric but likable Prot character, but then he basically turns into a vegetable at the end of the film and the movie falls flat. But except for that, overall I enjoyed the movie. Big Bubba says go see it and don't Bogart the popcorn.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Things to Come (1936), Metropolis (1927), the Lost World (1925), Frozen Alive (1964), the Day Time Ended (1980), Slipstream (1989), Journey to the Center of Time (1967), Unknown World (1951), in the Year 2889 (1966), K-Pax (2002)

Click here for more information about Things to Come (1936), Metropolis (1927), the Lost World (1925), Frozen Alive (1964), the Day Time Ended (1980), Slipstream (1989), Journey to the Center of Time (1967), Unknown World (1951), in the Year 2889 (1966), K-Pax (2002)

Read More...

Ring of Fire (1991) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)After almost 12 years of looking hopelessly for this edition of Ring of Fire on VHS and DVD, and even asking people online and searching the web to see if someone taped a copy off of TV, the real deal is finally here on DVD! If you don't know what I'm talking about, there was about 4 minutes of sex and nudity cut out of all versions of this movie on VHS and DVD and was only shown on premium channels back around 1991 or 1992. After almost 12 years they finally decided to release it with the nudity. Even if you already own a previous edition on DVD or VHS this is still a MUST BUY for Maria Ford fans. You won't be disappointed and the movie's (finally) great now!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Ring of Fire (1991)

Click here for more information about Ring of Fire (1991)

Read More...

The Invasion (2007) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Every era seems to have a connection to the "Body Snatchers" as there have been about 4 films so far that are based on the classic tale and it has spawned numerous similarily themed films and silly rip-offs (Invasion of the Pod People).
The first version and arguably the best is Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) which dealt with McCarthism. The next take on the classic came in 1978 with Invasion of the Body Snatchers and has become my favorite version of the tale. It focused on our need to be emotional even when it makes no sense, hence, the appearance of Leonard Nimoy in the film who built a career playing Spock, part emotionless Vulcan and part human, on Star Trek. Then there came Body Snatchers in 1994 and although that was a rather forgettable version, it did have something to say about the "me" and "greed" era of the 1980's.
Now we have "The Invasion" in which Nicole Kidman takes on Leonard Nimoy's supporting role in the 1978 version and makes it the starring role. She is well-supported by the new James Bond, Daniel Craig (Casino Royale, and even the actor who plays the new Felix Liter in the same Bond film. In addition, there is Jeremy Northam (The Net) who has made a nice career playing heavies, and in a moment of inspirational casting there is Veronica Cartwright playing a patient of Kidman's.
Cartwright was terrific in Alien (the first one) and has been in more supporting roles in film and television than I can remember. But why is she so memorable for being in this film? She was in the 1978 version of Invasion of the Body Snatchers with Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, and Leonard Nimoy. She is a consistently strong supporting actress and to see her return 30 years later in this remake is fun and it's nice that her role isn't some small cameo either.
The film itself is rather unremarkable even though it is enjoyable. I think it may end up being only a bit more remembered than the 1994 version of this tale only because of it's cast as the direction, effects, music, and photography are all rather pedestrian. In addition, many may recall this film for NOT having the infamous "pods" for which this tale is so well-known for. While this makes this take a bit unique, I think it's a flaw as it treats the invasion more as an infection and less than an interglatic fight to exist as we are and not as another being would have us be and that is ironically the focus of this film even though that isn't played up until near the end (as if it were an after-thought).
This tale continues to be haunting even with the lackadaisical approach here because this tale speaks to us in this era that seems to suggest that everyone not exactly like one group is wrong or bad. We have become in this era rather ethnocentric and this film lightly explores how if we were all alike there would be no more wars, distrust, hate and so forth, but for that kind of world we must give up our souls. In the end, this film attempts to redeem it's own pointlessness by throwing in the question of whether is it better to have wars over religion, status, wealth, etc. or have peace at the cost of not being who we are and our right to express that.
The film wastes the talents of all by only hinting on this theme rather than exploring it with more depth and sincerity as the previous versions explored their visions of paranoia, isolationism, and the deadening of emotions in an ever increasingly violent world. For this lack of seriousness and earnestness this film is all too much like the 1994 version which was more like this one in that it had a good cast and was appropriately chilling, but lacked significant punch and/or influence.
This film is mild popcorn fun and the whole family can see it, but don't expect it to hold up to the first two far superior versions of this timeless tale.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Invasion (2007)

Something terrifying has come to Earth, something that attacks us while we sleep and turns us into soulless replicants. The clock is ticking as Washington, DC psychiatrist Carol Bennell (Nicole Kidman) and her colleague Ben Driscoll (Daniel Craig) embark on a heart-stopping journey into a nightmarish world where the only way to stay alive is to stay awake. No one can be trusted. No one is safe in producer Joel Silver's bold new take on Jack Finney's classic novel The Body Snatchers.
Don't fall asleep! The Invasion is here.

Get 76% OFF

Click here for more information about The Invasion (2007)

Read More...

Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Mad Max films finish their transformation from the edgy, ultra-violent first movie to this kid-friendly adventure picture with slick production values and flawless photography. The violence is toned down and the fantasy elements are played up; unfortunately, this means the post-apocalytpic kick of the second movie (just about one of the greatest action flick -- EVER!) has vanished. "Thunderdome" has some fine moments, especially the well-directed scenes with the tribes of children and the haunting images of the coda, as well a couple of good action sequences, such as the face-off in the Thunderdome arena, but it doesn't stay in your memory the way the first two films do. It is still worth seeing if you enjoyed the other movies in the series. Tina Turner's performance is certainly interesting, similar to Grace Jones turn in "Conan the Destroyer," which was made at about the same time.
Of course, if you've never seen a Mad Max films, don't start here. Go back to the first one (available in a great deluxe DVD), then work up to the best of three "Road Warrior" (available in a not so deluxe DVD), then you'll be ready for this finale -- and this DVD doesn't have much in the way of extras on it either.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)

Two men enter. One man leaves. That's the law in Bartertown's Thunderdome arena. But lawmaker Aunty Entity will soon add another: Don't get Max mad!
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome stars Mel Gibson (Lethal Weapon, Maverick) for his third go-round as the title hero who takes on the barbarians of the post-nuclear future - and this time becomes the savior of a tribe of lost children. Music superstar Tina Turner steals what's left of the screen as Aunty Entity, a power-mad dominatrix determined to use Max to tighten her stranglehold on Bartertown.
Directors George Miller and George Ogilvie deliver another rousing final apocalypse-on-wheels and one of the best movie fight scenes ever, as Max and the gladiatorial Blaster face off with maces, chainsaws and anything not nailed down inside Thunderdome. Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome: watch and you'll agree with the soundtrack song the "We Don't Need Another Hero."

Click here for more information about Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)

Read More...

First Knight (Special Edition) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am 15 years old, and I just love this movie. "First Knight" ranks up on the list with the musical "Camelot" and Disney's "The Sword and the Stone" as a magnificent telling of the Camelot legend, and may in fact surpass these other two movies in excellance. Creative license was taken so that the "accurate" legend is not portrayed, but the charcters stay true to the story and the affect is nothing short of amazing. Lady Guinevere of Leonesse (sic?) is on her way to marry King Arthur of Camelot when she inadvertantly meets Lancelot, a very cocky mersonary whose arrogant ways hide a dark childhood. Although attempting to stay loyal to her King, Guinevere is twice saved by Lancelot (although she did a good deal of the work to escape herself) and finds herself falling in love with him. To complicate the problem, the evil Prince Malagant is determined to take over both Leonesse and Camelot. Tension builds to a stunning climax, a shocking ending, and a glorious conclusion. ----- This movie is filled with both heart-pounding action cues of suspense and heart-rending conversations of real people. Richard Gere portrays Lancelot beautifully, giving him a self-assured pride and arrogance that later reveal to be merely a cover-up to the pain he experienced as a child. Although I have heard complaints that Gere is too American for the part, he added a dimension to Lancelot's personality that few others could top. There is a chiling reason for his cockiness, and it makes him seem more human. Julia Ormond gives Guinevere beauty, but also independance. She is quite able to handle herself, and is one of the few "damsels-in-distress" that haven't gotten on my nerves by their helplessness. Because this Guinevere is anything but helpless! Guinevere is torn apart by her love for two men, and Ormond portrays it excellently, allowing you to see into Guinevere's soul and find the pain she is going through. Ben Cross as the terrible Malagant is perfect. He is wicked, cruel, selfish, and disgusting; the perfect villian! Not every actor/actress can play a villian so well. Great job! And what can I say about Sean Connery as King Arthur? This was the first movie I saw him in after I saw the film "DragonHeart", in which Connery played the voice of the dragon. Perfectly cast in that movie, perfectly cast in this, Connery gives King Arthur boundless dignity, wisdom, and heart, but he also gives him a human side; vulnerable and not always quite sure what to do next. This is probably the most realistic portrayal of Arthur, and you can't help but have your heart go out to him. ----- The music, the diolodge, and the wonderful acting make "First Knight" such a great movie. For anyone who loves the Arthurian Legend, or simply a story of regular people with lots of heart, see this movie. As the song goes, "It will not be forgot that once there was a spot for once brief, shining moment that was known as Camelot!"

Click Here to see more reviews about: First Knight (Special Edition)

Together, Sean Connery, Richard Gere, Julia Ormond (Legends of the Fall, Sabrina) and Jerry Zucker,the director of Ghost, bring you a new vision of King Arthur's Camelot. A vision of breathtaking battles, of heart-pounding courage, of the undeniable love that brought an entire kingdom to its knees... and of the undying passion that made it live forever.

Get 42% OFF

Click here for more information about First Knight (Special Edition)

Read More...

The Sun Also Rises (1957) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)"The Sun Also Rises" was 20th Century Fox's big-budget 'prestige' film
for 1957, based on Ernest Hemingway's first novel, shot on location in Paris and Mexico (substituting for Spain), and starring the studio's long-reigning superstar, Tyrone Power, surrounded by legendary actors (Ava Gardner, Errol Flynn, Mel Ferrer, and Eddie Albert). With all the talent assembled in front of and behind the camera, producer Darryl F. Zanuck felt confident that the film would be an enduring classic for both his own independent company, and his studio.
It wasn't, unfortunately...
The film's problem was a fundamental one; the 'Lost Generation'
Hemingway wrote of were disillusioned young Americans, who, shattered
by the horror and brutality of the 'Great War', lost their innocence, and became a 'live fast, die young' crowd of expatriates, settling in Paris. These were men and women still in their twenties and thirties...yet the film's stars were all ten to twenty years older! The most glaring case can be seen in the film's star, Tyrone Power. As newspaperman Jake Barnes, a vet whose war injuries render him impotent, unable to satisfy the woman he loves (Ava Gardner), and, therefore, the 'perfect' observer of her romantic entanglements with other men, Power seems more a victim of a midlife crisis than a young man devastated about losing his manhood. In his next-to-last film, Power, at 44, was aging badly, his hair thinning and his slender, 'movie idol' good looks surrendering to a middle-aged paunch. Only when he smiles do the years seem to lift, a bit, and the "too handsome to be true" younger man appears. Adding to his physical deterioration was an undiagnosed heart condition, which would kill him, in less than two years.
His co-star, Ava Gardner, at 35, was going through a decline, as well, but, like her character, Lady Brett Ashley, her vices were the cause of her self-destruction. Both Brett and Ava were hedonistic women too fond of booze, bullfighters, and nightlife, and Ava's once-classic features were beginning to develop bags and wrinkles that makeup and lighting couldn't hide.
Coming off best are Errol Flynn and Eddie Albert. Flynn, at 48, long past his 'glamorous' prime (he and Power had been Hollywood's best-looking 'swashbucklers' of the early 40s), had become a very credible character actor, usually portraying variations of himself. His 'Mike Campbell', an alcoholic, impoverished but clinging to his pride, was, sadly, a dead-on assessment of Errol Flynn, as well. Like Power, he would be dead in two years, a victim of his own excesses. On the other hand, Eddie Albert, at 49, had long been health-conscious, and his performance as a drunk was simply good acting; paired with Flynn, they 'steal' the film, particularly during the famous Pamplona bull run, when the duo flee for their lives (while guzzling wine), and Flynn attempts to use a bad check as a cape to 'fight' a bull!
The drama seems overdrawn, the romance lacks 'fire', Robert Evans as a young bullfighter is dreadful, and the resolution is a hollow one. Even with the gorgeous scenery, Hugo Friedhofer's soaring film score, and Henry King's skill as a director, the film fails to generate more than a curiosity value, at the sight of so many actors, past their prime, trying to seem youthful and dynamic.
The DVD offers many 'added features', including 'behind the scenes' photos of Power, Flynn, and Gardner, and director Henry King's audio reminiscences of the production, possibly more entertaining than the feature, itself.
All-in-all, an ambitious misfire!

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Sun Also Rises (1957)

SUN ALSO RISES - DVD Movie

Get 10% OFF

Click here for more information about The Sun Also Rises (1957)

Read More...

Junior G-Men of the Air (1942) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Okay, this version of the conflict between G men and the Black Dragon society might not have the great chapter endings or the raven or the super weapons in "G Men Versus the Black Dragon", but I couldn't help liking it anyway. You have thwe antics of the East Side Kids...no Leo Gorcey, but the rest are all there. You have Lionel Atwill as the Japanese villain with a rather german accent. You have the secret entrance to the hideout in a haystack. You have shots where the shadows cast by the staircase resemble the rising sun symbol associated with the Japanese during the second world war. You have allusions to history in touches like the Japanese merchant (a cover, of course, for the Black Dragon Society) closing their doors on December 7, 1941. I guess I can't call this one of the great serials, but what the heck, I really enjoyed it and recommend it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Junior G-Men of the Air (1942)

In this WWII epic, Lionel Atwill and Turhan Bey play Japanese spies who infiltrate the United States and set about to sabotage America's defense effort. The Junior G-Men, a group of young pilots played by the Dead End Kids and Little Tough Guys take only 12 chapters to defeat this road-company Mikado and win the war from the back lot at Universal.

Get 10% OFF

Click here for more information about Junior G-Men of the Air (1942)

Read More...

Christmas in Connecticut (1945) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)"Christmas In Connecticut" is my all-time favourite Christmas movie with just the right combination of humour, sentiment, beautiful settings, and terrific performers. I play this film every year during the week leading up to Christmas and the season would not be complete with its wonderful presence in my home.
Being a huge Barbara Stanwyck fan I would have loved this film anyway however in "Christmas In Connecticut" Barbara has never been more winning than as Elizabeth Lane, the know it all columnist for "Smart Housekeeping" magazine in New York who always, (in her reader's minds at least) can wip up the most exquisite culinary masterpieces for any occasion. Barbara was always a very honest actress and brought conviction and feeling to any role she tackled whether it be a devoted mother or a murderess. Here the focus is on comedy as the film tells the very funny story of how after winning country wide fame as the icon of "Smart Housekeeping" her deception starts to unravel as the Christmas season approaches when her publisher Alexander Yardley (a superb Sydney Greenstreet) decides he wants to boost circulation by inviting a returning war veteran to spend Christmas with Elizabeth and her family on her beautiful farm in Connecticut. The only problem here is that Elizabeth has made up everything about her supposedly ideal life, from having a husband, a child, owning a farm in the country and worst of all even being able to cook! What follows is a highly amusing tale as Elizabeth tries to avoid having her deception uncovered. Yardley with more dollars flashing in his eyes however is not easily put off and demands that the war veteran Jefferson Jones (Dennis Morgan) share in an ideal American Christmas on the farm with Elizabeth and her "family". To make matters worse rather than be alone for the holidays he also invites himself along to experience this ideal Christmas with all the trimmings which creates anxiety for Elizabeth in that she knows Yardley will only except "total honesty" from all his staff, and thus she is in danger of also losing her job because of her deception. Complication piles on complication for Elizabeth as wealthy suitor John Sloan "lends" her his farm and "borrows" a local factory workers child to make up the family she needs and also recruits Felix Bassenak a gourmet chef from the local restaurant to play "Uncle Felix'. He is instructed to "assist" Elizabeth with the cooking because of course as Elizabeth tells Yardley "she taught him everything he knows!!"
"Christmas In Connecicut" is blessed with a wonderful cast that help bring this amusing story to life. Sydney Greenstreet has never been better than in the role of the bombasic Yardley and his reactions to Stanwyck's attempts to flip his pancakes "just as she writes so lovingly about in Smart Housekeeping" are a delight. Dennis Morgan provides the suitable love interest in the story and he is just that right combination of goodlooks and simple sincerity as the returning war veteran. The memorable S.Z. Sakall, a veteran of so many comic performances in countless films literally steals the show as the exasperated "Uncle Felix". His reactions of fear at being found out in the ruse are hilarious. His facial expressions alone are worth watching the film for. Reginald Gardiner has the thankless role of the boring architect John Sloan who is in love with Elizabeth and offers to go along with the story if Elizabeth will promise to marry him. He nevertheless does make something of his character despite being up against the more colourful characters played by Greenstreet and Sakall.
"Christmas In Connecticut" is a delightful romantic comedy from beginning to end and benefits not only from excellent writing but good if unspectacular direction from Peter Godfrey who collaborated with Barbara Stanwyck on two other interesting efforts in "Cry Wolf" and "The Two Mrs. Carrolls". The settings of the film are just right for the Christmas feel whether it be Barbara's small cold water apartment with snow on the balcony or the beautiful country estate with its big open fire, stunning Christmas tree, New England furniture and big windows with views of snow covered fields. Just the setting I've always imagined for an ideal old fashioned Christmas!.
I cannot recommend "Christmas In Connecticut" highly enough for the festive season. It's a simple, old fashioned story filled with good cheer, a warm cosy feel and the ultimate message of caring for other people. As a wonderful holiday treat make sure you find "Christmas In Connecticut" in your Christmas Stocking. Enjoy!.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Christmas in Connecticut (1945)

Journalist Elizabeth Lane is one of the country's most famous food writer. In her columns, she describes herself as a hard working farm woman, taking care of her children and being an excellent cook. But this is all lies. In reality she is an umarried New Yorker who can't even boil an egg. The recipes come from her good friend Felix. The owner of the magazine she works for has decided that a heroic sailor will spend his christmas on *her* farm. Miss Lane knows that her career is over if the truth comes out, but what can she do?

Get 34% OFF

Click here for more information about Christmas in Connecticut (1945)

Read More...

V: The Original TV Miniseries (1983) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)For anyone who is a fan of 'alien invasion' movies, sci-fi in general, or just good-old storytelling, the original 'V' mini-series is an absolute classic. The story begins with the arrival of 50 gigantic spacecraft over 50 major cities around the world; a civilization of human-like beings have come to ask for our aid in saving their dying planet. Over the film's 3+ hours, our 'visitors' go from friend to foe, and humanity faces the prospect of enslavement by a facist regime, not unlike in World War II, this time on a world-wide scale. V was (and still is) unique in its ability to weave together action and drama, along with some sci-fi elements, to create a 'morality tale' of sorts. I must admit, there were a couple of scenes that still leave me choked up. The mini-series debuted on NBC in the Spring of 1983 and was followed by an excellent sequel, 'The Final Battle,' a year later. Considering the date of release, it must be mentioned that the special effects are not up to current CGI standards - don't come here expecting 'Independence Day', but there are some scenes that are still impressive, even by current standards. This was done back in the day when you had to build all your effects from scratch and there were no computers to fall back on!
On to the DVD release of 'V'...I must say this right now: if you're like me and you've seen V a hundred times already, you're in for a shock when you get a look at this version. The colors are brilliant and everything is so sharply in focus...it makes my old VHS version seem like watching t.v. with plastic-wrap over the screen. It looks that good! The audio track has been completely remastered and the majority of the effects have been enhanced. Every laser blast, every explosion, the whoosh of a passing fighter...it's all there, loud and clear, and in Dolby Stereo. A 25 minute 'behind the scenes' documentary is included, and while it won't tell you anything new or shocking about V, it is intriguing and adds to the value of the disc. Last, but definitely not least, is the commentary track by writer/director Kenneth Johnson. This WILL tell you 'new and shocking' things and is definitely a major treat for those of us who are long-time fans.
I was about 9 years old in the Spring of '83 when the original V mini-series debuted on t.v. Needless to say, V left a major impact on me, as much as the original 'Star Wars' movie did, if not more. If you are a fan of V, you MUST purchase a copy of this - it's like seeing the show again for the first time. On the other hand, if you've never seen V before, if you can deal with its early-80's origins, it will no doubt move you like the rest of us.
As for myself, I have one thing to say: bring on 'The Final Battle' DVD, I'm ready!
P.S. Oh, and one more thing...why did Jane Badler's name never become a household word? Aside from her being devastatingly gorgeous, not to mention her chilling portrayal of the evil alien leader 'Diana', one would have expected to see more of this talented actress later on in her career. There is no justice in this world!

Click Here to see more reviews about: V: The Original TV Miniseries (1983)

Aliens pretending to be friendly come to Earth and are received openly. The aliens have masqueraded themselves to look just like humans. When it is discovered that the aliens' planet is dying and that they have come to rape the Earth of its natural resources, the war for Earth begins. An important key to the humans' success is distinguishing the their own from the aliens.

Get 27% OFF

Click here for more information about V: The Original TV Miniseries (1983)

Read More...

Body Heat (Deluxe Edition) (1981) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The most important thing you need to know is that most of the women I know consider "Body Heat" to be the sexiest movie they have ever seen. Now, I do not feel that way, but I am pretty sure I can explain the difference in judgment. Then again, writer-director Lawrence Kasdan created sexual tension between Princess Leia and Han Solo, so we should not be surprised at what he can accomplish in a galaxy closer to home.
Attorney Ned Racine (William Hurt) is one of those lawyers whose life is in cruise control, the sort that usually find redemption in those John Grisham novels. Instead he meets Matty Walker (Kathleen Turner), a sexual siren with a well-to-do husband who leads him willingly down the path of damnation. Kasdan gets credit for taking 1940s film noir in which love goes terribly wrong and bringing it into the sexually provocative 1980s, but it is Turner who breaths the fire and passion into this film: Think Lauren Bacall's throaty voice put into the sculptured body of a sex goddess and covered in the sweat of a hot and humid Southern summer night. The plot takes some delicious twists and turns as well. "Body Heat" paved the way for every every other sick and twisted tale of bad love to come down the road since, from "Fatal Attraction" to "Basic Instinct" and beyond.
Most Romantic Lines: "You're not very bright, are you? I like that in a man." That pretty much sums up this film's idea of "romance."
If you like "Body Heat," then check out these other films on AFI's list: #49 "The Postman Always Rings Twice" and #84 "Double Indemnity." Why? Because they are also movies where a guy meets the sort of gal he would kill to be with--and he does.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Body Heat (Deluxe Edition) (1981)

William Hurt and Kathleen Turner strike sparks in Lawrence Kasdan's Body Heat, a sexy, haunting tale of desire and skullduggery that echoes 1940s film noirs but is charged with an energy and passion that could only flare in the '80s. Aided by a sultry John Barry score, Kasdan's assured directorial debut foreshadowed the emotional textures he would bring to later films The Big Chill, The Accidental Tourist and Grand Canyon. Sit back and bask in this contemporary classic's wicked warmth. DVD Features:Additional ScenesFeaturette:Body Heat: The Plan Body Heat: The Production Body Heat: The Post-Prodution Interviews:1981 Interview Footage with Kathleen Turner and William HurtTheatrical Trailer

Click here for more information about Body Heat (Deluxe Edition) (1981)

Read More...

Pokemon Movie - The Rise of Darkrai (2007) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is by far the best looking of any of the pokemon movies. The blend of CGI and animation is better than it's ever been. Wonderful music and a great story. Also the first D/P movie and usually the first film in a new region is wonderful. This film also features more types of pokemon than anyother movie before it to help celebrate the 10 year anniversary. This is a must see for all pokemon fans.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pokemon Movie - The Rise of Darkrai (2007)

Ash may think he's seen everything when it comes to Pokémon, but is he ready to face the mysterious Darkrai in his latest awesome adventure? While touring Alamos Town -home of the Space-Time Tower -with the beautiful Alice, Ash and his friends discover that the town's special garden has been decimated! Baron Alberto, a dashing but arrogant fellow, immediately blames the destruction on Darkrai. As if it just overheard the accusation, Darkrai appears and confronts our heroes!Who is Darkrai? Is it a friend... or a friend in disguise? And as a battle between Legendary Pokémon Dialga and Palkia rages directly above Alamos Town-and threatens to tear a hole in the space-time continuum-will Ash and his friends survive this showdown and learn Darkrai's true nature?
Stills from Pokémon Movie - The Rise of Darkrai (click for larger image)

Get 30% OFF

Click here for more information about Pokemon Movie - The Rise of Darkrai (2007)

Read More...