Nature: The River of No Return

Narration is by real people sharing a stunning experience.
I watched the film on Nature and am now ordering the dvd. I just wanted to say that, for me, the narration by the couple both added to my understanding and appreciation of the wilderness area, and the wolves and other inhabitants there; and also was a very moving and brave personal recounting of their struggles on this journey. A film that may leave you with much to think about.

Excellent blu-ray and documentary.
True high definition in a 16:9 ratio. On-screen promos, websites and station ID's customarily shown during broadcast were thoughtfully excised for the video release. This, coupled with our newlywed hosts' sometimes humorous candidness (particularly their rendition of "This Land is Your Land" on harmonica) makes their journey seem as though it is ours as well. So if you're looking for extreme nature (eg. the highest mountains or tallest waterfalls) you won't find it here, but you will get a true sense of the wilderness through some dazzling photography and the occasional mild touch of ethereal scoring, and a surround sound mix that is just enough to evoke a sense of fresh air without drawing attention to itself. There's also a most unexpected miracle that takes place between a hunter and its prey, silhouetted against the evening sky on a mountaintop.

Excellent Documentary
Watched on PBS in April 2012; worthy piece by two nature lovers who shared their unusual experience in the wilderness with the rest of us... Great job on a small budget and with very small film crew!

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Johnny Firecloud / Bummer! (Special Edition)

Gallery of half-familiar faces
You don't hear much about this Something Weird "Angry 70s" double feature. It's a queer duck among the company's releases, the main point of reference being that David F. Friedman produced these films in the early 1970s. They were a response to the new "hardcore" pornography that was making Friedman's "soft" porn obsolete. He spent more money, rounded up some decent actors and put out these Corman-New World-type features. Violence is the order of the day, sex is secondary, some nudity required and there's a seasoning of social comment.

JOHNNY FIRECLOUD is regarded as the "better" of the two films, but both are entertainingly awful, in my opinion. J.F. is an American Indian (played by Latin American actor Victor Mohica). A relative of his (father? grandpa? I don't remember) is driven to drink by the local bigots who rule their Southwestern town; he's mocked and emasculated, and when he attempts to regain his self-respect he's finally murdered. Then a lady...

Johnny FireCloud Rocks!
Johnny FireCloud is pretty awesome! Very clean copy, great picture & sound, vibrant color! I love these type of movies and had stumbled onto this one by accident. Thank you SWV! Johnny gets his revenge when the whiteman pushes too far! If you like this movie check out Billy Jack, War Party, Thunder Warrior and Navajo Joe.

Pretty Decent SWV Release
This is a fairly decent "Something Weird Video" release, though I would not rate it as one of their finest compilations. "Johnny Firecloud" stands out as one of the better 70s low budget revenge flicks, while "Bummer" has its moments, but leaves lots of room for improvement. The extras on this DVD include some good movie trailers, and an alluring B&W striptease.

"Johnny Firecloud" is clearly the prize of this DVD. A lower budget spinoff of "Billy Jack," this stars Victor Mojica. This movie may be choppier than Tom Laughlin's B-Movie series, but Mojica is WAY COOLER than Laughlin could ever conceive. This is one of those Native-American-Done-Wrong flicks, taking place in a small town packed full of racists who make the mistake of humiliating, then killing, Johnny's grandfather. They go on to rape and kill one of Johnny's close friends (played by Sacheen Littlefeather), thus setting Johnny Firecloud into full-throttle vengeance mode.

A very interesting twist in...

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Major League Baseball Triple Header

Great price but...
The collection is pretty good. But for me the only one that really value is the Prime 9. Exciting downcount for the best moments of baseball. 9 different countdowns with best hitting seasons, best pitching seasons, the -never-be-broken- records among others. The All century team is good but not superb video, the best 30 players in the 20th century and all of those players with 1 or 2 minutes of them history. But the really bust is the bloopers one. Chat, chat, chat, its like behind the scenes of baseball. how the players have fun, or something like that but the really good bloopers like fielders crash, or the colorful managers are out of the video. In one point the video is so boring.





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We Need to Talk About Kevin

4.5 stars... Chilling and devastating
Going into "We Need to Talk About Kevin" (110 min.), I knew very generally what the theme of the movie was (Kevin is a troubled kid and he is going to do something horrible) but purposefully I did not know any of the plot details as I wanted to movie to surprise me. Boy, did the movie surprise me!

The first 20-25 min. of the movie are absolutely transfixing, as there is hardly any conversation, and there are miltiple story lines going on at the same time. The picture that eventually emerges is one where Eva (Kevin's mom) is dealing with the traumas of whatever Kevin has done (we don't know until much later in the movie what that is), and also, in flashbacks, reflecting on how Kevin grew up (and why he turned out the way he did, and of course where there was anything she could've done better or differently). The acting in the movie is mostly outstanding, with Tilda Swinton as Eva, but the 3 actors who portray Kevin are equally effective, none more so in my opition than...

'Wherein does evil lie?'
In an interview with Lionel Shriver' about her highly successful 2005 novel she commented on the difficulty of the project: `It was admittedly draining. And throughout, I was anxious that because I had never had a child myself, I didn't know what I was talking about and readers who were parents would catch me out.' As adapted for the screen by director Lynne Ramsay and Rory Kinnear this story becomes a terrifyingly realistic exploration of the subject of inherent evil and the manner in which we deal with it. The film is particularly timely as we read almost daily of youngsters killing classmates in schools across the country. But first the story:

Eva Khatchadourian (Tilda Swinton) is trying to piece together her life following the "incident". Once a successful travel writer, she is forced to take whatever job comes her way, which of late is as a clerk in a travel agency. She lives a solitary life as people who know about her situation openly shun her, even to the point of...

See it for Tilda Swinton's haunting performance
What is it that we always hear? Not just from friends, but especially in movies and TV shows about parenting. It's that there's "no guidebook" to being a parent. You just have to do your best and learn as you go. That assumes a level of parental instinct exists on even the most basic level, but what if there isn't? What if you hate your child? What if your child hates you and everything else just as much?

In We Need to Talk About Kevin, that emotional deficit leads to nightmarish consequences, the kind that would leave any rational parent breaking out in a drenching cold sweat. When we first meet Eva(Tilda Swinton), she seems adrift in this world. For unknown reasons she's hated and ridiculed by the people she meets on the street. In the heavily used flashbacks we see her during a happier time, spirited and in lust's grip with Franklin(John C. Reilly), the new man in her life. A particularly blissful evening leads to an unexpected pregnancy, marriage, and a fresh start in...

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Lancelot Link: Secret Chimp (Authorized Edition)

At Last! The Complete Series!
Just in case the other reviews are unclear: reviewers who mention an incomplete, two-disk set with barely-acceptable video and audio transfer are talking about an unofficial release from 2006. The current edition was released in 2012: it contains every episode, three DVDs, a superior transfer from the original ABC archive masters, is officially sanctioned by one of the show's producers, and includes several bonus features. So don't be put off -- if you're ordering the three-disc set, you're okay.

I adored this show as a child, and my fondness for it hasn't diminished one bit. Essentially, it's "Get Smart" with chimpanzees as the cast, which makes it the most bizarre spy-spoof ever. All the sets and props were constructed at 3/4 scale, and costumes were all custom made, so you have this constant nagging sense of disbelief that any sane television producer would spend the time and money (it was the most expensive children's TV program of its time) to do all this in the...

The OFFICIAL Lancelot Link Coming in May
I wanted to write an early review for the NEW Lancelot Link Secret Chimp 17 episode Complete Series set coming in May 2012. There are so many bad reviews here for the unofficial release, that I had to post something. I own the unofficial release and it has gone from $20 to $200, which I think needs to come down now that the official release will be out soon. I found a product preview ad from Film Chest Inc. on Youtube and I have to say that it looks amazing. All of the complete 17 episodes have been restored from the original ABC masters and they look incredible. The set will include the documentary film "I created Lancelot Link", which came out in 1998, which I purchased, on VHS. It never found it's way to DVD and now it's going to be included in this set. The video in the preview looks so clear that it seems as if it were made yesterday. The DVD also contains a visit to see the Lancelot link, alive and well, at the Wildlife Way Station. I can't wait until it arrives in May...

Classic!
It's about time this classic series recieved a proper release! I was just a kid when Lancelot Link Secret Chimp origially aired, and never missed an episode! I loved it then and never forgot this show! It's as funny now as it was then.
I preordered this set as soon as i saw it announced and couldn't wait to see it again. All episodes are present along with a great bonus disc. I started watching the shows as soon as i recieved it, and just finshed watching the entire set! Hats off for a great job, and for an intesting bonus disc!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND! GREAT SHOW!!! Television will never be the same!

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Coriolanus

Excellent film
This is a tight, well-crafted script by John Logan. Cutting Shakespeare can be difficult and he did an excellent job, along with Ralph Fiennes of getting us the information we need to follow the story while still keeping us interested.

Fiennes is very, very good in this. His intensity blazes throughout, as a soldier's soldier and a man with little to connect him to the people outside of his comfort zone--aka the battlefield.

Vanessa Redgrave is, as always, compelling as Volumnia. She will definitely be up for some awards for this performance.

Just to comment on the first post made--

This movie is nothing at all like Luhrmann's Romeo and Juliet. Luhrmann's film was Shakespeare on acid [i very much liked that film as well]. This is something completely different. Simply labeling it 'a grown up R&J' does a disservice to Coriolanus. Just because it's modernized doesn't make it similar, at all.

It is Shakespeare, so for the first few...

His pride, his fall
Shakespere's late military drama "Coriolanus" is rarely staged. Perhaps the most famous modern production was at Stratford-upon-Avon: during the run Olivier injured himself in his spectacular death scene and had to be replaced the next performance by a young Albert Finney, leaping into stardom. To my knowledge the new movie version is the first time the tragedy has been filmed, and a very impressive début it is. Ralph Fiennes, who seems to have made a career playing aloof patronising men (Eugene Onegin, et al), is making his own directorial début, guiding himself in a strong performance as the fatally disdainful patrician. He has placed the 5th Century BCE story in our own 21st Century with almost depressing relevance: the military invasion, the political back-stabbings, the bloody assassination are all alarmingly suitable. Most of the violence is presented in the opening sequence, as the Romans storm Carioli and Caius Marcius single-handedly defeats the citadel, earning...

Corruption, Oppression And Warfare: This Shakespearean Interpretation Seems Incredibly Modern And Relevant
NOTE: The dialogue in this film is NOT in contemporary English, but taken from actual Shakespearean text. DO NOT PURCHASE THE FILM UNLESS YOU KNOW THIS!

A lot of people have attempted modern, updated or anachronistic interpretations of Shakespeare's great works. While some have been fantastic, just as many have fallen short of their potential. It's really about finding the right contemporary setting in which to locate the piece. For my money, 1995's "Richard III" (headlined and scripted by Ian McKellen and set in war torn England during the second World War) is one of my all time favorites. Truthfully, I've read my share of Shakespeare but "Coriolanus" is not one of the plays I was familiar with--here it is adapted by three time Oscar nominated screenwriter John Logan. I think this probably serves Ralph Fiennes' interpretation quite well, it is not as overworked as other Shakespeare offerings. Fiennes takes the directorial reins and stars in "Coriolanus" and the result...

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Miles From Home

Amazing Real life story
A must see.. The ensemble cast is wonderful and the acting is superb. Ty Hodges really captures the real life story of kids on the streets of LA and has put it into TRUE ART!! I was riveted and I recommend it to everyone..specially kids who think they would be better out on the street and will soon find out that it is not the place to live their lives..

Powerful gritty tale about the battle for a young man`s soul.
This movie has a powerful message for the youth. Boring and confusing is what some said. Well i am not surprise the state of the youth is not number one on some people mind. Trust me some of the greatest stories have been told on a low budget truth be told hollywood wouldn`t have backed this anyway.

a MUST SEE
If you have a teenager at home they must see this. This movie will make them really think about life.

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Metal Tornado

Just Plain Awful!!!
Okay, I watched this last night with my fiance and a buddy of mine. The opening credits hadn't even finished rolling and already I was apologizing to them for picking such a horrible stinker of a movie.

***SPOILERS*** ***SPOILERS*** ***SPOILERS***

Okay so the 3D graphics in this "movie" look like something that was made on someone's laptop in an afternoon using software from the 90's. Seriously, when you see the satellites and the energy collectors and the tornadoes, they are just so lame and goofy looking that you can't help but laugh at them!

The storyline is pretty stock and cookie-cutter. Some company has put all their money into this program and if it fails they'll go under. But at the VERY beginning there is this guy who is the head high science guy or something and he's shouting into the phone that the process is flawed and to shut the project down and if they don't that people will die. But they decide to ignore him, cuz after all what...

"I'm peaking over here!"
I appreciated that this movie never attempted to be more than it was, cheap popcorn fare. It isn't a masterpiece of Sci-Fi by any stretch. The plot is purely by the numbers, following the same formula that most of these movies do: bad science runs amuck with an ill-advised project that the military then has to come in and rectify. This is one of those dopey scenarios where everyone knows something crucial but they either hide the facts, dismiss the facts, or refuse to share the facts with anyone else. The disaster in question could have been solved immediately if all the right people just sat down and talked about it rather than waiting until things got out of control.
The FX is what you'd expect from computer work. The characters rigidly follow the usual stereotypes: a greedy boss (Greg Evigan), the reluctant hero (Lou Diamond Phillips), and the love interest who isn't a damsel in distress (Nicole Deboer). There's also the added tension of a slacker son, a widow who knows...

ROGUE MAGNETIC FIELD
This made for TV movie boasts the same fine quality production we have come to love in these masterpieces. Lou Diamond Phillips stars as a young looking Michael Edwards who works at Helios World. The company has a plan to extract energy from upper level ionic particles due to solar flares. (Light takes 8 minutes to travel from the sun to the earth. These flares take far less time.) Once captured, the energy is beamed to the earth as blue electromagnetic waves.

Unfortunately things don't go as planned. It creates an electromagnetic tornado that attracts anything metal, regardless of its magnetic properties...and chainsaws keep operating! While LDP is attempting to save the countryside of rural Pennsylvania he has to deal with the problems of single parenthood and trying to date fellow co-worker (Nicole de Boer).

The movie intensifies as LDP must hurry to come up with a way to save Philadelphia and France! Why do I not feel the intensity?

Fairly awful...

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WWE: Extreme Rules 2012

"The Next Big Thing" Has Returned!
Falls Count Anywhere Match: Randy Orton vs. Kane - You knew exactly where this match was going from when the pipe (that both men had been using against each other for weeks) in the ring & used within the first minute. As expected with a Falls Count Anywhere Match, they went into the crowd & brawled up the steps with Kane even doing a move unfamiliar to him in a charging low dropkick before going to the stage & backstage where someone who had his own issues with Kane got a few shots in himself before the cameraman even got knocked down because of the action. They fought back to the ring where everything they could get their hands on was used from the steel steps to a chair to even Orton's hanging DDT off the announce table. Both men were able to keep escaping & countering each other's signature moves but it took one move hit on the chair to finally put one man out. This was a very entertaining brawl as we've seen in the match that started this feud months earlier to their...

Good Pay Per View
Daniel Brian vs Shamus two out of three falls is amazing match. Brian really pulls every trick out of his bag to try to defeat the Celtic Warrior. Cena vs Lesnar was a good match also. Lesnar spends most of the match destroying Cena yet a dissapointing ending when "super Cena" pulls out a win out of no where.

ONE OF THE BEST EVENTS OF THE YEAR
WWE
EXTREME RULES 2012

Back in Chicago WWE would return and return with an Extreme event. This event would see the return of Brock Lesnar as he would take on "The Face of the Company" John Cena. Also WWE Champion CM Punk would return home to battle Y2J in what was probably my favorite match.

1.[FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE]KANE VS RANDY ORTON-really good opening match that was a part of a good feud for these two. I had liked that they involved the fathers [R.I.P. William] in the storyline and how Kane didn't care. They brawl all over the place from the ring to the crowd all the way to the back. Great moments involving different weapons happen all throughout the match but it leads to Orton winning the match, personally I felt Kane should have taken this one.

2.DOLPH ZIGGLER VS BRODUS CLAY-one of the better matches Clay has had even still today and I think that has a lot to do with his opponent. Clay of course delivered with the power in this match but it...

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Man on a Ledge

Very exciting, tense and entertaining. A rare type of action movie with a great cast that helps the enjoyment. I say B+
"Today's the day that everything changes, one way or another." After Nick Cassidy (Worthington), a convict doing 25 years for theft, escapes from custody he ends up in a hotel. After his planning is complete he climbs out on a ledge in order to prove his innocence. This is an exciting movie that is very tense almost from the beginning and doesn't let up till the end. Not only are you on the edge of your seat wondering what Nick will do, but there is also a diamond heist going on at the same time that keeps you holding your breath. For this type of movie the cast isn't really all that amazing, but this is an exception. The cast is super in this and that actually adds to the enjoyment and gives the movie a more serious feel. This is a movie that keeps you guessing all the way through and is full of excitement. There were a few over-the-top scenes that made me laugh, but the movie was good enough to overcome those parts. I highly recommend this one. A really fun "popcorn" movie. Overall,...

Perilous Plan to Clear One's Name
"Man on a Ledge" is a movie in which a man contemplates jumping to his death. Who is he? Why is this his chosen method of suicide? And why is he so insistent on dealing with a particular police negotiator?

Nick Cassidy (Sam Worthington) is an escaped, convicted diamond thief with an elaborate plan to clear his name. After checking into an upper-floor room at Manhattan's Roosevelt Hotel, he orders a hefty meal, then exits the window and positions himself on a ledge. People below notice him and soon the police are called in. When a cop attempts to talk him in, Nick asks to speak with a different negotiator, Lydia Mercer (Elizabeth Banks).

Mercer has been ostracized by her peers recently because she lost a previous jumper. Her self-assurance has been tarnished, and she is perplexed as to why this potential suicide has requested her. The cops dust for fingerprints to identify the would-be jumper, but the room is clean. So Nick's identity remains unknown to...

TODAY IS THE DAY
Sam Worthington is convicted of a crime he claims he did not commit. He goes out on the ledge of a building, in what we know early on is a diversionary tactic as he conspires with his brother (Jamie Bell) to prove his innocence. He requests Lydia "Grim Reaper" Mercer (Elizabeth Banks) to be the person to talk him down. By the nickname, her track record of talking people down has been less than desirable. She is hungry to save someone while fighting her hangover.

The film uses a good intense sound track to raise the thriller level as Jamie and his girlfriend (Genesis Rodriguez) attempt to prove Worthington is innocent.

Good intensity. Minor expected twists.

F-bomb, no sex, no nudity, Genesis Rodriguez in bra/panties.

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Tell It to the Marines

Famous Chaney vehicle with beautiful Robert Israel music.
Although Warner Home Video has decided to release its old titles in DVD-R format, at least we have the chance to have access to such interesting movies as Tell It to the Marines. This one is presented in a sensational copy with a beautiful orchestral score composed by Robert Israel. Filmed most of the movie on location, it has interest as documentary also, although the main attraction obviously, is to see Lon Chaney in a role that did not require any physical disguise, under George Hill's 'mise en scene', in the antipodes of Tod Browning's direction, responsable of Chaney's most famous movies. The structure of Tell It to the Marines is an atractive mix with the typical William Haines' vehicle elements, Lon Chaney's composition of a pathetical role, and action scenes where George Hill was an accomplished artisan. Eleanor Boardman provides the romantic interest, therefore you have the chance to see three big stars of the early MGM in a very entertaining movie. Enjoy it!

Groundbreaking Gem!!!!!!!
All the great films from Jack Webb's "The D.I." to Kubrick's "Full Metal Jacket" owe a bow to this masterpiece. The first film to depict boot camp life in the U.S.M.C.
Many people won't even give silent films a chance. Heck, even a lot of today's teenagers won't even give a sound Black/White film a look. However, once you start watching this epic you cannot turn if off.
Chaney is brilliant as the D.I. a no nonsense character with a heart of gold (when he chooses to show it) and William Haynes is equally good as the recruit who Chaney attempts to mold into a fighting man. In the middle of the mix is the love interest of both, portrayed by Eleanor Boardman.
The battle scenes are phenomenal considering this was 1926.
And Chaney's D.I. "routine" 'Who wants to drive the General's car?' is a hoot!!!
The film is in pretty decent shape for its age with a decent transfer.
Warning: It is available only on DVD-R format, and may not play on some older...

Chaney's favorite film, and easy to see why
No matter how great Lon Chaney was as "The Hunchback Of Notre Dame" and "The Phantom Of The Opera", he in my opinion was born to play a Marine in this 1926 film. He is so believable and fits so well in the part, that is a natural for him. No makeup required here, and it is proof positive that he could play many other roles without all the makeup. You can see in this film how much he enjoyed playing in his role of the tough sergent with a heart. And for his role, he was the first actor granted to be an honorary member of The United States Marine Corps. And Chaney was highly honored indeed. William Haines is the man he takes under his wing, and Eleanor Boardman plays the nurse that the two of them are both in love with. The transfer here on this DVD-R is very good. Of course some wear and scratches remain, but overall the quality is very good. Nice stereo track by Robert Israel. Unfortunately no extras. But this is a must film for a Lon Chaney collection. I highly recommend this film.

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Gintama the Motion Picture

Dub and Sub: Two for the price of one
Gintama is a series that lampoons modern times much like Futurama. Rather than visiting the future to examine the present, Gintama looks to a futuristic rewritten past. Mid 1800's Japan has been brought violently into the future by alien invaders.

Now (not particularly important to the story, but 'now' is probably the late 1860's) things are relatively stable. In Gintama's Edo (an old name for Tokyo) the samurai way is now defunct.

Japanese pop culture, history, and even the show itself are mercilessly exploited for laughs. If you are already an anime fan or have just seen a few mainstream adaptations of popular anime you should have enough of a foothold to enjoy this movie.

The movie itself is a big-screen version of the long-running TV series' Benizakura arc. Benizakura is a powerful and mysterious sword. Former samurai Gintoki (aka Gin-san) is compelled to investigate its misuse because like many heroes, Gintoki has a "higher calling". This gig may...

A Very Good Movie, Dub is Sweet
This movie is kinda a remake of the Benizakura story arc episodes 58 to 61 gintama seires. For those who are unfamiliar with it, Gintama is a comedy series set in an alternate universe, where Japan is taken over by aliens. It follows the adventures of Sakata Gintoki who is always broke. He works like a mercenary together with two teenagers and does various tasks to make a living. The series are more like a parody of popular anime series and characters. samurai, space technology, aliens and comedy may sound strange, but Gintama is really funny and original. However, the Benizakura arc is probably the most action-packed in the whole series. So even those, who don't like comedy with sci-fi elements, will enjoy the spectacular sword fights.

The Benizakura story itself is kept unchanged. Katsura leader of anti-government faction, has disappeared. Some believe he has fallen victim to a murderer, who targets samurai on the streets of Edo. Gintoki wants to look for his missing...

Your chance for a dub!
Got the movie and seen it with my brother.

My thoughts about the movie: IT WAS AWESOME. AWESOME AWESOME! Just hearing them have english voices makes me over excited. After a only a few days of having this movie, I had already seen it around 9 times.

Here's my review:
With the dub, there were parts were my brother and I finally understood what was happening. We actually found some stuff in the story that we didn't know. Also, I was able to pay attention and catch pivotal moments in the art work and character emotions that was tough to catch when reading subtitles.

Now as for the voices. Some voices did sound a bit odd to me but I got used to them easily. This movie is definitely professional quality tho. There were some mispronunciations but as long as I know who theyre talking about than it's alright. ALso, there is cursing but that's not so unusual for Gintama lol

Kyle Jones did well. There WERE scripting errors that didn't fit the...

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Australian Open 2012: Djokovic Vs Nadal

Grind-out match for the ages!
This match was a joy to watch! I'm sure thankful it came out to DVD. This item was in perfectly new condition & it came on time very quickly. I'd definitely recommend this DVD to any tennis fan who enjoys 2 players battling each other w/ every ounce of effort they've got.

Great DVD for a Great Final
As an avid tennis fan who loves the tour and enjoys the Grand Slam finals, I had to buy this DVD as it was the longest match Grand Slam finals history.

I would rate it 4/5 stars because the quality of the match is great. If you watch it on an HD T.V. it will be very good. I also watched in on one of those older T.V's that wasn't in HD so the quality was off, but that's natural I assume.

My one downside was that the DVD was commentated by the BBC. So the announcers had british accents which I do not enjoy.
It is my personal preference so I hope I don't offend anyone. I prefer the regular ESPN commentator's due to accent but also their knowledge. The commentator's were still knowledgeable nonetheless.

So overall it was a great DVD. They had the pre-match warm up and post match celebration as well which was really nice.
I definitely recommend.



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The Kane Files

2 Stars: THE KANE FILES Raises Little Cain
For the record, there's an awful lot of THE KANE FILES that audiences have already seen before. Indeed, the central thread of the story is practically lifted from the script of the Denzel Washington thriller, JOHN Q, and the "former hitman trying to live an honest life" has been done to countless variations, even with whole seasons of television series. So the real question here is: what's NEW to the story?

The answer is, sadly, very little.

Scott Kane (played by Drew Fuller) is the former contract killer who's trying to make ends meet with his comely young wife, Anna (the increasingly lovely Whitney Able). When their son, Owen, develops a previously undiagnosed heart ailment, Kane goes where he knows he can make the money he needs - to the local mob kingpin Daniel Morgan (William Atherton). Morgan promises Kane over a quarter million dollars in exchange for a single hit ... that's only if the dirty cop Jace Olsen (Ethan Embry) doesn't get to the money...

Sleeper thriller better than most action flicks
By Jim Clark, publisher, Lee County Courier, Tupelo, MS

Remember John Q? You know a desperate father (Denzel Washington) takes hospital staff hostage when his HMO'refuses to pay for his son's life changing surgery.
Well, this is that type of story, except the father is a reformed hit man.
Scott Kane (Drew Fuller) made a promise to his fiancee Anna (Whitney Able) that if she would marry him he would leave his checkered past behind. She said yes. He left everything behind. The two had a son, who is now seven, and been diagnosed, after a heart attack, with having to have a transplant. They are barely getting by and have no insurance.
Out of options Scott goes to his old boss, Daniel Morgan (William Atherton), who says he'll take care of all the boy's expenses if Scott will kill an adversary. Scott agrees. Anna says she'll leave him if he goes through with it, but eventually caves in.
Of course, Morgan doublecrosses Scott and he winds up in prison. Morgan...

Drew Fuller is the main reason to see The Kane FIles...
A crisis causes a man with a shadowy past to return to a life of crime, in The Kane Files (2010) an overdramatic tale of crime written and directed by Benjamin Gourley (Moving McAllister). Mild spoilers follow.

Ex-soldier Scott Kane (Drew Fuller) discovers that his son needs a heart transplant. With no money and no insurance, Kane turns to loan shark Daniel Morgan (William Atherton), who promises to take care of the situation if Kane will murder someone for him. Kane's wife Anna (Whitney Able, Monsters, All the Boys Love Mandy Lane) is concerned about his return to the dark side, but there seems to be no other options. Kane is double crossed by Morgan, and ends up in prison, but manages to breakout in the most unlikely manner, with Sherriff Jace Olsen (Ethan Embry) and FBI man James Thompson (William Devane) both on his...

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Yanni-Live at El Morro, Puerto Rico

A beautiful and top-quality Live video
Yes,this is Yanni's brand new Live DVD with great music,great view of El Morro and some very interesting scenes.
Very relaxing and full of entertainment.
But what impressed me most is its clear picture.

Of course,it couldn't compare to Blu-ray disc.
But I could say the definition is the top level in DVDs.

I have never seen Yanni and all the members so clearly on Yanni's videos!

Review from NewAgeMusicWorld.com
International concert and artist Yanni and his orchestra demonstrate once again they are a leading team of the best musicians worldwide who are prepared to light up the night sky and take the world by storm. In the case of Yanni and the orchestra's recent live concert event at the historic El Morro fortress in Puerto Rico, the saying "take the world by storm" holds two meanings. The Oceanside concert venue of Castillo San Felipe del Morro citadel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, presented a challenge for the team by the inclement weather, typical for the historic El Morro coastal locality. It looked as if a miracle was the only hope for the final evening concert scheduled for Saturday night. As it turned out, a windswept atmosphere became a dramatic, silver lining for the ultimate Yanni concert experience.

Yanni-Live at El Morro, Puerto Rico turned out to be an intensely glorious concert event for fans of the international concert artist Yanni, and his sensational orchestra, who...

Awesome!
Yanni is one of the MOST talented musicians I have EVER had the pleasure of listening to OR have seen live!
This is a musical video treat with some of Yanni's earlier compositions and selection's from his 2011 Billboard New Age Album [and artist] of the year "Truth of Touch"! Every Yanni fan will be delighted to have this performance as part of their DVD library.
Yanni ALWAYS delivers his best to his fans ans is one of the most generous entertainers to his fans! His music has no boundaries; no language barriers, which is why he and his music is accepted around the world.
Also, if you would like to listen to the lryical side of Yanni's music, I strongly recommend Yanni Voices and Yanni Voces!

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Masterpiece Classic: Birdsong [Blu-ray]

In The Trenches: A Literary Adaptation That Makes A Handsome Film, But Doesn't Connect As Fully As It Should
Sebastian Faulks' beloved WWII novel "Birdsong" makes a handsome two-part presentation as a part of Masterpiece Classics. Fans of the book, especially with the U. K. premiere, expressed a fair amount of disappointment in the liberties taken by Abi Morgan (The Hours, which coincidentally was also much more acclaimed on its U.S. debut than it had been in Britain). Having read the source material many years ago, I think this is an earnest adaptation. I don't get too caught up with the similarities and the divergences, however, the work must stand independently as a film. The harshest criticisms that I have read seem a bit unwarranted, but the glowing accolades miss the mark as well. This well-meaning and gorgeously produced film experiences some of the same problems that many adaptations of a literary success have faced. It's hard to bring the subtle nuance and introspection of fine prose to the screen without it seeming a tad disconnected.

Eddie Redmayne plays the title...

Well worth a viewing!
I watched the first half of this two part series on television on Sunday night in HD (it was beautiful) and the second half after I rented the dvd. The first part is now available through 5/22 on the PBS website.
I also watched all 3 short extra feature documentaries.
This is a wonderful film, however it should be noted that there are several fairly graphic war scenes and several scenes with sexuality.

The three short documentary featurettes are also worth watching. One addresses the love story, one addresses the war story and the third featurette discusses the behind the scenes filming. The movie was filmed in part in Budapest, Hungary. The actors, director, producer and costume designer all speak warmly and intensely of their involvement in the production.

This film is a not-to-be-missed Masterpiece theatre two-part series. If you have read the book, you will find some differences. I won't go into detail, since I have not read the book as of yet...

Gorgeous But Empty
England is at war, and Stephen Wraysford (Eddie Redmayne) is on the front lines. In command of a group of enterprising young men digging tunnels in order to get nearer foreign forces, Stephen spends most of his time above ground... until a superior officer (Matthew Goode) tells him to take to the tunnels. His timing could not be worse. Gunfire penetrates the underground shaft, leaving him badly wounded...

But conscious to remember a much happier time... when he was employed at a textile factory in France. His employer is the wealthy, older René Azaire but it is his lovely young wife Isabelle (Clémence Poésy) who most attracts Stephen's attention. Quiet and self-contained, she can often be heard weeping at night. Her stepdaughter is not much younger than she is, and is romantically interested in Stephen... but he has eyes only for the beautiful young woman who suffers so much in silence. As their affair unfolds and carries them both into desperate times,...

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The Innkeepers

A Small, But Wildly Appealing, Haunted House Thriller That Shouldn't Be Oversold As A Fright Fest
While I appreciated the generally positive reception Ti West's "The Innkeepers" received upon its theatrical run, I fear it may have been oversold as a fright fest. This is a small, but very appealing, piece set in a haunted New England inn that scores more from its human interactions than it does from its supernatural leanings. And that's just fine. If you're anticipating big scares and lots of horror mayhem, though, this may not be the film for you. Its charms are far more subtle and unexpected. In truth, I quite loved this movie. It has modest goals and, by keeping things intimate, succeeds quite admirably in feeling fresh and real. West keeps the effects to a minimum and allows the movie to come alive in the hands of his engaging cast. It's a wise decision as the screenplay is tart and funny and the actors are committed and enthusiastic.

Sara Paxton and Pat Healy play hotel clerks spending one last weekend in the historic The Yankee Pedlar Inn before it closes down for...

Ti West scares up some chills with Innkeepers
Ti West's follow up to his spooky 80s throwback House of the Devil is a return to a more basic and CGI-less haunted house story and is all the more refreshing for it. Tale of the final days of a supposedly haunted New England hotel is a fun and sometimes downright scary horror chiller that will please those horror fans that can still appreciate the days when effects were done live and scares were generated by the director and his camera, not digital FX artists. West once again takes his time to slowly build the atmosphere as he presents us with the story of the remaining employees of the old Yankee Pedlar Hotel, Claire and Luke (Sara Paxton and Pat Healy) as they decide to do a little paranormal investigating to gain evidence of the hotel's haunting before it closes. It gives nothing away to say that they may not like what they find. Ti West starts the film out with a light tone as we get to know these two slackers with an interest in the paranormal and as the story progresses, the...

I love this film
Let me first just qualify this review by saying I'm not new to the horror genre; I have a huge collection and I've seen just about everything.

I would like to write a thorough review of this film but lack the time. Instead I would like to counter the negative reviews with a few details about The Innkeepers:

It is by director Ti West, who made the superior House Of The Devil, that not only feels like it was actually made in 1982, but accomplishes tremendous things with suspense and atmosphere. I consider it a new classic.

The Innkeepers is nothing like House Of The Devil. This is far from saying it is a failure; it couldn't be farther from it. Rather, it shows unexpected versatility from a director who is not going to do the same thing twice.

The Innkeepers displays a remarkable degree of control by the director, in which he begins the film with a hum of suspense set so low you barely even know it's there, and very gradually inches it up...

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Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy)

Wait Until You See the Car
I won't be cliche and tell you that your mission, should you choose to accept it... You know the rest.

Without a doubt, this is the best of all the Mission Impossible movies, including the original. Over the years, the MI franchise had become something of a cartoon of itself. So, it seemed appropriate that Brad Bird should be chosen to helm MI4 Ghost Protocol. As the Oscar winning director of the Incredibles, he made animated cartoons seem very real. Now, he's made Mission Impossible real again. He's injected a fresh breathe of confidence, humor and camaraderie into a series that sorely needed it. He's not only re-invigorated the franchise, he's re-invigorated Tom Cruise's career as an action star. With this movie, Tom is back on top.

You'll notice that there is a lot of the Incredibles in MI4 Ghost Protocol. That's not only because of Brad Bird's influence, but because the Incredibles was a humorous homage to action films. You could say it's the IMF meets the...

5 star movie but 3 star blu ray disc
I think there are several reviews already with the same complaints but I just thought I would add my voice to the chorus.

No spoilers.

The Movie- 5 Stars
This movie has a ton of "hands-down" moments. Among them:
- Probably one of the best pure action movies I have ever seen. Yes, the plot is silly, but this is not a movie you walk into expecting it to change your perspective on life. It's just a fun and exciting movie which puts a very nice spin on the tired franchise with the Murphy's Law conundrums. Part of the fun is watching how Tom Cruise and team find their way around everything that the plot throws at them. One of my favorite sequences in MI3 was the Italy scenes where a daring heist is carried off flawlessly. In this movie, you have tons of heist scenes where absolutely nothing goes right and the movie still manages to find that tricky signature balance between action/plausibility/humor that carries the viewer from scene to scene with bated...

Updated for Blu-ray-Well made thriller from director Brad Bird ("The Incredibles") bodes well for his future as a director
UPDATED FOR BLU-RAY:

A couple of things about the Blu-ray edition 1) Paramount has done a stunning transfer with nice depth, clarity and detail. Skin tones look quite nice as do textures. The audio is VERY active with a great losslss 7.1 mix.

Be aware however that the sequences shot in IMAX format are NOT presented in the wider aspect ratio for the film (unlike, say, "The Dark Knight"). Also this includes a code for a Ultraviolet "copy" which means you'll have to stream the film rather than upload it to your portable device. There's also a code for itunes as well if you go that route.

The special features are good for the two disc editions but I am a bit disappointed that we don't get a feature length commentary track from Brad Bird and tom Cruise but we do get Bird's commentary for the deleted scenes and alternate opening sequence for the film. We also get featurettes on the dust storm sequence (a truly amazing sequence in a film filled with them) as...

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Doorway To Hell

Entertaining, Flawed and Memorable due to a young Jimmy Cagney and a Corking Good Ending:
While this very early pre-code gangster film is very entertaining with nice production values, colorfull dialogue and a strong story line it also has a major casting flaw that damages it's overall impact. Baby-faced Lew Ayres barely aged 21 plays Louie Ricardo and is seriously miscast as a tough, street-wise gang-boss that thru steely ruthlessness, intelligence and a talent for organization rules the assorted gangs of Chicago. Fresh from his superb performance in "All Quiet on the Western Front" Ayres had graduated to stardom but his youth and sincerity are not enough to make him a "beliveable" gangster / villain capable of cracking the whip over an assorted collection of hardbitten "pug uglies" and gang bosses. Louie wants to leave the bootlegging racket with his ill-gotten gains and retire to Florida but the assorted gang bosses can't do without his guidance and leadership and pressure him to "stay the course" so like a frustrated Michael Cordeone in "GodFather 111" 50 years...





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The Divide

Sure To Divide Its Audience, This Apocalyptic Nightmare Is Likely To Elicit Strong Emotions One Way Or Another
I didn't have any set expectations going into Xavier Gens' provocative survival drama "The Divide." Love it or hate it, one thing is certain: this is a movie that seems destined to polarize (or divide) its audience. Its supporters will call it a modern masterpiece. Guaranteed. Its strongest detractors will call it a nihilistic mess. Absolutely. Maybe its both--a modern messy nihilistic masterpiece. For the most part, the film was savaged by the mainstream media. On the other hand, the movie seemed to connect with audiences at key film festivals including Edinburgh, SXSW, Fant-Asia, and Toronto After Dark. So I crossed my fingers and hoped for the best. Make no mistake, the goal of Gens is to provoke and push buttons with his uncompromisingly unpleasant look at people pushed to extremes. And any film that can elicit strong emotions--good or bad--is a rarity in this movie world where we make homogenized formula pieces designed by committee.

"The Divide" literally...

Intense is an Understatement!
I'll start by saying I purchased this film because I respect Milo Ventimiglia's previous work and figured I'd give it a chance. I'm not usually one for post-apocalyptic films as I often find them too depressing to watch so I wasn't expecting to really care for it but this film really blew me away.

This movie is dark. Dark, intense and very powerful. It's full of things we all fear but most of all it encompasses the depravity of human beings when put in a situation such as what befalls the characters in this film. The cover of the movie itself should be enough to tell you that this isn't going to be a happy film. Blood, violence and even a considerable amount of rape are all in this film and it's all done so very intensely! This film shows you the horrifying and frightening things people will do to each other in order to survive, when crammed into the basement of an apartment building. This movie didn't hold back. The characters didn't hold back.

Milo...

Xavier Gens' "Lifeboat"-Like Thriller Needs Storytelling Skills
Directed by Xavier Gens (who made his name with a horror "Frontier(s)" back in 2007) "The Divide" attempts to do two things at once. The film starts out as a post-apocalyptic thriller about a small group of survivors after a nuke attack on New York City; it also intends to be a psychological drama of these "lucky" people under the claustrophobic situations. The premise may remind us of Vincenzo Natali's psychological thriller "Cube," in which scientific elements serve as a set-up for the story about the characters trapped in a small space.

The idea is good, if not very original. Unfortunately, the filmmakers failed to develop it into a compelling narrative. "The Divide" tries to be a grim, uncompromising thriller by repeatedly using graphic violence. Though I do not disagree with the idea itself, I still find it annoying and pointless when violence is the only thing the director seems interested in.

What is strange about "The Divide" is that no one in the film...

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Scars of Dracula

Terrific DVD package for lukewarm Hammer Dracula flick
For Scars of Dracula, Christopher Lee's 5th outing as the Count, Lee gets more screen time and dialogue than usual, but for most of its length SoD is only mildly diverting. The film has a drab, low-budget aura, and the script is composed mostly of recycled ideas. Roy Ward Baker (director of a number of fine genre movies, e.g. Quatermass and the Pit, Asylum, Vampire Lovers), was apparently shocked by the sadism of Anthony Hinds' screenplay, and cynically decided to give Hammer what they wanted, accounting for the even greater emphasis on bloody violence than usual for a Hammer production. Unfortunately, the overall results don't come close to Baker's usually high standard. The normally sumptuous Hammer sets are cluttery and chintzy-looking and Moray Grant's cinematography is flat and TV-like; the whole movie really looks too bright and clean to generate any real gothic atmosphere. The miniature of Dracula's castle is fairly convincing (until it's set on fire), but the splatter makeups...

A Must-Have for Christopher Lee fans!
Fans of Christopher Lee and/or Hammer Films, don't wait on this one. Get the "Limited Edition" and you'll be treated to a superb bonus disc, that includes an hour-long documentary hosted by the man himself, plus two MUSIC VIDEOS featuring Mr. Lee singing! A rare treat which makes the DVD worth buying. As for SCARS OF DRACULA, it's neither the best nor worst in the series. Widely reputed as the most violent Hammer Dracula, the film has not been viewed favorably (detractors include Lee himself---check him out on the commentary track!). But if you can avoid comparing the film to the studio's earlier, superior films (particularly those helmed by Terence Fisher), you might just find a decent horror movie waiting to be discovered. As expected from the nice folks at Anchor Bay, the picture and sound quality are top-notch, surpassing DRACULA PRINCE OF DARKNESS (in my opinion). But the extras really overshadow the beautifully-transferred, but flawed film. Sink your teeth into...

"Open the door! I've something for you!"
"Scars of Dracula" is a sort of 'odd man out' in the series of films released by Hammer Studios in that it has no place in the continuity (rather like the final film in the series, "Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires"). Basically, it re-writes the series as a sort of alternate "part one" ... therefore, it's a good place to start for anyone who hasn't seen any of these movies before.

"Scars" opens unpromisingly, I must begin by saying, but a lame resurrection for Our Favorite Vampire is compensated by some unforgettable moments immediately following it ... there's the torching of Dracula's castle following his murder of a young girl by the frightened townspeople, who are then led by their priest to the church where they discover ... well, I can't really tell you, but you'll certainly never forget. Some time passes following this incident, and we're soon introduced to a pair of brothers, the nice Simon and the naughty Paul (who's given a most amusing introduction), our...

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Listen; Darling

My Favorite Judy Movie on DVD = Big Disappointment
I was so happy to see they finally released Listen Darling on DVD, my favorite Judy Garland movie! I'd really hoped John Fricke was going to do an introduction like he has on other Judy Garland DVDs, but he didn't.

I just got my copy in the mail today and was really let down. First of all I thought I'd been ripped off because it was a DV-R, like the kind you burn on your computer. I've been told they don't last as long as regular DVDs. Also, this "Remastered Edition" looks like crap. It's like they burned it from a scratchy old VHS.

I was really looking forward to a better copy than the VHS copy I already own, hopefully with some nice extras like a John Fricke intro, behind the scene photos, and all the other kinds of bonuses classic Warner Bros DVDs have. I feel completely let down, especially after waiting so long for this to come out on DVD.

a real sleeper
Much better then I hoped for. If you're a musical fan, try this film about how two kids try to play matchmaker for their single mom.

Listen Darling
A very cute movie and a must see - love the casting - give it a try, you wont be disappointed!

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Golgo 13 Collection 3

last of the 13
golgo 13 collection 3 is one of the best collections in the series by far.
when i was reding the title on the box at the back to see what i was in for with this collection....well...
when they say that golgo takes no prisoners in collection 3 they mean what they say. mafia thugs beautiful women he has just made love to dont stand a chance.if they witness one of his 3 million dollar kills..corrupt ceos and a politicans mistresses stands no chance.

there are 2 collections already out 1 and 2/ 3 came out april the 24th 2012 the 4th collection comes out
june the 19th 2012 i have all collections so far and its one of the best anime of its time
BUT...sad news is that the 4th collection is the last one they made..

13 is still the same and deadly as ever
While Duke Togo isn't a very dynamic or likeable character, the pleasure of the anime, manga and games was the situations and the characters who are affected by the Immovable Object that is Golgo 13 as well as the impossie situations that 13 finds himself in. I'm glad that someone brought him back in whatever medium. Good collector's item for fans if anime



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Logan's Run: Complete Series

("Run, Runner!") At long last, LOGAN'S RUN: The TV Series blasts onto DVD!
It's been a long wait--35 years(!!!) but at long last LOGAN'S RUN: The TV Series (1977-78) is finally available on DVD! Starring Gregory Harrison ("Trapper John, M.D.") as Logan, Heather Menzies ("SSSSSSS") as Jessica, Donald Moffat (John Carpenter's "The Thing") as the android Rem and Randy Powell as Francis. The series was produced by Ivan Goff and Ben Roberts (creators of both "Charlie's Angels" and the short-lived "Time Express") and featured scripts by William F. Nolan, Saul David, Leonard Katzman, D.C. Fontana, David Gerrold (Noah Ward), Shimon Wincelberg, Michael Michaelian & Kathryn Michaelian Powers, John Meredith Lucas, Dennis O'Neil and Harlan Ellison.
EPISODES:
1) "LOGAN'S RUN" (90 minute pilot)--Guest Starring Keene Curtis, Morgan Woodward, Michael Beihn ("The Terminator")
2) "THE COLLECTORS"--Guest Starring Linden Chiles, Leslie Parrish, Angela Cartwright ("Lost in Space")
3) "CAPTURE"--Guest Starring Horst Bucholz, Mary Woronov ("Death Race...

Surprisingly well-written
We children of the 70's have it rough when it comes to our favorite shows. The fact is, much of what we grew up watching and loving has not aged well. I literally had not seen an episode of Logan's Run since the show ended in 1978, and was highly skeptical that it would hold up. But I'm surprised and delighted to report that the show hasn't aged poorly at all.

[Minor Spoilers Ahead]

For those who only know the 1976 movie of the same name, you should know that the show DOES change a few things. The pilot, rather than continuing the events of the film, re-imagines them. While I enjoy the pilot, I do feel it rushes things a bit. Logan's decision to rebel, for example, happens about six minutes into the episode. Likewise, the android Rem's decision to join Logan and Jessica feels a bit hurried. Naturally, the restrictions of 1978 television mean the film's more adult themes have been toned down.

The series also benefits from the contributions of...

Cheezy Sci Fi at its best.Long overdue.
Based on the movie of the same name the tv series is finally given a dvd release.God for years we had to put up with those horrible bootleg dvds. Thank Goodness a decent release is on its way. Logan's Run the tv series had many problems but somehow the exploits of Logan, Jessica and Rem has touched are hearts.For those loyal to the series such as me I just plain love the show.Lots of Sci fi gadgets and computers colorful force fields and a solar powered hovercraft discovered by L and J helps them get through the desert with ease.Very colorful sets and costumes enlivens This series too.And many familiar faces Donald Moffat as the ever lovable android Rem steals the show in many scenes. Randy Powell fresh from Dallas tv series as the ever persistent Sandman on the chase of Logan and Jessica.Played by a very young and handsome Gregory Harrison along with fresh faced Heather Menzies (Robert Urich's wife)and her Farrah Fawcett hairdoo.Tons of Guest stars Like Mariette Hartley,Christopher...

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A Streetcar Named Desire (The Original Restored Version) [Blu-ray Book]

Paper Moon.
As a playwright, Tennessee Williams was to the South what William Faulkner was as a fiction writer: a creative genius who revolutionized not only the region's arts scene and literature but that of 20th century America as a whole, bringing a Southern voice to the forefront while addressing universally important themes, and influencing and inspiring generations of later writers.

Pulitzer-Prize-winning "A Streetcar Named Desire" dates from the peak of Williams's creativity, the period between 1944 ("A Glass Menagerie") and 1955 ("Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," his second Pulitzer-winner). After its successful 1947 run on Broadway, "Streetcar" was adapted into a screenplay by Williams himself for this movie produced and directed by Elia Kazan, starring the entire Broadway cast except Jessica Tandy, who was replaced by the star of the play's London production, Vivien Leigh. The piece takes its title from one of the New Orleans streetcar lines that protagonist Blanche DuBois (Leigh)...

My rating is for the DVD...not the film.
I won't go into how amazing this movie is. We all know that. What gets me is how little respect Warner Bros. pays to the classic films that built their studios. Here you have one of the best films of all time and they release it on a DVD with virtually no extras and a VERY sub-par transfer. From the moment the Warner Bros. logo pops up you can see how unstable the image is...not to mention a large amount of dirt and debris running through every scene. The sound quality isn't much better (I actually had to turn the subtitles on for some of the pivotal scenes).Isn't this film worthy of a restoration? I've run across this same problem a lot with this company's releases. I guess they know that people will buy these wonderful movies based on the reviews of the movies themselves and don't feel any need to fork out cash to ensure the quality of their products.

There was no widescreen
The film (like virtually all pre-1952 films) was shot in the Academy format of 1.37 to 1. Because your non-widescreen TV is 1.33 to 1, there is no reason to letterbox the DVD image. So the aspect ratio has only been altered to the extent that you're losing a few millimeters on each side. (The same is true of virtually all other pre-1952 films, despite numerous posts at Amazon.com complaining about no widescreen and pan-and-scan cutting, etc. It's great that people now look for widescreen videos and DVDs, but it's not so great that people don't understand that you're not going to find them before the fifties.) "Streetcar" is a masterpiece, certainly one of the top 50 American movies every made. The only reason I've given it 4 stars instead of 5 is because the film print used for this DVD is somewhat warn and there is much graininess in the image. There's also a hiss on the mono audio. Hopefully, this film will be remastered for DVD someday. In the meantime,...

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The Iron Lady

A movie maker's ambivalence about her subject.
I saw this movie last night and I was looking forward to seeing it. I don't count myself as a fan of Thatcher's politics, but I do admire her as a person. She had an important role in the fall of the Soviet states and in transforming the American political role in the world. Therefore, I hoped to enjoy a biographical movie that of course would include much of the usual literary license that is part of the Hollywood operation.

What I got, though, left me empty. The role of Thatcher was certainly well performed by Streep and there is nothing for me to add from what others have stated and will state. I'm sure she will obtain another Oscar nomination. If that is all that interests you in movie going, then enjoy! But for those of you with more of an intellectual side, I would suggest waiting for the DVD to rent.

The central problem I believe is that the makers wanted to portray the strong, independent woman, but I have to believe that they dislike her politics...

Astonishing Performance
I saw The Iron Lady right before it was widely released, and felt that expectations that Meryl Streep's performance would be incredible were fully justified. Having seen her in many roles, this was not surprising--she's widely regarded as one of the greatest living actresses--but her transformation here into an elderly woman, including the accent, the makeup, the attitudes and personality, is nothing short of astonishing. Thatcher's very conservative politics and abrasive manner are of course very controversial--and this portrayal of them is very timely. To be sure, if you're very sympathetic to Thatcher's politics, you may find this portrayal of her unsympathetic or even offensive; some clearly have. But regardless of the viewer's politics, I can't imagine anyone watching this and not feeling he or she has seen something remarkable.

The story of Thatcher's life is told through a series of flashbacks experienced by the woman long after she left office as the British...

What's the opposite of a Crown Jewel?
Let me begin by saying that I think Meryl Streep is perhaps the most talented actress to EVER appear in films. It is no coincidence that she has been nominated for Academy Awards and Golden Globes more often than any other person.

That being said, "The Iron Lady" is neither a "crown jewel" nor a "feather in her cap."

There must have been a powerful draw to portray Dame Margaret Thatcher, the first (and so far, only) female Prime Minister of Great Britain. But when I think of recent "real-life" biopics like "Ray" or "The King's Speech" (or even "Julie & Julia", which featured Streep as famed Chef Julia Child), "The Iron Lady" falls short. Far short.

The film is anchored in a recent time - with Mrs. Thatcher an old widow, at least a little...

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IMAX: Born to Be Wild (Blu-ray 3D / DVD / UltraViolet Digital Copy Combo Pack)

2 Wildlife Sanctuaries - One Strong Message
This movie parallels two different wildlife sanctuaries in two different parts of the world. And because the movie is filmed in 3D, with IMAX quality, viewers feel like they are right there. To top it off, Morgan Freeman is the narrator.

In Kenya the story takes you to a refuge for baby elephants managed by elephant expert, Dame Daphne Sheldrick. She and her team rescue baby elephants from the wild who have lost their mothers for various reasons and nurture them until they are old enough and strong enough to be released back into the wilderness. Half way across the earth from Kenya is Borneo, where an orangutan sanctuary - deep in the rain forest - rescues baby orangutans whose mothers have been killed. It is here that primatologist, Dr. Birute Galdikas, and her team, act as mothers to these fragile creatures until they can be released back into their natural habitat.

The cuteness factor of the baby animals in this movie is off the charts. There is a scene where...

It's beautiful, it's poignant, it's sad; and it lasts 40 minutes.
This really is a great movie for kids and adults alike, albeit it does have some rather sad parts which may affect younger children. It does go beyond (and sets its aims higher) than many nature movies by showing that animals are not just cute, cuddly and goofy, but also sentient beings with feelings and fears which are in real danger from mankind's stupidity and greed.

It also showcases and celebrates two extraordinary women thousands of miles apart who have given their lives to the cause of helping to save two very different species (African elephants and orangutans). I took my three year old son and was proud to point to these women as heroes worthy of praise and emulation.

The only problem that I had with this movie is its very brief running time. I thought that a mistake had been made when the credits started rolling a little after half an hour in. I understand that it was an IMAX movie, which generally run about half the time of features, but thought...

A heartwarming film!
I took my kids to see this back in August 2011 at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

It was their 1st IMAX experience (they are 4 and 2 years old). They were so patient and were riveted!

I love how it was all about FAMILY. Animals need love and care just as much as humans.

I have been searching online for the video since then. I have it preordered and I can't wait to rewatch it over and over!

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Hell's Kitchen: Season 6 Raw & Uncensored

Very memorable season for Hell's Kitchen
Probably the best season of Hell's Kitchen in the 10 year history of the show. Kevin and Dave show just what true grit really is (wont reveal just what adversity they encounter, but you'll give kudos to both of them when you do see it), and Tennille and Van do crack me up alot on what comes out of their mouths when pulled aside in private (also makes you cringe alot on some of the idiotic comments that come out of Tennille's mouth as well). What made Season 6 especially enjoyable was that it seemed to have a fair share of competent chefs (vs. this year (Season 10) when it seems like they are all escapees from a minimum/maximum security kitchen vying for a spot at the Paris/Las Vegas Casino) for this contest; which made it interesting to see some of the stuff that these individuals could create from scratch in only 30 to 45 minutes (I still admire this quality about the competent ones). One item of note; the one chef named "Lovely", be ready to witness laziness taken to a new...

Still Cooking
I love this show and still can't believe that they find people who will go through Hell to get a job. Its one of the few shows of the ilk that I feel at the end of the day usually gets the right person as the winner. I would love to eat his cooking , but there ain't enough money in the world for me to work for him :)

BEST GUY EVER
Gordon Ramsey has done it again with this current season the remarks made by Chef Ramsey are Remarkable. With and all access pass to the man himself Gordon Ramsey. Waiting for more seasons to come out on DVD

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Damaged Goods / The Hard Road (Special Edition)

Save Your Life! Watch These Films!!
I give Damaged Goods 3 stars, merely for its value as a historical curiosity. It has a very silly soap opera plot, and is very weak as a warning film. A girl gets jealous of her boyfriend because his best friend's girlfriend wants to steal him from her. So she dumps him, allowing the hussy to make passes at him. However, they make up. So his friend gets him drunk, he gets VD, she dumps him again, he takes up with his friend's girlfriend, he makes up with his old girlfriend and dumps his new squeeze, the end. Not what you would expect from Sid Davis, the master of paranoid, alarmist warning films for kids (surprisingly, no little children get killed by nameless strangers, a problem that occurs in pretty well every other Sid Davis film).

The Hard Road on the other hand is priceless. As Something Weird suggests, it is like every single warning film ever made has been combined into one alarming film. The lead female manages to go directly from one problem to another. Just when...

Exploitation films designed to scare teeangers out of having sex
Let me begin with this specific warning: One of the things that "Damaged Goods" and "The Hard Road" have in common is that during the course of the narratives the young people in the movies and the viewing audience are exposed to what were called sex hygiene films. The point of these "educational" films was to scare kids straight and that means showing pictures of genitalia infected with venereal disease. So if you think that this Something Weird DVD has brought together a couple of choice examples from the sexploitation genre of the early 1960s, you are going to be in for a rude awakening, which, of course, was the whole point of these films.

The trailer for "Damaged Goods" makes it seem that the title character of this 1961 film is Kathy Durham (Dolores Faith), the bad brunette high school girl who wants to take Jim Radman (Mory Schoolhouse) away from perky blonde Judy Jackson (Charlotte Stewart). But Jim is really the central character here and the title fits him as...

Great time capsule!
My 5-star rating is for the first film, "Damaged Goods." This is a highly atmospheric film that is very nostalgic for anyone who remembers the 1960s. The hair, clothes, cars and music are a refreshing break from the un-ending grunge of post 1970-America.

"Damaged Goods" is a day in the life of handsome Jim (Mory Schoolhouse), his buddy Monk (Michael Bell) and the fun everybody has when bad girl Kathy (Dolores Faith) rocks the boat by taking Jim away from his squeaky-clean girlfriend Judy (Charlotte Stewart).

High points: Double-dating at a teen juke joint as Judy fumes over Kathy's obvious come-ons to Jim and Monk; Kathy cleverly acing Judy out of the picture so she can go with Jim and Monk to the fun-fair; boys night out with Jim, Monk and two buddies as they latch on to some hookers; and Kathy's delight when annoyingly wholesome Judy finds out Jim got lucky with a ho in Seaview, wrecking their relationship.

Yes, this was made as a warning film and...

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Titanic: 100 Years On

What does 70s/80s rock music have to do with the Titanic Centenary and why is it in the annoying score to this DVD?,
When the "credentials" for this hour long film - which looks like it was made for the Fox Channel (Not Fox NEWS channel), but probably wasn't - is the fact that it's narrated by the ACTOR who played the role of the Chief Officer in the mega-hit film "Titanic", and Leo DiCaprio and Director James Cameron are featured on the package, you should know you are not in for an honest film abut the ship. But, I went ahead anyway and watched it.

The score which underlies the narration is pure 70s/80s power pop with a constantly beating drum. Not only does the score and the drumming drown out the narrationm, but it is totally out of place. Yes, there is commentary from the National Maritime Museum (in Halifax Canada I'm assuming) but everything else is made up of historical still photos and lots of scenes from the Hollywood motion picture. I'd tell you more, but I'll save my words - and your time. This is truly a DVD that is jumping on the timing of the Centenary of the sinking of the...

Doco that should hit an iceberg
Titanic 100 years on is a disgrace.
I have well over 35 docos about the Titanic and this is by far the most miserable excuse for a documentary about the disaster it has been my misfortune to witness.
Where to start?...the background music styles range from 60's beat instrumentals to 90's dance and 30's jazz....close.....but.....
The editing...........apparently that's what it is, is sloppy, rough and vainly done to look cutting edge. It is an epic fail.
There are various ships related to the Titanic story that are mentioned. Amerika, Baltic, California, Titanic itself.....the picture used you may ask???....The Carpathia................I could go on, but I think you get the drift.
Awful.

Great in 3D
The 3d effect makes you feel like you are part of the movie especially the part where they invite Jack to have dinner with them- Great in3D

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Saving the Titanic

GREAT RECREATION OF THE BRAVE MEN IN THOSE BOILER ROOMS.......
I also watched this PBS program and I have to say it brought me to tears, just seeing those brave Irsihmen working in the bowels of the ship, keeping the lights on for the passengers to board the lifeboats. Without their bravery and sacrifice, they would have been more casualties. This is truly a sad story and not one known by all who have an interest in the disaster. The acting is first rate and it will brings it home, when you see the actual photos of those brave souls at the end of the program. I cannot wait to purchase the dvd.

AN EXCELLENT,TRAGIC TALE
I AM WATCHING THIS PROGRAM ON P.B.S AS I'M WRITING THIS REVIEW AND I AM TRULY TERRIFIED AND AWED AT WHAT I'M SEEING. THIS DOCUMENTARY, WHICH TELLS OF THE MEN WORKING IN THE BOILER ROOMS, HAD STAYED ON THE TITANIC 2 KEEP HER ELECTRICITY ON TO SEND DISTRESS SIGNALS AND TO TRY 2 KEEP THE SHIP FROM SINKING. AND EVEN THOUGH THIS WAS A NOBLE TASK, IT EVENTUALLY WAS A FAILURE. THE MEN ALSO WERE TOLD WHETHER OR NOT TO STAY AND TRY 2 SAVE THE SHIP 4 AS LONG AS THEY CAN. WATER IS CONSTANTLY FLOODING THE SHIP, THE BULKHEADS ARE BREAKING APART, AND MANY OF THE MEN ARE DROWNING. FEAR,DISPAIR, AND CHAOS ERUPTS. THE SHIP IS CREAKING, TILTING LOWER AND LOWER UNTIL IT BREAKS APART IN 2 AND SINKS. ALL OF THE CHIEF ENGINEERS PERISHED. THIS IS A TRULY FRIGHTENING TALE OF THE MEN WHO BRAVED THE ODDS 2 TRY 2 SAVE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WHO WERE STILL TRAPPED ON THE TITANIC WHEN ALL OF THE LIFEBOATS WERE LAUNCHED. THIS PROGRAM WILL B AVAILABLE LATER THIS MONTH ON DVD. I WILL DEFINATELY PICK THIS UP.

high quality drama for Titanic fans
The televised version is less than 60 minutes while this version is described as 90 minutes. I am anxious to see if this version is presented as an outright drama or as the narrated, dramatised documentary shown on PBS. Either way, it will be good.

UPDATE: I have seen it now and it is better than the version shown on PBS. It is interesting to see the parts that were cut out. I don't known why they edited it for PBS unless they thought the U.S. viewers would not understand part of it. If you like movies about the Titanic you need to get this one; it shows a side of the events that you don't normally see.

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The Perils of Pauline

"The King of Serials...VCI Entertainment ~ Perils of Pauline (1934)"
VCI Entertainment and Universal Pictures present..."Perils of Pauline" (1934) (Dolby digitally remastered), a 12 Chapter cliffhanger from an enjoyable early sound Universal serial era featuring an outstanding cast with Ray Taylor and Henry MacRae at the helm....will our famous scientist (James Durkin) and his beautiful daughter Pauline (Evalyn Knapp) find an ivory disc in a temple in Indochina...does this hidden artifact have the formula for a deadly gas engraved on it...will the evil doctor (John Davidson) and his gang of henchman succeed in lifting this from our heroine Pauline and her new found friend Robert Allen...could this Universal Serial be the start of something big that will keep growing decades hereafter...and is it very nice to keep us guessing during and after every episode...don't leave the theater until the final chapter is over and done with "Confu's Sacred Secret"....just remember double thrills, chills, mystery and suspense...hitting the bull's eye with...

VCI's DVD edition: Good Picture, Disappointing Sound
Universal's twelve-chapter serial "The Perils of Pauline" from 1933 has little in common with the 1914 Pearl White classic, other than story writer Charles W. Goddard, who wrote the screenplay for the earlier serial. Still, the "remake" is good for its time. It was directed by Ray Taylor, with screenplay by Basil Dickey, Jack Foley, Ella O'Neill and George Plympton.

The story has Professor Hargrave (James Durkin) in China, seeking an ivory disk inscribed with an ancient formula for a deadly disintegrating gas, which years earlier he had promised his dying friend, the priest Confu, he would use to benefit humanity. With the Professor are his daughter, Pauline (Evalyn Knapp) and his secretary, Willie Dodge (Sonny Ray), neither of whom are enthusiastic about staying in China, given that a revolution is in progress and the city is being bombed. But the Professor explains that others have learned of the formula's existence, and it might fall into the hands of the evil Dr...

THIS ONE SET THE STANDARD FOR MANY THAT FOLLOWED
Well to begin with, it would be difficult for me to add a great deal concerning this film after reading the wonderful review on this page by J. Lovins. "Mr Jim" has pretty well hit the nail on the head with this one.

The Saturday afternoon serial was, in many ways, a semi-important part of life for many of my generation. As far as outside entertainment was concerned, the movies were it...no T.V., no video, no computers, no nothing of that nature. We had the movies and we had books. Looking back, this was quite satisfactory and quite adequate. A big part of the movie experience for little boys and girls in this era was the cliff hanger serial. We followed these things week after week and again, looking back, it is surprising just how much of our conversation during the week, between episodes, addressed past episodes and speculated on future ones.

Our theater was located in a very isolated section of the country at that time, in a very small town. We did not...

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Billy the Exterminator: Season 4

Billy Hits The Road In Pursuit Of Bigger And Badder Beasties For Season Four
Remember when Billy Bretherton and the rest of his Louisana clan were actually real exterminators? I don't mean that as an insult, but "Billy the Exterminator" began its run as a fairly traditional workplace reality show. The A&E series featured his company Vexcon ridding the south of an assortment of expected (and not so expected) pests, all while highlighting the eccentric family dynamic that popularizes the many shows of this type. But really, after all the bees, snakes, possums, spiders, and other creepy crawlies--someone must have decided things were getting a bit stale. And so while keeping the colorful cast of characters intact, Season Four of the popular show shifted focus. All reality shows cross the line between actual events and those that make for good TV, so to keep things lively--Billy took the show on the road. The focus of Season Four is on bigger and more unusual challenges and much less on running a successful business. It's as if TV has taken over as the...

Season 4 Billy the Exterminator
We love the Billy the Exterminator DVD's. My grandchildren will sit and watch all day long. They love Billy!! We haven't missed buying any of the seasons for each grandson.

Excellent
Always loved the show. Came to me quickly, in Great shape and with no faults. Would definitely recommend this to anyone

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Girl On a Motorcycle: Remastered Edition [Blu-ray]

A Beautiful European "Easy Rider"
Imagine Diana Rigg joining "Easy Rider's" Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda for a ride across France and Germany and you will have a pretty good idea what "Girl on a Motorcycle" looks like. Made one year before "Easy Rider"; this is an amazing 1960's road movie that includes hip camera angles, groovy music, a leather suit and a Harley Super Glide.

While low-budget, it is not a thrown together "B" Movie but a thoughtful existential trip inside the mind of a flawed character who happens to be a sexy woman. On close examination, what appears to be yet another fruitless examination of the mysteries of female discontent is really a more expansive study of the human condition. Rebecca, the main character, illustrates life as a process of choosing between comfortable security and the need for freedom and excitement; a daily struggle with guilt and its consequent self-destructiveness, and the seductive lure of risk. Motivations familiar to almost all serious motorcycle riders...

The World's Greatest Psychedelic Driver's Ed Film
Rather than suffer her 19th Nervous Breakdown disgruntled housewife Marianne Faithfull (pre-Tom Waits soundalike period) hits the European road gleefully bouncing her robust Brit bottom on her motorbike soon to be coupled with intense Eurohunk Alain Delon.
Our leather-clad goddess wistfully reflects and reminisces about her last year on earth with eye-zapping psychedelic effects. This film would actually play very well in a double-feature with the similarly wild film "Performance".
Note to Marianne: while grinding down the Autobahn on a motorbike at 95 miles an hour it's okay to flap your thighs and bounce your butt but by all means KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN!

She's Just Magical and Sparkling in this Role
Marianne Faithfull is a stunner in her role as discontented young newlywed.

The scenery is gorgeous and her beauty fits right along with it, as she rides from Switzerland to Germany, to see her lover played by Alain Delon, who gave her the bike as a "wedding gift".

He plays a manipulative, ungrateful, unappreciative professor interested in her "free love".

The hallucinatory scenes can be a bit bothersome, but on the whole there is meaning to this film and also the chance to see beautiful Ms Faithfull

fresh, young,so alive and so gorgeously sexy.

See it !

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