Hidalgo (Widescreen Edition)

Starring:Viggo Mortensen, Zuleikha Robinson, Omar Sharif, Louise Lombard, Adam Alexi-Malle, SaÃ¯d Taghmaoui, Silas Carson, Harsh Nayyar, J.K. Simmons, Adoni Maropis, Victor Talmadge, Peter Mensah, Joshua Wolf Coleman, Franky Mwangi, Floyd 'Red Crow' Westerman, Elizabeth Berridge, C. Thomas Howell, Stevan Rimkus, Jerry Hardin, Frank Collison
Director: Joe Johnston
Studio: Touchstone / Disney
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
Director Joe Johnston has always had an entertaining sense of adventure, and with Hidalgo he proves it in spades. It's yet another underrated film for Johnston (along with such enjoyable popcorn flicks as The Rocketeer and Jurassic Park III), dismissed by many critics but a welcome treat for anyone drawn to good ol'-fashioned movie excitement. In his first role since playing Aragorn in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Viggo Mortensen brings handsome appeal to his low-key portrayal of Frank T. Hopkins, a real-life long-distance horse racer who, as the movie opens, has witnessed the appalling massacre of Native Americans at Wounded Knee in 1890. Drifting into Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, he agrees to compete, with his trusty mustang, Hidalgo, in "The Ocean of Fire," a treacherous 3,000-mile horse race across the Arabian desert. Toss in a bunch of conspiring competitors, a noble sheik (Omar Sharif), his lovely daughter (Zuleikha Robinson), and enough fast-paced danger to fill 133 minutes, and you've got a rousing, humorous, and lightly spiritual adventure that's a lot of fun to watch. It hardly matters that it's almost pure fiction (the real Hopkins was known by many as "a pathological liar"). More important is the love of movies and moviemaking that Johnston so delightfully conveys. --Jeff Shannon
Description
A sandstorm of epic proportions. A swarm of locusts so massive it obliterates the relentless sun. Deadly traps that defy imagination. These are just a few of the astonishing obstacles Frank T. Hopkins, the greatest long-distance racer ever, faces in the rousing action-adventure HIDALGO. Based on a true story and starring Viggo Mortensen (THE LORD OF THE RINGS Trilogy), Hopkins (Mortensen) and his mustang Hidalgo enter the ultimate extreme sport of its time -- the Ocean Of Fire. Underdogs challenging the finest Arabian horses and riders, they must not only survive the grueling race across 3,000 miles of the Arabian Desert's punishing terrain, but they must thwart the evil plots of competitors who vow victory at all costs! A great story of personal triumph, amazing special effects, and memorable characters make HIDALGO one of the most thrilling adventures ever.

Evita
Average customer rating:

Savior in the Eyes of Argentina

Terrific musical

Original and flawed

Great

Banderas and Madonna are in top form in this great film.

Evita
Starring: Antonio Banderas , Gary Brooker , Adrià Collado , Andrea Corr , and Martin Drogo
Director: Alan Parker
Manufacturer: Miramax
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: 6304806418
Release Date: 1998-03-25

Amazon.com

After more than a decade of false starts and several potential directors, the popular Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musical finally made it to the big screen with Alan Parker (The Commitments) at the helm and Madonna in the coveted title role of Argentina's first lady, Eva Perón. A triumph of production design, costuming, cinematography, and epic-scale pageantry, the film follows the rise of Eva Perón to the level of supreme social and political celebrity in the 1940s. Like Madonna, Perón was a material girl (she was only 33 when she died); she was instrumental in the political success of her husband, Juan Perón (Jonathan Pryce). But Eva was also a supremely tragic figure whose life was essentially hollow at its core despite the lavish benefits of her nearly goddess-like status. The film has a similar quality--it's visually astonishing but emotionally distant, and benefits greatly from the singing commentary of Ché (Antonia Banderas), who serves as a passionate chorus to guide the viewer through the elaborate parade of history. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Few times in the history of Hollywood has a film been released with the scope and daring of EVITA! Now, experience this landmark achievement as entertainment megastar Madonna -- in the role of a lifetime -- joins Antonio Banderas (ASSASSINS, DESPERADO) for the year's most talked about motion picture event! Directed by award-winning filmmaker Alan Parker (MISSISSIPPI BURNING), EVITA is the riveting true-life story of Eva Peron (MADONNA), who rose above childhood poverty and a scandalous past to achieve unimaginable fortune and fame. Despite widespread controversy, her passion changed a nation forever! Winner of the coveted Academy Award(R) for Best Song (1996) and 3 Golden Globe Awards (Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Song) -- critics nationwide hailed EVITA as a triumphant must-see masterpiece -- and so will you!

Customer Reviews:

Savior in the Eyes of Argentina.......2007-05-01

Evita is a historically relevant musical about a woman named Evita Peron who, in the early twentieth century, rose to the top and became a significant influence to the people of Argentina. She started her life out on the lowest ranks of society, an outcast in her own right, she slowly rose her way up to become a national figure in the political spectrum. I thought it was a very well made movie with a great deal of historical accuracies incorporated into it. Madonna was an excellent choice for casting. This movie has an excellent entertainment value while also incorporating historical value into it!

Terrific musical.......2007-04-26

Evita is the best contemporary historical musical out there. Madonna shines in this film, as does Antonio Bandaraz. Anyone who doesn't appreciate Evita, obviously doesn't know their history.

My one complaint is that the DVD has NO extra features! There really is no point in purchasing the DVD over the VHS unless you want to be able to flip through the chapters or care about wide screen. I would have liked to see some director's commentary as well as an interview with Madonna. Some historical notes would have been nice too.

Original and flawed.......2007-04-18

Evita is not really a musical. It is an uneasy combination of tableau and opera. There is no spoken dialogue. It is worth seeing just for the great costumes and production values and the exquisite cinematography. Crowd scenes are well staged and exciting. There are also some great dance scenes. With powerful voices and a convincing star this could have been an extraordinary film. However, with the exception of Antonio Banderas, the singing is surprisingly thin and weak. Jonathan Pryce as Juan Peron gives a fine understated performance, but Madonna is miscast: past her prime and out of her depth. The first rule of acting is "look good on screen" and unfortunately she doesn't. Gaunt and sallow, with garish makeup and inexplicably bloodshot eyes, she cuts an unconvincing and depressing figure. As he did in Cats, Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote one great song and a whole lot of junk. Sequences of rock music here and there are jarring and anachronistic.

Great.......2007-04-16

I haven't heard the original cast recording so I can't compare this to it but, I think this is a very good movie/musical. Madonna and Antonio Banderas did a great job! The music is really good.This musical is not as good as The Phantom of the Opera but it is hard to be better than Phantom. You MUST see EVITA!

Banderas and Madonna are in top form in this great film........2007-04-15

This masterpiece of film-making needs re-evaluation since in hindsight it can be seen for the superb and masterful work of art and entertainment that it is. I have now seen the film three times and each time I am amazed that this film has not been recognized widely for its considerable attributes.

How does a director convey the oppressive nature of Fascism in a musical? Alan Parker succeeds wonderfully through his use of a muted brown, beige, black, and vanilla color range. He does it through the wonderful photography of riots, poverty, wealth, militarism, and the signs and symbols of power. The cinematography in this film is great. The art direction is super. The editing is perfect. It is a mystery to me why this film wasn't more appreciated by the public.

I think one reason is that folks don't know history and understand the rise of fascism in Germany, Italy, Spain, and Argentina in the 1930s and 1940s. Peron's brand of fascism was threatening to the oligarchy in Argentina that had ruled a nation of farmers and cowboys and peasants. Thus there is no clear picture of good guys and bad guys in the film. At times Eva's appeals to the poor and underserved, the establishment of her foundation, and her ability to communicate with the masses puts her in the role of saint. However, the extortion of the rich to pay for her charities and thus maintain the popularity of Peron is a shrewed political power play.

Madonna is super in this film. Her acting is not naturalistic because she is playing an over-the-top diva and saint. It is Antonio Banderas who gives us a running commentary thorughout the film that continually grounds the viewer in the facts and the actions in this opera.

One last comment: there are very few songs that have the power of Webber and Rice's Don't Cry for Me Argentina. Madonna's performance is spotless when she sings this from her balcony to the crowd below.

Average customer rating:

The kind of movie I never get tired of seeing
Painted Horse
How did I miss this?
Destined for Greatness
Hidalgo

Hidalgo (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Viggo Mortensen , Zuleikha Robinson , Omar Sharif , Louise Lombard , and Adam Alexi-Malle
Director: Joe Johnston
Manufacturer: Touchstone / Disney
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00005JMOW
Release Date: 2004-08-03

Amazon.com

Director Joe Johnston has always had an entertaining sense of adventure, and with Hidalgo he proves it in spades. It's yet another underrated film for Johnston (along with such enjoyable popcorn flicks as The Rocketeer and Jurassic Park III), dismissed by many critics but a welcome treat for anyone drawn to good ol'-fashioned movie excitement. In his first role since playing Aragorn in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Viggo Mortensen brings handsome appeal to his low-key portrayal of Frank T. Hopkins, a real-life long-distance horse racer who, as the movie opens, has witnessed the appalling massacre of Native Americans at Wounded Knee in 1890. Drifting into Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, he agrees to compete, with his trusty mustang, Hidalgo, in "The Ocean of Fire," a treacherous 3,000-mile horse race across the Arabian desert. Toss in a bunch of conspiring competitors, a noble sheik (Omar Sharif), his lovely daughter (Zuleikha Robinson), and enough fast-paced danger to fill 133 minutes, and you've got a rousing, humorous, and lightly spiritual adventure that's a lot of fun to watch. It hardly matters that it's almost pure fiction (the real Hopkins was known by many as "a pathological liar"). More important is the love of movies and moviemaking that Johnston so delightfully conveys. --Jeff Shannon

Description

A sandstorm of epic proportions. A swarm of locusts so massive it obliterates the relentless sun. Deadly traps that defy imagination. These are just a few of the astonishing obstacles Frank T. Hopkins, the greatest long-distance racer ever, faces in the rousing action-adventure HIDALGO. Based on a true story and starring Viggo Mortensen (THE LORD OF THE RINGS Trilogy), Hopkins (Mortensen) and his mustang Hidalgo enter the ultimate extreme sport of its time -- the Ocean Of Fire. Underdogs challenging the finest Arabian horses and riders, they must not only survive the grueling race across 3,000 miles of the Arabian Desert's punishing terrain, but they must thwart the evil plots of competitors who vow victory at all costs! A great story of personal triumph, amazing special effects, and memorable characters make HIDALGO one of the most thrilling adventures ever.

Customer Reviews:

The kind of movie I never get tired of seeing.......2007-05-11

My profile. 43 yo (and getting better). No qulaifications as a movie critic whatsoever

This is one of those adventure movies I just cannot stop seeing... everything is perfect, the production, the choosing of the actors, the action.. and the love between man and horse united in such way that makes you actually hear the horse's thoughts..

Painted Horse.......2007-03-15

Know one thought Frank Hopkins horse would win, Hidalgo went the 3,000 miles, over the desert of fire. This horse out ran a sand storm, This movie will be my favorite for a long tine.

How did I miss this?.......2007-02-20

When I read about the attachment Viggo Mortensen developed with the horses he rode in Lord of the Rings and later Hidalgo, I decided to buy this DVD. But how did I miss this movie to begin with? Omar Sharif is in it.

This is the fictionalized account of endurance rider Frank T. Hopkin's race in the Arabian desert, and an excellent blend of history, storytelling, movie magic, crossed cultures, and a test of endurance by man and horse. The story starts out with a Ghost Dance at Wounded Knee, in 1890. It takes an honest look at the fate of Native Americans, the American Mustang, and the inevitable rewriting of history by a conqueror, even as it provides an uplifting, sometimes humorous, action-packed story. I loved it, and my husband wanted to watch the DVD a second time within a few days. He rarely does that.

Destined for Greatness.......2007-01-17

The first 10 seconds of the film lays out the theme; transformation. An epic work that is right up there with the swashbuckling films of all times. A must see. We discover again what it means to be genuine, honorable, forgiving, courageous, trustworthy and dependable. To understand that the only one that can stop you from reaching your destiny- is you. To realize that when you remove barriers from between nations, there is an over-flow of love, anticipation and eagerness to enjoy your fellow man. And finally the movie reveals that all of us thirst for freedom, whether here in America or in a far-away land.

Hidalgo.......2007-01-17

A sweet cowboy story with a typical into the sunset ending, this movie is based on the life of Frank Hopkins, a real live long distance racer from American's past. I reccomend this movie for all those who like to see the underdog compete with the big boys and win one.

Average customer rating:

Happy with Lone Wolf McQuade
An Old Favorite
LONEWOLF MCQUADE
Chuck Norris is the man!!!
Guns don't kill people. Chuck Norris kills people.

Lone Wolf McQuade
Starring: Chuck Norris , David Carradine , Barbara Carrera , Leon Isaac Kennedy , and Robert Beltran
Director: Steve Carver
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
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Walker, Texas Ranger - The Complete Third Season

ASIN: B00005O06Q
Release Date: 2001-11-20

Amazon.com

Chuck Norris fans will find Lone Wolf McQuade to be one of his best. Playing a rebellious Texas Ranger, Norris single-handedly wipes out an entire gang of horse thieves--and that's just the opening scene. From there the plot involves arms smuggling, McQuade's daughter being kidnapped, and a dwarf in an electric wheelchair. But the movie's real trump card is a face-off between Norris and David Carradine of the TV show Kung Fu, who plays a badass villain with a penchant for argyle sweaters (though truth be told, Norris's wardrobe is very 1980s as well). Barbara Carrera makes a suitable bad girl/love interest and science fiction fans will enjoy some familiar faces (Robert Beltran, who would later be part of Star Trek: Voyager, and William Sanderson, a supporting actor from Blade Runner). All in all, an action-packed romp with a reverent, almost mythological view of the Texas Rangers. --Bret Fetzer

Description

Martial arts master Chuck Norris (The Delta Force) takes on kung fu king David Carradine (Kung Fu) in this modern-day western/action adventure that packs a wallop! An Â"unabashedly action-oriented and skillfully crafted filmÂ" (The Hollywood Reporter), Lone Wolf McQuade is simply Â"a thrill machineÂ" (LA Herald-Examiner)! Legendary renegade Texas Ranger J.J. McQuade (Norris) is fierce with his gun Â- but lethal with his black belt! When his teenage daughterÂ's life is threatened by hijackers attempting to steal a truck full of weapons and ammunition, the job becomes personal for McQuade. Uncovering a colossal arms-smuggling outfit that is selling guns and ammo to terrorists all over the world, McQuade comes face to face with its kingpin, Rawley Wilkes (Carradine) Â- a world-renowned martial arts expert who has never lost a battle! Does the Ranger have what it takes to save his daughter and his honor Â- or has he finally met his match, and ultimatelyÂ...his demise?

Customer Reviews:

Happy with Lone Wolf McQuade.......2007-05-17

I was very happy to get this movie. I have had trouble finding it locally. I just wish it was closed captioned as I have trouble hearing. Thanks

An Old Favorite.......2007-04-14

A must-have for Chuck Norris fans. Masterful martial arts action, and the added bonus of seeing Kung Fu star David Carradine, too! Norris always shines as a Texas Ranger.

LONEWOLF MCQUADE.......2006-11-07

An excellent movie. Chuck Norris as a Texas Ranger is at his best. Its an oldy but a goody made in 1983.
Its a story of love set in an western action adventure genre. When the bad guy (David Carradine) kidnaps his daughter Chuck Norris rises to the challenge and over comes all odds in this excelent martial arts adventure. Coupled with sexy love scenes with Barbara Carrera, this movie is a must see. I give it two thumbs up.

Chuck Norris is the man!!!.......2006-08-31

If you like Texas Rangers, guns, karate, beer, and great dialogue, then you love this movie. Imagine Walker Texas Ranger and then make him even more bad a**. Trust me you will like this movie or Chuck will roundhouse kick you in the face.

Guns don't kill people. Chuck Norris kills people........2006-08-08

I would say this is the greatest Chuck Norris movie, no wait, the greatest movie of all-time except for one thing. And that is that all Chuck Norris movies are created equal and better then movies like the Godfather, Schlinder's List, Back Door Sluts 9, and Braveheart combined. Chuck Norris is a much better actor then Tom Hanks and Marlon Brando because he knows karate. Hell Chuck Norris invented Karate as well as Judo, Kung Fu, and Hamster style Jap Slapping. Do yourself a favor and buy this movie so you can call yourself a man. And if your a woman buy this movie and pray Chuck Norris comes to your house and gets you pregnant.

This message was approved by Chuck Norris.

Average customer rating:

Not an great adaptation
A brief historical document
A must know history
good movie
It's a real story

In the Time of the Butterflies
Starring: Salma Hayek , Edward James Olmos , Mía Maestro , Demián Bichir , and Pilar Padilla
Director: Mariano Barroso
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
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ASIN: B000063K0I
Release Date: 2002-05-07

Amazon.com

In the Time of the Butterflies tells the real-life story of the Mirabal sisters, courageous revolutionaries known covertly as las Mariposas ("the Butterflies"). The sisters' years of dissent during the Trujillo dictatorship in the Dominican Republic led to their eventual murder in 1960, a brutal crime that signaled the beginning of the end for Trujillo. Told through the eyes of Minerva Mirabal (Salma Hayek), the story follows a somewhat predictable plot line as the sisters progress rapidly from naive to idealistic to victimized and on to resolved as they become leaders in an elaborate plot to assassinate the dictator. As with so many biographical depictions on film, even though this one is based on a highly acclaimed novel by Julia Alvarez, the narrative shifts from past to present are clumsy and excessively sepia-toned; the script delivers its life-was-better-before-sequence with little to no grace before quickly connecting the dots of history. Nevertheless, Edward James Olmos, as Trujillo, does a remarkable job of conveying the unique mixture of political intuition and ruthlessness needed to maintain a dictatorship for 30 years, while Hayek delivers a spirited lead performance. --Fionn Meade

Description

Academy Award® nominee* Salma Hayek gives a powerful, passionate performance as an idealistic young woman who wages a daring struggle for freedom against a murderous dictator (Academy Award® nominee** Edward James Olmos) in this moving thriller that, "with brutal simplicity, dramatizes the personal toll of political tyranny" (San Francisco Chronicle). For generations, General Rafael Trujillo (Olmos) has ruled the Dominican Republic with a mixture of terrorand savagery until Minerva Mirabal (Hayek) dares to oppose him. Inspired by her love for a rebel leader (Marc Anthony), Minerva and her sistersknown as Las Mariposas ("The Butterflies")endure unimaginable hardships in a battle for the very soul of a nation. But as their acts of bravery gain notoriety, Trujillo's forces close in, determined to put an end to Minerva's heroics. *Actress, Frida (2002) **Actor, Stand and Deliver (1988)

Customer Reviews:

Not an great adaptation.......2007-04-04

Although the film was entertaining, it was in no way an accurate adaptation of Alvarez's novel. I'm very disappointed.

A brief historical document.......2007-03-13

I think this is a good briefing for foreing people to understand the kind of life the Dominican Republic lived and why dominican appreciates democracy and try to defend the road to a steady democracy. Although there are some details a little bit unreal, most of the movie is good for it purposes.

A must know history.......2006-07-31

The historical interpretation of the movie was on target. It portrays the atrocities commited by the dictator of Dominican Republic, Trujillo. The movie captured the essence of the life of Dominicans at the time. It is definately a must see movie because it is a part of history that we must not forget.

good movie.......2006-02-24

I love Selma Hayeck and Marc Anthony. They did a great job. I wish the movie would have shown more of the prison scenes. But all in all it was a good movie.

It's a real story.......2005-10-18

Very Touching, the legacy of the Mirabal sisters is an example of courage. "Vivan las Mariposas"

Average customer rating:

The kind of movie I never get tired of seeing
Painted Horse
How did I miss this?
Destined for Greatness
Hidalgo

Hidalgo (Full Screen Edition)
Starring: Viggo Mortensen , Zuleikha Robinson , Omar Sharif , Louise Lombard , and Adam Alexi-Malle
Director: Joe Johnston
Manufacturer: Touchstone / Disney
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00024I2TA
Release Date: 2004-08-03

Amazon.com

Description

Customer Reviews:

The kind of movie I never get tired of seeing.......2007-05-11

Painted Horse.......2007-03-15

Know one thought Frank Hopkins horse would win, Hidalgo went the 3,000 miles, over the desert of fire. This horse out ran a sand storm, This movie will be my favorite for a long tine.

How did I miss this?.......2007-02-20

Destined for Greatness.......2007-01-17

Hidalgo.......2007-01-17

Average customer rating:

Waste of time...
If Stephen King had been born in South America....
Symbolical political drama
We Must Use Imagination To Find Our Humanity
Disappearance in Argentina: Unnesesarry Plot Devices Spoil the Impact of the Historical Truths

Imagining Argentina
Starring: Irene Escolar , Fernando Tielve , Hector Bordoni , Antonio Banderas , and Emma Thompson
Director: Christopher Hampton
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
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Imagining Argentina
Of Love & Shadows
And Starring Pancho Villa as Himself

ASIN: B000AMWIUI
Release Date: 2005-10-11

Description

Antonio Banderas and Academy Award winner Emma Thompson star in this gripping political thriller from Academy Award-winning director Christopher Hampton. Carlos Rueda (Banderas) is the director of a children's theater in Buenos Aires, a city haunted by the disappearance of thousands who have spoken up against the dictator in power. When his wife, Cecilia (Thompson), disappears after writing a controversial article, Carlos discovers he has the power to look into the faces of those seeking the missing and see the fate of the people they love. But no matter how desperately he searches for his own wife, he always finds himself one step behind. Pushed to the limits of survival, it's up to Cecilia to find her way to Carlos in a journey filled with danger, horror and suspense.

Customer Reviews:

Waste of time..........2007-04-01

Imagining Argentina is, simply put, a poorly crafted film.
I have not read the novel on which it is based but being familiar with the subject matter makes me furious about the lack of substance with which the story has been treated. There is a sheer absence of research, which constitutes clear proof of negligence as there is plenty of material available to learn about it. The film also fails on all levels on the very basics of film-making. We never get to know the characters -therefore we don't really care about them- and the little we see is basically a contrived commonplace of mellow idealists. We see the military as just a bunch of perverted Nazis with refined, obscure fixations, when the truth is that they were extremely well organized and coordinated in their systematic goals of control and extermination. The director fails to tell the most basic aspects of the story, relying instead on silly, melodramatic details [such as a shoe] and confusing, tourist-inspired scenes in which you see a Brazilianesque carnival, tango dancers, and gauchos all living happily together in La Boca. Nothing farther from the truth.
In short, don't waste your time watching this parody of a film.
If you are interested in learning about the tragic events that happened in South America 30 years ago, I recommend watching 'The Official Story' and 'Missing'.

If Stephen King had been born in South America...........2006-10-13

I really feel hesitant about giving this movie a poor review because it's very well-made and everyone in it is excellent...but it doesn't work. I agree with the other review that criticizes the film for trivializing the sad horrors of South America by playing them out in a movie about a psychic. The 1982 film MISSING with Jack Lemmon and DEATH & THE MAIDEN with Sigourney Weaver touch on the same topic and do a better job of handling it.
You almost feel guilty for watching a form of entertainment about a dark and despicable part of history.

Watching IMAGINING ARGENTINA is kind of like watching THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION if that film had included numerous brutal prison gang rapes.

Symbolical political drama.......2006-03-15

Mix one part magical realism with two parts government corruption and a heavy dose of good acting and you've basically got the idea for this unflinching portrayal of the Videl dictatorship in Argentina in the 1970s. I admit I am not altogether familiar with the history behind this story but this film, under the assumption that it is portrayed somewhat correctly, gave me a fairly good idea of what happened. However, it is not entirely heavy on the political realm for much symbolism is used throughout. Indeed, the political backstory is almost put on the back-burner in favor of the more dramatically-pleasing plot of finding missing family members.

Antonio Banderas proves that he can actually act and gives a fine performance (if at time slightly cheesy). Emma Thompson is, as always, brilliant in a surprising South American accent which she does very well. The film is emotionally charged throughout, especially the last shot. It's a good thing the writers didn't opt for a happy-everyone-returns-safely-ending (cough*War of the Worlds*cough).

I can't think why this movie was so badly received at the Venice Film Festival where it was first premiered. The plot moves slowly at times (are all those 'garden' scenes really necessary?) but otherwise I found the plot quite tightly-knit with the appropriate symbols reappearing in the correct places. The major asset to the film, however, is the performances of the two lead actors. The supporting cast is slightly weak, though passable.

All in all, a recommended film, especially if you are a fan of either Banderas or Thompson.

note: The DVD is woefully bereft of extras.

We Must Use Imagination To Find Our Humanity.......2006-02-21

A fine movie about true events,adapted from a book,and yes, very brutal. Nothing is spared as the viewer relives this horrific era in Argentinian history. Although at the beginning I thought this movie was kind of choppy and uneven, as it progressed I was drawn in completely by the characters, the story and their suffering, and believe the director could have been using this intentionally to put the viewer off balance. A part of this movie's beauty- it feels real, like one is there with them. I really felt I was there with these people, and Carlos relationship with his daughter, wife, and friends were well portrayed. No one was doing the typical phony overemoting hysterics, which drowns out real emotion, (which was very evident). Banderas was very convincing with just his eyes, and his soft spoken ways. People in the movie make some bad decisions, there is confusion, and one can feel them floundering to find a way to fight back. I thought to myself, geez, I would be fleeing the country! Yet, history shows people do not generally flee, but, endure. Carlos clairvoyance( I thought he conveyed well his clumsiness of being new to that gift, and as is often the case with clairvoyance,the Seer cannot always use it for their own gain or turn it off and on at will), the growing numbers of the "disappeared", the flashes of memory of happy lives, the symbolism of the birds- by the end one is unsure of reality- until the very moment of the ending- which brings back hope, love and yes, imagination. Genocide and torture are never easy to watch. We need to all imagine Peace. Change all the bad endings in the world story. Now. Imagine Peace.

Disappearance in Argentina: Unnesesarry Plot Devices Spoil the Impact of the Historical Truths .......2005-12-23

Christopher Hampton adapted and directed Lawrence Thornton's novel of the same title, and the film stars Antonio Banderas and Emma Thompson. The theme of the film is very serious, for it deals with the historical fact in Argentina during the late 70s and early 80s, the time of dictatorship when, as the film says, as many as 30,000 people disappeared without trace.

The film starts with such a `disappearance of one journalist in Argentina. Cecilia (Emma Thompson) is suddenly taken away, and her husband and stage director for kids Carlos cannot find a single trace of her. Around him, many similar cases had happened, but Carlos never dreamed that it could happen to Cecilia.

However ... now, here is the point that divides the opinions, but we are told that Carlos has a certain kind of gift - clairvoyance. He is surprised to find (as much as we would do) that he can see things. Tell Carlos the name and the place of the ones who have vanished, and he can 'see' what happened to them. In fact, he can sometimes tell you what will happen to them, and while Carlos searches his missing wife, his strange psychic-like ability starts to attract people as well as the government.

[MAGIC REALISM?] Perhaps Antonio Banderas himself would explain, if asked about Carlos's unique ability, that it is based on the idea often associated with South American literature, the tradition of magic realism. I know the idea, and that works on paper (and in books), but when I see the acting of Banderas in thick beard grimacing at table, I just don't buy the idea simply because his acting is too bad to sustain the heavy weight of the truths about the victims of the brutal violence done by the dictators. And tell me, please, if he can predict the future events, why didn't he think of hiding his own daughter, most sensible thing that even I can think of without supernatural power.

Emma Thompson is much better, but when Christopher Hampton mixes many things with the serious social issue so carelessly that `Imagining Argentina' defeats its purpose in the end. There is a message Carlos proudly says -- that is, no violence can kill the imagination of people, but the film's graphic torture scenes suggest otherwise. The symbolism about birds, or the spiritual `guidance' by an owl, could be interesting if the film had presented them with more sophisticated hand. Christopher Hampton (who adapted `Dangerous Liaisons' for screen in 1988) is a good writer but not a great director, and his heavy-handed direction only leaves us bemused when Banderas' Carlos is literally (yes, literally) led by the birds to the place where he should go.

And this is about the worst period of this country, which many people must still vividly remember. I do not disagree with the film's violence, which I believe is tamed for the general audiences. I am not against the use of supernatural concept as long as it shows the pains of the people who suffered. But `Imagining Argentina' does them so clumsily and heavy-handedly, with unnecessary flashbacks (about the happy lovers by the seaside, for example); the Great-Escape-like action that has no meaning, and these plot devices all look merely weak and cumbersome before the cruel and shocking historical fact. I admit the film's intention is laudable, but clairvoyance is not the way to tell this story, not the right way to confront the hard reality.

Average customer rating:

Not what i expected
Not bad, right up till the end.
Wonders of the Deep
Major Disappointment
Disappointing - Millions into the deep

Aliens of the Deep
Starring: Dr. Michael Atkins , Genya Chernaiev , Dr. Jim Childress , Pamela Conrad , and David L. Dubois
Director: Steven Quale
Manufacturer: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

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Volcanoes of the Deep Sea (IMAX) (2003)
Ghosts of the Abyss
James Cameron's Aliens of the Deep: Voyages to the Strange World of the Deep Ocean
Coral Reef Adventure (IMAX) (2-Disc WMVHD Edition)
March of the Penguins (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B000AJJNHW
Release Date: 2005-11-01

Amazon.com

James Cameron takes another foray into the depths with a new deep-sea documentary. Following the shipwreck of Ghosts of the Abyss, Cameron focuses his abundant energies on where life is not powered by sunlight. These implications are taken a bit further, thanks to some dandy effects, on how life may develop in the ice-covered waters of Jupiter's moons. Some of the newly seen creatures are truly amazing: a fish with feet, shrimp that can swim between boiling hot steam and icy currents. Plus there's a cute creature that looks like something from an animator's portfolio: an albino octopus with fins. Like Ghosts, this film is significantly different on DVD. Both were presented in IMAX 3-D but are only 2-D on DVD; however, also included are extended versions, doubling the original's 45-minute run time. The added footage gets you more in-depth coverage of the crew and the missions. Cameron is also an expert host, showing his enthusiasm for the project ("I love this stuff!") while letting his younger scientist co-stars lead the way. (Ages 6 and older) --Doug Thomas

Description

Take a once-in-a-lifetime journey with Academy Award(R)-winning director James Cameron (Best Director, TITANIC, 1997) in ALIENS OF THE DEEP, and make contact with another world. This incredible underwater adventure gives you extraordinary glimpses of unbelievable creatures that live in an alien world in the deepest depths of the sea. Could these alien life forms be clues to life in outer space? It's an exciting exploration you'll not soon forget.~~(c)Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc. and Walden Media, LLC ~~

Customer Reviews:

Not what i expected.......2007-06-17

I thought this dvd was going to show awsome creatures deep within the ocean. All they show is like 3 brief creatures and everything else is people talking about thier expirences. Dont like it at all.

Not bad, right up till the end........2007-01-04

Aliens of the Deep (James Cameron, 2005)

James Cameron does another deep-sea documentary. I was halfway hoping that after the horror that was Titanic, Cameron would retire from feature filmmaking and just do these from now on. IMDB says that's not the case, but we can always look back on what was.

The DVD release of Aliens of the Deep is about half an hour longer than the feature film release, which is quite nice. We get a lot more of what we came to see the movie to experience-- pretty pictures of areas of our world which most of us will never get to see close up. Yes, there's a lot of speculation that sets up for a big special-effects extravaganza at the end (and really, if anyone could find a way to put a big special-effects extravaganza at the end of a documentary, wouldn't it be James Cameron?), and there's a lot of "ZOMGWTFBBQWE'REKILLINGTHEPLANET" to put up with, but when you expand the movie to ninety-seven minutes, it's diluted by a lot more footage of scientists running around studying creatures neither they nor anyone else has ever seen before. And that's the fun part. If you liked Ghosts of the Abyss, you'll probably like this one, too. ***

Wonders of the Deep.......2006-10-30

I enjoyed 'Aliens of the Deep'. Yes, I would've liked more underwater footage and more information on some of the creatures and features that are encountered - but this film certainly serves to whet your appetitie for further exploration into the mysteries of the deep sea, as well as those of other worlds. If anything, my main complaint about 'Aliens of the Deep' is that it was over too quickly. It was wonderful to see young scientists given such a prominent role in this film. Here's hoping that children watching 'Aliens of the Deep' may have their curiosity piqued by the wonders of space and the deep sea - and science in general - and will point to the screen and say 'I want to do that'.

Major Disappointment.......2006-09-04

There's actually very little deep sea footage in this movie. There was more discussion of life elsewhere in the Solar System. While sitting around discussing alien life is fun, I would rather they focused on deep sea life. I would also have prefer it if they had taken a Marine Biologist, instead of an Astrobiologist (yea, that's a usefull profession). Frankly, this played like an after school special. There's very little here of interest, and one can do much better watching PBS. Watching the extended version only prolongs the pain. Don't buy this, don't reward bad work.

Disappointing - Millions into the deep.......2006-07-15

Good nature documentaries beat Hollywood blockbusters in excitement, alien-ness and sheer beauty of images as well as in depth and relevance. Bad ones look like a "making of" of an expedition on which actually not all that much happened (you know, a bunch of scientists filming themselves talking for an hour about how they don't find the platypus while showing off their equipment).
I was so excited when I found and bought this one. Acclaimed Hollywood director James Cameron embarking on a 40-dive-4-submarines-Mega-underwater expedition. At the end of the lengthy feature (because you keep waiting for them to start showing what they filmed OUTSIDE of their submarines), you've seen brief shots of five sea creatures (none of which I hadn't seen before), always the same hypothermal vent and a few crabs, and a lot of talk and boasting from the makers about how expensive this mission is. Oh yes, there's some cute (and at the same time pretentious and shallow) Hollywood-style animated interjections about the notion that life in the oceans could be linked to alien life in space, but it makes the impression only stronger that they didn't actually find all that much. What the hell did they do down there? 40 dives?

I regret buying this film. If you want real aliens of the deep, check out "The Deep" of the BBC series "The Blue Planet", which is a hundred times more amazing. National Geographic also has some good programs on the same subject. Forget this one.

Average customer rating:

Ensenanza del Maestro de Cnageracht

Conga Virtuoso
Starring: Giovanni Hidalgo
Manufacturer: Warner Brothers Pub.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Instructional | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

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Traveling Through Time (Giovanni Hidalgo & "El Negro" Hernandez
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ASIN: B0000DI87P
Release Date: 2004-02-03

Product Description

English / Spanish. This special bilingual program offers a three-part conga masterclass on rhythms, techniques and improvisation. It includes advanced techniques, rudiments and exercises, and singles, doubles, ruffs and combinations. The rhythms of Puerto Rico are explored in depth. Special DVD features include: legendary conga performances from Raul Rekow and Giovanni Hidalgo/Changuito, interactive drums from around the world, additional product previews, Latin percussion glossary of terms, tuning/maintenance, and Internet connectivity.

Customer Reviews:

Ensenanza del Maestro de Cnageracht .......2006-04-10

For the Intermediate to Advanced players. Warning note that Giovanni is left handed (zurdo or citeog), most patterns will mirror for right handers.

Covered are 2-3 v's 3-2 Clave, using Bass, 2 Tumbadoras, Fast Tempos, Timbales & Bongos (and their patterns), 3 Tumbadoras, Development of Improvisation, Puerto Rico Styles (Jibaro, Cuas/Kata, Plena, Bomba, Xica, Cuembe, 6/8 Juba de Louza, Holandes) and exercises (section 8.).
There is an excellent accompanying pamphlet and sheet music.

Also, a Health Warning, the additional feature showing Giovanni Hidalgo and Changuito on Congas 'De Plutinio a Martes' is an addictive version of CRAIC after four hearings,(Ceoil-music, Rince-dance, Amhranaiocht-singing Is-and Caint-chat).
A Genuine Class of it's own from a Genius of the Congas (Cnageracht - Percussion in Gaelic).

Average customer rating:

Banal
Demented like a FOX!!!!!!!!
Endless hours of amusement for the brain dead !
A Stunning Apex of Cinema
Why?

Welcome to Spring Break
Starring: Nicolas De Toth , Sarah Buxton , Rawley Valverde , Lance LeGault , and Michael Parks
Director: Umberto Lenzi
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

Slasher Flicks | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

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Pranks
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ASIN: B0001FVDIM
Release Date: 2004-04-20

Customer Reviews:

Banal.......2005-04-09

Perhaps it was only a matter of time before someone mixed together the spring break movie with a slasher flick. Or, should I say, a slasher flick with a spring break movie? That such a fusion took place in the late 1980s should come as no surprise since that decade saw the flowering and subsequent wilting of both of these cinematic genres. What is surprising, to me at least, is that none other than longtime Italian sleaze director Umberto Lenzi presided over this questionable hybrid. Lenzi, who made tons of memorable films from as far back as the 1950s, is probably best known for giving birth to the notorious cannibal craze with "Man From Deep River" and continuing the tradition with the nauseating "Eaten Alive." He also made the great giallo "Seven-Blood Stained Orchids," the over the top thriller "Violent Protection," and a bunch of micro-budget war flicks that have unfortunately not found their way to DVD yet. How did Lenzi go from gialli and cannibal flicks to "Welcome to Spring Break"? Because Italian film directors followed the money. If slashers made money, they made slashers. If movies about spring break made money, they made spring break movies. Easy, eh?

"Welcome to Spring Break" introduces us to several divergent individuals. First we've got college football player Skip (Nicolas De Toth) and his buddy Ronnie (Rawley Valverde) arriving in Florida to let off a little steam. Skippy botched a play during a big bowl game and constantly hears about it from people he runs into, so he's hoping some fun and sun will alleviate his woes. Second, local authorities including Sheriff Strycher (John Saxon), Coroner Willet (Michael Parks), and the Reverend Bates (Lance Le Gault) are dealing with the aftermath of the execution of Diablo (Tony Bolano), the leader of a local motorcycle gang called the Demons who went to the chair for murder. His body disappears from the local cemetery at roughly the same time a leather-clad dude on a motorcycle starts offing some of the local ladies. Third, the sister of one of Diablo's victims, Gail (Sarah Buxton), works as a mouthy bartender at one of the local watering holes soon frequented by Skip and Ronnie. Everyone starts to come together after Ronnie perishes in a dark alleyway after a confrontation with the Demons. Skip teams up with Gail to figure out who slew his friend, and both quickly end up asking the sort of pesky questions that make Strycher and his friends nervous.

It seems that the authorities have some explaining to do about the Bolano case. The Demons think that the cops framed their leader for murder in order to break up the gang, and they may well have a point. We soon learn that the killings before the execution and the ones going on now seem connected. But how could a dead killer rise from the grave to wreak bloody revenge on the community that sent him to the chair? Or is something more down to earth afoot? It soon becomes obvious that almost any of these characters could be the murderer. Why not Gail? The death of her sister provides more than enough motivation to try and frame the rest of the Demons for further atrocities. Strycher, too, seems a little strange. He goes out of his way to force Skip to leave town once he learns the young man is uncomfortably close to some deep secret. Further evidence points to Strycher when Skip and Gail find some rather embarrassing objects in his trailer home. The movie bandies about possible suspects with aplomb, only bringing us the truth in the final frames. Anyone familiar with Italian cinema knows what red herrings, multiple suspects, and a killer clad in black means: Lenzi's "Welcome to Spring Break" is a giallo film.

While I enjoy gialli, and still express surprise when I stumble over one I've never heard of before, "Welcome to Spring Break" is a rather inept film. The acting is atrocious, absolutely cringe inducing stuff that has the capacity to melt your eardrums if you don't take a break every twenty or thirty minutes. And it isn't just the no-names shouldering the blame: Michael Parks, a veteran actor of some repute, goes way overboard as the coroner tormented by a tragic secret. Moreover, the kills leave a lot to be desired. The motorcycle psycho usually dispatches his victims by means of a miniature electric chair strapped on his bike. Ridiculous? You bet, and cheesy as all get out, too. But the film's biggest flaw is its inability to successfully integrate spring break elements with the slasher theme. Lenzi throws in a bunch of stock footage of kids partying, plenty of girls strutting around in bikinis, and even has a running gag concerning one young female college student earning money for her tuition the hard way, but all of these elements don't really fit in with the rest of the film. One soon suspects they serve a more sinister purpose: padding the movie out to an acceptable runtime. The DVD contains no extras.

The Italian film industry began to decline by the early 1980s, and had one foot in the grave by the time "Welcome to Spring Break" came out in 1988. Lenzi's film shares similarities with other Italian hackfests that came out around the same time, namely casting preppy type jocks in starring roles while still allowing the cult actors of yesteryear the opportunity to earn a paycheck. I kept thinking about Joe D'Amato's "Killing Birds" while watching Lenzi's picture. Preppy actors who can't act? Check. Cult actor slumming for a paycheck? Check (Saxon here, Robert Vaughn in "Killing Birds"). Oh well, if you're a Lenzi fan you'll take the good with the bad, and this one definitely falls in the latter category.

Demented like a FOX!!!!!!!!.......2002-01-13

Welcome to Spring Break is the best movie put out in nothing short of forever. I don't understand how others can degrade such a cinematic achievement. Think of when Ronnie Rivera dumps condoms on Skip Banacheck while telling some inapplicable parable about Easter (hiding some eggs perhaps). Think of drama like this, and realize the error of your ways. Think of the horror that springs into all hearts when the chilling heavy metal of the killer sounds. I most politely suggest that anyone who dislikes this movie think of the extended wet t-shirt contest. How can anyone resist the beauty of Welcome to Spring Break? Skip the others and get to the movie right chea, as it is better than the disturbingly passionate twist put on marriage by Hemingway in The Garden of Eden. It's a good book, but come on, reading!

Endless hours of amusement for the brain dead !.......2001-12-19

What is John Saxon doing in this ridiculous exercise in film making for morons ???

Granted Saxon was never a star, but this stinker is even worse than a lot of his other bad choices ! Anyone giving this turkey five stars must be suffering from dementia...Hey Folks, If you only miss one movie this year, make it this one !!

I'm still trying to get the stench out of my VCR......

A Stunning Apex of Cinema.......2001-10-27

this movie is good. i like it. so it is good, and i like it. that means that you should see it. because it is good.

Why?.......2001-09-11

This movie is a joke, right?. What is John Saxon doing in this?. It's a good thing no one has ever heard of this movie. They should stay uninformed.

Average customer rating:

"Take me and free me from my indecency."
Wonderfully deranged movie

Muertos de Risa
Starring: Santiago Segura , El Gran Wyoming , Álex Angulo , Carla Hidalgo , and Eduardo Gómez (IV)
Director: Álex de la Iglesia
Manufacturer: Lolafilms Home Ent
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Art House & International | Genres | DVD | Video

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Black Comedy | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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Torrente 2: Mision en Marbella
800 Bullets
La Comunidad
Torrente, el brazo tonto de la ley
Accion Mutante

ASIN: B0001O3YLC
Release Date: 2004-07-13

Customer Reviews:

"Take me and free me from my indecency.".......2006-11-16

The explosively funny Spanish comedy "Dying of Laughter" ("Muertos de Risa") from director Alex de la Iglesia examines the destructive, love-hate relationship that develops between partners in a popular comedy team. Chubby, short Nino (Santiago Segura) is a struggling singer when he meets bit-part actor, Bruno (El Gran Wyoming) in a run-down, rural bar. A showdown with a goat causes the two men to form a relationship, and Bruno persuades Nino to leave his peculiar mother and hit the road in search of fame and fortune.

Nino and Bruno patch together a comedy team, and big-talking agent Julian (Alex Angulo) sees a sliver of talent in their act. But by pure accident, the comedy duo develops what becomes their extremely popular trademark--Bruno slaps Nino, and the audience loves it. From this point on, audiences across Spain roll in the aisles with laughter when Nino and Bruno are on the stage, and their act becomes increasingly abusive over the years.

The relationship between many real-life comedy teams seems to resemble a marriage and as such they often have a troubled history--take Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin, for example. There's a straight one and a buffoon, and the straight one usually gets laughs courtesy of the buffoon. While "Dying of Laughter" is an extremely funny film, it also cleverly examines the problems in Nino and Bruno's relationship that develop behind the scenes. Nino resents the slaps Bruno gives him, and both men gradually become jealous of each other's perceived popularity, fan base, and name recognition. Petty acts soon escalate into major problems until Nino and Bruno become archenemies, and the fact that they still need each other just makes it worse.

But it's when Nino and Bruno--who are totally obsessed with one another--buy adjoining, identical houses--that things really explode and spiral out of control. This film is a treat for those of us who love riotous over-the-top Spanish comedies, and if you enjoy this film, I also recommend "Common Wealth" from the same director. In Spanish with English subtitles--displacedhuman

Wonderfully deranged movie.......2006-01-19

While I can't speak very well about this DVD, I can say that this movie had me laughing to tears.
It tells the story of a comedy duo who become extremely popular, not to mention rich. They work very much like every famous comedy duo, with a clown and a straight man, like Abbot and Costello. You would think this would make them happy, but seeing as how most of their comedy comes from the straight man slapping, punching, or otherwise hurting the clown, the hate begins to grow.

Darkly funny, this film is perfect for anyone who likes dark humor.

DVD:

DVD

The Manchurian Candidate [1962]

DVD: Pride and Prejudice (Special Edition)

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