The Front

Starring:Woody Allen, Zero Mostel, Michael Murphy, Andrea Marcovicci, Herschel Bernardi, Remak Ramsay, Marvin Lichterman, Lloyd Gough, David Margulies, Joshua Shelley, Norman Rose, Charles Kimbrough, Josef Sommer, Danny Aiello, Georgann Johnson, Scott McKay, David Clarke, I.W. Klein, John Bentley (II), Julie Garfield
Director: Martin Ritt
Studio: Sony Pictures
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
The Front is both a comic delight and perhaps the most graceful act of show business revenge in cinema history. Written by, directed by, and starring various talents blacklisted during the McCarthy-era witch hunts of the 1950s entertainment industry, the film stars Woody Allen as Howard, a cashier and bookie approached by blacklisted television-writer Alfred (Michael Murphy) to act as a "front," i.e., the alleged author of Alfred's works. The scam proves hugely successful. Soon Howard is fronting for several other banned writers, taking a cut from every sale to the networks, and basking in praise (and romantic attentions) for his prolific talent. It all unravels when congressional investigators dig into Howard's past for Communist ties and squeeze him to name others with supposed links to the Red Menace. The Front is charming, tragic, heroic, and briskly intelligent, featuring a heartbreaking performance by Zero Mostel and directed by Martin Ritt (Hud). --Tom Keogh
Description
Woody Allen's dark comic send-up of Hollywood McCarthyism! Allen stars as a cashier posing as a writer who sells a script as his own, when it was actually written by a blacklisted pal. Stars Woody Allen, Zero Mostel, Danny Aiello and more. Nominated for an Oscar® - Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen (Walter Bernstein, 1977).

The Biggest Winner - How to Win by Losing: The Complete Body Workout (5-Disc DVD Set: Shape Up - Front, Shape Up - Back, Cardio Kickbox, Maximize - Full Frontal, Maximize - Back in Action)
Average customer rating:

Didn't get any kicks out of this workout

Highly Disappointed

Short workout, but packs a punch.

Awesome workout

Best money ever spent on health & fitness

The Biggest Winner - How to Win by Losing: The Complete Body Workout (5-Disc DVD Set: Shape Up - Front, Shape Up - Back, Cardio Kickbox, Maximize - Full Frontal, Maximize - Back in Action)
Starring: Rosa Maria Sardà , Elvira Mínguez , Albert Dueso , Dani Padró , and Profesor Martín
Manufacturer: Genius Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video
Fitness | Fitness & Yoga | Genres | DVD | Video
Kickboxing | Fitness & Yoga | Genres | DVD | Video
Back | By Body Part | Fitness & Yoga | Genres | DVD | Video
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Winning by Losing: Drop the Weight, Change Your Life

The Biggest Loser Workout, Vol. 1

The Biggest Loser: The Weight Loss Program to Transform Your Body, Health, and Life--Adapted from NBC's Hit Show!

Making the Cut: The 30-Day Diet and Fitness Plan for the Strongest, Sexiest You

The Biggest Loser Workout, Vol. 2

ASIN: B000BT99CK
Release Date: 2005-12-22

Amazon.com

Shape-up Front

Jillian Michaels, the trainer from NBC's The Biggest Loser and self-proclaimed "TV's toughest fitness guru," runs through circuit training like a drill sergeant on caffeine. Her theory is to keep moving in between exercises to burn twice as many calories, so she cycles her team through sumo squats, mountain climbers, jump ropes, shoulder raises and bicycle moves without taking a breath. If she doesn't think one of her comrades is picking up his knees high enough, she makes everyone do 30 more, with a sadistic grin. As a result, you can almost literally watch the muscle burn. Michaels' Shape-Up Front DVD works out the chest, shoulders, triceps and quads. It also requires two props: a bench-style exercise step and light dumbbells. The DVD features include printable diet/exercise logs, nutrition tips and recipes. Despite a lower-level option, it isn't for anyone looking for a low-impact aerobic workout.

Shape-Up Backside

Look no further than Michaels's Shape-Up Backside exercise DVD for an intense high-impact workout. Michaels keeps your body moving (though she herself skips out on half the exercises) with hammer curls, oblique raises, step ups, planks, and a move called The Superman destined to tone your back, biceps glutes, hamstrings and abs. There's a lower-level option, but Michaels likes to "kick your butt," as she says, to get you to feel the burn. Shape-Up Backside's DVD features include printable diet/exercise logs, nutrition tips and recipes. It requires two props: a bench-style exercise step and light dumbbells, which may make it difficult for beginners. But if you give it a try, even in the comfort of your living room you'll think you're in a gym -- trainer yelling in your ear and all. -- Ellen A. Kim

Description

Jillian Michaels, TV's toughest fitness guru, delivers a high-energy workout designed to keep viewers on track with their fitness and weight loss goals! Each of these high intensity DVDs will help get viewers moving, accelerate their fat-burning potential, and tone muscles through a series of creative cardio and weight training sessions. Her self-affirming blueprint for weight loss breathes life into her viewers' workout regimen through genuine, supportive guidance backed by her impressive credentials. Jillian Michaels holds personal training certificates from the renowned National Endurance and Strength Training Association (NESTA) and the American Fitness Association of America (AFAA) certification program. Additionally, Ms. Michaels has extensive experience in the martial arts practice of Muay Thai and Akarui-Do, in which she holds a black belt. Ms. Michaels was recognized by The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) for her accomplishments in both Advanced Exercise Nutrition and Supplementation for Training and Performance.

Customer Reviews:

Didn't get any kicks out of this workout.......2007-07-02

I wouldn't call this workout "kickbox." It's more of a bootcamp class with some kickbox stuff thrown in. It's pretty boring and the music is lousy. The instructor is a bit full of herself and she doesn't give any sort of safety or form advice. If you want a great workout with a great instructor try Silk Manning. I wish he made more than one video. Plus Kathy Smith's videos are always great.

Highly Disappointed.......2007-07-02

Love the show "Biggest Loser", but could barely stand to watch her DVD. Waste of money. She hardly does any of the exercises and spends more time flirting with the guys than the workout itself. Huge disppointment.

Short workout, but packs a punch........2007-06-23

I like this workout led by Jillian. It is short, but works up a sweat. The entire workout length itself is around 24 or 25 minutes long consisting of 21 minutes of cardio followed by a 3 to 4 minute cool down. The good thing about this workout is that it is very easy to follow along with. There are no combinations or dance type routines to learn. It is as simple as doing 30 jumping jacks, then 10 leg kicks on the left, then 10 leg kicks on the right, etc., counting as you go. Jillian does have a bit of a drill sergeant persona and comes across as tough. For example, she makes everyone drop and do push ups when one of the girls asks "is that it?" when she think the workout is over, but that just seems to be her style. Good overall short workout.

Awesome workout.......2007-06-12

I love these workouts! She really keeps your heart-rate going and gives you a great workout! If you're looking to lose weight, or just keep in shape, these are for you! I've been working out for years, and got hooked on tae-bo, but I really love the weight-oriented workouts that Jillian provides. I absolutely recommend them!

Best money ever spent on health & fitness.......2007-06-11

This has got to be the best money I've ever spent on a health/fitness item! Jillian Michaels is truly inspirational for people with a strong goal in mind and this set of DVD's is definitely helping me on my way to achieving that goal!

Average customer rating:

real war by real people
The soldier's perspective of the Iraq war
The Real Lives of Today's Soldiers

The War Tapes
Starring: Steve Pink (II) , Zack Bazzi , Mike Moriarity , Ben Flanders , and Duncan Domey
Director: Deborah Scranton
Manufacturer: Docurama
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000O76ZOY
Release Date: 2007-05-15

Amazon.com

Reduced from some 800 hours of raw footage to one compelling, 96-minute film, The War Tapes, while not the first documentary about U.S. soldiers deployed in Iraq (cf. 2006's Off to War, which covers similar ground), is unusual insofar as it was shot entirely by men on active duty in Iraq--specifically three National Guardsmen (or "citizen soldiers," as they call themselves) from New Hampshire who served in that benighted country in 2004. The three are by no means alike. Spc. Mike Moriarty is a patriot who, much to the dismay of his family, re-enlisted after 9/11 and frankly hopes to be "someone's hero." Sgt. Steve Pink is motor-mouthed wiseacre who grows increasingly cynical as his tour plays out. Sgt. Zack Bazzi, a Lebanese-American who speaks fluent Arabic, reads The Nation and doesn't much care for George W. Bush, but is nonetheless ready to fight. Yet despite their differences, their experiences are similarly grim. After some training at home, we see them arrive in the Mideast, where the first words they hear are, "Welcome to Iraq. Only one year to go," followed shortly by a mortar explosion near Camp Anaconda, their base. Thereafter, we see them in a variety of settings: in Baghdad and Fallujah, on the road (their duties include escorting truck convoys), fighting insurgents (several of the battle scenes are very intense and fairly graphic), in the camp cafeteria (where one of them excoriates Halliburton, who seems to have a hand in every aspect of the war effort, for charging the government $28 for a single styrofoam plate), in their quarters (their idea of recreation is staging a death match between a scorpion and a spider), and so on; we also visit their families back in New Hampshire. What emerges from all of this is a striking portrait of bitterness, resignation, and outright hostility, especially towards Iraqis on both sides. Moriarty perhaps sums it up most succinctly when they return to the States: "I'm so glad I went. I hated it with a god-awful passion, and I will not go back... I've done my part... It's someone else's turn." Nearly two hours of bonus material includes extended outtakes and extra footage, follow-up interviews with the three soldiers, and more. --Sam Graham

Description

Directed by Deborah Scranton, and produced by Robert May (The Fog of War) and Steve James (Hoop Dreams), THE WAR TAPES is Operation Iraqi Freedom as filmed by Sergeant Steve Pink, Sergeant Zack Bazzi, and Specialist Mark Moriarty. Steve is a wisecracking carpenter who aspires to be a writer. Zack is a Lebanese-American university student who loves to travel and is fluent in Arabic. Mike is a father and resolute patriot who rejoined the Army after 9/11. These soldiers captured over 800 hours of footage, providing a glimpse of their lives in the midst of war. The result is a raw portrait of three men--and their families--as they face, and struggle to understand, their duty.

Customer Reviews:

real war by real people.......2007-06-09

John Burns, the Baghdad bureau chief for the New York Times, calls this film "the single best document (book, film, or article) you could see on the war in Iraq." Director Deborah Scranton taught three soldiers from New Hampshire's National Guard --Steve Pink, Mike Moriarty, and the Lebanese-American Zack Bazzi who is fluent in Arabic --how to use a camera, then edited their 800 hours of war footage down to 97 minutes. The result is a first person visual narrative of the war in Iraq. It's probably about as close as you can get to experiencing war vicariously-- the chaos, bravado, feelings of helplessness, fear, vulgarity, boredom, and cynicism. Endless rows of charred vehicles in an equipment vehicle. Security escorts protecting convoys of Halliburton trucks carrying septic waste ("follow that shit truck!") or cheese cake. Children everywhere. And yes, IEDs and daily mortar attacks lobbed into Camp Anaconda. The film documents the stories of the three soldiers from their deployment to their return to their families and post war symptoms, including several takes with their wives back home interspersed throughout the film. Parts of this film are very hard to watch.

The soldier's perspective of the Iraq war.......2007-05-17

`The War Tapes' is a unique documentary recorded by 3 soldiers in the New Hampshire Army National Guard during their one year deployment in Iraq. Using cameras mounted on vehicle turrets, dashboards, and helmets along with utilizing night vision devices and thermal imagers, this compilation is assembled from over 800 hours of footage. Sergeants Steve Pink and Zack Brazzi, along with Specialist Michael Moriarty are the central characters that carry the cameras and capture the images.

Almost from the first day on the ground in country, powerful and unsettling footage is shown from mortar attacks, ambushes, firefights, explosions, and injuries sustained from soldiers and civilians alike in Iraq. The video is graphic and intense and it leaves a serious impression about what soldiers have to endure in Iraq. You can get a sense of the underlying tension and anxiety experienced by these soldiers as they narrate what they've seen and felt. Also shown are their attitudes and thoughts regarding why America is in Iraq and the consequences of the war.

In-between segments of the documentary, footage is shown with Michael Moriarty's wife, Zack Bazzi's mother, and Steve Pink's girlfriend. They all put on a brave face but you can sense the emotional turmoil of having loved ones so far away in such a dangerous environment. The families at home also share their mixed feelings about the American involvement in Iraq and the difficulties of being on their own. Upon re-deploying back to the United States, there are physical and emotional changes evident in the returning soldiers and it is significant in how this affects a person's lifestyle and relationships.

`The War Tapes' is a well produced documentary, in my opinion, and delivers a thought provoking, important, and sometimes disturbing look at many aspects dealing with the war in Iraq. To compliment the main program, there are 2 extra features on the DVD that are worth checking out. One is a collection of interviews lasting just under 30 minutes and the second is 80 minutes of additional material covering several different and interesting topics.

The Real Lives of Today's Soldiers.......2007-04-30

`War Tapes' is a great documentary because it is made and narrated by the soldiers fighting in Iraq. Three men from New Hampshire share different backgrounds but one purpose: To win the war in Iraq. The film has three different aspects: the battles, the family life at home, and life in the army in Iraq. There are three main participants: Steven Pink, who has most of the cameras and a girlfriend, Lindsay, waiting for him at home; Zach Bazzi, a Lebanese émigré, whose mom is devoted to her soldier son; and Mike Moriarity whose wife and children wait on pins and needles for his return. At times the documentary is composed. We hear the thoughts of loved ones, torn by separation anxiety, pride, and love. The soldiers testify to their sense of purpose. Then, we get harrowing battle scenes with tanks going through the unstable streets of Fallujah. We hear them work as a unit fighting the insurgents with appropriately shaky cameras and thundering ammunition. Their candor is almost groundbreaking. The disdain for the enemy and the opportunism of war purveyors KBR and Halliburton are telling. Seeing soldiers train Iraqis, sorely needed recreation, and the aftermath of the men's sacrifices are key highlights. Whether or not you support the war, this film shouldn't be missed for supporting and understanding the soldiers. Sometimes funny, often unsettling, but always interesting, 'The War Tapes' is a rewarding and informative film.

All Quiet on the Western Front (Universal Cinema Classics)

Average customer rating:

The brutal poetry of war
Apparently Horace never served active duty
The Horrors of War
A powerful reminder
Nice anti-war message but awfully creaky

All Quiet on the Western Front (Universal Cinema Classics)
Starring: Louis Wolheim , Lew Ayres , John Wray , Arnold Lucy , and Ben Alexander
Director: Lewis Milestone
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000KGGJ0Y
Release Date: 2007-02-06

Amazon.com essential video

If a classic movie can be measured by the number of indelible images it burns into the collective imagination, then All Quiet on the Western Front's status is undisputed. Since its release in 1930 (and Oscar win for best picture), this film's saga of German boys avidly signing up for World War I battle--and then learning the truth of war--has been acclaimed for its intensity, artistry, and grown-up approach. Director Lewis Milestone's technical expertise is already stunning in the great opening sequence, as a professor exhorts his students to volunteer for the glory of the Fatherland while troops march past the windows. Erich Maria Remarque's novel is faithfully followed, but Milestone's superbly composed frames make it physical: the first battle scene, with the camera prowling the trenches as they fill with death and chaos, was surely the Saving Private Ryan of its day. The cast is strong, with little-known Lew Ayres finding stardom in the lead (Ayres became a pacifist and conscientious objector during World War II; although he served in battle as a medic, the stance harmed his career). This DVD has no extras beyond a vintage re-release trailer and Robert Osborne's useful introduction, but the main draw is the excellent picture and sound quality of the print--the movie looks better than it has in years. Those indelible images are now clear enough to cut glass: Ayres' lonely look back at the disappearing troop truck; the blinded soldier who runs into enemy fire at night; the fine pair of boots wasted on a boy with an amputated leg; and the final, devastating seconds, arguably the defining cinematic image of war in the 20th century. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

The brutal poetry of war.......2007-06-10

Ah, the 1930's. The first full decade of sound for pictures. The advent of Technicolor. The full-flowering of Hollywood, bringing escapist entertainment to a world gripped by the Great Depression.

Many great movies were made in the 1930's. "The Adventures of Robin Hood", "Gone With the Wind", "Snow White", "The Wizard of Oz" were all great films from the late 1930's, which many people have refered to as the best time for cinema.

But the early 1930's, though often overlooked by modern audiences, contains such wonderful films as "M", "Frankenstein", "Dracula" and "All Quiet on the Western Front".

This film won the Oscar for Best Picture of 1930. It's well-deserved. The movie plot follows basically the same plot as the novel; centering around a group of young German soldiers going on the grand adventure of war. Whipped into a patriotic frenzy, they enlist, head to the front, and start dropping like flies.

The movie beautifully encapsulates the horror of war. The acting (particularly from Lew Ayres in the staring role), writing and directing are all top-notch. Put the film in color, and it could almost be a movie from this era, rather than one that's almost 80 years old.

The DVD version of this movie is... well, nothing to write home about. Not too many extras, though the comments from Robert Osborne are welcome. No chapter selection for some odd reason, but otherwise... it's ok.

Modern audiences don't really know too much about World War One. It's a largely forgotten war in our national conciousness. As I write this, we're 89 years out from the start of the war. Further, according to Wikipedia's "Surviving Veterans of World War One", there's only 28 veterans left world-wide. Twenty-eight. That's it. One less than when I looked last week, and almost certainly several more than we'll have by next year. Only three of the veterans left are from the USA.

If for no other reason than expanding your knowledge about this horrible, meaningless, stupid war, I strongly recommend this movie.

As a side note: if Universal still owns the rights to the novel, they need to be pressured to make a new version of this film in time for the 100th anniversary of the start of the war. Get the young teeny-bopper/teen-idol actors of our era (the Zac Effrons of the world), and let modern audiences see the beauty of youth twisted by war.

It's a lesson no one should ever forget.

Apparently Horace never served active duty.......2007-05-23

This picture serves to illustrate the madness in Horace's statement
that it is sweet and proper to die for one's country. Lew Ayres' perform-
ance was magnificent--especially the marching scene depicting his love and
respect for Kat, via facial expression and body language alone These few
seconds would have been worth the price of admission in 1930.
Those German boys weren't much different from the good, decent German-
American boys I grew up with.

The Horrors of War.......2007-05-08

All Quiet on the Western Front is an excellent adaptation of the Erich Maria Remarque novel about the horrors of war. It follows several German students from the classroom into the trenches as they die one by one. The story features many random stories depicting one boy, Paul Malvern's (Lew Ayres) experiences similarly to the way the book was organized. There are many powerful scenes, like boys going mad in the trenches, the sickening experience of the boys' first battle, and Paul killing a man up close.

Because this film was made at the beginning of the "golden age of Hollywood," viewers might expect it to be highly sentimental and preachy. Although its anti-war message is blatant, it is surprisingly underplayed and straight-forward.

The first few times I tried to watch this film I was put off almost immediately. The sound quality suffers because the film was made so early in the talkie era. The opening scene where the teacher preaches to the students about the glories of war is a bit long. However, after that scene, I soon found myself glued to the screen. Give the film a proper chance before condemning it.

A powerful reminder.......2007-05-07

Such a cinematagraphically sophisticated portrayal of the Great War's horrors and heroes.

Nice anti-war message but awfully creaky.......2007-03-30

Based on Erich Maria Remarque's famous pacifist novel, All Quiet on the Western Front explores the horror of WWI through the eyes of a young German soldier.

Ideas of glory fuelled by patriotism are quickly drowned in the mud-filled trenches of the battlefield. Young lives are squandered cheaply for a few centimeters of ground.

WWI was fought with traditional tactics - the mass charge, trenches - but combined with more efficient killings machines - machine guns, field artillery - led to horrific loss of life among the soldiers.

The Germans learnt from these mistakes in WWII and employed the tactics of the Blitzkreig "lightening war" where speed of movement was paramount.

Back to the film itself. It's really easy to tell this is a child of the early sound era - there is lots of overacting and it is very visual in its telling. Modern audiences will find it very heavy-going though.

Still it has an ageless anti-war message. An important part of film history but very much an antique now.

The American Girl Movie Collection (Samantha - An American Girl Holiday / Felicity - An American Girl Adventure / Molly - An American Girl on the Home Front)

Average customer rating:

American Girls DVDs good family viewing
Daughter loved these movies.
The American Girl Movie Collection
B
well told stories

The American Girl Movie Collection (Samantha - An American Girl Holiday / Felicity - An American Girl Adventure / Molly - An American Girl on the Home Front)
Starring: Mia Farrow , AnnaSophia Robb , Michael Kanev , Jackie Brown (IV) , and Kelsey Lewis
Director: Nadia Tass , and Joyce Chopra
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Drama | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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Molly - An American Girl on the Home Front
Molly Mini Doll (American Girl)
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Elizabeth Mini Doll (The American Girls Collection)
Felicity: An American Girl (The American Girls Collection)

ASIN: B000HEWEIU
Release Date: 2006-11-28

Customer Reviews:

American Girls DVDs good family viewing.......2007-05-15

We love the books - the DVDs are equally as entertaining. My daughter who is reading the books loves the movies and they are suitable for my 5 year old to watch without worrying what they will see or hear.

Daughter loved these movies........2007-04-27

Good family movies with no foul language or anything obscene. My daughter loved the books and has enjoyed the movies. If it gets girls interested in reading the books and therefore enjoying reading more...then great.

The American Girl Movie Collection.......2007-03-24

Through all my years of collecting American Girl Dolls it feels great to have them come to life on screen. Sitting with your doll and watching the movie feels real ith your doll. it makes all troubles go down for the time they are on. If a girl is an American Girl Doll collector they will never get tired of their doll coming to life beyond there eyes.

B.......2007-03-23

MY GIRLS LOVE THE AMERICAN GIRL DOLLS AND SO THE MOVIES ARE GREAT BECAUSE THEY BRING THEM TO LIFE. THE BOX SET WILL BE A FUN MEMORY AS THEY GET OLDER TOO. GREAT FAMILY MOVIES THAT ARE ALSO EDUCATIONAL. A MUST HAVE FOR AG LOVERS!!

well told stories.......2007-03-11

My daughter absolutely loves all things American Girl. These movies are well done- good production value, known actors etc. The one thing I will say is that each of them has some parts that are sad and suspenseful, and some of my daughter's more sensitive friends were upset by them. They all have happy endings, but if your child is easily upset or saddened I'd preview before you let them watch.

Average customer rating:

Great War Film!
The "Johnboy" version of AQWF is truly awful
All Quiet on the Western Front
ALL QUIT ON THE WESTERN FRONT
All Quiet on the Western Front DVD

All Quiet on the Western Front
Starring: Richard Thomas , Ernest Borgnine , Donald Pleasence , Ian Holm , and Patricia Neal
Director: Delbert Mann
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000639EU
Release Date: 2002-04-23

Product Description

A devastating story of war and a generation destroyed. In 1914 a group of German schoolboys, idealistic and inflamed with youthful patriotism, set off to fight in the "glorious" war. During their brutal basic training disenchantment begins; then, boarding a train for the front, they see the wounded being rushed back to hospitals. They begin to grasp the grim reality of war.

On their first night in action they come under heavy attack. In the trenches, they begin to fall. Their youth is stripped away by the violence, and the boys become as sullen as veterans.

When Paul (Richard Thomas) shoots a Frenchman and watches him die, he realizes the futility of the war. Wounded, he returns home to a different world, a place where he cannot fit in. Sent back into battle, he meets destiny on a day when the German High Command Communiqu states simply, All Quiet On The Western Front.

System Requirements:

Running Time 131 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

Taken from the novel by Erich Maria Remarque, All Quiet on the Western Front is a devastating portrait by Delbert Mann (Desire Under the Elms, Marty) of a small group of German soldiers throughout the World War I.

The star-studded cast is headed by Richard Thomas (The Waltons) as Paul Baumer, and includes such award-winning actors as Ernest Borgnine, Ian Holm, and Patricia Neal. As both narrator and star, Thomas occasionally seems to reincarnate his familiar John-Boy persona, but creates a character that has many more levels than that television alter ego. Watching Paul as he watches all of his high school buddies die is a highly emotional experience. He returns to his home a different person, conflicted in his feelings about the Army and war, evolving from an idealistic schoolboy to a fearful and humble veteran.

The scenery and costuming in this period piece are well done, and surely contributed to its winning the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Made for TV. Also contributing to the greatness of the film are the exceptional cinematography and special effects that, while realistically gruesome, truly emphasize the horrors of war. --Zachary Lively

Customer Reviews:

Great War Film!.......2007-05-25

This is one of the best war films ever made. I've seen the first version also. This film is an improvement over the original although the original was done well with what they had back in early years of film. What really makes this war film great is that it doesn't glorify war at all but shows you the death and destruction of war. This film should be mandatory in all high schools! The book is very good also. The book is more descriptive than the movie. What happens to Paul in this film is happening to our young men and women in Iraq right now!!

The "Johnboy" version of AQWF is truly awful.......2007-05-01

This film might be okay for the general public or high school classroom, but this film brings almost nothing to the table for WWI buffs or lovers of the novel. It's hard to mention anything good about this film other than the fact that it is not as dated as the original film and is also in color.

Earnest Borgnine's casting as Kat is simply laughable. The boys' mentor in the trenches, the "old man," was "old" only in comparison to the teen-aged boys who surrounded him. The battle scenes do not inspire fear or horror. Equipment, uniforms, and sets are inaccurate and "made for TV quality" at best. The acting is wooden and hallow.

This film is a waste of time and is scornfully referred to as "the Johnboy version" by WWI buffs. It is universally reviled.

All Quiet on the Western Front.......2007-01-18

Great war documentary of WWI, there is very little available that shows this period in history on the front, but this one is a classic.

ALL QUIT ON THE WESTERN FRONT.......2007-01-17

I really enjoyed this movie. Not the typical "John Boy" movie. I have not seen the original, although I have recently purchased it. I will be able to make a better comparison once I have seen it. By itself, however, it holds it's own.

All Quiet on the Western Front DVD.......2007-01-10

The DVD followed the novel fairly well, however, I did prefer the book over the movie.

Average customer rating:

"People do just die, every day, for no good reason."
It isn't Morse but I like what I saw
This is the rare sequel that is as good as the original
Not quite Morse
Good video

Mystery!: Inspector Lewis
Starring: Kevin Whately , Jemma Redgrave , Clare Holman , Jack Ellis (III) , and Laurence Fox
Director: Bill Anderson (III)
Manufacturer: WGBH Boston
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Mystery | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

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The Last Detective - Series 1

ASIN: B000FNNHZC
Release Date: 2006-09-12

Amazon.com

Inspector Lewis is a very satisfying follow-up to the legacy of Inspector Morse, the late investigator (played by John Thaw, who died in 2002) beloved by many a fan of British television mysteries. Lewis (Kevin Whatley) was Morse's right-hand sergeant. Following the elder sleuth's death, Lewis was promoted but then faced the sudden and unexpected loss of his wife. Inspector Lewis catches up with him upon his jet-lagged return from a two-year assignment in the British Virgin Islands. Destined to be put out to pasture as an instructor at detective school, Lewis instead gets caught up in a murder case that overlaps with an old, strangely yet apparently unresolved investigation by Morse. Joined by a new character, Detective Sergeant James Hathaway (Laurence Fox), Lewis looks into the murder of a brilliant American student at Oxford and her connection to the survivors of a racing legend killed, years before, under questionable circumstances. A coffee-stained, cryptic note in Morse's hand could provide a valuable clue, but fans of Morse holding any doubts about a possible new series built around Lewis will see this determined and hugely likable fellow come into his own. Lewis's emerging partnership with Hathaway is one of the real delights of this drama. The younger man, a former seminarian, and Lewis, who lost religious faith following his family tragedy, manage to find some ground for mutual respect and appreciation. --Tom Keogh

Description

MYSTERY! presents a gripping detective drama featuring echoes of the past, as Kevin Whately returns as Robbie Lewis, former sidekick to the legendary Inspector Morse. Inspector Lewis is an intelligent contemporary crime story set once again against the beautiful backdrop of Oxford, England. Following a family tragedy, Inspector Robert Lewis has been on a two-year assignment in the British Virgin Islands. Now he's back in the familiar territory of the English university city - five years after the death of his long-time police partner Morse. Teamed up with the much younger Detective Sergeant James Hathaway (Laurence Fox; Gosford Park, Island At War), Lewis doesn't even make it home from the airport before he is pulled onto a murder scene. As Lewis and Hathaway join forces to investigate the death of American college student Regan Peverill (Sophie Winkleman), they are led to another student, Danny Griffon (Charlie Cox; Casanova), a man with a family secret whose previous brush with the law was investigated by a certain Inspector Morse.

Customer Reviews:

"People do just die, every day, for no good reason.".......2007-06-29

Inspector Robbie Lewis arrives at the Oxford Police Department to a whole new regime when he returns to Oxford after three years in the Caribbean. He has been trying to come to grips with the death of his mentor, Inspector Endeavor Morse (whose series, including specials, ran from 1987 - 2000), and of his wife Valerie, in a London hit-and-run accident. The Chief Superintendent is now Jean Innocent, an abrupt woman who immediately assigns Lewis to a senior training post, though he wants to get back into action. Reluctantly, she allows him to manage a new murder case, but only for three days.

A young math student has been shot in the head at close range while at an Oxford sleep lab to which only a few people have access. The suspect is Danny Griffon, a disturbed but brilliant fellow-student, and the heir to a sports car company which the Japanese are in the process of buying. Lewis (Kevin Whately) and his partner, James Hathaway (Laurence Fox), a former seminarian, investigate this death and several others which occur within the next few days.

Those who loved the Inspector Morse series and who mourned not only the death of Morse, in the final episode, but also of actor John Thaw, in 2002, will be delighted by this spin-off, which gives Morse's sidekick his own series. Actor Kevin Whately continues his self-effacing role, but he also conveys a sense of competence, and his relationship with Hathaway reminds one of Morse's relationship with Lewis. Whately has obviously aged in the seven years since the end of the Morse series, and this serves him in good stead here, providing a sense of gravitas.

The wonderfully intricate plot to this pilot, as good as the best of the Morse series, keeps the viewer totally involved, and the occasional references to Morse, including a poignant visual reminder via a crossword puzzle which retains the outline of his coffee cup, add to the sense of continuity. The photography is outstanding, though not as dramatic here as it was in the Morse series, and Barrington Pheloung, who did the brilliant music for the Morse series, returns for this series. In England, this pilot was followed by three more episodes in February and March, 2007, and one can only hope these will be made available soon to those of us who long for more of the clever mysteries and wonderful characters we enjoyed with the Morse series. n Mary Whipple

It isn't Morse but I like what I saw.......2007-04-08

I didn't even know there had been an "Inspector Lewis" story out until I saw it mentioned in a mail order catalog I get. Amazon had a much better price so I bought my copy here just based on the old Morse stories I'd seen.

Kevin Whately, as Inspector Lewis, might be a smarter man than the old character but he does a good job and I certainly love seeing Oxford again. One or more other reviews write about a different pacing to the show- I didn't really notice that. I did like the way several false leads were given to the viewer, you really have to pay attention to the story.

I saw several links to the old Morse stories starting when the jetlagged Inspector Lewis is almost run down by a Jaguar of the same model and similar color to the car Inspector Morse used to drive, some I didn't pick up on until a day or so later after a llittle thought.

The show is very well done and I'll watch more episodes if PBS ever gets more of them (I think season 1 of the Inspector Lewis series is now out at AmazonUK- if it isn't it will be soon, you'll need something that can play region 2 PAL format to watch those)and I'll buy them somewhere even if there isn't a U.S. market copy available.

This is the rare sequel that is as good as the original.......2007-02-07

This show is extremely well-written and should not be missed by any fan of Morse. I put off watching this for a month because I thought it would be depressing - Morse dead, Inspector Lewis widowed, and now he's been promoted. Would he be turned into a brooding sort of person, or perhaps another Morse? Would the sidekick take on the personality of Lewis? Would they bumble along without leadership? Would it be a sad farce of the Morse series?

Well, not to worry - it is WONDERFUL. They were true to the original characters, with a couple of new ones added that bring forth all sorts of future possibilities. The sidekick is absolutely perfect - intriguing, intelligent, subtle, and with a very understated but devastating wit. As for Lewis, even though he's mourning his departed wife, he never strays from the fundamentally optimistic character that we know and love. He's older, more mature, still wounded, but not bitter.

The subtle references to Morse are delightful: the anonymuosly funded "Endeavor" scholarship, the comment about no one knowing the first name of Morse (ah, but Robbie Lewis actually does, and so do you, if you've watched the one Morse episode where Lewis overheard Morse reveal it), the old crossword filled in by Morse with cryptic comments, the references to Hamlet, the ring of stain from a Morse beer glass, and the sidekick banging on the window of Lewis' house to awaken him. The mystery part is well up to the Morse standard; the characters are very three-dimensional; and the scenery is as gorgeous as ever.

I hope they make more like this one, and I hope they keep the same great combination of writers, actors, and all the rest. You can really tell that this is a winning team, right out of the gate.

Not quite Morse.......2007-01-12

Although this is not quite Inspector Morse, it did a good job of handling the memory of Morse by including a few references to him. References were made to his puzzle solving etc.
Lewis was his usual self and did a good job as the leading character. I don't know if this is a one off or the start of a new series.
Recommended for fans of British mysteries.

Good video.......2007-01-06

I thoroughly enjoyed this DVD and hope that Lewis will become a new series. Good entertainment. JFC

Average customer rating:

this might have been the greatest generation, but it certainly wasnt because of this tripe
Waste of time and money!
A MOVIE STILL TRUE TODAY
Since you went away
A sentimental, loving, inspiring, and charmimng film of 1944.

Since You Went Away
Starring: Claudette Colbert , Jennifer Jones , Joseph Cotten , Shirley Temple , and Monty Woolley
Director: John Cromwell
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0002KPHZ6
Release Date: 2004-10-19

Amazon.com

A three-hour weepy extraordinaire, this 1944 offering from producer David O. Selznick (who also wrote the screenplay) was a tribute to all the families who stayed behind while their men went off to fight in World War II. Claudette Colbert is the mother of daughters Jennifer Jones and Shirley Temple; first seen coming home after dropping her war-bound husband at the train, she becomes the model of courage and strength on the homefront. The plot has a Saturday Evening Post feel today, as it follows the family's day-to-day life and struggles, whether with a crotchety boarder (a delightfully starchy Monty Woolley) or oldest daughter Jones's doomed romance with departing serviceman Robert Walker. They don't make them like this anymore and it's too bad. Nominated for a fistful of Oscars, it took only one, for its shadow-drenched black-and-white cinematography. --Marshall Fine

Description

Nominated* for nine Academy AwardsÂ(r), this heart-warming, soul-stirring (Variety) portrait of life on the homefront during World War II is a magnificent picture rich in humor and poignant with heartbreak (The Hollywood Reporter). Claudette Colbert heads an all-star cast,including Jennifer Jones, Joseph Cotten and Shirley Temple, in this beautifully produced picture that gets into your heart (Los Angeles Examiner). With her husband Tim off at war, Anne Hilton (Colbert) struggles to be a pillar of strength for her daughters Jane (Jones) and Bridget (Temple). During America's darkest hours, she bravely steers her girls through heartbreak and hardships as she eagerly awaits news from overseas and wonders if life will ever be the same. *1944: Best Picture, Actress (Colbert), Supporting Actor (Monty Woolley), Supporting Actress (Jones), Cinematography (B&W), Art Direction (B&W), Editing, Music Score (won), Special Effects

Customer Reviews:

this might have been the greatest generation, but it certainly wasnt because of this tripe.......2007-04-25

an attempt at an american "mrs miniver", and 60+ years later it falls just as flat. the usually vibrant claudette colbert gives one of her stiffest performances, with insufficient support from a list of otherwise usually reliable castmates, e.g. joseph cotten, jennifer jones, hattie mcdaniel, &c. the one solid performance is from agnes moorehead as the town biddy, and theres a major curiosity performance by a teenaged shirley temple, long past her age of appeal. perhaps this bucked up people on the homefront during ww2, but it does little to inform &/or entertain today.

Waste of time and money!.......2007-03-13

Don't purchase this one. It's a pointless, plotless waste of time and money. It goes absolutely nowhere for 3 hours. From the write-up, we thought it was going to be a good movie. Wrong! It turned out to be a total waste of our family's time. We threw the DVD in the trash.

A MOVIE STILL TRUE TODAY.......2007-03-09

PURCHASED THIS MOVIE FOR MY WIFE THAT SHE HAS SEEN SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE YEARS, BEGINNING WITH THE OLD "MILLION DOLLAR MOVIE". HAVE SEEN QUITE A BIT OF THIS BUT NEVER SAT TO WATCH IT IN ONE SITTING. IT'S REALLY MY WIFE THAT REQUESTED IT. CONSIDERING THE WAR OF TODAY, WITH THIS TAKING PLACE ON THE HOMEFRONT IN WWII, THE IMPACT ON THE FAMILIES OF THOSE SERVING STILL HOLDS TRUE TODAY.

Since you went away.......2007-02-20

I am a Shirley Temple collector, movie was great. They do not make good movies anymore like they use to. She is my favorite actresses. I was impressed to have it on DVD. Excellent movie.

A sentimental, loving, inspiring, and charmimng film of 1944........2006-07-04

"Since You Went Away" was a film that revealed the other side of war. It showed the emotions of the families who had to struggle with, or without a family member going off to fight, and how people coped with the daily life. The most touching scene of the movie, was when the train slowly chugged down the dark tunnel, into complete blackness, knowing that her husband is never returning. I can't really say that this movie will bring you to high spirits (Especially if you're very emmotional), yet it does tell an incredible story. Everybody in "Since You Went Away" is extremely talented, with much skill, although Shirley Temple wasn't as convincing in her role as her other co-stars, and leading actors. This movie is NOT cosidered an old fashioned "Chick Flick." It is a family film for everyone to enjoy. Although the producer of "Since You Went Away" wanted this movie to be just as great as "Gone With The Wind," it (unfortunately) didn't quite make the cut, yet it was a definite success of its time, and still continues to be a family favorite. I would HIGHLY recommend you see this film: rent it, or surely buy it. I hope this review has helped.

Average customer rating:

Zulu
A small pocket of History
Early chapter in the Anglo-Zulu War
Fantastic Film
Zulu Review

Zulu (Michael Caine)
Starring: Stanley Baker , Jack Hawkins , Ulla Jacobsson , James Booth , and Michael Caine
Director: Cy Endfield
Manufacturer: Front Row Video, Inc
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ASIN: B00004WLYG
Release Date: 2001-02-02

Amazon.com essential video

"Sentries have come in from the hill, sir.... They report Zulus to the southeast. Thousands of them." One of the best pure action movies ever made, this rousing adventure recounts the true story of a small 18th-century regiment of British troops (including a very blue-blooded turn by a young Michael Caine) endlessly besieged by an seemingly unceasing number of fierce attackers. Although the basic premise has since been executed with more technical skill and panache (most notably by Aliens and Michael Mann's The Last of the Mohicans), it's unlikely that anything will ever top the utter spectacle and, above all, sheer unbelievable size of the combat scenes that almost wholly comprise the last half of this film. A gloriously exhilarating essential for anyone looking to get lost in the heat of cinematic battle, topped off with a healthy dose of gallows humor. Not to be missed. Richard Burton voiced the stirring narration. Zulu was followed by a slightly dry but still recommended prequel, Zulu Dawn. --Andrew Wright

Customer Reviews:

Zulu.......2007-07-02

Endfield's breathless depiction of a rag-tag English force battling an implacable enemy remains one of our very best war films. Baker (who co-produced) was never better, and got his mystified Zulu extras to cooperate only after showing them an old Gene Autry Western, which helped them understand the nature of acting. In one of his final appearances, Jack Hawkins registers as a fanatical priest, and you can almost see the word "star" emblazoned on Caine's forehead. Like the heroes it portrays, the stellar "Zulu" richly earns a chestful of medals.

A small pocket of History.......2007-06-13

One of the great action/adventure films of all time, Zulu has the advantage of being inspired by an actual incident in British Colonial history. Credit Stanley Baker and an exceptionally fine cast for bringing this almost unbelievable,even if true, story to vibrant life.

Early chapter in the Anglo-Zulu War.......2007-05-13

"Zulu" stars Stanley Baker and a very young Michael Caine as British officers charged with defending a missionary station at Rorke's Drift in a British held colony in Africa on January 22-23 1879. Basically this is a siege movie on par with "Rio Bravo" with African Zulu tribes and British provincial army standing in for the American Calvary and Indians. Stanley Baker's Lieutenant John Chard is the movies focal point, and he is highly intelligent and brave as he assumes command of the fort. Caine plays Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead, Chard's junior by a few months. At first Bromhead is arrogant and shallow, and I thought he would be as much an impediment as the Zulus. But as the film progressed he quickly became compliant, brave and as dedicated to the defense as a British soldier is supposed to. Usually in a movie like this in the time "Zulu" was made (that is 1964), the Zulus would have been portrayed as evil, blood thirsty barbarians; not so here. Although the reason for the Anglo-Zulu War is not stated (which didn't make since to me because as a modern American I am not familiar with the history), the warrior-tribesmen are shown as brave and good tough fighters though not excessively ruthless or cruel (though I do not mean to take away from their threat; they are a worthy enemy to the crown). I really enjoyed this solid, very fast paced adventure movie. I think "Zulu" is a good companion piece to David Lean's "The Bridge Over River Kwai".

Fantastic Film.......2007-05-11

I've watched this film so many times, and the fact that it is based on a true story makes it more than inspiring. Whatever ones personal opinion regarding war and conflict, 140 men stood against 4000, and like it or not that took guts. Raw courage.

There are a few things about the real event that aren't portrayed in the film correctly. For instance, it was not a Welsh Regiment at that time, but an English one as the 24th Regiment of Foot in 1879 was the 2nd Warwickshires, not becoming the South Wales Borderers until nearly two years after the Anglo-Zulu war ended. Only approximately 11% of the men at Rorkes Drift were Welsh. The cavalry didn't abandon the men at Rorkes Drift, but had initially fanned out to intercept any Zulu's but then were sent back when it was realised they were hopelessly outnumbered and their presence gave no tactical advantage.
There was no 'Men of Harlech', there was no warrior salute but that was added in to the film at the request of the Zulu chief whilst the film was in progress.
Last, but by no means least, the character of Hook in real life was not the ne'er do well portrayed in the film but was actually quite a decent character, as was the Church minister Otto Witt who had initially stayed to assist the men and kept watch for the Zulus from a nearby hill, but then had to leave, as he was concerned for his wifes safety and went to be at her side, taking a wounded officer with him as well. Reading the mens personal accounts of the battle is quite revealing, and those accounts are freely available on the Internet now.

Even so, it is still a superb film.

Zulu Review.......2007-04-03

Great movie if you are a history buff and are interested in stories of the British Empire

Cross of Iron (Widescreen Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

Peckinpah's antiwar classic - hasn't aged well
Much better than the fullscreen version
NOT ONE OF HIS BEST BUT STILL WORTH A VIEW
Cross of Iron
A Violent Story Situated in the Stumbling Eastern Front.

Cross of Iron (Widescreen Special Edition)
Starring: James Coburn , Maximilian Schell , James Mason , David Warner , and Klaus Löwitsch
Director: Sam Peckinpah
Manufacturer: Henstooth Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000E5N63Y
Release Date: 2006-04-18

Description

Widescreen Special Edition DVD Features include:
Audio Commentary by film scholar Stephen Prince, author of Savage Cinema: Sam Peckinpah and the Rise of Ultraviolent Movies
Original Theatrical Trailer
Photo Gallery of German Lobby Cards
Language Options: English, French
New Widescreen 16:9 Anamorphic Transfer

Customer Reviews:

Peckinpah's antiwar classic - hasn't aged well.......2007-04-04

Sam Peckinpah's attempt to make a graphic, violent antiwar film has not aged well. This is a story of a German recon platoon in the south of Russia in 1943 after the debacle at Stalingrad. The platoon is lead by Cpl (later Sgt) Steiner, played by James Coburn (probably one of the best roles in his illustrious career). After an opening action scene in which Steiner and his men eliminated a Soviet mortar battery, Steiner meets his new company commander, Capt Stransky (played by Maximillian Schell). Stransky is a Prussian aristocrat who requested transfer to the Russian front so that he can earn the Iron Cross, but doesn't really want to risk his neck to earn it. Steiner is the grizzled veteran who has received every award available, is sick of the war and the leadership, but continues to fight nonetheless. In the mid-70s this film may have been considered cutting edge, but I think that to modern audiences, the violence and action seems will seem highly stylized. As a war film, it carries little of the emotional impact of more recent films. The slow motion camera shots really give this film a dated feel. Some of the other reviewers state that this film is made from the `German perspective'. This is not really true in my opinion, I think a better characterization would be to state that it is `not unsympathetic' to the Germans. Steiner and his men are portrayed as soldiers simply doing their duty in a war they don't believe in. This latter point is one of the strengths of the film, the German soldiers are not portrayed as mindless Nazis, but with more sympathy and complexity. A second strength of this film is that it doesn't descend into simplistic rantings about Nazi racial policy in Russia, Nazi war crimes, etc. This would have banished the film to cliched oblivion in my view. There are some great shots of WWII era hardware (like T-34/85), even if everything is not entirely historically accurate. This is a decent (anti)war film, but will, I believe, seem tame and not particularly meaningful to modern viewers.

Much better than the fullscreen version.......2007-03-18

"Cross of Iron" has always been one of my favorite movies. It was the first Peckinpah movie I ever saw, I was fifteen, and it forever convinced me of the futility of war. So a couple of years ago I bought the Hentooths's fullscreen version of this movie and I was absolutely apalled by the poor quality of the image and soundtrack: the DVD is so bad that you might not even finish watching the movie. Still, this being one of my favorite movies, I decided to run the risk of buying this widescreen special edition when it recently came out, since it promised to be better, and it was. Not great, I should say, but better. So if you're convinced, as I am, that this is the best war (or anti-war) movie ever made, I recommend you buy this DVD despite its technical limitations. If you have never seen this movie, you should see it a couple of times before making your mind of what you think of it. This is because, like all of Peckinpah's movies, it is full of subtleties that you will not get on just one run (I've seen this movie seven times and still find new new things in it), including a brilliant subplot on male camaraderie and (overt and repressed) homosexuality. But this is also the one Pekinpah movie where ultra-violence is handled mastefully: the first time you watch this movie, you will be in shock before long and unable to follow the nuances of the plot. So sleep it off for a couple of days and watch the movie again. In my opinion, in this movie you will also find the best performances ever by both James Coburn and Maximilian Schell.

NOT ONE OF HIS BEST BUT STILL WORTH A VIEW.......2007-03-09

The rest of the reviews on this movie sum it up - you have a director who was spinning downward into addiction while attempting to make an epic war movie. Most likely it is only through the sheer talent of the director, the people around him, and the actors in the movie that this movie is watchable.
You have some strange choices in where the story goes and how it gets there - it lurches from the examination of homosexuality in the military, the horrors of war and the mental health of the survivors of war, into guys on patrol / trying to get home story. The action scenes, as with almost any Peckinpah movie, are exciting and horrifying. A "Ballet of Violence" as John Woo would say. The acting and dialogue is all over the place- but Coburn and Schell love to chew the scenary and do it soooo well. You get Coburn with guns in a war and slow motion Peckinpah violence with an anti-war message to boot = not a bad way to spend a few hours = 3 1/2 stars

Cross of Iron.......2007-01-13

Cross of Iron although it starts out with great action and plot, becomes a bit odd after James Coburn's character suffers shell shock. It has its moments, but over all it seems to be lacking something. It is worth watching, but I was somewhat disappointed after reading its rave reviews.

A Violent Story Situated in the Stumbling Eastern Front. .......2007-01-09

Director Sam Peckinpah was known for creating very violent scenarios, blood filled and corpse filled films.
Well then WWII Eastern Front is an ideal backdrop to suit his abilities.
With "Cross of Iron" (1977) he delivered his, arguably, second best movie. Being "Straw Dogs" (1971) his Number One.
He constructs a very solid & dynamic war movie, even if the budget put at his disposition wasn't ample enough to fully support this kind of product.

The story is as follows. The German army was already in full retreat. Soldiers, NCOs and officers were deranged beyond recover. Each individual cope the situation with whatever resource is at his disposition: liquor, daydreaming, madness, fanaticism, cynicism, unrestrained violence or a combination of them all.
Out of the blue a Prussian officer arrives to the battalion headquarters, at his own request, in search of winning the Iron Cross. But he is not willing to display the necessary skill & heroism to achieve this. He searches a shameful shortcut and tries to force a true hero to backup his phony statement.
A clash of wills with dreadful results is launched.

Around this anecdote, Peckinpah builds a strong parable about the futility of war in terms of suffering and misery.
Play acting is very good. James Coburn impersonates Steiner the hardboiled & rebellious NCO delivering one of his best performances, at par or better than his appearances in "The Magnificent Seven" (1960) and "The Great Escape" (1963).
Maximilian Schell as the arrogant Hauptmann Stransky, David Warner as disenchanted Hauptmann Kiesel and James Mason as Oberst Brandt compose correctly their characters.
Special mention must be done for play acting of the rest of the squad members: Klaus Lowitsch, Fred Stillkrauth and Michael Nowka amongst other.

Original music by Ernest Gold, the unforgettable author "Exodus" (1960) score, delivers an energetic musical background to the film.

This is an outstanding war film, that no real fan should let it pass by unwatched!
Reviewed by Max Yofre.

Walt Disney Treasures - On the Front Lines

Average customer rating:

This is what the Disney Treasures Collection was made for!
Great for History-Minded Children, as long as you keep talking about it!
Great Collection -- A **Correction** for VICTORY THRU AIR POWER
Disney Dons Dogtags
Walt Disney Treasures - On the Front Lines

Walt Disney Treasures - On the Front Lines
Starring: Alexander de Seversky , Billy Mitchell (III) , Art Baker , Cliff Edwards , and Clarence Nash
Director: Jack Kinney , James Algar , and Perce Pearce
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
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ASIN: B0000BWVAH
Release Date: 2004-05-18

Amazon.com

World War II transformed the Disney Studio. Although nearly one-third of the artists had been drafted, production quintupled, up to 95% of it for military and government uses. Some of the films included in On the Front Lines have not been seen since their initial release; others were never shown to the general public. Anticipating the importance of animated training films, Disney produced the studio's first educational film, "Four Methods of Flush Riveting" (1941), using limited animation to train riveters at Lockheed. Decades later, "Four Methods" and the excerpts from military training films remain models of how to present information clearly and concisely.

Many of the wartime entertainment shorts are largely propaganda. Donald's nightmare of working on a Nazi assembly line in "Der Fuehrer's Face" is still hilarious slapstick. The grimmer "Education for Death" and "Chicken Little" have aged less gracefully. Disney's oddest wartime project was Victory Through Air Power (1943), a live action/animation feature based on Major Alex de Seversky's controversial book that called for the adoption of long-range bombers. By the time it was finished, air power was a reality.

Front Lines also includes several health films made for the Office of Inter-American Affairs, and bond-buying shorts for Canada that reuse animation from Snow White and "Three Little Pigs." This collection of genuine rarities is a must-have for anyone interested in the history of animation, the Disney Studio, or America during WWII. (Rated G, suitable for ages 10 and older: violence, ethnic stereotypes, tobacco use) --Charles Solomon

Description

On December 8, 1941, the Disney Studio was taken over by the military as part of the war effort. Making the most of the talent that hadn't shipped out yet, Walt Disney spent the next four years creating and producing training, propaganda, and educational films for the Armed Forces. In addition to these films, this extraordinary volume also includes the full-length feature "Victory Through Air Power." Released theatrically in 1943, this powerful propaganda film has never been reissued until now. You'll also see recently discovered on-the-set footage, and get rare firsthand accounts about the work and culture at the Disney Studio in interviews with Disney Legends Joe Grant, John Hench, and Roy Disney. Featuring exclusive introductions by film historian Leonard Maltin, this is a timeless collection from generations past for generations to come.

Customer Reviews:

This is what the Disney Treasures Collection was made for!.......2006-02-01

In the early 1940s, when the United States joined a second World War against the forces of evil, it was important that all Americans did their part. Walt Disney was no exception, and he and his artists took on the task fearlessly! This significant entry into the Walt Disney Treasures Collection limited-edition DVD line compiles the Disney Studios' war-themed animated shorts from that era along with the feature film "Victory Through Air Power," which is accompanied by some great interviews, galleries, and training film samples and clips. Much of this brilliant material has gone unseen since the 1940s, making this set a "Must Have" for Disney and WWII buffs all over! Here's a run through of what you'll find in this Disney dream-come-true!

Disc 1

Propaganda and Entertainment Shorts:
This is the first of three sections into which the shorts of disc one are divided. Each section is kicked off with a nice intro by film critic and historian Leonard Maltin, whom we can thank for this wonderful Disney Treasures DVD series. Leonard puts each group of films into proper historical context for the viewers, hands out viewer warnings when necessary, and often gives nice details about individual films. Leonard also provides an introduction to both discs in each Disney Treasures 2-disc collection.
"Donald Gets Drafted" (1942) - In our first short, one of the funniest in this group, Donald gets a first hand lesson in what it's really like to join the army. The short begins with Donald, draft card in hand and dreams of flying military aircrafts in his head, getting jazzed up on the idea of being a soldier from the alluring advertisements on the sidewalk. Many feature 1940's style pinup girls fawning over the new recruits, and who could resist that? If women like Priscilla Lane were around today and doing military ads, I'd join-up right now! Or, at least, I'd be tempted. As Donald enters the recruiting office, he is immediately put through a hilarious physical examination and uniform fitting, and the Duck is in! He gets a nasty wakeup call, however, when he meets his new drill sergeant, Pete!
"The Army Mascot" (1942) - Pluto is sniffing around outside an army camp when he notices how extraordinarily well fed two mascot dogs are! Pluto immediately disguises himself as the third mascot, Gunther Goat, in hopes of receiving a juicy steak of his own. To Pluto's dismay, he instead receives a pile of empty tin cans for dinner. What's worse, Gunther catches Pluto in the act and quickly retaliates. Pluto makes another attempt at winning a mascot position by outdoing Gunther in tobacco chewing. While this plan works to a fault, Gunther again takes action.
" The Vanishing Private" (1942) - Private Donald doesn't seem to get the point of camouflage painting, but after a scolding from Sergeant Pete, he becomes a little TOO good at it. Donald's snooping around in an experimentation lab leads him to a can of invisibility paint, and soon, Pete is looking "not all there" himself.
"Sky Trooper" (1942) - Donald is stuck in the kitchen peeling potatoes as he dreams of being in the clouds. Sergeant Pete notices the duck's obsession and comes up with an idea. He agrees to let Donald fly after one more pile of potatoes is peeled, and soon he is giving the Duck equilibrium tests and preparing him for the skies. What he isn't telling Donald is that once the Duck gets in the air, he'll be coming down under a parachute.
"Private Pluto" (1943) - In their first cartoon appearance, Chip 'n' Dale are storing their nuts in a military cannon and using the barrel to crack their nuts. Following orders to guard the big gun, Pluto the Pup takes them on!
"Fall Out; Fall In" (1943) - Donald Duck is marching at the back of a line of soldiers on a long hike to a campsite, suffering from fatigue and hunger, and being tormented by all kinds of weather. When the troop finally arrives, Donald must get his tent up before he can eat and go to bed. Naturally, his efforts are futile.
"Victory Vehicles" (1943) - This classic Goofy short makes light of the gas and rubber shortages of WWII in a highly entertaining way. With an intro portraying the transportation troubles that have come about, we move on to a cavalcade of ideas from the public (all reenacted by the Goof) for ways to get around the problem. Various incarnations of Goofy travel up and down the streets of America in a variety of absurd inventions, but the final solution to the transportation question appears to be a mere child's toy: the pogo stick! This short features a funny original song that will likely get stuck in your head for a while!
"The Old Army Game" (1943) - Sergeant Pete discovers Donald and some other soldiers have snuck out one night, and he's there waiting when the Duck returns. Donald pulls some clever tricks, but eventually, Pete catches up with him. A mid-chase encounter with a saw leads Don to think he's been cut in half. The short is a little dark, as it's one of those that uses attempted suicide humor (these old cartoons did that sometimes), when a despairing Donald puts a gun to his head and a sobbing Pete asks him to do it in the bushes so he won't have to watch. Of course, they realize he's in one piece before then end.
"Home Defense" (1943) - Donald is manning a listening station, while Huey, Dewey, and Louie standby as the gun crew. The boys get their kicks by playing pranks on their poor uncle, but will they be ready for a real attack?
"How to be a Sailor" (1944) - A typically hilarious Goofy "How to" short, this cartoon gives us a history of seafaring, Goofy style, all the way up to today, and includes some standard Goofy "How to" info in the lesson as well.
"Commando Duck" (1944) - This highly entertaining morale booster gets a lot of its humor from Japanese stereotypes depicting the enemy, as Donald is dropped from a plane on a mission to destroy an enemy base. The brave duck succeeds only after a series of dangers and mishaps which involve some very Indiana Jones-ish action scenes! This was a first time viewing for me, as best I could remember, and I think it's one of my faves in the set (though I have many).

Educational Shorts:
The 14 shorts in this group, as Maltin tells us in the intro, were created to inform and encourage the public to be healthy, pay their taxes on time, and buy war bonds. Recycled animation and classic characters were sometimes used in these surprisingly entertaining shorts made not only for us, but for Canada and the Coordinator of Inter-American Affairs as well.
"Thrifty Pig" (1941) - This short features mostly recycled footage from the original "The Three Little Pigs," though you won't miss the Big Bad Wolf dressed as a Nazi officer this time around! This twist on the classic tale features a house made not of regular bricks, but of war bonds! Like many of these shorts, this one ends with a straightforward message. In this case, the message is to buy Canadian war bonds.
"Seven Wise Dwarfs" (1941) - In this second short delivering the same message and also ending with a dramatic "Keep Your Money Fighting!" finale, footage of the Seven Dwarfs from "Snow White" is reused with an edited version of the song "Heigh Ho." This time, the song goes off on a verse about winning the war with "five for four." The dwarfs turn in their jewels for war bonds in the small bit of new footage blended in with the rest. At only 3 minutes and 46 seconds, this is an example of how short these "message sending" cartoons can sometimes be. Enjoyable nonetheless!
"Food Will Win the War" (1942) - One of the most interesting and unusual shorts in the set, "Food Will Win the War" is an informative piece supervised by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. There's no story here. Instead, the short begins by showing us the destruction the Axis powers are causing overseas, and how the hope for victimized nations lies in our abundant food supplies in the United States. Depicting American farmers as heroes, the bulk of the short is used to show the audience just how much food we produce here in America. This is done with humorous analogies and art depicting giant corn cobs and fruit pies, a sweater made of spaghetti that could be worn by the planet Earth, and other such bizarre concepts to illustrate our vast agricultural production.
"Out of the Frying Pan and Into the Firing Line" (1942) - This fascinating 3 and a half minute short brings us Minnie Mouse cooking breakfast at her stove and offering Pluto a gravy of hot bacon grease for his dog biscuits. Just then, a voice on the radio cuts in to inform "housewives of America" to stop throwing out their used kitchen fats! The speaker teaches Minnie and a reluctant Pluto about how such used greases can be made into ammunition for the boys on the front lines (cue photo of Mickey in his uniform on the wall). As in the previous short, we are treated to an in depth look at how kitchen fats can win the war for us. The film rounds out with a demonstration by Minnie and Pluto about how to turn in their bacon grease to the local "meat dealer" in exchange for cash (or, in Pluto's case, sausages). This short also ranks as one of my favorites, not only because it's so interesting, but also because it really makes you feel like you're in 1942 when you watch it!
"Donald's Decision" (1942) - This cartoon made for Canada uses previous Donald Duck footage, mostly from "Donald's Better Self," to encourage people to become regular war savers. Donald's devilish half encourages him to spend his money, while his angel urges him to save it. Considering that it is reused footage of a cartoon that was shown frequently on the Disney Channel throughout the years, it is not the most interesting selection on the disc; however, little touches here and there do make it worth a watch.
"All Together" (1942) - This last short made for the National Film Board of Canada is really just a parade of Disney favorites running just under 3 minutes in length. It shows us Mickey, Goofy, Donald, his nephews, Pluto, the seven dwarfs, Pinocchio, and Geppetto marching down a street, playing music, and carrying signs to promote war bonds. Though there's nothing more to it than that, it's amazing what a delight it is just to see these classic characters onscreen together!
"The New Spirit" (1942) - The voice on the radio saves the day again in this classic short, encouraging Donald Duck to pay his income tax on time and instructing him on how to do it. The film takes Donald through the simplified form for folks who made less than 3,000 dollars this year (yikes), and it's really quite fun to watch, odd as that may seem. There's just something about seeing Donald Duck doing these very human things, like filling out his income tax form, that is too enjoyable. Amazingly, the commissioners of the film didn't want Donald to be used in it to represent the "every man." Walt had to insist on it!
"The Spirit of `43" (1943) - Apparently, Walt's idea was a hit. The following year, another short was made to encourage paying taxes on time. In this short, Donald is encouraged to spend his money by one side of his personality, and to save it for his taxes by the other (represented by a Scottish duck). The spendthrift half is eventually revealed to be a Nazi agent, and Donald promptly agrees to save for tax day. Like many of these shorts, this one ends with a "Taxes to sink the Axis" montage. Very enjoyable stuff, if only to wax nostalgic on patriotic WWII propaganda.
"The Winged Scourge" (1943) - Public Enemy Number One: Anopheles the Malaria Mosquito! This short will scare you straight about leaving any standing water around your home! After a disturbing intro to the world of mosquitoes carrying malaria, the announcer calls for 6 or 7 audience members to help fight the fiendish foe. The seven dwarfs pop up from their seats, and we are soon treated to all new footage of the fantastic seven spraying their cottage with bug poison, draining standing water, cutting weeds, treating water containing "wigglers" with oil and chemicals, placing screens and netting over barrels and beds, and using a good, old-fashioned fly swatter. I'm not sure how good for the environment all that stuff is, but I suppose it's okay if it kills mosquitoes... This short is highly entertaining due to its unusual drama and scare tactics, but also due to its all-new footage of the seven dwarfs!
"Defense Against Invasion" (1943) - This short offers something different, in that there's a good amount of live-action footage to it. The short begins with a group of little boys (and their dog) waiting to be vaccinated in a doctor's office. An aptly named child, Tubby, goes in first. When the doctor and nurse notice how nervous he is, the short becomes a very clever lesson on blood and invasion by disease, depicting both as armies within the human body. These sequences within the bloodstream are the animated half of the show. It's all very entertaining and informative, despite the very bland casting, and everyone is proud to have their vaccinations in the end.
"The Grain That Built a Hemisphere" (1943) - This short is all about corn; the history and uses of it. If you love corn (and I do), it's pretty interesting. Actually, this short, along with the previous one and the 3 that follow, would be right at home in one of the "Future World" pavilions at EPCOT Center. Especially in the old days, when the place wasn't afraid to house fun education instead of thrill rides.
"Cleanliness Brings Health" (1945) - This film, pitting a clean family against a "careless," dirty one, uses fun animation to illustrate the benefits of clean living and the hardships that come from "going in the cornfield." These "careless" vs. clean shorts are quite entertaining in their disgusting education style.
"What Is Disease? (The Unseen Enemy)" (1945) - An average man is used as an example of how disease can attack him without warning through microbes in the water, air, and everywhere!
"Planning for Good Eating" (1945) - Careless Charlie and his rundown family need to eat more than just beans and cornbread. This short teaches Charlie, and the audience, that the way to a healthy life is eating three types of food: meat for muscles, breads and roots for energy, and vegetables for strong bones and teeth. Later, milk is also mentioned as the "perfect" food. By the end, Charlie's farm has been altered to accommodate animals and vegetables as well as beans and corn. Now, he's known as "Careful" Charlie.

From the Vault:
Leonard Maltin introduces each of the following 4 shorts individually, as they are the most interesting and controversial of anything in this 2-disc set. I'm told you can't fast forward or skip the intros, though I haven't tried. These four shorts make no apologies for showing the cruelty and inhumanity of the nazis and their beliefs in masterfully done animation.
"Der Fuehrer's Face" (1942) - It's no surprise that this short has been locked away for so long. Dream or not, it does depict Donald Duck as a downtrodden citizen of Nazi Germany, wearing a swastika on his arm and declaring "Heil Hitler!" nearly every other second to avoid being shot. He spends most of his time on an assembly line screwing the tops onto shells. It is, of course, a nightmare, and our beloved duck wakes up in the good old U.S. of A., incredibly thankful for it. This cartoon is unforgettable, as are all these "From the Vault" selections, and there is a great deal of Chaplin inspiration found within it. Of course, that was true of much of Disney's old cartoons. This short also features an original song by the same name that become a huge hit at the time!
"Education for Death" (1943) - This has to be the most memorable, the most poignant of anything you'll find in this collection. This is the story of one of "Hitler's children." In the beginning, the film asks, "What Makes a nazi?" The rest of the cartoon short is the answer to that question. It starts off with a couple proving their Aryan heritage to the German government through documentation so that they will be allowed to keep and name their new baby, Hans. Little Hans becomes sick as a child, and his mother fears the government will come to take him away. Such children were never heard from again. Luckily, Hans gets better, and is off to school, where he learns the twisted nazi fairytales that make Hitler a hero and democracy a villain, and where Hans learns that he must be cruel to survive. Time marches on, and as it does, Hans is brainwashed to see, hear, and think only what the fuehrer tells him to. Books are burned, churches are destroyed, the cross replaced with the sword and the Bible replaced with Mein Kampf. Hans becomes a good nazi soldier, (his marching image quickly replaced by a cross in a graveyard), having completed his education for death. This is probably the darkest, most disturbing thing you will ever see from Disney. Of course, it is meant to be so.
"Reason and Emotion" (1943) - Within the mind of a child sits the primitive, thrill-seeking characterization of "Emotion." Appearing a bit later is "Reason," the nerdy, level-headed one. The two argue for decision making control throughout the child's life, though when he has grown into a man, it is Reason that sits in the driver's seat...most of the time. Within a woman's mind goes on the same struggle. This short proceeds to show us how gossip and rumors, particularly those about what is going on overseas, can have a negative affect on the individual who allows emotion to dominate his brain. This entertaining and imaginative short is fantastically enjoyable WWII propaganda.
"Chicken Little" (1943) - No, this isn't the big CGI film that came to theaters last year. This is the original classic one might have imagined was a Silly Symphony in the past. It was, in fact, a wartime parable about how Hitler uses psychology to control the masses. However, unlike most of the other cartoons in this set, we don't get any Hitler caricatures this time around. Aside from the suspicious quotes Foxy Loxy reads from his psychology book, everything appears to be a straight up animal fable. Foxy tricks Chicken Little into thinking that the sky is falling, and he eventually has the whole farm believing it. Foxy gets Chicken Little to lead all the chickens, ducks, turkeys, and whatever else into a nearby cave, where we see just how happy an ending you get when the wicked fox is given total control. Here's a hint - It's not happy. It's pretty funny though!

Disc 2

This Disney Treasures DVD set is special for many reasons, but one of those is that it combines several classic Disney shorts with a full-length feature film. Previous Disney Treasures sets containing shorts have contained the shorts ONLY. Here, you have the pleasure of getting several short cartoons AND a main feature together!
"Victory Through Air Power" (1943) - As Maltin states in the intro, this is the most unusual film Walt Disney ever made. "Victory Through Air Power" is less of a "traditional" movie and more of a documentary of sorts. It begins with a dedication to Billy Mitchell, an Army general who was ignored and ridiculed by the nation for his advice to look into aerial assaults after the events of WWI. This is followed with a fun and informative animated history of the airplane, starting with the Wright brothers' legendary first flight near Kitty Hawk, and coming all the way up to today. The animation here is playful, funny, and typical Disney. After this part of the film, we are introduced to Major Alexander de Seversky, a Russian born veteran pilot and aviation expert who had become an American citizen and U.S. Army officer and wrote the