Black Eagle

Starring:Victor Bartolo, William Bassett, Godfrey Bezzina, Doran Clark, Josie Coppini, Gene Davis, Bruce French, Kane Kosugi, Shane Kosugi, ShÃ´ Kosugi, Alfred Mallia, Kevin Monreal, George Portelli, Dorota Puzio, Joe Quattromani, Julie Rudolph, Vladimir Skomarovsky, Jan Triska, Jean-Claude Van Damme
Studio: Studio / Sterling
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

powerful!!!
Skins
skins
Veil Between the Material and Non-material worlds
Skins will keep your attention!

Skins
Starring: Joseph American Horse , Nathaniel Arcand , Wilda Asimont , Dave Bald Eagle , and Bruce Bennett (IV)
Manufacturer: First Look Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Pow Wow Highway
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The Doe Boy

ASIN: B000087F0X
Release Date: 2003-03-25

Amazon.com

A dark and moving tale of bitter helplessness turned to vigilante rage, Skins is the second feature film directed by Chris Eyre (Smoke Signals). As with the previous movie, Skins concerns two very different and determined protagonists who have grown up together: a cop, Rudy Yellow Lodge (Eric Schweig), on the Lakota reservation's police force, and his older brother Mogie (Graham Greene), an unrepentant drunk. Frustrated by Mogie's self-destruction and outraged by rampant alcoholism throughout the rez (with the disease's concomitant social violence and general hell-raising at an all-time high), Rudy resorts to off-duty, anonymous jungle justice--beating suspects and torching a Nebraska border-town liquor store--with tragic consequences. Eyre's unflinching eye for reservation horrors and the exploitation of Indians is compelling; his compassion for characters grasping at hope is equally strong. Skins benefits mightily from Schweig and Greene's strong performances; in all, this is an underrated drama waiting for a real audience. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

powerful!!!.......2007-06-01

I must have seen this film (at least) four years ago. I loved it then, and, upon recalling the plot, still appreciate the power and intensity it presented to us, through its depiction of the turbulence and pain of the Plains Indian experience on the "rez" (reservation). Rudy Yellow Lodge (Eric Schweig), a man employed to uphold honor and accountablity, snaps in the face of his brother, Mogie (Graham Greene)'s alcoholism and the desolate existence of his fellow residents. In defiance, Rudy decides to take part in random acts of violence (beating a white supremacist, destroying a liquor store in a fiery act of arson, fueled by anger). Though, Rudy's original intention is to take a bold (but violent) stand against the multitudes of injustice laid on the heads and hearts of his Native brothers on sisters, his plan backfires on him.

Director Chris Eyre (SMOKE SIGNALS) boldly directs this film and takes us all on a gothic, violent and very disturbing journey down the path of anger, oppression and (attempted) redemption. I really got a sense of the rage blazing behind the camera (in the director's chair) as I did in the eyes of the actors who so masterfully portrayed such powerful and disturbed characters. SKINS challenges the stereotype (and stigma) of alcoholism in the Native American community, as well as everyday racism that occurs as easily as breathing in and out. Eyre's unflinching account of these experiences is beautiful and heartbreaking. Watch SKINS purely for the reason that not enough people have heard of the film (but ought to). What's more, you will walk away with a perspective that you may not have possessed upon initially pressing the "play" button on your DVD player.

Skins.......2007-05-10

Chris Eyre does a wonderful job of bringing to light the truth of what happens on the reservation. This movie is serious yet has some comic relief. All of the main characters are portrayed by Native American actors. Chris pulled together a great cast. This movie is thought provoking and deep. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone interested in or wanting a deeper look into present-day reservation life.

skins.......2007-04-12

Great Movie... FINALLY I can watch a movie with REAL Indians portraying themselves. I truly enjoyed this movie.

Veil Between the Material and Non-material worlds.......2007-02-24

Excellent movie for any viewer to get a fundamental understanding of the inter-connectedness of all humans and the spirits, or the parallel worlds and other dimensions, on this level of reality .

Skins will keep your attention!.......2007-01-12

Is a terrific and well produced movie with great actors in it!

Black Label Society: The European Invasion - Doom Troopin' Live

Average customer rating:

Zack Wylde does it again
Zakk's BLS Rules!!!...
Doom Troopin' Devistation
i was there
Zakk and Company at their best!

Black Label Society: The European Invasion - Doom Troopin' Live
Starring: Craig Nunenmacher , James Lomenzo , Nick Catanese , and Zakk Wylde
Director: Eric Zimmerman , and Nik Jamgocyan
Manufacturer: Eagle Vision USA
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Shot to Hell
Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society - Boozed Broozed & Broken-Boned
DimeVision, Vol.1: That's the Fun I Have
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Book of Shadows

ASIN: B000FP2ZVW
Release Date: 2006-08-22

Description

Black Label Society is the brain child of guitar great Zakk Wylde. Hard and heavy, big on riffs and even bigger on the solos, BLS is the bastard child of Black Sabbath only pumped up on steroids. Having graced the world's stages for the last 18 years, both as Ozzy Osbourne's right hand man as well as fronting BLS, Zakk Wylde has established himself as one of the few remaining guitar heroes. "European Invasion" captures BLS live on their sold out European tour last year - one of the most anticipated tours of the year and they didn't disappoint. Witness the full Paris show as well as 4 tracks from the Astoria in London. Bonus footage includes a 1 hour long On The Road documentary, 3 promo videos taken from the Billboard top 20 album "Mafia" and the making of documentary for the promo video "Suicide Messiah".

Tracklisting:

Disc 1
Paris Chapter
1. Stoned and Drunk 2. Destruction Overdrive 3. Been a Long Time 4. Funeral Bell 5. Suffering Overdue 6. In this River 7. Suicide Messiah 8. Demise of Sanity 9. Spread Your Wings 10. Solo Acoustic Jam 11. Spoke in the Wheel 12. Fire it Up 13. Stillborn 14. Genocide Junkies

London Chapter
1. Been a Long Time 2. Suicide Messiah 3. Stillborn 4. Genocide Junkies

Disc 2
Backstage Pass - On the Road Documentary.
Promo videos for Suicide Messiah, Fire it Up and In This River.
The making of the Suicide Messiah promo video.

Customer Reviews:

Zack Wylde does it again.......2007-05-14

If you like heavy metal hard rock and roll, this is the DVD for you. The band is tight and Zack shows why he is one of the leading guitar players out there today. Lot's of shredders are fast, but he is fast and melodic with outstanding tone. The mumerous audience shots during the concert show about 3 women out there, the rest are head banging hard core rockers, so that alone will tell you what your getting with this DVD.

Zakk's BLS Rules!!!..........2007-03-29

As a big fan of Zakk Wylde I have to tell you that this dvd is espectacular!!!, great sound, great image plus 3 video clips!!!...
I can't wait to have a dvd with all the videos of BLS!!!...
Buy it, you can't lose!!!...

Doom Troopin' Devistation.......2007-03-26

Being both a guitarist and collector of concert dvd's - I must say that the most recent Black Label dvd sets a new standard. The production and sound are fantastic, and the song selection and playing are KILLER! I'm pretty critical of most music/concert dvd's, and for all the BLS fans - this one blows the previous dvd away (and the first one was great). May sound cliche, but a MUST HAVE for all who like hard rock! These guys have out done themselves with this one.

i was there.......2007-01-15

i was stationed in landstuhl germany when the tour came to paris so i went. All i can say is that the sound tech did an amazing job on the dvd because at the show it sounded like zakks mic was just about dead and zakks guitar smothered what everyone else was doing. the only reason i bought the dvd was because i saw a clip and could actually hear everyone elses instrument and hear the vocals.............really wish it sounded that way live, it would have been awesome. im beginning to wonder when zakks ego will deflate and stop taking advantage of his fans. oh well the 3 stars is for the set list and the dvd sound techs, good job guys keep making a big egoed wanna be biker sound awesome.

Zakk and Company at their best!.......2007-01-10

Love seeing Black Label live and on DVD. Enjoyed this tremendously. Zakk Wylde is the the new guitar God!

Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society - Boozed Broozed & Broken-Boned

Average customer rating:

A must have.
God Damn Good
This idiot barely walks upright
fresh metal society
Zakk Wyldes Black Label Society - Boozed Broozed and Broken Boned

Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society - Boozed Broozed & Broken-Boned
Starring: Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society
Manufacturer: Eagle Vision USA
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Black Label Society: The European Invasion - Doom Troopin' Live
Stronger Than Death
1919 Eternal
Book of Shadows
Pride & Glory (With Bonus CD)

ASIN: B0000A02XM
Release Date: 2003-08-12

Description

First ever DVD from Zakk Wylde & BLS. Features full concert from Detroit plus footage from Japan and Zakk Unplugged as well as rare and behind the scenes footage

Customer Reviews:

A must have........2006-11-05

If you like Zakk you really should buy this DVD. It Rocks.

God Damn Good.......2006-07-24

I'm a big fan of Zakk and this great stuff. If you like Zakk and BLS then you won't be disappointed at all. SO GET IT!!! Of course if you're a jealous no named wanna be then this DVD may enhance your feelings of inadequacy and force you to rate this DVD low.

This idiot barely walks upright.......2005-11-24

the only thing you need to know about this DVD is that at the end of it he yells "Pray for mother f**cking war!" This was recorded before the US invaded Iraq. Its one thing to support the troops, but to pray for war? What a sociopath.

Between his repetitive and boring songs, a drunken Zakk rants like an amphetamine addicted pre-pubescent boy with Turrette's Syndrome. Sure, he's a pretty decent guitarist, but he's a one trick pony. If you've heard 3 of his songs, you've heard his entire repertoire of pyrotechnics. Too bad there's no song writing to go with the posturing. I've enjoyed watching Zakk play with Ozzy, but on his own, this idiot and his music is just a mess.

fresh metal society.......2005-11-10

zakk wylde is the man of the moment in metal music.since 1991 the last great metal year,that nothing new was done in metal music,it was all of the same.then came the 'black label society'.the bls was fresh metal,something new to our ears.god bless zakk wylde.the first 3 metal albums were great '1919..,strong...and hellride.this dvd has got the songs from those 3 albums.zakk wylde is one of the best guitar heroes of the world'maybe the best'and the sound of the dvd is great'dts dolby sorround'buy it now and you ill love it.

Zakk Wyldes Black Label Society - Boozed Broozed and Broken Boned.......2005-09-19

F'king AWESOME. Zakk proves why he's the metal god once again. Its refreshing to see someone who has mastered his trade and give that gift to his fans. If you're a fan of hard driving music that leaves you wanting to raise hell, this dvd is for you.

The Black Crowes - Freak N Roll into the Fog

Average customer rating:

With the Crowes it's about the music...as always
Good Crowes Performance
Great live band captured.
If you are a Black Crowes fan, you will love this!
well i knew it

The Black Crowes - Freak N Roll into the Fog
Starring: Chris Robinson (VIII) , Rich Robinson (III) , Marc Ford , Steve Gorman (II) , and Ed Hawrysch
Director: Mark Lucas
Manufacturer: Eagle Vision USA
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Black Crowes: Who Killed That Bird Out On Your Windowsill
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Freak 'N' Roll... Into the Fog
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The Derek Trucks Band - Songlines Live!

ASIN: B000EHSVO6
Release Date: 2006-03-21

Description

Shot live at San Francisco's Fillmore Auditorium in August 2005, The Black Crowes present a set of their all-time greatest hits with their first-ever DVD, Freak `N' Roll ...Into The Fog.

Shot in Hi-Def, this two-and-a-half-hour concert features an impressive mix of material from The Crowes' 6 studio albums, including hits like "Sting Me", "Jealous Again" and "Hard To Handle". Acoustic versions of "She Talks To Angels" and "Sunday Night Buttermilk Waltz" are also highlights of this show.

Tracklisting:
1) (Only) Halfway To Everywhere
2) Sting Me
3) No Speak No Slave
4) Soul Singing
5) Welcome To The Goodtimes
6) Jealous Again
7) Space Captain
8) My Morning Song
9) Sunday Night Buttermilk Waltz
10) Cursed Diamond
11) She Talks To Angels
12) Wiser Time
13) Non Fiction
14) Seeing Things
15) Hard To Handle
16) Let Me Share The Ride
17) Mellow Down Easy
18) Remedy
19) The Night They Drove Ol' Dixie Down

Bonus Feature:
Behind-the-scenes short film.

Customer Reviews:

With the Crowes it's about the music...as always.......2007-06-30

I laugh out loud when i read the reviews of anyone who says this sucks or it's not as good as it could have been. The Crowes put the music first! No big fanfare, no fireworks, no gimmicks! It could be said the Black Crowes are the opposite of Kiss. Both bands give you your moneys worth, but with the Crowes its the music. No spectacle, no posturing and best of all NO Pretense! This shows the band with their best line up at the top of their game. That being said, I would have prefered to watch the band during the extended jamms instead of them walking around town. Also, I would have liked to see a longer soundcheck...but those are small gripes because the rest of this DVD is just awesome classic rock done with a style and class most bands don't have a clue about. I've seen the Crowes live several times and with different members and I just have to say I'm totally impressed with this DVD...Crowes fans have been waiting a long time for this and we were not dissapointed...you can play this for your children(it's not angry or weird) and you could play it for you folks(they won't say 'what the hell is this?)...this is what music and watching music should be...REAL!

Good Crowes Performance.......2006-11-05

This one is pretty straight forward - the band comes out, plays their set and then good night. The song selection was representative of the best of the albums with Mark Ford on guitar with a few extras and some from the first album. They did em pretty much note for note with a little jam band stuff in the middle of some songs. I could have lived without the montage segments durning the jams. The back stage extras were OK but not really worth revisiting. A few with Kate Hudson hanging out with the band. This is a good overview of the Black Crowes and a solid performance. I don't regret the purchase and have watched it many times over by this point, as I am a big fan of their music.

Great live band captured........2006-09-25

The Black Crowes certainly never treaded any new territory, musically speaking...and they never claimed to. All they do is play great rock-n-roll, and they do it very well. This relatively inexpensive dvd captures them intimately. The sound is very good, and there are very few cheesy film effects in this dvd. What you get is a classic rock band performing their songs. No gimmicks. For $15 usd, you can't go wrong.

If you are a Black Crowes fan, you will love this!.......2006-07-27

I was at this concert and couldn't wait unitl this DVD came out. The Fillmore is such an awesome venue and the concert was one of the best Black Crowes concerts I've ever been to. The setlist is great and to see them up close doing there're thing is very cool. Lots of shots of San Francisco. This is a great music DVD. Highly recommended.

well i knew it.......2006-07-26

well i knew it. first off, I like to LISTEN to this band. but in a concert, borrrrringggggggg. not much going on here, all just jammed on a small stage, plugging along.

And Chris, how DOES these guys get the babes? I have a cousin that looks pretty close to him, greasy hair beard and all. and my cousin sings kinda of, not even as good, but still, he is a real nice guy. and his chicks? haha, looks nothing like Goldies daughter! oh wait, he is middle class wages, yea like that has nothing to do with it! hahaha.

but anyway, glad I bought the dvd, just to see, even tho I had a feeling it was going to be boring no action like this. better on dvd money than concert money! music is cool tho, jam it when its on the radio

Listened with Sennheiser 595's, the best that I have found, had 555 for a couple years they are nice too, but cant touch 595's, pay the dif and see, er I mean hear.

The Black Crowes: Freak 'N' Roll... Into the Fog [Blu-ray]

Average customer rating:

Wow Black Crows still knock me out!
Amazing show by an Awesome band!!

The Black Crowes: Freak 'N' Roll... Into the Fog [Blu-ray]
Starring: The Black Crowes
Manufacturer: Eagle Vision USA
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

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Music Video & Concerts | Blu-ray | Formats | DVD | Video
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Pirates of the Caribbean - The Curse of the Black Pearl [Blu-ray]

ASIN: B000I5XDTW
Release Date: 2006-11-21

Description

Shot live at the famous Fillmore in San Francisco in August 2005, this is The Black Crowes caught at their very best. After taking a break to pursue solo ventures in 2002, their 2005 tour became one of the hottest tickets of the US summer. With a set featuring all their greatest hits, and some stunning acoustic versions, in the middle of a two and a half hour show performed by one of the greatest live bands of all time, this is a concert simply not to be missed.

Tracklisting: 1. (Only) Halfway to Everywhere 2. Sting Me 3. No Speak No Slave 4. Soul Singing 5. Welcome to the Goodtimes 6. Jealous Again 7. Space Captain 8. My Morning Song 9. Sunday Night Buttermilk Waltz 10. Cursed Diamond 11. She Talks to Angels 12. Wiser Time 13. Non Fiction 14. Seeing Things 15. Hard to Handle 16. Let Me Share the Ride 17. Mellow Down Easy 18. Remedy 19. The Night They Drove OlÂ' Dixie Down

Bonus Features: Behind-the-scenes film.

Customer Reviews:

Wow Black Crows still knock me out!.......2007-06-06

This is a great Disc, incredible sound, crisp clean rocking! Great clearity of visuals, nice camera work. I am very happy with this disc on a technical level. Also it's a damn fine show. First real Blu Ray disc, I have Ricky Bobby which I got with my PS3 it basically sucked in all aspects so I was a bit soured on Blu Ray Especially after such a great experience wit HD DVDs. This Blu Ray really chages my whole outlook on the the format! I can't wait to get more Blu Rays after the latest PS3 firmware update because now I can view my discs in 720p as opposed to 480p downgraded. that was a big problem for me with the PS3 solved and now very happy. Bring on the Blu Ray! What can I say about the Black Crows performance? Absolutely incredible! the finest line of the band I have seen, the set list was great. Just an A+ concert! If you have Blu Ray and you love rock and blues you must own this disc. GO GET IT !

Amazing show by an Awesome band!!.......2007-03-18

This is the best Black Crowes line-up ever and they are totally on fire. Stopping reading my bs and buy this gem now! Oh yeah, and Marc Ford needs to get back with the Crowes!!

Blind Boys of Alabama - Go Tell it on the Mountain : Live in New York

Average customer rating:

A gospel Christmas with Joy to the World, from The Blind Boys of Alabama.

Blind Boys of Alabama - Go Tell it on the Mountain : Live in New York
Starring: Blind Boys of Alabama
Manufacturer: Eagle Vision USA
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

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Ben Harper and the Blind Boys of Alabama: Live at the Apollo
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The Rance Allen Group - The Live Experience

ASIN: B00070EBGC
Release Date: 2005-02-22

Description

The Blind Boys of Alabama have spread the spirit and energy of pure soul gospel music for over 60 years, ever since the first version of the group formed at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind in 1939. Today, founding members Clarence Fountain, Jimmy Carter and George Scott joined by more recent arrivals Joey Williams, Ricky McKinnie, Bobby Butler, and Tracy Pierce are on a mission to expand the audience for traditional soul-gospel singing while incorporating contemporary songs and innovative arrangements into their hallowed style.

In December 2003, the band came to New York City to perform a special holiday concert at the famed Beacon Theater with Aaron Neville, John Medeski, Duke Robillard, Chrissie Hynde, Mavis Staples, Michael Franti (Spearhead), Robert Randolph (Sacred Steel player), and Charlie Musselwhite (Blues harmonica icon). This show aired on PBS in December 2004 as part of their pledge drive with the individual band members appearing in pledge breaks.

Track Listing:
1. Opening
2. Run On
3. Go Tell It On The Mountain w/John Medeski
4. Little Drummer Boy w/Michael Franti
5. If I Had A Hammer w/Michael Franti, Charlie Musselwhite & Robert Randolph
6. Nobody's Fault But Mine w/Mavis Staples
7. Born In Bethlehem w/Mavis Staples & Duke Robillard
8. Joy To The World w/Aaron Neville
9. People Get Ready w/Aaron Neville
10. In The Bleak Midwinter w/Chrissie Hynde
11. Higher Ground w/Chrissie Hynde & Robert Randolph
12. Amazing Grace
13. Look Where He Brought Me From
14. Someone Watches Over Me
15. Soldier
16. Down By The Riverside w/Ensemble

Customer Reviews:

A gospel Christmas with Joy to the World, from The Blind Boys of Alabama........2006-01-06

It is a wonderful suprise to hear for the first time a group whose core members have been performing together for over 60 years. The Blind Boys of Alabama's current tour brought them to my attention, though I was unable to attend their Christmas concert at Disney Hall. So I decided to check out their Christmas 2003 DVD, "Go Tell It On The Mountain, Live In New York". Oh my God! With various special guest accompaniment on about half these gospel and Christmas songs, they literally blow the roof off the Beacon Theatre, and before the concert reaches the halfway point almost everyone is on their feet, jumping up and down. For me the high point in a concert that was chock full of them had to be the collaboration with Mavis Staples on Nobody's Fault But Mine, and Born In Bethlehem. No doubt that the Blind Boys' Grammy Award winning 2003 studio CD of the same name that just preceeded this live concert DVD may be more technically perfect, but it's the rough edges of these live performances as they work themselves out that spice up the songs, and they rock! The spiritual magic that infuses their music is never in doubt, and the ecstatic crowd lets it wash over them like a waterfall.

Average customer rating:

hollywood babylon redux redux redux ...
Take Another Look
Truly memorable, bleak, surreal, disturbing....
Adore!!!!!
One of the worst adaptations ever made.

The Day of the Locust
Starring: Donald Sutherland , Karen Black , Burgess Meredith , William Atherton , and Geraldine Page
Director: John Schlesinger
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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( D ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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Darling
The Last Tycoon
Sunday Bloody Sunday
The Conformist (Extended Edition)
Midnight Cowboy

ASIN: B0001WTUE4
Release Date: 2004-06-08

Amazon.com

Nathanael West's The Day of the Locust is by consensus the great Hollywood novel, a poison-pen letter aimed squarely at the tinsel heart of the movie biz. Only in the 1970s could Hollywood actually hazard a film of this story, and the result is suitably corrosive. William Atherton is the observer Tod, Karen Black the blond starlet Faye, and Donald Sutherland the hulking Homer--but they are easily out-acted by the colorful supporting cast. In particular, Burgess Meredith's exhausted showbizzy salesman and Billy Barty's strutting dwarf are superbly crafted gargoyles in this Hollywood wax museum. Director John Schlesinger piles on the rancid atmosphere and rampant hypocrisy until the movie fairly drowns in its own grotesque vision. Long before the climactic apocalyptic riot, the film has torn itself up. There's no substitute for West's wicked prose, so the adaptation comes across as a literal-minded screech rather than a true bonfire of the vanities. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

hollywood babylon redux redux redux ..........2007-06-11

it takes longer to watch this movie based on nathaneal wests short story than it takes to read the source material. this tale has been told too many times, yet filmmakers continue to think that the seedy side of hollywood is as fascinating to us as it is to them. well, its not. that said, there ARE terrific performances to be found here: donald sutherland, burgess meredith, and others, tho william atherton is his usually vapid self in the central role. im glad i saw it, but if i ever want to pay a return trip, i will visit the library and mr wests tome.

Take Another Look.......2006-09-20

THE DAY OF THE LOCUST was slammed critically in its initial release, and many reviewers here seem irritated by both the film and the current DVD transfer. But the soft focus and grainy look here are true to Conrad Hall's brilliant, Oscar-nominated cinematography -- this picture was hazy in theatres in its first run, and certainly this transfer's a vast improvement over the VHS and laser versions, which were virtually unwatchable. As for the film itself, perhaps it's best regarded as a fantasia on West's classic novel, rather than a literal adaptation. If the viewer doesn't expect a slavish version of the book, LOCUST holds many pleasures. The acting's marvellous (has a performer ever been more bravely and cruelly exposed than Karen Black as Faye?), and Schlesinger found a style unlike his other films, a sort of acrid romanticism that isn't West's surrealism, but packs a punch nonetheless. I've seen this film several times over the years, always finding things in it with which to disagree, but images here have stuck more completely in my mind than those from many more perfect works. Ripe for reevaluation.

Truly memorable, bleak, surreal, disturbing...........2006-08-22

I just saw this film for the first time in nearly 15 years. It had always stayed with me (especially the climax, one of the greatest in cinema history), and upon seeing it again, it is even sadder, more depressing, and nihilistic than before. The names change in Hollywood, but never the substance, because there was never any substance to begin with. Many people go there with dreams of fame and fortune, but end up miserable, even the "successful" ones. Even those who "make" it still are so uneasy and unsure of everything that they're just as vulnerable as those left on the outside. L.A. has never looked so horrid. While the lead performers are adequate (William Atherton and Karen Black), the performances by Sutherland and Meredith (why Meredith didn't get a supporting actor nod is beyond me) are amazing. The supporting roles are extremely well done as well (with special kudos going to Billy Barty as a sarcastic [...]). There is a surreal tinge to this film that explodes at the climax, one of the most amazing in cinematic history. A film like this could never be made today, because Hollywood has become so terrified of doing anything different, which is a damn shame. This is very much a 1970's film, where Hollywood took chances and let chips fall over the place. They could do it again if they wanted to, you know. A must see...

Adore!!!!!.......2006-06-10

I had forgotten that I had bought the DVD version back in 2004 and I'd have to say I wasn't struck by the feeling that it was a bad transfer. I will say there was much purposeful graininess and soft focusing to the photography that could be interpreted as a bad transfer. Although, I'll have to compare my VHS copy to be positive. I won't comment on the adaptation of the West novel that I haven't read.

Yes, Karen Black may be a bit too old for the role but she is the perfect in type with the look and the style of the period. Atherton is also perfect as is everyone else in this movie. Sorry to see Atherton receiving crappier and crappier roles after doing such a solid job here so early in his career. I would have liked to see him find the kind of niche that Jonathan Pryce or Richard E. Grant have found. However, Barty, Meredith and Sutherland steal the show in supporting parts. They're work here is brilliant.

This is a morally sick film. It's sexually frustration can only be matched by That Obscure Object of Desire but not really. This is an even deeper abyss. Making this story something that can be watched is an achievement in its self but to be able to make it totally fascinating is something only Schlesinger, one of the greatest directors(Midnight Cowboy, Cold Comfort Farm, Darling), could pull off.

The story of Todd (Atherton) coming to 1930's Hollywood as an art designer, sharing the collective, tainted dreams of all of Tinsel Town's inhabitants is one of utter disillusionment. That may sound simple but this is no simple disillusionment. It's in every corner, every nook and cranny. Even for those who have cashed in on the dream there is no salvation, only more assuredness of a soulless end.

Now that the picture is sufficiently blackened let me say this is great filmmaking. There are innumerable, unforgettable scenes. Almost every the scene involving Sutherland or Meredith are burned into the psyche. Being a story about an art designer, the art design is appropriately elaborate. It appears to be the same artist who provided the artwork for the Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas book.

At 140 minutes, this is a substantial meal and one not easily digested but you will be satiated for a long, long time.

One of the worst adaptations ever made........2006-05-16

Sure there are other movies that have butchered their source material beyond recognition, but it's not even the butchering that's the problem. The problem comes when the director hits all the marks and completely misses the point of the book. Jan de Bont decided to take the atmospheric Haunting of Hill House and turn it into a carnival ride and give an easy explanation to the haunting. DePalma went and decided to tone down the racism in Bonfire of the Vanities. But those weird decisions to miss the point pale in comparison to Shlessinger's choice of turning a vicious novel into sentimental slop.

From the opening sequence with the tinkling piano music to the ending with Faye sighing at Tod's stupid rose, this movie sets out to jerk tears and make the viewer feel bad. Even if there wasn't a great book to be killing, this would be a terrible movie. But with Day of the Locust as a source material, the awfulness of this movie borders on the criminal. One imagines the book done right by a Quentin Tarantino or a Todd Solondz.

Where the book is fast, the movie is slow. Tod Hackett is supposed to be a fat cynical observer but Shlessinger decided to cast an anonymous pretty boy in his role. The casting choice is decidedly better with Donald Sutherland as Homer Simpson, but Sutherland is emoting way too much pain for the humor to come through. Every time you see him you want to kill yourself and his abuse at the hands of Faye goes on forever.

The riot scene that ends the movie becomes a Night of the Living Dead ripoff and the whole thing just drags on. Furthermore, the key sequence of the book (Tod imitating the police sirens) gets lost and Tod just cries and gnashes his teeth or something.

This is a terrible movie. The original book deserves much better.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo: Live at Montreux (2005)

Average customer rating:

Ladysmith Black Mambazo: Live at Montreux (2005)
Starring: Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Manufacturer: Eagle Vision USA
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Africa | International | Styles | Music

South Africa | Africa | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

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

International | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( L ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Ladysmith Black Mambazo - On Tip Toe
Ladysmith Black Mambazo - In Harmony: Live at the Royal Albert Hall
Soweto Gospel Choir - Blessed Live in Concert
Rhythm of Resistance - Black South African Music
Paul Simon - Graceland (The African Concert)

ASIN: B000AMJFWW
Release Date: 2005-09-06

Description

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO is the most famous and successful Zulu vocal group of all time. Founded and led by Joseph Shabalala in 1974, they quickly became hugely popular in their native South Africa, but it was their collaboration with Paul Simon on his classic Graceland album in the mideighties that brought them to a worldwide audience.

The group's stunning vocal harmonies, combining a number of bass voices with a single tenor and alto and with Shabalala singing lead, are instantly recognizable and extraordinarily powerful and their live shows are also a showcase for athletic Zulu dancing.

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO has played Montreux on three occasions and this DVD is a combination from all three performances. It features classic tracks such as "Hello My Baby", "King Of Kings", and the song cowritten with Paul Simon, Homeless, which has become their signature tune.

As a bonus feature, these duplicate performances from other years are also included: 1. HOMELESS 2. NOMATHEMBA 3. HELLO MY BABY 4. HOMELESS

The main program is being simultaneously released on CD by Eagle Records (ER 20077-2)

Tracklisting:

1.WANGIBAMBEZELA (2000)

2. HELLO MY BABY (2000)

3. KING OF KINGS (2000)

4. WENA OTHANDA ABANTU (2000)

5. AMAZING GRACE (2000)

6. YIBO LABAFANA (1989)

7. KWATHATHA (1989)

8. HOMELESS (1989)

9. NKOSI SIKELELA (1989)

10. NOMATHEMBA (1987)

Customer Reviews:

Black Eagle is a Black Spot on Van Damme's Resume.......2006-05-12

If you are a Van Damme fan, beware! He is barely even in the movie so don't let the DVD box cover fool you. Actually, he isn't even the star of the movie!! I'm not sure what advice he was given post Bloodsport from his agent, but when you go from being the main star in a very good martial arts movie to having a very tiny role in a very bad movie, I think that would raise some questions as to his choices in roles. Likewise, he is playing the stereotypical "bad Russian"--much like he did in his brief cameo in No Retreat, No Surrender. With the exception of 3-4 fight scenes and a romance scene, Van Damme is no where to be seen. Trust me though, this DVD is cheap enough (or can be found cheap enough) to warrant buying just for those fight scenes (for the true Van Damme fan).

Plot - D

Typical '80's plot with a downed jet fighter with a top secret device onboard that the Russians want and the CIA wants to get back. The CIA sends Asian martial artist Sho Kosagi after it and the Russians send Van Damme after it. The two have several confrontations, most ending in a draw. The martial arts choreography is very good and Van Damme performs his trademark splits and jumping spin kicks. There is a slight side story about Kosagi's kids and a female agent, but it isn't very detailed and not all that interesting. Again, the main reason for renting or buying the movie is for the fights between Van Damme and Kosagi.

Acting - D

Terrible acting from everyone. There really isn't any redemption for this category. The wooden acting of Van Damme playing a Russian is fine and expected, but the lifeless acting of the rest of the cast is just aweful.

Music/Soundtrack - D

I assume there was a soundtrack and some music, but it was so forgettable that nothing stands out.

Cinematography - C

Very nice location shooting in Malta (or a location doubling as Malta). Other than that, the camera angles are all standard and nothing to set it apart or make it very memorable.

DVD - F

Some DVD's claim to have the making of featurette. BEWARE - I have never seen it or found it on a DVD of this film. The extras are standard with an original trailer and some back story bios. The quality of the image transfer is subpar and is full screen only.

Overall - D

Perhaps Van Damme's worst movie of all time. Only for the true die-hard Van Damme fan and one who will pay $5 for 5 minutes of fight scenes.

A really good action movie, but the real star is MALTA!!!.......2005-08-25

From the end of the Cold War comes a movie that was probably written at the height of the Cold War, went through several years of production and finally came out right at the end of the Cold War and this probably killed any chance it had at success. I mean, who wants to watch a movie about Russians spies fighting US spies when you can get down with that sexy East German girl in your chem class while listening to the Scorpions' song "Winds of Change" or that cool Jesus Jones ditty, "Right Here, Right Now"? As a result, this enjoyable action movie is a hidden gem that few people remember. On to the plot...

SHO KOSUGI, Star of tons of Japanese Ninja films, plays a CIA spy who is called into action when a secret US plane, an F-111, goes down in the waters off Malta. This sequence is probably the cheapest of the entire movie as we only get to LISTEN to the plane going down instead of WATCHING the plane crash. Guess they had to spend that extra money on Jean-Claude's body wax. Speaking of JC, Mr. Van Damme plays the Russian martial arts expert/ body guard who is brought in by the KGB to try to steal the top-secret warhead off the F-111 before the CIA can get it. The only catch is, first they both have to find where in the ocean the plane crashed...

Along the way, Sho kills multiple Maltese citizens and various KGB agents all while Jean-Claude romances a young lady on the KGB's tugboat. In fact, all of the killing makes JC's character a lot more sympathetic than Sho's, which I'm sure the producers did not intend. Anyway, lots of action and things blowing up later there is the final showdown with Sho and JC which...well, you'll have to watch the movie to see what happens. Take my word, though, it's a great fight scene.

As the movie progresses, the viewers are treated to scene after scene of the gorgeous Maltese countryside: churches, forts and of course lots of the beautiful blue Mediterranean. Malta is the real star of this movie. However, almost all of the actors are attempting to speak English as a second language and as a result of the conflagration of Japanese, Belgian, Maltese and fake Russian accents, entire sections of the movie are almost unintelligible. I challenge even someone with a digital comb-filter, mondo-sound TV to understand what the heck Sho and JC are saying to each other in the final fight scene. But, since I'm here trying to defend this film, let's just call that a "minor production glitch."

All-in-all this is a good action movie that can be bought for a cheap price. Sounds like a great combo to me. Since this is an international production, watch out for bootlegs that are floating around. Also, don't buy the SLP tapes churned out by "GoodTimes" movies back in the 90's. Awful quality.

Those of you who read my other review of a Malta-filmed movie, "Final Justice," be on watch for a couple of actors and locations featured in that movie. The evil bar-owner has a big role in this movie as does the heroic cab-driver. Where the heck is Hellena Abella? Ah, well, only Malta knows and Malta ain't telling...

Horrid-looking martial arts bore fest..........2003-10-02

Could someone tell me who Sho Kosugi is? This guy plays the main character of this crummy movie, "Black Eagle," where he goes up against Jean-Claude Van Damme while defending America against the Soviets in a plot so ludicrous that the people confused by "Mission: Impossible" would gnaw off a limb from utter boredom and confusion. Now, Van Damme's not a great actor. He's decent in most of his films, but he's not great. Heck, I wouldn't even call him good. However in this film he does a terrific job for a few reasons. A) He has about three lines, B) He only needs one facial expression through the whole film, and C) No one else in this film can act!!! What we get are blank stares, monotone deliveries, and very uninteresting dialogue. Now the action scenes: they stink too. There are a gazillion chases in this movie, all of them uninteresting (I fell asleep during a car chase, woke up and it was still going on), the much-hyped one-on-one fighting between Van Damme and this Kosugi guy is great at first, but the final battle loses the edge and just can't seem to get very innovative. "Black Eagle" may have been a good choice for Van Damme so early in his career. Now if they would've made an entirely different movie, perhaps there would've been something there to enjoy.

GREAT ACTION MOVIE!!.......2003-03-29

I'm not one to write reviews but it drives me crazy when people put down movies because they're similar to others! I really enjoyed this Van Damme movie. I see it getting put down because of the similarities to Blood Sport, and yes there are similarities BUT it's not the same movie. I gave the movie 4 stars because it was very entertaining and kept my full attention the entire time. There were plenty of action scenes and I loved the plot. DEFINATELY A MOVIE TO SEE!!!

Kosugi vs Van Damme!!!!.......2002-12-05

Low budget Martial Arts movie of late 80s early 90s.
Plot isnt the best but certainly worth getting for the 2 main fight sequences between Kosugi and Van Damme. Highly enjoyable!!!

DVD:

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