The Art of War

Starring:Wesley Snipes, Donald Sutherland
Studio: Warner Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Audie Murphy, the most decorated American soldier in World War II, enjoyed a Hollywood acting career after the fight. In this 1955 autobiographical film, however, he plays himself re-creating his own actions and movements in key battles. As strange as this project might have seemed to him at the time, the results are pretty impressive. The film, despite a flat script, is really a pretty good war drama about Murphy and his buddies making their way from North Africa to Berlin. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Triumph of Effort and Courage.......2007-06-02

Murphy was perhaps the greatest citizen soldier ever. Today, his memory stands as a valuable lesson not only to the American youth, but also for the world as a whole.

Read this book if you wish to have any idea what real men are capable of.

A simple but great autobiography of a hero.......2007-05-12

This is a great account of a WW II hero. Read the actual Congressional Medal Of Honor Award to Audie Murphy on the Internet before you watch the movie. It really puts things in perspective doing it that way. Quality of the movie is not that great by todays standards but the story is worth having in your library. I would have given it 5 stars except for the quality of the production technology.

Excellent factual account of a true hero!.......2007-04-10

While some of the acting in the film was quite ordinary, this fact-based film biography of Audie Murphy, the most highly-decorated soldier in US history, and portrayed by himself, is essential to the serious war film collector. Murphy insisted that the scenarios presented in the film were factual, while some were, of course, dramatically enhanced for Hollywood consumption. It is a fast-moving story and definitely enjoyable.

To Hell and Back.......2007-04-08

I found the book to be a fascinating true account by Audie Murphy. It is a story that gives accurate details of what was happening but goes into indebt thought and feelings about his desire to survive. The closeness he and his buddies form during their time together and the feelings that they go through when one gets injuried or killed is spot on. Always knowing that they were fighting for not just personel survival but survival of the free world.

Great movie.......2007-03-30

I love this movie as I have seen it many times. Audie Murphy did a great job in playing himself, although it must have been really hard to relive.

A movie that I would highly recommend.

Average customer rating:

Gunga Din revisited
Gunga Din -- the first Indiana Jones movie
great cast for a great story
An Underrated Masterpiece
Every man's favorite movie.

Gunga Din
Starring: Cary Grant , Victor McLaglen , Douglas Fairbanks Jr. , Sam Jaffe , and Eduardo Ciannelli
Director: George Stevens , and Robert Clampett
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
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ASIN: B00049QQJQ
Release Date: 2004-12-07

Amazon.com

This big, boisterous adventure is more inspired by than based on Rudyard Kipling's famous poem. Legendary screenwriters Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur have fashioned a rousing Hollywood movie full of high adventure, knockabout comedy, and old-fashioned male bonding. And old-fashioned it is: the trio of British officers and best friends who form the core of the film are a 19th-century three musketeers in India, threatened by the interventions of a woman who means to marry the dashing Ballantine (Douglas Fairbanks Jr.). Blustery commander MacChesney (Victor McLaglen) schemes to keep Ballantine in the army while his second in command, the treasure-hunting Cutter (Cary Grant in a hopelessly mugging comic performance), continues searching for his elusive mother lode, but all their plans are thrown into chaos when the rise of the bloodthirsty Thugs threaten Britannia's soldiers. Sam Jaffe takes up the rear guard in turban, loin, and full-body make-up as the titular Gunga Din, the loyal water carrier who dreams of becoming a soldier. Bombastically chauvinist and naively imperialist, the film is bound to rub some people wrong, but Stevens creates a thrilling spectacle in the grand Hollywood mold, a handsome, exciting classic comic adventure that helped make 1939 Hollywood's grandest year. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

Gunga Din revisited.......2007-02-23

Although made in 1939 in California, many cinema goers thought the film was made on location in India. George Stevens, the director was a master of his time.

After seeing the film, listen to the excellent comentary about the making of the film. The three stars are almost outshone by Sam Jaffee who plays Gunga Din, and he plays it wonderfully.

This is another example of the quality of hits Hollywood produced in 1939, the golden year in American Cinema.

Gunga Din -- the first Indiana Jones movie.......2007-02-07

Gunga Din is one of those under rated films of the late 1930s that had a huge influence on later films. Both the Beatles Help and later Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom used Gunga Din as a model. But Gunga Din has the ability to combine pathos and humor in a way that both later films failed, and in the end, serves as one of my favorite action films.
While it does not have the remarkable special effects of Temple of Doom, Gunga Din gives us characters that are richer and in some way significantly more human. Both Douglas Fairbanks and Cary Grant serve as early versions of Harrison Ford.
We even get some similar humor -- especially in dealing with elephants -- and similar scenery.
I tend to watch Gunga Din after I have watched Temple of Doom. They make a great double feature.

great cast for a great story.......2007-01-19

just a plain ole good movie with a great cast. even Sam Jaffe made up looked like a Hindu peasant.

An Underrated Masterpiece.......2007-01-12

Few movie watchers realize there were more classics from 1939 than just "Gone With the Wind" and "The Wizard of Oz."

This movie is a beautiful blend of adventure, suspense, and humor. There is great chemistry between Gary Grant, Victor McLaglen, and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., which are the most enjoyable segments of the movie. However, Gary Grant once again steals the show with his expressions and overall performance. It still amazes me that he never was awarded an Oscar for best actor.

The final scenes with Sam Jaffe (Gunga Din) are very moving and climax a well scripted classic.

Every man's favorite movie........2007-01-12

Gunga Din is a great classic. The few aqttempts to remake it were failures. You just can't do it any better than George Stevens did it with that remarkable and unforgettable cast.

Average customer rating:

"Help him, help him" "Help who?"
You either Love it or Hate it...
Not as good as the book
An Indictment for the Ages
Decent antiwar movie

Catch-22
Starring: Alan Arkin , Martin Balsam , Richard Benjamin , Art Garfunkel , and Jack Gilford
Director: Mike Nichols
Manufacturer: Paramount
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Catch-22

ASIN: B00005ASGC
Release Date: 2001-05-22

Amazon.com

Joseph Heller's novel was one of the seminal literary events of the 1960s, but Mike Nichols's film ultimately proved too literal in its attempt to bring Heller's fragmented fiction to the screen. Still, Nichols, who made this on the heels of The Graduate, seemed the ideal candidate to tackle this Buck Henry adaptation. The story deals with bomber pilot Yossarian (Alan Arkin), who has flown enough missions to get out of World War II but can't because the number of missions needed for discharge keeps getting raised. The satire and absurdity of Heller's book get lost in Nichols's effort to give screen time to the members of his all-star cast, which includes Orson Welles, Jon Voight, Bob Newhart, Anthony Perkins, Richard Benjamin, and Martin Sheen, among others. --Marshall Fine

Customer Reviews:

"Help him, help him" "Help who?".......2007-06-23

The story is mostly flashback on flashback. The basic story is of Capt. John Yossarian (Alan Arkin), World War II bombardier, who wants to get out of the war. However it gets real complicated with many characters that are players by a bevy of character actors. There is plenty of subtle comedy mixed with some scenes that can make you sick.

A lot of what looks like disjointed and irrelevant scenes with becomes one cohesive story by the end. Even the frontal nudity scene fits. If you like this sort of film you should watch "Jacob's Latter."

With all the effort and great filming this film still has no exceptional or socially meaningful message. Luckily the film is complete and we can understand what is being cut out of TV versions.

My favorite part was the part where when Yossarian first sees Luciana (Olimpia Carlisi) in white walking by and they play "Also sprach Zarathustra" Written by Richard Strauss

You either Love it or Hate it..........2007-05-28

Sitting down to watch Catch-22 after finishing the novel, I was curious how the movie was going to work. The anti-war comedy novel is filled with many more characters, and storylines, than what would feasibly fit into a feature length movie. Understanding this, I was thoroughly impressed with the liberties that were taken with the story to make it into a movie. Furthermore, I had such a comical picture of Yossarian in my head after finishing the book, I thought that the theatrical representation of the main character would be severely lacking and ruin the movie. I couldn't have been more wrong. Watching Alan Arkin bring Yossarian to life was a treat and a pleasure to watch.

As far as the cinematography of the film, there are some instances where the sound quality is not the best when character dialog is set over the roar of airplane engines. But there sure are some great film moments. That opening sequence is amazing and the long single take opening on Yossarian is just something that you typically don't see in today's movies.

Some love it and some hate it. I subscribe to the former group, and I believe this is one of the best book to movie adaptations that I've ever seen. A must have for your DVD collection.

Not as good as the book.......2007-02-19

But then again, how could it be? The title of the book itself has become synonomous with the "no win" situation you often get involved in when dealing with the government or the military. The background Heller wrote into the book makes the story that much more interesting and sharpens the idea behind it.

The movie makes an effort to follow the book, but it is hard to do and I think it is not so much the fault of the director or the cast as it is the fact that some books just don't translate well into film. This is one of them.

An Indictment for the Ages.......2007-02-10

The dystopia that is Catch-22 comes to life in this film. The cinematography is great and the story arch is very nicely envisioned through flashback narratives that prove affective in use. My reason for writing this review, however, is to quell the notion that the film isn't true to the text.

A first reader of Catch-22 will likely find humor in the fantastical aspects of the novel. Actually, everyone who has read the book will attest to the fact that the humor is in the tone and presentation of it; yet, to be able to do so, one has to always recognize that the humor is a product of a far-fetched reality. Clearly, this humor, which is often found at the sentence level, is lost when put to screen.

Once the surface of the novel is scratched, a new text emerges, and this is what comes to life in this film adaptation. The core of the novel is layed bare in this film, and to not recongize this requires a deeper read.

I don't want to take away from the humor of the novel. In viewing this film, a lover of Catch-22 will further recognize how dynamic a book Joseph Heller actually gave us. To laugh at the situations, characters, and overall logic while recognizing the social commentary that pervades each character-based chapter is the real testament to the novel's worth.

The novel is laced with humor, but to move beyond our own personal first encounters with Catch-22 will be the factor proves the story one for the ages. It isn't the humor that gets us every time; it's the glaring reality of faulty logic that continues to replicate itself from war to war. Catch-22 plays to that eternal theme and should be viewed with this in mind.

In our unflinching acceptance of Heller's wit, Mike Nichols gets us to flinch. I, for one, think he should be accredited for doing so.

Decent antiwar movie.......2007-01-31

"Catch-22" is a comedy, but not a "Happy Gilmore" sort of comedy. Dry rather than hilarious, with more than a few downer moments, it succeeds as satire rather than as laugh-out-loud escapism. A definite artifact of its time, in terms of its style and content, it still holds up today.

"Catch-22" is a scathing indictment of war, as well as the State. Yossarian's confrontation with Cathcart near the end of the movie highlights this, when Cathcart attempts to bully Yossarian into following Cathcart's orders by asking whether he loves his country. Yossarian counters, correctly, that Cathcart and his lackey are not his country. M&M Enterprises, referred to by its organizer from square one as the "Syndicate," is just a mafia by a different name, and its co-option of Cathcart and its effects on the fliers make the point that the State is just another organized crime outfit.

The cinematography of this film is spectacular, with some astounding complex shots that last a very long time.

Everyone in this movie went on to be famous, just about, if they weren't already - or at least became a "hey, it's that guy" type of actor. It's amazing how young some of the actors are. Good luck spotting an 18ish Bob Balaban without his expected beard and glasses! The same goes for Richard Libertini. Fans of the "Bob Newhart Show" will see half the cast in this movie, from Newhart himself as Major Major, on down.

On the downside, the commentary track is disappointingly sparse. Mike Nichols just doesn't say much. Steven Soderbergh asks good and probing questions in an attempt to get Nichols to talk, but Nichols' answers are short and unenlightening.

"Catch-22" is worth at least a rent.

Average customer rating:

Review of "Yellow Submarine" by a crew member.
Don't give it a superficial viewing
Out of print????
good job by the voice actors who played the beatles
Words Misheard from Mrs. Malaprop

Yellow Submarine
Starring: George Dunning (II) , John Clive , Paul McCartney , Geoffrey Hughes , and Ringo Starr
Director: George Harrison
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
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Yellow Submarine (Songtrack)

ASIN: B00000JRUQ
Release Date: 1999-09-14

Amazon.com essential video

This restored, animated valentine to the Beatles offers viewers the rare chance to see a work that's been substantially improved by its technical facelift, not just supersized with extra footage. Recognizing that its song-studded soundtrack alone makes Yellow Submarine a video annuity, United Artists has lavished a frame-by-frame refurbishment of the original feature, while replacing its original monaural audio tracks with a meticulously reconstructed stereo mix that actually refines legendary original album versions.

What emerges is a vivid time capsule of the late '60s and a minor milestone in animation. The music represents the quartet's zenith--Rubber Soul, Revolver, and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. The story line, cobbled together by producer Al Brodax and a committee of writers, is a broad, feather-light allegory set in idyllic Pepperland, where the gentle citizens are threatened by the nasty, music-hating Blue Meanies and their surreal arsenal of henchmen, with the Beatles enlisted to thwart the bad guys. Visually, designer Heinz Edelmann mixes the biomorphic squiggles, day-glo palette, and Beardsley-esque portraits of Peter Max with rotoscoped still photographs and film; Edelmann's animated collages also nod to Andy Warhol and Magritte in properly psychedelic fashion, which works wonderfully with such terrific songs.

High orthodox Beatlemaniacs can still grouse that the animated Fab Four are (literally) flat archetypes, but that's missing the sheer bloom of the music or the giddy, campy fun of the visuals. Making sense of the story is second to submerging blissfully in the sights and sounds of this video treat. --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews:

Review of "Yellow Submarine" by a crew member........2007-06-16

As one of the animators who worked on the Beatles' animated epic, YELLOW SUBMARINE, I am delighted by the almost universal praise heaped on this recent DVD release of the renovated and digitally remastered version of the movie.
It is immensely satisfying to know that a whole new generation has come to discover the delights of this 1960's flower power masterpiece, and with the legendary "Hey Bulldog" sequence - deleted from all but the original British prints - reinstated in all its bizarre glory, Beatles fans can at last experience the full version of this psychedelic animated odyssey as it was originally meant to be seen.
I know I am totally biased in giving the film a 5-star rating, but I would say that the twelve months I spent working on it (during 1967-1968) was, without a doubt, the single most exciting period in my almost 50-year career in the animation business. It was made even more memorable by the fact that, during production, I became engaged to Diana, my wife of nearly 40 years, who worked on the "LUCY IN THE SKY WITH DIAMONDS" sequence.
The struggle to produce anything resembling a final script while production surged inexorably on past the writers towards an impossible deadline, the creative arguments, the personality clashes, the budgetary nightmares, the physical kidnapping of the film - with the whole thing being propelled by the sheer exhilaration of knowing that we were all taking part in an astonishing revolution in animated films - all made for a heady and never-to-be-repeated experience. For a detailed look behind the scenes during the making of the film, read Dr. Bob Hieronimus' "INSIDE THE YELLOW SUBMARINE" and Al Brodax's "UP PERISCOPE YELLOW".
While the authors differ on some points, both books are packed with detail and anecdotes, and the debate about who said what and who did what on YELLOW SUBMARINE seems set to continue for quite some time. But there is one undeniable fact in all of this - if producer Al Brodax hadn't stuck his neck out and taken a chance on producing an animated feature all those years ago, the phenomenon that was the YELLOW SUBMARINE would never have set sail on its fantastic voyage. For that we all owe him a vote of thanks.

Don't give it a superficial viewing.......2007-04-03

With the passage of time it's easy to forget the Beatles were once cutting edge and loved to tweak the nose of authority figures everywhere and the gentle tone of "Yellow Submarine" compared to today's animated features only emphasizes that point. At the time of "Yellow Submarine" the Beatles were at the height of their success, and while they undoubtedly wanted to send a message to authoritarian figures everywhere they didn't want to do that in a ham-fisted manner. Considering the counter-cultural wave that was about to follow, "Yellow Submarine" seems almost quaint by comparison and it moves at a considerably slower pace than modern day cineastes or casual viewers may care for.

"Yellow Submarine" depicts the conflict between the Blue Meanies (representing authoritarianism, be it Fascism, Communism, or whatever) and the peaceful residents of Pepperland. The Blue Meanies employ a means of weaponry to freeze the residents of Pepperland, leaving a sole resident to seek help via the Yellow Submarine. The set up of action, in particular, unfolds particularly slowly, giving time for the character of each Beatle to slowly be explained amid scenes of rather Peter Max inspired psychedelia. The overall effect isn't exactly trippy unless you're actually tripping I suppose. Several memorable Beatles songs are included throughout the film and at points it's almost like a precursor to music videos, but rather than enhancing the film they're more of a distraction, especially "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds."

Ultimately the Beatles arrive to save the day and the movie itself is a satire on the foolishness and limitations of authoritarianism in all its manifest forms, as well as the benefits of freedom. Some of the newer songs are a bit weak, especially "All Together Now" with its especially incongruous line about "chop the tree" which is hardly an eco-friendly lyric. Having seen it as a kid I doubtlessly enjoyed it, yet 30+ years on I could scarcely remember any details. Having seen it again I could scarcely be bothered to see it again anytime soon. I honestly couldn't recommend this except for die-hard Beatles fans, fans of animation or pyschedelia, or those looking for satirical films. "Yellow Submarine" is sadly more of a time capsule of a different time and place, when all you needed was love. It's a bit sad we've moved so far beyond that, but the message of fighting tyranny, despotism, and authoritarianism is all too appropriate today.

Out of print????.......2007-02-19

Just rented a copy of this because it's out of print! I can't believe it. These are THE BEATLES, not some jive time band. I'm not a musical marketing guy so I don't know exactly what your sales goals are to keep something like this in print, but it seems like after all of the care they put into giving this scrumptious sound, you might want to keep it in print.

Anyways...

This is good but not great stuff for me. I'm more of a Black Music fan than a Beatlemaniac. This is the first Beatles flick that I've seen. After initially resisting the Beatles due to their Motown imitator origins, I've followed the Ray Charles' of the world and taken to their superior songwriting. I've been watching a bunch of performance videos as of late and I decided to watch Yellow Submarine to see the Fab Four brought into animation interpretation light.

I dig the music. "All Together Now" is fun Paul stuff. I like the Sgt. Peppers stuff that's on the video. There are a couple of filler tracks, but on the whole the music is outstanding and I can see how Funkateers like George Clinton gain inspiration from works like Yellow Submarine. It's a short jump from Beatles vs. Meanies to Dr. Funkenstine vs. Sir Nose Devoid of Funk.

The plot for this takes on more metaphysical meat than it's willing to thoroughly digest. When they have John's character pontificate on Einstein and the Sea of Holes, I'm wishing that I saw The Phantom Tollbooth with Beatles songs for the soundtrack rather than a hodgepodge of writers trying to do justice to the trippy visions of the Revolver and Sgt. Peppers albums. I can see how the out there visions of this music would lead the Beatles to go back to basics with the upcoming White Album.

Man, I can't see how they let stuff like this go out of print, though. Maybe there's some sneaky packaging thing going on that I don't know about. Like not selling the CD any more solo and making Yellow Submarine a DVD/CD combo only for Beatles completists. Hmmmmmmm.

4 stars

--SD

good job by the voice actors who played the beatles.......2006-12-30

I'm Not sure if anyone has pointed this out BUT the voice's for paul and company is not their own , these were in fact voice actors and they did a very good job too . This was also confirmed by paul proir to the movies release

Words Misheard from Mrs. Malaprop.......2006-12-08

Jeremy Boo saying "...ad hoc, ad loc and *crypto quo*/so little time, so much to know." It is NOT "...crypto quo..." for those of you who missed your Latin lessons. It is "quid pro quo" which means "The concept of getting something of value in return for giving something of value." In any case Dr. Boo is quoting Latin cliches to sound more erudite and smarter than he is.

And Mrs. Malaprop..."A malapropism is an incorrect usage of a word by substituting a similar-sounding word with different meaning, usually with comic effect." Such as that famous line not by Jimi Hnedrix, "Excuse me while I kiss this guy" instead of the real lyrics "Excuse me while I kiss the sky."

Other than that, Yellow Submarine is one of those true classics that should not be missed.

my $1.98

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
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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:

A FITTING TRIBUTE
US DVD version cut by 70 minutes
Superb!
SISU examined and explained
Brave Finns on the frontlines!

THE WINTER WAR (Talvisota)
Starring: Taneli Mäkelä , Vesa Vierikko , Timo Torikka , Heikki Paavilainen , and Antti Raivio
Director: Pekka Parikka
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ASIN: B0000646UN
Release Date: 1990-12-31

Customer Reviews:

A FITTING TRIBUTE.......2007-06-20

This film is a fitting tribute to the "Talvisota." I have a personal connection - my father was among those on the front lines, those that the movie depicts. He was one of TWO men to survive from his unit, and while he didn't like to speak of the war, the movie was extremely accurate from the accounts my father did share. As for the ending, I noted one of the reviewers didn't "get it." My dad said that one day they were shooting at each other, and the next they were fishing together. So, yes, the brutal combat ended in the blink of an eye, as soon as word came. Neither the young Finns nor the young Russians wanted to be there, they were just serving their respective countries.

As for the subtitles, I speak fluent Finnish, so I enjoyed the movie immensely. My husband, who is not fluent, wasn't particularly taken with the translation, so I translated for him and he enjoyed it more. All in all, though, I thought this was a fitting tribute to the young Finns who sacrificied their lives, and their youth - as my father did - to serve in the front lines and defend their country. Most importantly: KNOW YOUR HISTORY - FINLAND IS THE ONLY COUNTRY TO EVER REPAY ITS WAR DEBT TO THE UNITED STATES.

US DVD version cut by 70 minutes.......2007-04-13

Be forwarned! The US version of this film is 70 minutes shorter than the original version of 195 minutes. You are missing a lot! The PAL version, as far as I know, is only available in the EU.

Superb! .......2007-02-06

This is how war movies are supposed to be made. You feel tired by the end of this one because you almost feel like you were in those trenches with them. Outstanding movie making about a conflict which is often overlooked. Hollywood should take a lot of notes from this movie. Definitely belongs in the collection of any military history enthusiast.

SISU examined and explained.......2006-12-31

Any work of art must address the three aspects of our psyche: Intellect, Appetites, Spirit. This movie, unlike many others, addresses the entire psyche, and does so by weaving these three aspects through the soundtrack, the dialogue and of course the visual representation. After the first viewing, the actual historical account is told and the psyche is no longer overburdened with the obvious. Later viewings allow for a much more meaningful experience. In this, I believe that the production staff have succeeded in their task.

Finland being the underdog, does successfully thwart the massive Russian attack. Not being the aggressor and losing the advantage of first attack, Finland must respond to this attack of its country. But it is not a superior technology, nor numbers that is responsible for this victory of sorts. It is the spirit of man that allows for this page of World War II history to come alive, and if there is anything good from war, it is the ability for men and women to show the eternal and noble virtues within in each of us.

I was not born in Finland, but my parents were, and did raise me with more of a European background than Canadian. With some grade school level Finnish fluency, I found the subtitles to be mildly off target, but then again, there might be some disagreement in my interpretation too. While I would agree with other reviewers that sometimes it is difficult to read all of the subtitles, I am reminded by the fact that this movie was produced a number of years ago. I think that the movie can hardly be held to critical review for technical issues that were resolved after its production.

There is a word in Finnish, SISU, which has no English counterpart or translation. This movie while a wonderful rendering of this historic event, does in passing allow the non-Finnish speaking person a chance to understand what Finns mean by it.

I would heartily suggest this movie for its edu-tainment purposes, but if a History teacher were looking for something to engage children, this movie could very well do so. Being off the beaten path, the teacher would not find students who have already seen the movie.

Brave Finns on the frontlines!.......2006-12-02

One of the greatest, and most accurate war films made, yet little known by most English-speaking viewers. An army reserve unit is mobilized to man the fortified Mannerhiem Line, in the early days of World War II. The characters express all the usual concerns about the coming ordeal...and then it happens. The Soviet Union launches a massive armored onslaught against Finland. Despite Finland's lack of manpower, equipment, and supplies, they devasted wave after wave of Russian assaults. Finland had better-trained soldiers, repelling hundreds of thousands of expendable communist conscripts. In the years before, wisely foreseeing the inevitable conflict with the communist power to the east, Finland had a series of fortifications built in advance, and the Finns utilized these to maximum effect! This film portrays the frontline combat very well, but the entire war had various fascinating perspectives that should also be portrayed on film some day. To get a greater idea of the conflict, read the book, "A Frozen Hell" (which I have also reviewed).

Average customer rating:

It's good but the greatest Nutcracker I've seen was Baryishnikov's ABT
Fun for the kids to watch
For Children
It is true magic
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker

George Balanchine's The Nutcracker
Starring: Darci Kistler , Damian Woetzel , Bart Robinson Cook , Kyra Nichols , and Jessica Lynn Cohen
Director: Emile Ardolino
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 6304698577
Release Date: 1997-11-19

Amazon.com

Tchaikovsky's timeless Yuletide ballet is presented in an all-new movie version with as much eloquence as one would find in a live stage production. Replete with gorgeous costumes and scenery, George Balanchine's production, adapted by Peter Martins, features the New York City Ballet with narration by Kevin Kline. From the moment the Nutcracker prince winds toymaker Drosselmeier's life-sized dolls, viewers are ushered into the captivating story of a little girl's Christmas Eve fantasy of beauty, magic, and sugarplums. While several versions of this beloved tale are available in video, this one is distinguished for the magnificent performances of a large cast of young ballet dancers from the School of American Ballet. While Culkin lends his star-studded name, that is all he lends in what is mostly a wooden performance (he often appears on the sidelines looking quite blasé and detached). More deserving accolades go to Jessica Lynn Cohen as Marie, whose genuineness never wanes and dance steps never falter. Bart Robinson Cook is wonderful as the playful Herr Drosselmeier, and Darci Kistler is the graceful Sugarplum Fairy. Mostly this film belongs to children--both on the stage and in the audience. What is lacking in spontaneous energy of live theater is made up for in a perfectly polished performance. The only thing missing is the well-earned applause. --Lynn Gibson

Description

Angels and sugarplums. Candy canes and ice. A magic prince, a dreamy young girl, a mysterious old man and a Christmas tree that grows sky high. Enter the world of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker, featuring the New York City Ballet, and let this all-new movie version of a timeless Yuletide fantasy, narrated ny Academy Award(R) winner Kevin Kline, draw you under its spell. Starring Macaulay Caulkin, Darci Kistler and Bart Robinson Cook. Year: 1993 Director: Emile Ardolino Starring: Bart Robinson Cook, Macaulay Caulkin, Darci Kistler, Damian Woetzel

Customer Reviews:

It's good but the greatest Nutcracker I've seen was Baryishnikov's ABT.......2007-06-30

Had I not seen the American Ballet Theatre Nutcracker with Baryishnikov dancing and choreographing, I would probably have given this one 4 stars. The Balanchine Nurcracker is pretty: Cute children, exquisite costumes, nice props, artistic scenery. But the ABT version is just marvelous. I've been to dozens and dozens of ballet performances and seen others on TV, but the Baryishnikov Nutcracker is the best ballet performance I've ever seen. The scene where the Nutcracker battles the mice is particularly superb.

Fun for the kids to watch.......2007-04-29

Treat your kids at Christmastime to good music and performance.

For Children.......2007-04-26

This performance might be suitable for children. I was only able to watch the first act. There was no ballet. It was just the children running and jumping around. Even if it is dated, I think the version with Baryshnikov is the best.Tchaikovsky - The Nutcracker / Baryshnikov, Kirkland, Charmoli

It is true magic.......2007-04-25

The story of the Nutcracker Prince is a very enchanting story. The first time i saw this movie i was in the fourth grade, and now that i have it on DVD i can watch it anytime i want to. The movie is really about Clara (Megan Follows) who is given a nutcracker by her Uncle Drosselmier. The nutcracker is really his son Hans (Keifer Southerland), transformed by a bite by the mousequeen. It is a beautiful story and the characters are memorable.

George Balanchine's The Nutcracker.......2007-03-05

A beautiful production made for the camera! Wonderful detail. McCauley Caulkin was "Nutcracker."

Average customer rating:

MacArthur deserved a longer film
I am proud to be the best general and I am right
"Duty, Honor, and Country..."
Great Gregory Peck Perfomance Is Crippled By Poor Screenplay
"duty, honor, country"

MacArthur
Starring: Gregory Peck , Ivan Bonar , Ward Costello , Nicolas Coster , and Marj Dusay
Director: Joseph Sargent
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Customer Reviews:

MacArthur deserved a longer film.......2007-06-24

Beautifully filmed, but MacArthur, an epic American general, should have been a 3-hour film instead of the 130 minutes they sliced it into. I kept sensing they had cut scenes. Fux pas: Gregory Peck (1) points to Lingayen Gulf in Luzon and vows to land at Leyte, (2) salutes President Truman at the 1950 Wake Island meeting when we all know MacArthur infuriated Truman by failing to salute, and (3) keeps saying "please" when he gives orders. I just can't imagine General MacArthur saying "please" as he barks the commands. But overall, a good film.

I am proud to be the best general and I am right.......2005-06-17

This movie about the military carreer of General Douglas MacArthur from 1941 to 1953 is a very good one. You may like him or not but it not important. You may agree or disagree with his decisions but he has taken them. He was a great general and he was sure that he was always right. So, look at one of the mightest general of the U.S. Army. Is is a very good movie.

"Duty, Honor, and Country...".......2004-10-15

The movie "MacArthur", played by the great Gregory Peck, mainly takes place between the years 1942 through 1952, from MacArthur as a four star general to when he `retires' in the wake of Eisenhower's presidency. The movie takes you through MacArthur's historic events: leaving Corregidor, arriving in Australia saying those never to be forgotten words 'I shall return', island hopping back to the Philippines, on through the Korean War, then ultimately his retirement.

I cannot express in words how wonderful Peck's portrayal of MacArthur was. He WAS Douglas MacArthur in every sense of the man. He played the part of the historic figure perfectly; where he was beloved by people, yet at times could be so agressive, straightforward, and outspoken that he made people clench their teeth in annoyance of that man (how do you think he got the nickname, 'American Caesar'?). A truly gifted actor, Greogry Peck will forever fill my memories of 'THE actor who played one of the greatest men of all time.'

Setting aside Peck's performance, a few other honorable mentions are Marj Dusay as MacArthur's wife and Ed Flanders respectfully as Harry S. Truman. Dusay had few lines but instead, through her quiet courage and determination in standing by her husband's side shows indeed the importance she played as the faithful wife. Ed Flanders deserves much applause for his role as President Truman with a splendid performance as one of the many men who, though he hates MacArthur's guts, can't help admiring his military genius.

In the historical point of view, I felt that "MacArthur" was fairly accurate, especially the depictions of the Korean "Conflict" (War). It portrayed just how much of a 'political' war it had begun, especially with the Chinese making it into an international incident.

As for myself being half American-Japanese living in Japan, it was quite interesting to see how MacArthur began the reformation of Japan after WWII. I was also quite impressed with Yuki Shimoda playing the Prime Minister of Japan, and how he gave MacArthur full support in making sure that Japan could not again build a military force. That meeting between the Prime Minister and MacArthur was very touching to me.

After watching the film, I also couldn't help but feel somewhat sad seeing how the world has changed from the circumstances of the past. After the Korean War, where communism was allowed to take hold of North Korea, the situation between North Korean and Japan is now somewhat strained, what with various incidents including kidnapping and illegal transportations. It is sad to see in the movie how this would have been prevented if MacArthur had been given leeway to finish the Korean War with a sound victory instead of the unforgivable option, the "armistice."

All in all this is a wonderful movie that shouldn't be missed. There is one warning I would like to add which a few reviewers have also mentioned. The film is somewhat 'choppy' as in the plot moves along pretty swiftly. Unless you are very well informed about the years in which the movie takes place, there is a high possibility you would be lost as to what is going on. My suggestion is either 1) watch the movie with someone who understands the history of that time well, or 2) study the history before watching the movie. I can guarantee though that after watching "MacArthur", curiosity will overcome you and make you want to read more about those years.

*Rated PG for some war violence. But in any case, best watched by older teens and adults so that they know what is going on. I guess this will lean more towards being a 'guy' movie, though for any girl (like me) who loves good acting and is interested in history will most definitely like this movie*

Great Gregory Peck Perfomance Is Crippled By Poor Screenplay.......2004-08-22

The 1977 film of MacArthur is worth watching for the towering performance of Gregory Peck as General Douglas MacArthur. Peck considered this one of his favorite roles and fought with the producers over the screenplay and editing of the film -- and fought he should have because those very flaws kept this movie from being a great film.

MacArthur lead a long, dramatic and heroic life during World War I, World War II and the Korean War. As a vain and brilliant military genius who believed in his own destiny, the movie focuses on the decade 1942-1952. The film feels like MacArthur's greatest hits: the set pieces of Bataan, "I shall return", his rulership of Japan, the Inchon landing in Korea, "The Old Soldier" speech before Congress and so forth WITHOUT pulling the various scenes together into a coherent whole. According to Peck, the original three hour version fleshed out MacArthur more before it was edited down to the 130 minute commerial version.

Without prior knowledge of MacArthur's life, the movie would be confusing and lacking in the richness that was MacArthur's life. As one example, the various military situations are dealt with superfical, briefly and often without maps, so that one does not see the strategic brilliance of his Pacific campaigns. I highly recommend reading William Manchester's "MacArthur" before seeing the film.

Should you see the movie? Yes, even a MacArthur at half speed is more interesting than most movies and Gregory Peck IS MacArthur. He was passed over for an Oscar nomination although that was interpreted at the time as more of a comment on the film itself than upon his acting. It is worth seeing for Peck's performance in and of itself.

"duty, honor, country".......2004-07-01

Those that are interested in General Douglas MacArthur, and admire his qualities of courage and fortitude, will find this film fascinating; it is beautifully filmed, with marvelous re-creations of the mid 20th century, an