Helen of Troy

Starring:Sienna Guillory, Matthew Marsden, Rufus Sewell, John Rhys-Davies, Maryam d'Abo, Emilia Fox, James Callis, Daniel Lapaine, Nigel Whitmey, Stellan SkarsgÃ¥rd, Joe Montana (II), Katie Blake, Craig Kelly (II), Manuel Cauchi, Kristina Paris, Edward Mercieca, Harry Bord, John Marinelli, Joe Quattromani, Gary Kurdyla
Director: John Kent Harrison
Studio: Universal Studios
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Product Description
One of the most epic adventure stories of all time comes powerfully to life in this original four-hour epic-series. Filmed in exotic locales with an international cast and featuring state-of-the-art special effects, Helen of Troy depicts one of the greatest battles ever fought to win the love of the world s most beautiful woman.

Though married to Menelaus, King of Sparta, Helen (Sienna Guillory) falls madly in love with Paris (Matthew Marsden) a handsome Trojan prince. Together, the lovers flee to Troy, where they are given safe haven by Paris father, King Priam (John Rhys-Davies). Bent on bringing Helen back, the king s ruthless brother Agememnon (Rufus Sewell) leads the skilled Spartan army to the shores of the fabled city. There the Greeks lay siege to Troy, thus beginning one of history s most legendary wars which would ultimately decide the destinies of two empires.

System Requirements:

Starring Sienna Guillory, Rufus Sewell, Matthew Marsden, Stellan Skarsgardm, John Rhys-Davies

Directed by John Kent Harrison (Director)

Format: DVD MOVIE

Average customer rating:

The Face That Launched A Thousand Ships?
Helen of Troy
"Helen" not so bad
Way too much Helen, not enough Troy
How do you say "Horrible" in Greek?

Helen of Troy
Starring: Sienna Guillory , Matthew Marsden , Rufus Sewell , John Rhys-Davies , and Maryam d'Abo
Director: John Kent Harrison
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005JMH8
Release Date: 2003-08-12

Description

One of the most epic adventure stories of all time comes powerfully to life in this original four-hour epic-series. Filmed in exotic locales with an international cast and featuring state-of-the-art special effects, Helen of Troy depicts one of the greatest battles ever fought to win the love of the world's most beautiful woman. Though married to Menelaus, King of Sparta, Helen (Sienna Guillory) falls madly in love with Paris (Matthew Marsden) a handsome Trojan prince. Together, the lovers flee to Troy, where they are given safe haven by Paris' father, King Priam (John Rhys-Davies). Bent on bringing Helen back, the king's ruthless brother Agememnon (Rufus Sewell) leads the skilled Spartan army to the shores of the fabled city. There the Greeks lay siege to Troy, thus beginning one of history's most legendary wars which would ultimately decide the destinies of two empires.

Customer Reviews:

The Face That Launched A Thousand Ships?.......2006-09-21

This version is fairly well-made; my only complaint was the casting of Helen. Obviously when casting such a role, one cannot please everyone. But I found it impossible to believe this woman was the most beautiful woman in the world, whose appearance so bewitched and fascinated men that they would kill and die for her. The actress cast as Helen is certainly pretty, but in a rather waif-like and generic "Vogue" way that is certainly not representative of classical ideals of beauty in any way. Helen should not be merely "pretty", like most modern magazine models are, but her beauty should be more unusual and striking. For a perfect example of this kind of beauty, I refer you to Leelee Sobieski as the nymph Deianeira in the 2005 TV version of "Hercules". Now that's a Helen.

Helen of Troy.......2006-05-28

Personally, I found the movie entertaining and did get more than a few chuckles out of the present handling nad mischaracterization of the Greek story. It has little or nothing to do with the epic Helen or the Illiad, and Oddessey which could cause the movie to fall flat on its face for lack of any real connection to the actual story. The very worst part to me is the mishandling and misrepresentaion of Achilles and the way he lived, fought, and died. The portrayed rape of Helen by Agamemnon was a serious deviation from the epic poetry and other than groos and unnecessary sensationalizing of a terrible event which is entirely missing from the literature. Helen did accompany Menelaus back to Sparta and they seem to have lived out their lives there. I would recommend this movie for entertainment purposes only with the hope that it might stimulate others into reading Homer, about Crete, About Mycenae, and about Greek in particular. I will not criticize tha actors in this drama although I think they were underprepared for the role but did the best they could with what they had been given. If it stimulates the viewer's interest into exploring the other fine books and DVD's that are currently coming out, the movie will have far exceeded its potential. I would strongly recommend Homer's Illiad/Oddessey, Paul Cartledge's The Spartans, Anything by Bettand Hughes, a historian extrordinaire and a story teller of the very highest quality. Her books and DVD's will touch you heart and soul. In addition, Tom Holland's Persion Fire is an exceptional read which literally makes history come alive as does Steven Pressfield's Gates of Fire which is a historical narrative of the Battle for the Gates of Thermoplyae. Having experienced the blood, sweat, tears, fear, and terror of hand to hand combat, I can attest the his book will make you feel like you were there and you understood, and will understand, why men can dedicate themselves to a country and a cause much bigger than themselves. All soldiers fear being hurt or killed on a humbug (events bordering on incompentence) but are prepared to die honorably if the cause is just. His book is the closest you will ever come to sharing the frontline without actually getting out there and doing it. Kudos to him. I love the book.

"Helen" not so bad.......2006-01-17

I actually enjoyed this TV version of the fated story...it was not the epic that "Troy" is, with the multi-million dollar scenery and costumes--not to mention Brad Pitt--but the storyline was much more Homer...plus I feel that the actors were more into their characters and not so "Hollywood." (It's kind of hard to see Brad Pitt as Achilles, b/c he's Brad Pitt, even if he is a great actor)...I saw this on TV and fell in love with it...I really liked the way Agamemnon and Helen's relationship was portrayed, even if it isn't accurate...Helen is portrayed as much more childlike and naive, but she was only a child, a beautiful, pawned child...Agamemnon is seen as teetering on the brink of madness throughout the entire movie, as he probably was...the fight scenes were nothing to write home about and neither were several of the performances, but they had Cassandra and her foretellings, Agamemnon sacrificing his daughter in order to sail for Troy, Agamemnon being killed by Clytemnestra (even if it was in Troy), the pre-story of Paris and the fate of Troy, Pollux (but no Castor), and the fact that Helen was a Spartan (not through marriage to Menalaus but by birth--Menelaus inherited Sparta by marrying Helen)...in all, this movie is worth watching, if only for another take on the classic story.

Way too much Helen, not enough Troy.......2005-10-26

If you are wanting to see anything that even vaguely looks like the Illiad, forget this movie. The death of Hector is poor beyond belief. It was a waste of money, oh well.

How do you say "Horrible" in Greek?.......2005-08-01

This movie was horrible! Why did they choose such an inexperienced actress to play Helen? She wasn't that beautiful and I just couldn't see anyone making a big fuss over her. Also, her acting wasn't that great. I just didn't get into this overly long movie, which probably didn't do justice to this great story. Was a complete waste of time. If I could give it a zero, I would have.

Average customer rating:

Los Chicos Gordos
Laugh out loud funny!!!!!
Disorderlies = "Must see movie"
ADD
HILARIOUS!

Disorderlies
Starring: Mark Morales , Darren Robinson , Damon Wimbley , Ralph Bellamy , and Tony Plana
Director: Michael Schultz
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0006J28NM
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Description

A compulsive gambler must pay his debts to a sinister gangster by killing his uncle. Unfortunately, his uncle is under the bungling care of three orderlies - the Fat Boys.

Customer Reviews:

Los Chicos Gordos.......2007-03-14

If you like laughing, smiling, or smirking out loud...this is definitely the motion picture for you. And if you don't like any of the above, why then you should take a good hard look at the "Man in a Mirror" as Michael Jackson pointed out, and think about both changing your ways and--let me be clear--if you want to make the world a better place, I recommend taking a look at yourself and making a change. Sha-na-na-na-na-na.

The Fat Boys burst onto the screen, like a modern day Marx Brothers, and let's be fair...the Marx Brothers were not human beat machines. They had the funny lookin' fella with the moustache and the simple one who can't talk. And one of them was Hispanic. But The Fat Boys are triple threats: they can rhyme, they can act like a mutha, and they are--in my opinion--also obese.

This film centers around their struggles with obesity that is at once poignant and utterly charming. Is it nature or nurture that had led the Fat Boys to their life of high caloric intake and whimsical slapsticking? The director of Disorderlies does not back down from this tough, polarizing question, and by the end of the film be prepared for your preconceived notions and your funny bone to be rocked to the fat core.

My only criticism of this otherwise hilarious thinking-man's (or woman's, or fat man's) dramedy is that it bears a striking resemblance to the Anthony Minghella film, "The English Patient." Why was one recognized by the Oscars and Disorderlies not even nominated? Some may say racism, and others might opine that it's weightism. I say it's both. Which is a shame because it means there will never ever be a man or woman of color who gets an Academy Award, ever!

Smarten up, people. It's not the 90s anymore!

Laugh out loud funny!!!!!.......2007-02-10

I saw this movie the first time it came out, and I was only five years old. It is so hilarious. My favorite scene is when Buffy is trying to give the old man CPR, and Buffy starts yelling MOUTH to MOUTH!!!! I laughed my tail off!!! Buffy passed away in 1995, and he is missed. This film is a must have!!!! I can't believe that this film came out twenty years ago!!!!!

Disorderlies = "Must see movie".......2007-02-10

This has been a favorite for a number of years, However living in New Zealand I could not find it anywhere so a few weeks ago i searched it on Amazon.
This movie is funny, quirky and is definately a good watch.
It revolves around 3 bumbling guys "aka the fat boys" who get picked to look after a desperate son's 'ailing' father. After a business deal gone wrong the son needs money fast and the dollar signs take over. In all there stubbling and bumbling they find a break thru that gives the father a new lease on life much to the son's despair. This is a great family movie, and is a far cry from the smut and dirty language that is taking over movies in the last few years.

ADD.......2006-09-10

I had a really hard time staying focused on the movie. I wanted to like it, I'm not hard to entertain but I kept finding my mind drifting off to everything under the sun. I'm sure, maybe, if I can get myself to sit down and try to watch it again, I'll find something to like about it. I doubt I'll actually be able to work up the desire to give it that second chance though.

HILARIOUS!.......2006-08-03

This is one of my all-time fave classic comedies! HILARIOUS!!!!!
The first 30 minutes will keep you rolling in the floor! WARNING-Don't be drinking anything when they show the scene where they're boarding the jet-or Cool's mom will make whatever you're drinking come shooting out of your nose-it's that funny!
Be sure & catch the opening scene, showing a drunk Helen Reddy, the 70's singer, for all you oldsters of my era. Please don't be afraid to order this super-funny movie-the music is also hilarious, especially when it sounds like "gas noises"!

Average customer rating:

"The face that launched a thousand ships."
script full of silliness
Saga Of The Face That Launched A Thousand Ships
Beware of Greeks Etc.
50's style splashy, superficial treatment of the Iliad

Helen of Troy
Starring: Rossana Podestà , Jacques Sernas , Cedric Hardwicke , Stanley Baker , and Niall MacGinnis
Director: Robert Wise
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0001AVZNA
Release Date: 2004-04-27

Description

Homer's Illiad surges to the screen in Helen Of Troy, from the '50s heyday of big-screen spectaculars. Robert Wise (Westside Story, The Sound Of Music) directs this lavish epic capturing some 30,000 people on screen at a then huge cost of $6 million.

Customer Reviews:

"The face that launched a thousand ships.".......2007-01-02

Of all the great stories handed down through the ages, few can equal Homer's Iliad - a towering epic of warrior heroes, squabbling gods, and anger that destroyed nations...

This is the source for Robert Wise's film... All the elements of a magnificent spectacle exist in Homer's work - a lavish and decadent court life, the tension of the quarrel between Achilles and Agamemnon, the most beautiful woman in Greece, and a drama of love and seduction...

Thousands of weapons are used: spears, bows, arrows, body armor, helmets, shields, maces and ships of the period l200 B.C., plus a tremendous wooden horse...

Paris, on a diplomatic mission to Sparta to arrange peaceful trade, is washed up on the Spartan shore after being shipwrecked during a storm... He is helped by the lovely Helen who claims to be a handmaiden to the queen... She takes her leave, directing him to the court of King Menelaus... Paris is greeted and honored in a 'cesti' combat with Ajax... Secretly, however, Menelaus plots to kill his guest...

Helen warns Paris of the danger to his life and urges him to run away... Herself in danger for revealing the plot, she succumbs to Paris' pleadings to flee with him... The lovers make their way to Troy...

From that point the spectacular elements - the massing of the ships and men, and the battles outside the walls of Troy, take over...

Rossana Podesta - a natural brunette given a blonde wig and the classical Grecian look - plays Helen, the indirect cause of the Trojan War, but for Paris, she is the goddess of love and beauty, "Aphrodite."

Jacques Sernas plays Paris... His seduction of Helen and refusal to return her, started the Trojan War...

Robert Douglas is Agamemnon, the commander in chief of the Greek forces... He calls on the kings and princes to unite in a war of revenge against the Trojans... He was a very ambitious man, dreaming of Troy's treasures...

Stanley Baker is Achilles, the unbeatable warrior, the greatest and most tragic of the Greek heroes...

Harry Andrews is Hector, the eldest son of king Priam, and the husband of Andromache... He is the chief warrior of the Trojan army...

Niall MacGinnis is the furious Menelaus, King of Sparta, who calls on his brother Agamemnon to gather an army and avenge the mark of shame...

Torin Thatcher is Ulysses, king of Ithaca, the man of outstanding wisdom...

Sir Cedric Hardwicke is the powerless but kindly King of Troy...

Janette Scott is Cassandra, daughter of Priam, loved by the goddess Athena... With a great spirit of prophecy she warns her father to burn the wooden horse...

Robert Wise makes a brave attempt to marry the intimate with the spectacular - a difficult task - but "Helen of Troy" is an epic movie, a superior entertainment filmed in CinemaScope and Technicolor..

script full of silliness.......2005-03-21

The script of "Helen of Troy" is so full of improbable silliness and stilted dialogue it is matched only by the wooden acting that in the 50s seemed a requirement of Hollywood epics. In the end it spoils the spectacular sets and occasionally effective cinematography. The sack of Troy sequence at the end of the movie almost redeems it, and I am almost tempted to raise my rating for that alone. But then I remember the hash they made of the actual seige, with medieval seige engines and uninspired choreography. Paris is played as a 50's hunk who completely upstages Hector. There's no hint of the spoiled, self-indulgent womanizer. Worse, the romance between him and Helen fell a little flat. It's worth having a look at if you are a fan of this genre, as I am, but otherwise it disappoints.

Saga Of The Face That Launched A Thousand Ships.......2005-01-12

The Robert Wise 1956 production of "Helen of Troy", despite its many great qualities in regard to production and historical recreation could never be accused of following religiously its main literary source in Homer's Iliad. That said, by no means could it be said to detract from it still being a top flight entry in the 1950's cycle of big screen epics based around historical events. Being a passionate reader of all things to do with ancient Troy I still find this film, despite its many critics, to be first class entertainment and a wonderful introduction to both the period of the Trojan wars and especially to the great historical romance between Paris, Prince of Troy and Queen Helen of Sparta, the face that launched a thousand ships. "Helen of Troy", is a epic movie lovers delight and combines all the right elements in breathtaking on location photography, vivid colour, great set pieces and with enough battles, romance and intrigue to hold the interest. Warner Bros Studios planned "Helen of Troy", as one of their biggest releases for 1956 and continuing their battle against the encroaching power of television spent a staggering 6 million dollars on the film which shows in every frame of this truly epic production. Highly romanticised it may be in parts but it still does make a serious attempt to show both sides in the famous Trojan war and what really motivated some of the involved parties to go to war.

With such a gigantic tale as the fall of the legendary city of Troy to relate the film makers essentially had to simplify the story but the overall facts as most people know them are kept largely intact. The action begins with the handsome young Prince of Troy Paris, (Jacques "Jack" Sernas), travelling to Sparta to offer a treaty of peace with the main Greek states headed by king Menelaus ( Niall MacGinnis), and his brother Agamemnon (Robert Douglas). However on the journey his boat is wrecked in a storm and when he is washed ashore he is nursed back to health by an unknown young girl who in fact is Helen , Queen of Sparta (Rossana Podesta). At the Spartan Court Paris is amazed to be introduced to his earlier nurse who is the Queen and the pair promptly fall in love. However they come into conflict with Menelaus and when Paris is forced to flee for his life he impulsively takes Helen with him and returns to a disapproving Trojan court headed by his father King Priam (Cedric Hardwicke). Helen's abduction is an open declaration of war, but the Greek Kings joining forces to march against Troy have their own selfish motives for doing so and are largely driven by the chance to share in Troy's rich treasures. Combining with Odysseus (Torin Thatcher) and the legendary Achilles (Stanley Baker), the Greek fleet sails and lays seige to Troy. The assaults on the city are firstly repulsed however as the years of siege wear the people of Troy start to demand that Helen leave with the invaders so that they can return to their earlier prosperous life. After an abortive attempt by Helen to offer herself back to the Greeks and an unsuccessful fight to the death between Achilles and Paris' brother Hector (Harry Andrews) the Greeks hatch a scheme to fool the Trojans into believing that they have retreated . Constructing a huge hollow wooden horse and leaving it on the plain in front of Troy after they withdraw their ships the unsuspecting Trojans drag it into the city unaware that it is full of Greek soldiers who under cover of darkness climb out and open the city gates to the returning Greek army. The sack of Troy then occurs causing tragedy for the city and young lovers Paris and Helen. Helen is taken back to Sparta but the great love she has for Paris endures even after his death.

Obviously dealing with one of the greatest romances of the ancient world a film like "Helen of Troy", will undoubtedly have a high romantic content never once however does that detract from the overall action of the piece. The cast for this film contains some of the acting giants of British cinema in Sir Cedric Hardwicke excellent as King Priam, Nora Swinburne as the loving Queen Hecuba, Stanley Baker as the arrogant strong man Achilles who has only one minor weakness and especially Torin Thatcher as the wily Odysseus who is responsible for the idea of building the wooden horse which proves to be Troy's undoing. The two lead roles are played by unknowns at the time in Italian actress Rossana Podesta as Helen and french actor Jacques Sernas as Paris. Both of these young performers with their blonde good looks certainly fit the part of the young lovers however the dubbing of their voices does at times create a bit of a jarring effect. Even after the release of the recent blockbuster "Troy", Rossana Podesta and Jacques Sernas still for me are the immediate visual images that come to mind when Paris and Helen are mentioned. Production values on this epic are first rate and the recreation of the city of Troy with its Minoan style architecture and high defensive walls is one of the greatest set pieces constructed for an epic film during the 1950's. The battle sequences involving hundreds of extras and the actual sack of Troy done with no computer assistance are also first rate and the historical costumes created by Roger Furse for both the lead actors and the general military scenes are the result of a huge amount of historical research into clothing of that time. The superb production values of "Helen of Troy", are topped off with a sublime musical score courtesy of Max Steiner which I feel is one of his best for this type of film and lingers in your mind long after viewing the film.

Being an epic film lover from way back "Helen of Troy", is fairly high on my list of big budget efforts (for those times of course), that still entertain nearly 50 years after they were produced. While not totally adhering to its source material in the Iliad I view it now as an exciting action adventure romance filled with visually stunning set pieces and played with an appealing earnest quality by all that was typical of this era of filmmaking. "Helen of Troy", is old style movie making from the closing days of Hollywood's golden age and still makes memorable viewing for movie buffs and action adventure lovers alike. Enjoy.

Beware of Greeks Etc........2004-08-03

I see that this 50s spectacle, "Helen of Troy", has attracted a number of favourable reviews--although a couple of these reviews seem to be as "epic' as the story in the film ! Very loosely based on Homer's "Iliad", and released on DVD no doubt to coincide with the new version of this tale in theatres,
"Troy", "Helen of Troy" remains an enjoyable experience. It has fine production values--sets, costumes, cinematography--and an experienced director in Robert Wise.

The plot is not too complicated, at least in this "Coles Notes" adaption of Homer's work. The Trojan prince, Paris, visits Greece on a peace mission and meets Helen, the wife of the Greek king, Menelaus. Paris and Helen fall for each other, and run off back to Troy. Of course, " this means war "--besides, the Greeks wanted war anyway ! The second half of the film is taken up with the siege of Troy, and there are some spectacular battle scenes here, with real people ! No digital effects in those days ! There is also a large, wooden horse--but you knew that, didn't you ?

The supporting cast is mostly British--Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Harry Andrews, Janette Scott, Niall McGuinness, Torin Thatcher, Ronald Lewis and, as a perpetually-glowering Achilles, Stanley Baker, are all solid and professional. The two leads, however, went to unknown non-Brits, and perhaps this is what interests me the most about "Helen of Troy". This must have been an expensive production--why did the lead roles not be given to big names ? The beautiful, curvaceous Italian actress, Rossana Podesta, is Helen--while not a great actress, it is not difficult to imagine grown men fighting over her ! As Paris, we have French actor, Jacques Sernas, billed of course as "Jack". While he has a striking appearance, his acting skills--at least in this film--appear to be zero. If I had Rossana Podesta throwing herself at me ( yes--I know--sweet dreams ! ), I think I would be a little more animated than Mr. Sernas. While he continued to enjoy a long career in European productions, it's easy to see why Hollywood did not come calling again ! Speaking of France, a young French actress plays Helen's handmaiden--within a year, Brigitte Bardot would become more famous than any actor in "Helen of Troy".

The colour, wide-screen DVD is gorgeous. There is also a trailer, and some black and white promotional material released at the time, featuring actor, Gig Young.

Overall, I would give "Helen of Troy" three and a half stars--it is not as grand as say " The Ten Commandments", also released in 1956--but if you like old-fashioned historical spectacles, where entertainment takes precedent over authenticity or literary merit, you will find this DVD an enjoyable addition to your collection.

50's style splashy, superficial treatment of the Iliad.......2004-07-01

Having seen Troy, the blockbuster from the Hollywood "Pitt of horror," I also aver that other efforts to tell the story of the Iliad have met with limited success. Take the case of Helen Of Troy, the 1955 movie with Rossana Podesta and an all-star British cast. Despite its near two-hour length, it's all splashy pageantry with no substance, with all sorts of liberties taken with Homer's tale.

In this version, Paris, en route to Sparta on a peace mission with his cousin Aeneas, is swept overboard, and rescued from Menelaus's soldiers by Helen. Menelaus is portrayed as a portly bearded unloving tyrant, similar in Troy, but he nevertheless rallies Agamemnon, Nestor, Diomedes, Achilles, and Ulysses (he's not called Odysseus here) when Paris and Helen flee and sets sail for Troy.

Naturally, Paris is condemned by nearly every Trojan for bringing the Greeks to their doorstep. Helen of course still cherishes him, as does his brother Polydorus, someone all too eager to spill some Spartan blood. Priam's wife Hecuba is the only other one to show sympathy for Helen.

Another contrast between this and Troy is that the latter spends too much time on certain aspects, whereas Helen Of Troy only brushes the surface. The conflict between Agamemnon and Achilles over Briseis played a huge part in Troy. Here, Briseis is not even mentioned by name, but Achilles refuses to fight per the Iliad.

So what does work? The costumes on both sides, the actual ships with oars and the sight of marching Greek phalanxes, and the city of Troy itself is of good 50's quality. And the grief on Andromache's face is visible on her face, as she realizes that Hector is about to be killed--pretty good for the 50's.

However, anachronistic errors include the medieval wooden towers the Greeks use to scale the walls of Troy and the battering ram. The funniest are the leopard or jaguar skins worn by Achilles and at one point Hector. Achilles, king of the jungle... yeah right! And the statue of Athena is so grotesque that I wondered if I was looking at Medusa, or worse yet, Kali.

As for the performers, Harry Andrews was an interesting choice as Hector. Ronald Lewis shines as Aeneas, as does as Nora Swinburne as Hecuba and Robert Brown as Polydorus. But Janette Scott as Cassandra is my favourite, a slip of a girl maddened by the gift of foresight, yet doomed not to be believed. And Jacques Sernas's wooden blonde, blue-eyed Paris was clearly meant for the women at the time. He does bring shame to Troy, but he's more of a fighter here than Orlando Bloom's version, as he bests Ajax in Sparta. However, Stanley Baker's Achilles leaves much to be desired. Brigitte Bardot has a small part as Andraste, Helen's cute personal slave, before she became a blonde temptress in the 60's and much worse later.

Movies in the 1950's only took a superficial cliched approach to novels or classics, with a sheer disregard for accuracy (Paris kills Patroculus here, not Hector), and that is Helen Of Troy's Achilles heel. At the sight of the Greek ships massing along the Aegean, Priam says the phrase of "the face that launched a thousand ships." I'd probably launch a few row boats after this Helen, but not a thousand ships. Later, it is Helen who seeing the wooden horse wheeled in, steals Laocoon's line: "Timeo danaos et dona ferente." Or in English per the movie, "Beware of Greeks bearing gifts." A not bad, though dated effort, especially for those used to hoards of digital armies and gory violence.

Helen of Troy
Average customer rating:

Helen from all angles

Helen of Troy
Starring: Bettany Hughes
Manufacturer: Pbs (Direct)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000EOTEHW
Release Date: 2005-11-01

Customer Reviews:

Helen from all angles.......2007-01-22

Bettany Hughes' TV special and accompanying book both explore the enigmatic Helen of Troy as a mythological, archetypal and historical figure. Shot in various locations in Greece and Turkey, Helen of Troy explores the cultures involved in the Trojan War, the principal characters from Homer's Iliad, and the gods who favoured either side in the conflict that raged around the abduction of Helen by Paris, Prince of Troy. If you've never been to Greece or Turkey, this program will make you want to go.

Average customer rating:

not the best but definetly not the worst
A B Movie But Adds Some Class
Great fighting action

To Be the Best
Starring: Michael Worth (II) , Martin Kove , Phillip Troy Linger , Brittney Powell , and Alex Cord
Director: Joseph Merhi
Manufacturer: Madacy Records
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00009MEIF
Release Date: 2003-06-10

Customer Reviews:

not the best but definetly not the worst.......2006-08-19

I actually liked this movie the first time I saw it, but every time I watch it seems to get a little better. The fact is its a typical American martial arts movie that actually is above average in several regards. The story is simple, but actually develops and there is a bit of chemistry between characters. Most of the actors are familiar faces from many other martial arts movies such as Michael Worth (Final Impact, Fists of Iron), Martin Kove (The Karate Kid Series, Shootfighter), Steven Vincent Leigh (Deadly Bet, Ring of Fire), Ron Yuan (Ring of Fire 1 & 2), and Vince Murdocco (Kickboxer 2, Ring of Fire).

The movie has a decent amount of action from beginning to end, with most of the fights taking place in the tournament at the Sands hotel in Las Vegas. There are plenty of tournament fights and most are pretty decent. The only annoyance are the 2 announcers, who seem to describe every punch and kick as it happens.

To Be The Best could have turned out even better if the acting and some cheesy moments were improved upon, but thats typical of these type of films. If you like any of these martial artist actors, lots of tournament action, and flashy Las Vegas, this should be quite a pleaser.

A B Movie But Adds Some Class.......2002-01-19

This is not the "Best" of the kickboxing films, but it is also far from the worst. There is an actual attempt at charactor development as two brothers attempt to work out their relationship with their used up father (Martin Kove) as they compete in a kick boxing tournament.

It stars Michael Worth, Martin Kove, Phillip Troy and Britanny Powell. Worth and Powell are two very good actors. I hope these guys are just not lost in these B fight movies as they both have a lot of talent and charm. Worth is also a very good fighter and I recently saw him in US SEALS 2 and can see he continues to improve in both fields. The rest of the cast is good and there seems to be some chemistry with the leads.

The fights are sometimes lacking choreography excellence but there are so many bloddy fights, you get plenty of good stuff. Has a happy ending for a change too.

Great fighting action.......1999-02-07

Do not look for a particularly meaningful plot. But the action scenes are great, the story is pleasant enough. If you like great kicking and some noble training then you will like this film.

Average customer rating:

Merchants of Venus [Region 2]
Starring: Michael York , Prunella Gee , Nancy Fish , Beverly D'Angelo , and Brian Cox
Director: Len Richmond
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B000063KLQ

Average customer rating:

Very good
Indecent Proposal.
Contamination of any sound intellect......

The Arrangement
Starring: Billie James , Keskhemnu , Keith Davis (VII) , Helen G. Williams , and Marilyn Torres
Director: H.H. Cooper
Manufacturer: Mti Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Drama | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

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

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

One Week (2000)
All About You
Love on Layaway
Love, Sex & Eating the Bones
Me and Mrs. Jones

ASIN: B00004WIEP
Release Date: 2000-10-24

Customer Reviews:

Very good.......2005-10-22

SEE THIS FILM.
No one should be offended by the infidelity in this film. There is no gratuitous or unnecessary sex in this film. In fact they don't show anything more than kissing. The main characters, Luanne and Jake are engaged but he cheats. He does it to makes sure he isn't missing out or whaterever. The point is, he was wrong to do it. He realizes that he isn't missing out and that he has no doubt about wanting to marry her. He confesses and wants her to date another man to make it even so they can move on. It's twisted but I understand why he would do it. The problem is that it's a overly simplistic, shortsighted way to resolve it, so it goes further than he expects. The thing I loved about this film is that it forces her to examine her expectations and fantasies about love, marriage and morals realistically. There was no sugarcoating or ignoring real human emotions. In this movie they didn't make any technical distinctions based on where they were in their relationship. Like, "she can get over it because they were on a break" She had to deal with the reality that he made a selfish decision that ruined their perfect record. She had to make a hard decision about what she wanted now. They didn't patronize women by having her go out on a string of wacky dates with crazy men and go running back gratefully to her cheating ex-fiancee. And they didn't have her change her morals dramatically. She learned some things without totally succumbing to cynicism and lowering her standards to fit in a unworthy man. Because it bugs me when women act like any man is better than none so they accept someone who they can't even discuss with their girlfriends without being ashamed. The story was refreshing and it didn't seem low budget.This looked 'real' and real was looking pretty nice. They had nice apartments and clothes. The actors were attractive and dressed suitably for their setting. They didn't seem unreal at all. I wish Billie James was in something else because I was impressed.

Indecent Proposal........2003-03-16

This could only happen in a movie. Jake and Luhann are together and ready to marry, at least Luhann is. Jake, during a bout with cold feet and wanting to be sure he is making the right decision, has an affair with another woman. In order to be fair to his intended, Jake confesses to Luhann, who ends the relationship. Jake then gives his fiancee a deal based on payback: go out on dates with other men and find one man to sleep with. After it's out of her system, then come back to him and they can resume their relationship leading up to marriage. As if his proposal wasn't bad enough, Jake actually becomes overconfident and states to his best friend Bridges that no matter how mad she was, she was still devoted to him and this will blow over with her forgiving him and they both move on to happily ever after. What Jake doesn't realize is that his he is banking his own selfish dreams on the one thing that Luhann can't be sure of anymore-her heart. Among the many enjoyable players in this twisted game is the lead actress, Billie James, who plays Luhann with all of the strengths and weaknesses of a woman willing to accept a proposal of this magnitude and working thru all of the drama that comes with the contract. A light, entertaining piece of work.

Contamination of any sound intellect.............2001-01-14

This movie is about some guy who has a one night stand. He owns up his betrayal, to his then, supposed to be future wife. In his guilt he tells her that maybe she should date other people, not thinking that she would actually have the nerve to do it. Boy was he wrong. I'll admit that after I started to become aware of what type of movie this was and how much it stunk, I "flipped" through the chapters. This movie showcases infidelity and sexually immoral behavior. This movie should not only be offensive to just African Americans, but to anyone who has a thread of descency or family values.

Average customer rating:

Call this a "C Movie" or "D Movie"!

Solid Cover: Every Cop Needs It!
Starring: Sylvia Berliner , Mary Bodnar , Chris Byrne , Jimmy Clark (III) , and Paul Griffin (VI)
Director: Jason Wolthuizen
Manufacturer: Wildfire Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Crime | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Thrillers | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Customer Reviews:

Call this a "C Movie" or "D Movie"!.......2006-10-29

So formulaic and predictable, it needs to be seen on cable late, late, late at night! It had bad acting, bad dialogue, amateurish performers, all that terrible stuff. It looked like it was filmed at the same time as "I Dream of Jeannie!" or "Bewitched." It has tons of snowflakes and what Brad Pitt's character calls cigarette burns in "Fight Club." How cheap is that?
Some stuff was just so silly. A cloaked man kills a woman with a knife but blood never flies from his knife onto the surrounding furniture. The main character barely hides behind a tree, his enemies' car light flashes onto him, yet they don't notice him. The main character is supposed to join a gym of champion contest winners, but the only muscular person is himself. The women didn't look like bodybuilders; they looked like the typical TV types anyone sees everyday.
The film shows two topless women almost immediately. So I thought, "Watch that be the only type of nudity we see!" Luckily, the main character does eventually reveal some portions. Since he won a Mr. USA title, you wouldn't expect him to be shy, would you?

AC/DC's Brian Johnson - Goddess Odyssey - Path of Helen of Troy

Average customer rating:

bizzare tv, but excellent
Entertaining but...
BRIAN JOHNSON, CUSSING, DRINKING, ROLLING THROUGH GREECE

AC/DC's Brian Johnson - Goddess Odyssey - Path of Helen of Troy

Manufacturer: Cape Fear Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

And Then There Was Rock: Life Before Brian

ASIN: B0009Z0W4U

Product Description

New DVD release takes the AC/DC front man to remote Sparta, Greece to find the real roots of Helen of Troy. Horizontal jogging, women running naked in the streets, a history lesson like you have never seen before. A wild trip with great music.

Customer Reviews:

bizzare tv, but excellent.......2005-10-08

i picked this up, purley because i am a huge ac/dc fan. i didnt really know what to expect. i really enjoyed it, but if you are not a fan of brian johnson, dont pick this up. i was lucky enough to meet the man three times and he is being himself here.
i hope he does more work like this.... there is one small bad element, where he keeps asking the same question over and over again.... other than that. excellent...

Entertaining but..........2005-09-25

...no, he doesn't know much about the history. Yes, he did do some homework on the subject, but this was more about its entertainment value and is home-movie quality at best. There are some awkward moments as he tries to "interview" some of the locals. And some of the things he says about what he is observing is just plain incorrect. But if you're in the mood to watch Brian be funny for about a half hour, then by all means pick this up...

BRIAN JOHNSON, CUSSING, DRINKING, ROLLING THROUGH GREECE.......2005-09-22

AC/DC'S BRIAN JOHNSON RULES!!Didn't know what to expect. This was so hot! It is a really funny transition from the PBS type TV program to the out takes. He can out cuss a sailor,out drink the locals and still maintain! The scenery is awsome and his knowledge of history is amazing.
Totally different side of the AC/DC mouth man. Hope this isn't the last acting he does. Love it!

DVD:

DVD List

DVD

DVD

Mona Lisa - ProgFest 2000

Any Number Can Win : DVD

Teletubbies - Meet The Teletubbies [1997]

DVD: The Human Monster/Mystery Liner:Horror Classics, Vol. 7

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