The Barbarians

Starring:Pierre Cressoy, HÃ©lÃ¨ne RÃ©my, Vittorio Sanipoli, Luigi Tosi, Annamaria Bugliari, Alfredo Varelli, Maurizio Di Nardo, Franco Fabrizi, Nora Bellinzaghi
Director: Ferruccio Cerio
Studio: Fox Lorber
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

The director/producer team that created Trainspotting turn their dynamic cinematic imaginations to the classic science fiction scenario of the last people on Earth. Jim (Cillian Murphy) wakes up from a coma to find London deserted--until he runs into a mob of crazed plague victims. He gradually finds other still-human survivors (including Naomie Harris), with whom he heads off across the abandoned countryside to find the source of a radio broadcast that promises salvation. 28 Days Later is basically an updated version of The Omega Man and other post-apocalyptic visions; but while the movie may lack originality, it makes up for it in vivid details and creepy paranoid atmosphere. 28 Days Later's portrait of how people behave in extreme circumstances--written by novelist Alex Garland (The Beach)--will haunt you afterward. Also featuring Brendan Gleeson (The General, Gangs of New York) and Christopher Eccleston (Shallow Grave, The Others). --Bret Fetzer

Description

Hailed as the most frightening film since The Exorcist, acclaimed Director Danny Boyle's visionary take on zombie horror "isn't just scary…it's absolutely terrifying" (Access Hollywood).

An infirmary patient awakens from a coma to an empty room…in a vacant hospital…in a deserted city. A powerful virus, which locks victims into a permanent state of murderous rage, has transformed the world around him into a seemingly desolate wasteland. Now a handful of survivors must fight to stay alive, unaware that the worst is yet to come…

Customer Reviews:

28 days later is a great movie.......2007-06-27

I like horror movies a lot. That's why I bought 28 days later. It's a great great zombie movie.

AMAZING!!.......2007-06-15

This movie is so creepy, so fantastic, so brilliant, so phenomenal! And the sequel is JUST as good, which is an azaming feat in and of itself! A must see for everyone who loves crazy action movies and getting scared out of their wits!!

Awesome movie........2007-06-15

This series has always been my favorite of the whole "infection/undead epidemic" type movie genre. You're also very fortunate that this review is for the product, and not the shipping quality (Hint; paying extra for faster shipment doesn't work).

one of the best movies ever.......2007-06-10

i had to buy the movie after my cousin told me about it. so i did. i watched the movie with my dad and brothers. we all loved the movie. now i just have to get to the movie theater before the sequel 28 weeks later leaves the theaters. great movie. definitely recommend to any zombie movie lover.

It Feels Like 28 Days..........2007-06-09

I was very disappointed in this movie. It is dull. It is not scary. It has very few ideas, once you get past the main ones. I think it's safe to say that, despite what the ads promised, zombie horror remains steadfastly NOT re-invented, nor is this "Scary as Hell."

The problems begin soon after Jim, our protagonist, awakes. He wanders around empty London for like five minutes, as I thought "This is getting boring." Then the ALT-ROCK SOUNDTRACK (it survived the apocalypse!!) kicks in, and then he wanders around empty London for FIVE MORE MINUTES!!!! This is endemic of the whole movie: large, long sections with NO new ideas. I saw this in the theater, so every time I reached for the fast-forward button, it just wasn't there.

The zombies aren't that scary. The fact that they run fast adds surprisingly little, and it makes the slow moving zombies of previous movies just scarier. You know, dogs run fast. People run fast. Average movie monsters run fast. So these zombies running fast just made them more generic. And... what do they WANT? They want to puke blood on you? Doesn't make a lot of sense. I mean, I want to puke blood on people, so having zombies want to do it doesn't give me that much of a thrill.
I did notice that Jim, who woke up with half his head shaved from the hospital, apparently found time amid all that constant running from zombies to get himself a chic hipster haircut.

I think the writer and director had a few interesting overall ideas and felt like that was enough, there was no need to develop them or come up with new stuff to keep it interesting. With an hour to go, I considered leaving (as many in my audience already had), asking myself "Do I really need to know how this ends?" In retrospect, no, I did not. I haven't seen any of the additional endings on the DVD, because a) I don't care, and b) I could never possibly sit through this movie again.

I think what the reviewers who gave this one such positive reviews at the time were responding to is the originality and intrigue of the premise, and overlooking much of the result. As well as thinking it might be cool to give zombie movies a chance, since Dawn of the Dead [original] has grown so much in estimation since its release. Let's give the critics credit... they ARE required to sit through From Justin To Kelly, so anything a little bit different must look a lot better by comparison.
Towards the end there is an extremely ugly and vulgar subplot involving the gang rape of a young teen girl that in my opinion mars the movie as a whole. While it may make sense that this kind of thing could happen in the case of a zombie apocalypse, I also think that this is a movie, and there are plenty of other aspects left to explore without having to go to that particularly nasty and misogynistic extreme. I suspect the writer and director think they're being "Hard Hitting," but it supplies more evidence that they confuse the jolt of shock and disgust with a genuine reaction.

I also think that arguments about "what would happen in a zombie apocalypse" are specious from the start because zombie apocalypses don't really happen. And if they did, Romero already showed us quite clearly and believably what would happen twenty years ago in both Dawn and Day of the Dead.

Sometime after seeing this movie I rented Trainspotting for the first time, and think that there's another example (like Silence of the Lambs) where the strength of the cast and script really is what makes the movie. That is to say; not the direction. I think Danny Boyle can safely be taken off our "directors to watch" list.

Average customer rating:

An Conservative's Review
It really bothered me that she had no underwear
wonderful
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
One of the best animation movies ever

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
Starring: Sumi Shimamoto , Mahito Tsujimura , Hisako Kyôda , Gorô Naya , and Ichirô Nagai
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0001XAPZ6
Release Date: 2005-02-22

Amazon.com

Hayao Miyazaki gained widespread attention in Japan for his complex ecological manga series, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1982), which he adapted for the screen two years later. One thousand years after a war devastated much of the Earth, humanity clings to existence at the fringes of a vast, polluted forest inhabited by monstrous insects. Only Nausicaä, the princess of the tiny realm of the Valley of the Wind, grasps the environmental significance of the forest. She sees beyond petty wars and national rivalries to the only viable future for the planet. In Nausicaä, Miyazaki began to explore elements he would develop more fully in his later films: daring, compassionate heroines; exciting flying sequences; colorful side characters; strong interpersonal relationships; and a call for an ecologically sustainable way of life. Nausicaä prefigures Sheeta in Castle in the Sky and Chihiro in Spirited Away, just as the rough and ready Asbel anticipates Pazu in Castle in the Sky and Ashitaka in Princess Mononoke. For years, Nausicaä was available in the United States only as the badly re-edited Warriors of the Wind. The new English dub from Disney presents the film in its entirety, with strong vocal performances by Uma Thurman, Patrick Stewart, Alison Lohman, and Edward James Olmos. (Rated PG: violence, frightening imagery) --Charles Solomon

Description

From one of the most celebrated filmmakers in the history of animation and the creator of the Academy Award(R)-winning SPIRITED AWAY (Best Animated Feature Film, 2002) comes Hayao Miyazaki's epic masterpiece NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND. A thousand years after a global war, a seaside kingdom known as the Valley Of The Wind remains one of only a few areas still populated. Led by the courageous Princess Nausicaä, the people of the Valley are engaged in a constant struggle with powerful insects called ohmu, who guard a poisonous jungle that is spreading across the Earth. Nausicaä and her brave companions, together with the people of the Valley, strive to restore the bond between humanity and the Earth. NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND is written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. And this spectacuar 2-disc set features exotic settings, impactful music, and a timeless story about courage and compassion in the face of danger.

Customer Reviews:

An Conservative's Review.......2007-06-29

I am a conservative. If I were famous, Rosie O'Donnell would hate me. But guess what? I still think this is the best animated movie ever created. Don't be afraid that Mr. Miyazaki is trying to insult you in this movie. Miyazaki did not create this film to preach about global warming at all of us un-enlightened fools, he made it because it is a great story. The environmental message is that mindlessly destoying the earth is bad, not that driving a car is going to melt Antarctica. This film showcases the power of human creativity, not our evil treatment of the earth. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind is set in a world where a horrible war devistated the planet and now it must heal. The environmental problems of Nausicaa's earth are immense, not like the possible issues that some people think might be happening and/or might happen on our earth. Nausicaa is a wise, careful girl that actually understands how to deal with environmental problems and she ended up saving the world because of her patience. She shows how despite our human imperfections, we can still do great things. She is not a flawless, she gets angry in multiple scenes and is certainly not perfect, which shows how human this whole story is. And some other characters demonstrate how human sinfulness can cause abysmal mistakes. This is a classic among classics and whether anime is your thing or not, you will love this movie (I would know, I don't like most anime). Miyazaki never made a bad movie, so anything by him is recomended by me, especially Spirited Away.

It really bothered me that she had no underwear.......2007-06-09

I love Miyazaki's films. I own Castle in the Sky, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, and Kiki's Delivery Service. I love them all. So I thought to complete the collection I would get Nausicaa (and of course the other two eventually). However, when I watched Nausicaa, from the first 20 minutes, mostly from when I saw her nude to the end of the movie, I was bored. I tried to like it but it made little sense to me. I liked the graphics and I liked the main theme of music. But the other music was kind of weird. I felt like I was listening to an 80's music theme. I didn't feel like I could connect with the characters and they all seemed flawed. I would suggest at least renting this one first, but I am glad I bought it anyway because I want the whole collection of Miyazaki's movies. I'll just say it was an early anime when he started out. I'm not trying to bash this film, I just simply didn't like it that much. And I probably wouldn't watch it again.

wonderful.......2007-05-21

This is my wife's favorite of the Miyazaki movies. Great strong female lead character. Interesting story, beautiful animation. Holds up well over time.

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind.......2007-05-15

What a great way to show the world what we need to take care of now. Kind of scary what the imagination of the future may hold.

One of the best animation movies ever.......2007-05-07

How i can describe this?
I will put my impressions in simple words: Nausicaa is one of the best
anime movies ever made, and i must note that is one of the best movies
in science fiction too, his level of excelence are not only restricted
to the world of animation. Simple one "must see" movie.

Average customer rating:

Not Mad Enough
A post-apocalyptic standard...
The Road Warrior
Sorely in need of an upgrade!
Not cheesy, not just an action movie.

The Road Warrior
Starring: Mel Gibson , Bruce Spence , Michael Preston , Max Phipps , and Vernon Wells
Director: George Miller (II)
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Mad Max (Special Edition)
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ASIN: 0790729342
Release Date: 1997-03-26

Amazon.com

A strong candidate for the designation of most thrilling action movie ever made (the turbo-charged exhilaration of its full-throttle highway chases has never been equaled), the second part of George Miller's post-apocalyptic trilogy is also a magnificently imagined movie myth. Like the Star Wars trilogy (by that other George) the Mad Max films draw their inspiration from the works of mythologist Joseph Campbell. In the 1979 original, Max (Mel Gibson) is a policeman, the last guardian of civilization and order in a devastated world reduced to chaos. But when a leather-clad gang of sadomasochistic speed demons mows down Max's family, his remaining connections to humanity are also permanently severed. After brutally exacting his revenge, Max wanders off into the wasteland alone, "a burned out shell of a man" who (to paraphrase The Searchers) is destined to wander forever between the winds. In The Road Warrior, Max rediscovers a sliver of his shattered humanity, and a spark of redemption, when he helps an embattled colony of pioneers fight off the savages who are after that most precious of all commodities: "guzzline." Max is transformed into a legendary hero, just as Mel Gibson was catapulted to international movie stardom. With its final stirring images, The Road Warrior transcends its genre (whatever that may be--science fiction? Western? action adventure?) and becomes something timeless. It's a great movie. --Jim Emerson

Customer Reviews:

Not Mad Enough.......2007-06-09

This is an interesting film, which if occasionally a bit wooden, virtually created its own genre overnight, and made Mel Gibson a star.

Perhaps its most noteable feature was George Miller's use of unusual camera angles, which created one or two iconic images. Sometimes it has the feeling of an exploitation film, but it never develops in that way and by today's standards it seems rather tame.

It looks as though it was made on a pretty low budget, and I prefer the brasher sequels where a little more polish was added. It remains a film curiosity, but really not much more than that.

A post-apocalyptic standard..........2007-05-15

If "Raiders of the Lost Ark" set the standard for serial cliffhangers in the modern sense, then "The Road Warrior" sets the standard for post-apocalyptic storytelling...

Set in a bleak future with no formal laws and a need for gas, bands of humanity scramble for everything we take for granted. Even though $3+ bucks at the pump is wrong, having to literally fight and kill for it is something I hope we will never have to face ...

"The Road Warrior" is a timeless story of rebellious nobility and the true goodness of humanity despite its struggle between greed and survival...

The Road Warrior.......2007-05-07

This is a great addition to the first in the saga of the Mad Max movies. This film is a non stop roller coaster trill ride with great stunts and vehicles, as well as good characters and acting over all. A definite must own for a fan of this series.

Sorely in need of an upgrade!.......2007-03-20

The Road Warrior is one of my all time favorite movies without a doubt. And its story has been told many times in all the reviews below but what I think is sorely needed is some kind of a deluxe edition DVD. There appears to be few, if any, extras here. And its prequel mad Max has already gotten a special edition, why not its sequel? For instance, how about a commentary track from director George Miller? I know that getting Gibson to reminisce about this film is an unlikely proposition. And I'd love to see the original trailer for this film. If I recall it ended with a ghostly voice saying "...The Road Warrior..you better pray he's out there" On the technical side, how about some info on the famous car Gibson drove here?

Not cheesy, not just an action movie........2007-01-19

You know, just because a film has action in it does not mean it is designed for morons and any other message is secondary. The Road Warrior knows when not to take itself too seriously, but it is a frightening glimpse at what human beings are capable of, and the type of heroics it takes to overcome tyranny. Not light stuff by any stretch...

For so many of these reviewers I wonder what is really so "light" about seeing a woman savagely beaten and raped. Or the sickening behavior that leads to the killing of an innocent dog. The truth of the matter is that The Road Warrior is one hell of a movie that uses action and violence thrillingly -- but in the end winds up saying something about its nature -- a far stretch from what you will see from Jerry Bruckheimer.

The debate that goes on inside the camp is exactly the debate all societies face when dealing with barbarians. For my money, this film is better than Seven Samurai. And yes -- the action is AMAZING. It just feels pure, visceral in a way that most American films do not.

Average customer rating:

The earth covered in water
Nitpicker's delight
There's nothing free in Waterworld!! That goes for opinons!
Waterworld HD-DVD
cut version

Waterworld
Starring: Rick Aviles , R.D. Call , Leonardo Cimino , Kevin Costner , and Anthony DeMasters
Director: Kevin Costner
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: 0783219857
Release Date: 1997-12-10

Amazon.com

Let's be honest: this 1995 epic isn't nearly as bad as its negative publicity led us to expect. At the time it was the most expensive Hollywood production in history (it had a Titanic-sized $200 million budget), and the film arrived in theaters with so much controversy and negative gossip that it was an easy target for ridicule. The movie itself, a flawed but enjoyable post-apocalypse thriller, deserves better. Waterworld stars Kevin Costner as the Mariner, a lone maverick with gills and webbed feet who navigates the endless seas of Earth after the complete melting of the polar ice caps. The Mariner has been caged like a criminal when he's freed by Helen (Jeanne Tripplehorn) and enlisted to help her and a young girl (Tina Majorino) escape from the Smokers, a group of renegade terrorists led by Dennis Hopper in yet another memorably villainous role. It is too bad the predictable script isn't more intelligent, but as a companion piece to The Road Warrior, this seafaring stunt-fest is adequately impressive. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

The earth covered in water.......2007-06-03

Some people say there is dry land some where, a little girl has a map on her back to show the way, but nobody can read it.

Nitpicker's delight.......2007-05-20

If you take every movie seriously this movie deserves negative stars...it is that bad. Every aspect of the movie is ill-conceived and poorly executed.
However, if you and perhaps some of your friends enjoy nitpicking terrible movies, this movie is prime for the (nit)picking. Mystery science theatre 3000 watchers rejoice (if only they had used waterworld for the feature length MST3k)!
This is especially true for anyone who has any understanding of basic science. It takes seconds to travel from one glaring flaw to another! What hack wrote this POS? Who decided to pay for it without doing ANY fact/feasability checking! I don't think this movie left any natural law unviolated!
Have you ever smoked a decades old cigarette? Have you ever tried to use a shell that has been near salt water for who know how long (corrosion is pretty well ignored in every way)? Have you ever tried to fuel your jetski with CRUDE oil? Does a diving bell with a flexable surface maintain a constant volume as the pressure increases? Can you grow anything in salt-water soaked soil? I won't even touch how completely Kostner's special 'gift' violates every premise of evolutionary biology. Ever want to see someone floating in a turd shaped derigible?
I laughed the whole way through...maybe you will as well.

There's nothing free in Waterworld!! That goes for opinons!.......2007-05-04

If you have never heard of this movie, then give it a try. If you have watched this already and like it, the HD version is good and crisp! I mean, at times I looked at Kevin and it was so detail for water drips to water lol just being on him. I'll be honest, this movie is good, "not" great, but it was worth enough for me to make the purchase. HD didn't disappoint me. The water glistering and shimmering as they are the stars lol of the film. It was great. I'm glad it was good on HD, I was kind of worried with a movie being so OLD, I thought HD wouldn't do it justice and was actually ENTERTAINED like it was the first time I was watching it. The overall view is: Storyline: good Visually: HD is a GREAT bargain!! - - - only bad thing is no Extra :( but with the price I bought it on Amazon :) still turn that frown into a smile, because HD Movie makes it all in all, a new experience to CLASSIC Films.

Waterworld HD-DVD.......2007-04-09

If you like this movie you have to watch in in HD-DVD or Blueray. Although it isnt as good as the newer transfers it is still by far the best verion of this film. I really enjoyed the clarity and crispness of the action scenes. Also at the end, the land looked all that more inviting.

cut version.......2007-03-27

When I originally saw this in the theatre there were extra scenes shown. But the video versions were edited and the movie shortened. You get scene cuts in the movie and you realize that something extra was supposed to be there. If you want to see the full version they show on the sci-fi channel every so often.

Average customer rating:

Cult Classic
SINGLE DISC SP.ED. IS THE SAME TRANSFER! COOL FILM!
DA DUKE OF NEW YORK!!!!!!!!
Escape From The Imitators--Treat Yourself To A Thrillingly Original Cult Classic
Dark, gritty action flick, but just camped up enough

Escape from New York
Starring: Tom Atkins , Adrienne Barbeau , Joel Bennett , Garrett Bergfeld , and Ernest Borgnine
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00004Y87O
Release Date: 2000-11-21

Amazon.com

In the future, crime is out of control and New York City is a maximum security prison. Grabbing a bargaining chip right out of the air, convicts bring down the President's plane in bad old Gotham. Gruff Snake Plissken, a one-eyed warrior new to prison life, is coerced into bringing the President, and his cargo, out of this land of undesirables. Kurt Russell put his Disney days behind him as the nicest bad guy in the picture. All comic-book sensibilities and macho posturing, this is one of writer-director John Carpenter's better brainless escapes. There are snappy one-liners and explosive action scenes. However, the film lacks tension and some believability even within the realm of SF fantasy. Even when it fails to gel, though, it always manages to amuse, thanks in great part to a varied and unusual supporting cast (watch for Ernest Borgnine as a cabdriver). Followed in 1996 by Carpenter's overdone and campy Escape from L.A. --Rochelle O'Gorman

Description

A thrilling landmark film that jolts along at a breakneck pace, Escape From New York leapt to cult status with high-octane action, edge-of-your-seat suspense and a mind-blowing vision of a lone warrior (Kurt Russell) battling his way out of a post-apocalyptic Manhattan! Hailed as "stylish and scary" (Los Angeles Times), "dark and dangerous" (Newsweek) and "gloriously...fun" (Tyler Morning Telegraph), this fast-paced and furiously entertaining thriller grabs you by the throat and won't let go! In a world ravaged by crime, the entire island of Manhattan has been converted to a walled prison where brutal prisoners roam. But when the U.S. President (Donald Pleasence) crash-lands inside, only one man can bring him back: notorious outlaw and former Special Forces war hero Snake Plissken (Russell). But time is short: in 24 hours, an explosive device implanted in his neck will end Snake's missionand his lifeunless he succeeds!

Customer Reviews:

Cult Classic.......2007-07-02

I recently purchased this movie for way below the asking price. New and sealed, not used. I watched the movie and wasnt too impressed. There is one song in the movie is just like Carpentar's classic Halloween with a few note changes. The action in this movie is missing; Snake Plissken was said way too many times in the movie. Its like people will forget his name if they dont repeat it every few minutes. I didnt enjoy the movie at all.

SINGLE DISC SP.ED. IS THE SAME TRANSFER! COOL FILM!.......2007-07-02

I bought the single disc special edition and found that it has the same transfer as the new 2 disc special edtion. I found this out through another reviewer on this movie. The older 1 disc version stated surround sound on the back of the package the newer one states 5.1. along with some other add ons such a French mono dubbed track amd the reviewer quote "Dark and dangerous" has been replaced with "Riviting". If you want a nice print of the movie you can buy the single disc for around $5.00 or pay $25.00 for some extras and commentary. This movie is an early example of Carpenter's music and style. The Thing was released after this movie and is a superior film.

DA DUKE OF NEW YORK!!!!!!!!.......2007-06-19

WHAT A GREAT CULT CLASSIC,JOHN CARPENTER MADE A ENTERTAINING ACTION FLICK,
EVERY ACTOR ROCKED IN THIS ONE! THIS IS ONE IS A KEEPER IN YOUR DVD COLLECTION.......OFTEN IMITATED,NEVER DUPLICATED..TIMELESS

Escape From The Imitators--Treat Yourself To A Thrillingly Original Cult Classic .......2007-03-28

Mystified and horrified. Those are the feelings that washed over me when I learned of the proposed remake of the almost flawless B-movie extravaganza "Escape From New York." Tampering with the classics (albeit in this case, a cult classic) is never a good idea. But visions of dollar signs keep studio execs chomping at the bit. The potential to make loads of money from a built-in audience, with the least amount of creativity or originality, seems to rule the Hollywood machine. Having already endured the unnecessary sequel "Escape From L.A.," isn't that punishment aplenty for those of us who want the memory of "New York" to be left in peace? Apparently not. It's enough to have made me grab my copy of "Escape From New York" (the wonderful Special Edition), curl up in the fetal position, and hope the original Snake Plissken could save me from this travesty.

For those unfamiliar with the story of "Escape From New York," I'll offer just enough to tantalize you. In the near future, as the world is besieged by crime, officials have taken drastic measures--the island of Manhattan has been appropriated as a prison. Completely walled off, New York has been restructured into a warzone as brutal criminals rule the streets. Left to their own devices, a new society has formed--it's kill or be killed as everyone must make their own niche in the devastated remnants of the once glorious city. One fateful day, the President of the United States (Donald Pleasance) crash lands in the heart of the prison and a rescue attempt is mounted. Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell), a one-time hero now considered an outlaw, is co-opted to head this operation. As an added incentive to stay on task, however, an explosive is implanted in Snake's neck that will detonate in 24 hours.

And so a grand adventure is set in motion. The concept of "Escape From New York" is thrillingly original--somehow the conceit seems just as plausible as it does outrageous. Ahead of its time in many ways, director John Carpenter has filled "Escape" with colorful characters, nonstop action, and a legitimately dark sense of humor. The imagined cityscape of a Manhattan prison is believably dangerous and the social hierarchy that has developed is well established. In what might be Russell's best role (and certainly his most iconic), Snake is a tremendous creation--an anti-hero worth believing in. His toughness is apparent and his wry humor is at one with his character (as opposed to other films with obviously scripted one-liners). A tremendous roster of supporting players include Ernest Borgnine (at his cheesiest), Harry Dean Stanton (at his sleaziest), Adrienne Barbeau (at her buxomist--OK, I know it's not a word), Lee van Cleef (at his meanest), and Isaac Hayes (at his most Isaac Hayes-ist).

Granted, this isn't a socially significant drama--it's just pure adrenaline rush entertainment. There is a reason that this film has endured--if anything, it is more popular now than when it was released. It's great story telling! In a film world now populated with comic book and graphic novel adaptations, "Escape" (without being remade) still stands at the top of this genre--even though it was an original work of artistry. Grab the Special Edition, the extras are fun if not extraordinary--but it's well worth it for picture and sound quality. KGHarris, 03/07.

Dark, gritty action flick, but just camped up enough.......2007-01-22

I used to watch this incessantly when I was a teen (one of the first movies we had on a blurry VHS tape we'd made). It's the real deal. All the cameos are first rate, camped-up fun. And Kurt Russell is one bad fellow. But not without honor. And, as with a lot of 80s dystopia (like Verhoeven's films), some of the swipes and gags have a little serious edge to them. I'd watch this any day of the week.

Average customer rating:

The best it's going to get for Mad Max fans
Finally!

The Road Warrior [HD DVD]
Starring: Harold Baigent , Tyler Coppin , Dog , Max Fairchild , and Virginia Hey
Director: George Miller
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: HD DVD

Action & Adventure | HD DVD | Formats | DVD | Video

General | HD DVD | Formats | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000OCZD60
Release Date: 2007-05-15

Description

World War III has just ended and the world's remaining inhabitants are on a desperate, devastating, struggle to survive. Gasoline is in short supply and those remaining, turn on one another for the crude oil.

Customer Reviews:

The best it's going to get for Mad Max fans.......2007-06-13

I'm rating this 5-stars not because it's the best look HD-DVD ever, but because I believe this is certainly the best presentation of Road Warrior that's ever been released, or will ever likely be released. It's a keeper.

I remember seeing this movie in the theater. I don't think even the film as shown in the theater contained this much detail, as I noticed details in the movie that I had not seen before. It's a excellent picture.

The sound is good, but nothing like blockbuster movies from recent years, because Road Warrior was made several years ago, and not exactly on a huge budget. Still, it's the best sound quality you're likely to hear for this movie.

Some purists may enjoy the fact that the movie is shown with the title "Mad Max 2" rather than "The Road Warrior" at the beginning, but I don't like it. When I saw the movie in the theater it said "The Road Warrior", and had a bright shining metal effect. I wanted to see THAT, not something that was originally shown in Austrailia. However, I'm not going to get all misty over it and lower the star rating.

If you have Road Warrior on DVD or LaserDisc this is one title that you should absolutely buy the replacement HD-DVD. It makes a big difference.

Finally!.......2007-05-19

I'm saying "finally" because we've finally received a version of the Road Warrior that looks outstanding! The picture looks the best I've ever seen and while the sound isn't as great in terms of bass reproduction, it still sounds very clear, just a tiny bit lackluster. Several of the scenes have a bit of softness to them probably due to age but I'd say about 95% of the film looks crystal clear. There aren't many extras other than an introduction by film critic Leonard Maltin and a filmmaker commentary. A bit lacking in the extras department but the commentary is informative enough for film enthusiasts and fans of the film. It'd be nice to get a retrospective documentary one day on this classic.

At the end of the day, the movie is delivered in an above average presentation and definitely worth a peek in HD.

Average customer rating:

Surprisingly good
Doesn't do Justice to the book
A great tell about LBOs
Barbaric parody at the Gates
An industry and a time nailed by James Garner

Barbarians at the Gate
Starring: James Garner , Jonathan Pryce , Peter Riegert , Joanna Cassidy , and Fred Dalton Thompson
Director: Glenn Jordan
Manufacturer: Hbo Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005MHOC
Release Date: 2001-09-25

Amazon.com

This HBO original comedy, adapted by Larry Gelbart (Tootsie) from the book by Bryan Burrough and John Helyar, concerns one of the most compelling tales of corporate buyout madness in the go-go 1980s. James Garner plays F. Ross Johnson, CEO of RJR Nabisco. Following failed and expensive efforts to sell a smokeless cigarette to the public, Johnson decides that he's had enough of navigating around the wrath of the company's stockholders. Drawing up plans to buy RJR Nabisco outright, he soon finds himself outmatched (though still determined) in a race for the prize with takeover king Henry Kravis (Jonathan Pryce). The ensuing battle is both bitterly funny and full of acid-tinged insights into the '80s greed that changed corporate America forever. Besides Gelbart's great script and Glenn Jordan's competent direction, the star of this exciting film is Garner, who is absolutely wonderful as the gracious Johnson. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Surprisingly good.......2007-05-24

I'm a big fan of Garner from way back, ever since he did "Support Your Local Sheriff," a low key but very funny spoof on western films from the early 70s, if I remember right. He seems like a down to earth guy whose big screen stardom never went to his head--much like Sean Connery--who certainly could have let such fame, money and stardom go to his head, too.

This movie chronicles the shenanigans surrounding a leveraged buyout of RJR Nabisco. You wouldn't think a corporate buyout would be that interesting a subject for a movie, but the movie succeeds on Garner's witty, cynical, repeatedly exasperated, and humorous portrayal of the company's CEO, although the rest of the cast is good too. The movie is also a reminder of the unbridled greed that swept the country in the 80s as hostile takeovers became the rage on Wall St., and it didn't matter how many people lost their jobs or their retirements as long as the takeover sharks got their cut.

As a result of these changes, as my fellow Top 100 reviewer, Jeff Leach, said previously in his much more detailed review, it's a lot harder for the average American to get and hold a job, and make a decent wage. And real wages (which is wages adjusted for inflation) have been declining in the U.S. since the late 60s--another dire trend which is unfortunately likely to continue as a result of competition from India and China, and our increasingly extravagant deficit spending.

Doesn't do Justice to the book.......2007-02-14

An average movie with average performances. Glosses over many of the details in the book and ignores the role of many important characters. It wont appeal much to the general audience and neither will it satisfy the people who have already read the book.

A great tell about LBOs .......2007-01-12

I really liked this movie. For those who like finance and are aware of the stress that it conveys, Barbarians At The Gate shows the intricacies of LBOs and also how every business has a strong emotional factor that is many times overlooked.

Barbaric parody at the Gates.......2007-01-09

The screen version of the book is nothing like the book in any manner, except for the characters and the plot. The movie lacks that serious business and glamorous edge that the book brings out. The movie summarises the story and shreds it almost to pieces. The movie rushes through the story in mock-comedy fashion as if the whole shinding was an episode of a comedy series. The book is about the power, greed, bravado and glory that emanated from Wall Street in the roaring '80s and shook the entire financial and business world in that era - globally. The movie misses that point by light years. It's a childish and vindictive parody of a great story. It's also pretends to be a "Dummy's guide to LBO's in the 1980's" when characters explain the salient points of LBO's. I hope another director/producer team will give this another bash and bring to the screen a real powerful and moving story based on this book.

An industry and a time nailed by James Garner.......2007-01-09

Though the movie is targteting the US audience I can only recommend this movie for anyone who needs to understand the late 80's and the tobacco business of that time. James Garner does a marvellous performance not only as the CEO of R.J. Reynolds but also as an icon of a time.

Average customer rating:

THE REDUX
Remake, not a sequel.
The Snake Man Cometh.....
wrong.
Time waister

Escape From L.A.
Starring: Kurt Russell , A.J. Langer , Steve Buscemi , Georges Corraface , and Stacy Keach
Director: John Carpenter
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: 6305222886
Release Date: 1998-12-15

Amazon.com essential video

Kurt Russell reprises his role as Snake Plissken, of the near-future thriller Escape from New York, in this reworking of that film's basic premise. Instead of New York being a maximum-security prison, this time it's L.A., which through the agency of earthquakes has become an island of the damned. This penal colony is where the film's future rulers, something very like the Moral Majority, send those deemed guilty of "moral crimes." But something has gone wrong in this new moral order, because the President's daughter has absconded to L.A. with a detonation device, and Snake is commandeered to retrieve it. The film's dark dystopia, with its satrical elements taking aim at our dwindling freedoms, and the eclipsing of democracy by narrow interests, are more the subject this time. As a result the action suffers, and the plot devices are sometimes weak and predictable. But just below the surface there is a coiled Snake ready to strike. Steve Buscemi's performance as a weasely hawker of L.A. tour maps is a standout, and the presence of Peter Fonda and Pam Grier adds to the fun. In fact, just the sight of Fonda surfing down the flooded corridor of Sunset Boulevard is reason enough to check this movie out. --Jim Gay

Customer Reviews:

THE REDUX.......2007-06-19

A REGRETTABLE FILM,WE NEED TO FORGET IT !AND PRETEND THIS ONE WAS A BAD DREAM.

Remake, not a sequel........2007-05-18

Although it was very entertaining seeing Russell reprise his Plissken character, the movie itself was a letdown. Same scenario: Snake captured, injected w/ life-threatening drug, forced to perform for the president, infiltrating former US metropolis that now houses the country's undesirables, escapes just in time, mission accomplished, gets last word, the end. The only thing that was different from its predecessor was the addition of cheesy special effects and campy scenes (Snake on a surfboard, anyone ? Gimme a break!) If this was meant to be some kind of parody of the first film (which is, obviously, farrrrr superior), then Carpenter and Russell succeeded. What were they thinking ??

The Snake Man Cometh............2007-01-08

Okay, the rating above is not going to be liked but I have to be truthful.

The only good thing going for this movie was the return of "Snake Plissken".

This film's plot was essentially a rehash of the original "Escape From New York"...A bit more special effects (which in fact, did not make this a better movie)...

When I go to a sequel I expect to get what I paid for a totally new adventure with the same character / characters.

Kurt Russell's character is older and even more in the know of what the rewards are before he is offered them.

Obviously the movie doesn't really know where it's going as it takes two scenes (15 minutes of the film) (1st scene - President, Commandant, and Lackey give Snake the mission) (2nd scene - Commandant and Lackey brief Snake before he leaves for the mission) to explan to the audience what's the basic conflict.

I guess either Carpenter or Russell are just getting too old to take a GREAT leap and recount either an earlier Snake Plissken adventure or an adventure well worth telling..

I also wish to comment that this disc has no special features besides a movie trailer...
"Carpenter....Russell! " Please don't tell me "money" caused you to revisit a "cult figure"!

Some redeeming qualities are the acting performances of Cliff Robertson, Stacy Keach, Steve Buscemi, and Pam Grier. Robertson, Keach, and Grier may be old but they can sure make you believe in their characters!

Sorry, Snake...."I don't love L.A."

The-Big-Green-Pointy-Eared-One!

wrong. .......2007-01-06

Peter Fonda and Kurt Russell surfing a wave down a Los Angeles reservoir is not cool, does not make this movie worth a look, good God, that scene stinks. P-U. Campy. This movie is a mess. A horribly made sequel. So bad it actually tarnishes the reputation of the original.

Time waister.......2006-07-28

Sufficient movie to waist a couple hours downtime here in Afghanistan. That's it though!

Average customer rating:

V
V Is For Very Good.
Totalitarian Dystopia,Huh?
A great thought provocative tale
A movie that invokes thought and emotion

V for Vendetta [HD DVD]
Starring: Roger Allam , Amelda Brown , Charles Cork , Sinéad Cusack , and Stephen Fry
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: HD DVD

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ASIN: B000I2JKFG
Release Date: 2006-10-31

Amazon.com

"Remember, remember the fifth of November," for on this day, in 2020, the minds of the masses shall be set free. So says code-name V (Hugo Weaving), a man on a mission to shake society out of its blank complacent stares in the film V For Vendetta. His tactics, however, are a bit revolutionary to say the least. The world in which V lives is very similar to Orwell's totalitarian dystopia in 1984: after years of various wars, England is now under "big brother" Chancellor Adam Sutler (played by John Hurt, who ironically played Winston Smith in the movie 1984) whose party uses force and fear to run the nation. After gaining power, minorities and political dissenters were rounded up and removed; artistic and unacceptable religious works were confiscated. Cameras and microphones are littered throughout the land, and the people are perpetually sedated through the governmentally controlled media. Taking inspiration from Guy Fawkes, the 17th century co-conspirator of a failed attempt to blow up Parliament on November 5, 1605, V dons a Fawkes mask and costume and sets off to wake the masses by destroying the symbols of their oppressors, literally and figuratively. At the beginning of his vendetta, V rescues Evey (Natalie Portman) from a group of police officers and has her live with him in his underworld lair. It is through their relationship where we learn how V became V, the extremities of the party's corruption, the problems of an oppressive government, V's revenge plot and his philosophy on how to induce change.

Based on the popular graphic novel by Alan Moore, V For Vendetta's screenplay was written by the Wachowski Brothers (of The Matrix fame) and directed by their protégé, James McTeigue. Controversy and criticism followed the film since its inception, from the hyper-stylized use of anarchistic terrorism to overthrow a corrupt government and the blatant jabs at the current US political arena, to graphic novel fans complaining about the reconstruction of Alan Moore's original vision (Moore himself has dismissed the film). Many are valid critiques and opinions, but there's no hiding the message the film is trying to express: Radical and drastic events often need to occur in order to shake people out of their state of indifference in order to bring about real change. Unfortunately, the movie only offers a means with no ends, and those looking for answers may find the film stylish, but a bit empty. --Rob Bracco

Description

Set against the futuristic landscape of totalitarian Britain, V For Vendetta tells the story of a mild-mannered young woman named Evey (Natalie Portman) who is rescued from a life-and-death situation by a masked man (Hugo Weaving) known only as "V." Incomparably charismatic and ferociously skilled in the art of combat and deception, V ignites a revolution when he urges his fellow citizens to rise up against tyranny and oppression. As Evey uncovers the truth about V's mysterious background, she also discovers the truth about herself - and emerges as his unlikely ally in the culmination of his plan to bring freedom and justice back to a society fraught with cruelty and corruption.

Customer Reviews:

V.......2007-07-02

loved this DVD. Very haunting. Hard to get out of my head.

Leaves other similar classics such as Phantom of the Opera, in the dust.

V Is For Very Good........2007-06-29

I enjoyed this movie a lot more than I thought I would have. It Really is worth viewing in my humble opinion and is nowhere near as bad as some professional critics claim it to be. I thought V was a very good character and Hugo Weaving did a great job of portraying him on screen. It's taken me awhile to get around to this movie but now I've watched it it's on my "to watch again" list for sure. Great stuff!

Totalitarian Dystopia,Huh?.......2007-06-29

Wow! It's all here...a vigilante(and failed government experiment gone rebel)waging war on a "totalitarian" society wreaking of the "fascism of Christianity", religious/cultural bias, and outright intolerance in the name of God. V's objective? Freedom by any means necessary...a donning of the mask to unmask the monstrous hypocrisies of a world under the iron curtain of a particular faith. A message shouted a million times before and a keeper for atheists and agnostics...by the way, I'm a born again Christian who's secure enough in his faith not to be offended by the portrayal of faith in this film...so if my applause is rubbing any religious heads the wrong way...grow up.

A great thought provocative tale.......2007-06-26

I loved V, I would classify it as a thriller and a "what if". The stage is set in London, England but this tale could really be set in any society that once had a democratic government. It shows the horror of what could happen if a society freely gives up freedoms for protection. I also really enjoyed the message of freedom and the power of ideas that were throughout this tale. A must own!

A movie that invokes thought and emotion.......2007-06-26

Scanning the other reviews it's obvious that this is a movie that will affect you one way or the other. I'll avoid the political and social commentary and diatribes in my review.

The acting was exemplary in my opinion. Portman did a great job (as usual), but I have to tip my hat to the actor who had the task of playing the role of V. It has to be difficult to use purely gesture and voice inflection to play a part, and he was excellent! I could imagine the emotions hidden behind the mask.

Yes, the film could be interpreted as being somewhat "preachy" and portraying a transparent political and/or social agenda, but it makes one think. It can evoke strong emotion. To me those are things that can make a movie great.

I could've used less gore in the final battle scene between V and the bad guys though. Really wasn't necessary.

Average customer rating:

Some more refinement and this would be a truly great film
Much Maligned Film Deserves to Be Seen
Kurt did a great job
Fear and discipline
Soldier

Soldier
Starring: Kurt Russell , Jason Scott Lee , Jason Isaacs , Connie Nielsen , and Sean Pertwee
Director: Paul W.S. Anderson
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: 0790740443
Release Date: 1999-03-02

Product Description

After being defeated and left for dead by his genetically engineered replacements, Sergeant Todd must save a peaceful community from destruction by the same soldiers.

System Requirements:
Starring: Kurt Russell, et al. Edition Details: Region 1 encoding (for use in US and Canada only) Color, Special Edition Number of discs: 1

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

Kurt Russell hits new heights in laconic action heroes with his portrayal of Sergeant Todd, born and bred to be a soldier in a futuristic army. Raised to kill mercilessly, living only for battle, he finds himself at the twilight of his career (and so-called life) when a regiment of genetically enhanced warriors threatens to make his brand of soldiering obsolete. Despite his extensive skills, he is no match for the best of breed of the new order, and he's left for dead on a planet that serves only as a junk heap. There he encounters a ragtag group of castaways, and in his own strange and silent way slowly begins to learn how to be less a killer and more a human. All is disrupted, though, when the genetic regiment arrives on the trash planet and decides to eradicate the local human "trespassers." Though Todd had been overmatched before, this time he has more than ever to fight for--a home, and friends. Soldier is one of those rare sci fi movies that relies more on plot and action than special effects (though the trash planet is effectively wrought). The pace of action in the last half of the film is relentless and exciting, and Russell's portrayal of the old warrior as he warms to human emotions relies more on expression than words--in fact, he barely utters more than a half-dozen lines. --Tod Nelson

Customer Reviews:

Some more refinement and this would be a truly great film.......2007-06-28

This movie reminds me of the graphic novel War Machine. The novel is about a genetically created soldier who was trained since birth to serve with unfaltering loyalty and does so until he is abandoned. Both the book and the movie have that similar story of a futuristic soldier trained since birth who defies his leaders for a moral solution. They are two very different and specific stories mind you. But I digress. Soldier is kind of a mixed bag of action and a little heart, with some quirks as well. Ultimately what you get is a great movie with some gaping flaws that still make it a pretty good flick in the end.

I think the biggest feather in this movie's cap is seeing dispossessed soldier Todd, played by Kurt Russell, interact with civilians and try to unlearn his conditioning. It is not done in a cheesy way like having Todd shed his first tear or anything like that. The script seems to respect the fact that you cannot change yourself overnight. Also theew is a love interest of sorts that is pretty much unrequited. At least through the course of the movie. Again these things don't change overnight. Kurt hardly says a line and still shines in this movie. Some might disagree, but I think Kurt Russel's acting was very well done and appropriate for the kind of character he was. Most of it is in his eyes. The acting is real subtle but very effective.

Cinematography was nice. Colored lenses were used in basic but effective ways. The junk planet landscape gave a good post-apocalyptic feel (again with color filters adding to the ambience). The guns and tech should keep you military types drooling. Big guns and even more massive assault vehicles were definitely fun to see in action. The special effects are very good and not overdone, and thats always a nice touch.

The plot is solid enough. The thing is they do some odd things in the movie. I mean REALLY odd things like officers ordering these super soldiers to fight each other to the death to prove a point and other strangeness. The truly stupid stuff comes around the end when Todd goes toe to toe with newer soldiers. I can't figure out why genetically enhanced soldiers that are made to ignore pain scream like little girls when they are dying. Also the soldiers themselves don't seem to have much of a concept of small unit tactics. They just walk in and shoot. I suppose that is explained well enough with captains and colonels arguing over the unit having no real combat experience. Todd doesn't seem to have a problem using surprise tactics, but the 'new recruits' didn't seem to get it. I don't know... this military of the future is pretty dirt dumb.

This DVD is pretty sparse on special features, but you do get a pretty informative commentary by director Paul Anderson, co-producer Jeremy Bolt and Jason Isaacs (the mean colonel from the movie). Other than you get get some production notes, the trailer and some subtitles in English and French. Not exactly a sweet lineup, but you do get a good commentary.

Soldier is a good film. I think Russell and the social evolution of his character Todd is what makes the movie more than just another sci-fi shoot fest. If the story overview sounds interesting to you and you can forgive some oddball soldier maneuvers then go ahead and see this movie. Soldier won't win any awards, but I finished watching it thinking the movie was pretty good.

Much Maligned Film Deserves to Be Seen.......2007-06-18

Critically smashed at the time and DOA at the box office, Soldier was one a huge run of mega budgeted flops Warner Bros released in 1997 & 1998. But the suprise is how good this by the numbers sc-ifi actioner really is.

Kurt Russell gives one of his most phenomenal performances as the emotionally stunted lead character. It's a true tour de force of cinematic acting-he hardly says a word, but his eyes, expression and body language surge through the screen.

Paul WS Anderson's direction is efficient and tight, it's more his approach the the look and feel of the material that's the problem. David Webb People's script is terrific and you can't help but wonder what Ridley Scott or even John McTiernan might have be able to do with this.

This is kind of an 80's throwback that you could imagine being an absolute blockbuster for Schwarzenegger in his prime- but it's 10 years too late, despite the brillant work of it's star.

Kurt did a great job.......2007-06-10

Personally, I think that the lack of lines for Kurt enhanced this brilliant movie. The music of Loreena Mckennit is beautiful.

Fear and discipline.......2007-05-28

Not a huge budget killer movie, but definately a good movie to watch if you like future scifi movies. Kurt Russell does a really good job of playing the emotionless killing machine without feelings. Upon becoming "obsolete" and tossed with the garbage, he never loses the spirit of a hardened soldier. Cool effects and weapons, gotta love the chain gun in any movie. Worth buying on Amazon if you like future scifi and/or Kurt Russell.

Soldier.......2007-05-12

Great Si-Fi action flick. This movie will be for all whom love Si-Fi movies and Kurt Russell. The price was right.

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