The Wood

Starring:Elayn Taylor, Omar Epps, Richard T. Jones, Duane Finley, Trent Cameron, Malinda Williams, Patricia Belcher, Taye Diggs, Tamala Jones, De'aundre Bonds, Cynthia Martells, Wyking Jones, Geoffrey Blackshire, Jascha Washington, Aiysha Sinclair, Melvin Lyons, Sam Hiona, Antwon Tanner, John Wesley, Oscar Dillon
Director: Rick Famuyiwa
Studio: Paramount
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
It looks like writer-director Rick Famuyiwa started a popular trend with his marriage-jitters comedy about three friends who reminisce about their lives together as one prepares to leave the group when he gets married. Everyone who rushed to see The Best Man should catch this sleeper which also stars Taye Diggs (as Roland, the reluctant groom), as well as Omar Epps and Richard T. Jones, who together provide charming, cheerful performances full of warmth and humor. This buddy story is told through flashbacks to 1986, when the three met at public school. The young men gain our affection in their competition to win the most girls, which enhances the bond of loyalty we see in them as men on the eve of Roland's wedding. The casting of the boy actors is almost spooky in its perfection, especially Sean Nelson (who had already proven his acting acumen in American Buffalo) as the younger version of Epps. Although the cast is African American, there's no color bar to the themes or entertainment the movie offers, providing a salient lesson to network TV producers under attack by the NAACP for their inability to include characters of color in TV shows. Instead of stereotyping the characters by placing them in "the hood," where gang members and tragedy rule, this life-affirming comedy depicts the lives of members of "the wood," which refers to Inglewood, a middle-class suburb of L.A. that general audiences will find easy to relate to. --Lloyd Chesley

Bridge to Terabithia (Widescreen Edition)
Average customer rating:

Very Emotional. Surprising. Not About Fantasy, But About Loss and Relationships

Terrible and Completely Pointless

Great Fun! Good Story

Warning - sad movie, too sad for kids

Kooky and mildly pointless....

Bridge to Terabithia (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Josh Hutcherson , AnnaSophia Robb , Zooey Deschanel , Robert Patrick , and Bailee Madison
Director: Gabor Csupo
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Night at the Museum (Widescreen Edition)

Ghost Rider (Two-Disc Extended Cut)

Eragon (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Charlotte's Web (Widescreen Edition)

Breach (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B00005JPL5
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Amazon.com

Based on Katherine Paterson's young-adult novel and filmed in picturesque New Zealand, Bridge to Terabithia has lessons to impart about empathy and self-expression, but the tone is never heavy-handed. Jesse (sleepy-eyed Josh Hutcherson, Zathura), a fifth-grade loner, lives in the country with his parents and four sisters, including pesky May Belle (Bailee Madison), who adores him. His strict father (Robert Patrick, The Terminator 2) works in a hardware store. Money is tight and classmates make fun of his hand-me-downs, so Jesse finds refuge in running and drawing. Everything changes when two writers and their daughter Leslie (wide-eyed AnnaSophia Robb, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) move in next door. Leslie is faster than all the boys, which initially puts Jesse off, but the two soon bond over their love of make-believe. In the forest, they find a creek that can only be crossed by rope. Leslie names the land on the other side Terabithia, where they imagine themselves rulers of the kingdom. Jesse and Leslie also connect with their unconventional music teacher, Ms. Edmonds (Zooey Deschanel, Elf), who encourages their creativity. Despite the tension at home, Jesse's personal life is finally coming together when the unthinkable happens. Will he revert to his anti-social ways or will he grow from the experience? Though aimed at all ages, pre-school students may find Terebithia's creatures frightening. For grade-school kids and up, however, there's much to savor in this smartly written, sensitively acted film. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Customer Reviews:

Very Emotional. Surprising. Not About Fantasy, But About Loss and Relationships.......2007-07-04

This movie can be very surprising and possibly an emotional tearjerker if you are not familiar with the story or book it was based on. If you don't mind your young children learning about "loss" and the sadness surrounding it, this will also be an uplifting movie that shows the positive nature of fostering good relationships. I thought I was getting a "fantasy" movie to watch with my son -- it was short on fantasy, and was heavy on the theme of "loss" but was still a good movie overall as it really brought out the emotions it intended to bring out. Many parents may argue whether the movie should be watched by their children (depending on what you are willing to teach your children about early.) As an adult, I found the movie of value and entertaining and also feel it is necessary to be present if you allow younger children watch it.

Terrible and Completely Pointless .......2007-07-04

Boy am I sorry I just wasted an hour and a half watching this movie, and I'm even sorrier that I let my kids see it.

This is not a movie for children, it is far too slow, boring, and sad. Its not a movie for adults, it is far too juvenile and, well, dumb.

I kept waiting for the movie to get to a point - and it never does. It meanders around in the very sad lives of two different adolescents - both terribly neglected by their parents in very different ways, both bullied, both living pretty sad lives. I kept waiting for something interesting to happen, or for the film to reach some pinnacle where it all came together, and it never did. Totally pointless.

The "fantasy" bits of the film [and they are *tiny* bits - not really worth even mentioning] are poorly done and just awful.

There is really nothing redeeming about this film, other than the fact that the two young actors who play the main characters do a good job acting - they just have pretty lame characters. ALL the characters in the movie are really just characateurs - with no depth or meaning. And most of them are "bad" in some way or other, from the insanely neglectful mother to the nasty abusive father to the mean bullies who beat up the other kids.

Anyway, its just a terrible movie and not worth anyone's time or money. And please, parents, if you think you *might* want to show this movie to your children, preview it first. I sure wish I had done that.

Great Fun! Good Story.......2007-07-04

It seems a lot of people were expecting a lot more "fantasy" world in this film and have judged it accordingly. Personally, I love the "simplicity" of the fantasy as it really gives adults a reminder as to what children see when they play make believe.

The fantasy is supposed to be secondary to the plot and it's very well done. I was very pleased when I watched it and had a good cry at the end, not once but twice.

Warning - sad movie, too sad for kids.......2007-07-03

I wish someone had warned us! My daughter and I balled our eyes out. Other than that really sad part, the movie was great, but just to forewarn you...bring your tissues!

Kooky and mildly pointless...........2007-07-03

Yes, I get it. Kids are supposed to be imaginative. Okay so why wasn't the story? You have AnnaSophia Robb staring (brilliantly I might add) in a flick about an adolescent with an overactive imagination... yet her imagination is depicted for all of 20 minutes in a 90 minute flick. The creatures are mindless cardboard cutouts, meant to represent real-life characters in their everyday world, but they wind up being boring parodies of themself.

The movie had great potential. Lots of area for conflict, what with a controlling "down on his luck" deadbeat dad and all. But in the end, the film would have been better if it had gone unmade. Or perhaps benefitted from about another half hour actually IN Terabithia.

The Sound of Music (Two-Disc 40th Anniversary Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

The Sound of Music
the magic is alive...
Pure Magic
The Sound of Music
saw it as a child and now at my 40s.. it still holds the magic

The Sound of Music (Two-Disc 40th Anniversary Special Edition)
Starring: Julie Andrews , Christopher Plummer , Richard Haydn , Peggy Wood , and Anna Lee
Director: Robert Wise
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Mary Poppins (40th Anniversary Edition)
The Wizard of Oz (Two-Disc Special Edition)
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Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Full Screen Edition)
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ASIN: B000AP04OM
Release Date: 2005-11-15

Product Description

Shot in Salzburg against the majestic Bavarian Alps, THE SOUND OF MUSIC is considered one of the greatest screen musicals ever made. Winner of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director (Robert Wise), the film, based on a real family and their true events, tells the story of a young postulate, Maria (Julie Andrews), who, after proving too high-spirited for the Mother Abess and other nuns, is sent off to work as a governess to seven unruly children. The Von Trapp family is run, in military style, by the seemingly cold-hearted Captain Von Trapp (Christopher Plummer), a lonely widowed naval officer. Seeing how badly he and his children need companionship, he proposes to the Baroness Schraeder (Eleanor Parker), a calculating, mutual friend of beloved family friend Max Detweiler (Richard Haydn). It is the baroness who soon realizes that it's Maria--with her warmth and love for the children--the captain really loves. It is nearly bliss for the newly formed family who loves to sing together--except for the cloud looming over their beloved Austrian horizon: Hitler is ascending to power, forcing Von Trapp to decide whether to join the Nazi party--which he loathes--or force his family to leave their home forever. One of the most memorable scores ever written (by Rodgers and Hammerstein) and breathtaking performances by Andrews, Plummer, and the seven children mark this classic as one of the world's most favorite films.

System Requirements:

Running Time 174 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com essential video

When Julie Andrews sang "The hills are alive with the sound of music" from an Austrian mountaintop in 1965, the most beloved movie musical was born. To be sure, the adaptation of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II's Broadway hit has never been as universally acclaimed as, say, Singin' in the Rain. Critics argue that the songs are saccharine (even the songwriters regretted the line "To sing through the night like a lark who is learning to pray") and that the characters and plot lack the complexity that could make them more interesting. It's not hard to know whom to root for when your choice is between cute kids and Nazis.

Read our interview with
Charmian Carr, who played
Liesl von Trapp in The
Sound of Music.

It doesn't matter. Audiences fell in love with the struggling novice Maria (Andrews), the dashing Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer), and, yes, the cute kids, all based on a real-life World War II Austrian family. Such songs as "My Favorite Things," "Do Re Mi," "Climb Every Mountain," and the title tune became part of the 20th century Zeitgeist. In addition, The Sound of Music officially became a cult hit when audiences in London began giving it the Rocky Horror Picture Show treatment, attending showings dressed as their favorite characters and delivering choreographed comments and gestures along with the movie. So why resist, especially when the 40th Anniversary Edition is the best DVD yet.

The DVDs
As if the direct involvement of Julie Andrews weren't enough, the 40th Anniversary Edition of The Sound of Music is a must-have for fans because of the fond sense of nostalgia that will touch all but the worst cynic's heart. Andrews introduces both discs and contributes a commentary track on the film. It's a joy to hear her speak about the film (for example, she explains how she solved her dislike for the lyrics of "I Have Confidence"), and also heard are remarks by Christopher Plummer (who at one point refers to his being 48, which if true would mean his comments were made in about 1975), Charmian Carr (Liesl), choreographer Dee Dee Wood, and Johannes Von Trapp (the real-life Maria Von Trapp's youngest son, who admits that his father did have a whistle but claims that he was not as stern as portrayed in the film). Even with all those people involved, there are still significant gaps of silence, however. Retained from the previous two-disc editions is the commentary track by director Robert Wise, which during the musical numbers becomes an isolated score with no vocals. Also new are sing-along subtitles in English, Spanish, and French, which allow you to have your own sing-along at home. In addition, the film's remastering shows off a truer and much warmer sense of color.

On the second disc, Andrews participates in a new 63-minute documentary "My Favorite Things: Julie Andrews Remembers." But it's really a general making-of documentary with contributions from a number of principals, including director Robert Wise, who died in mid-2005 (not surprisingly, some stories are repeated from the commentary track and from the 87-minute documentary on the previous DVD). Andrews also shares a warm 19-minute sit-down with Christopher Plummer. Carr, who over the years has become the film's biggest advocate, narrates a new 22-minute documentary, "On Location with The Sound of Music," in which she revisits the places in Salzburg where the movie was filmed, and even joins one of the "Sound of Music tours" that have become a booming industry. And acknowledging another big industry, there's a 12-minute featurette on the sing-along phenomenon, focusing specifically on the audience, costumed and otherwise, that attended a sold-out Hollywood Bowl sing-along in 2005. Making special appearances at the event are four von Trapp great-grandchildren and all seven of the actors who played the children. Thankfully, those actors also appear in a 33-minute documentary "From Liesl to Gretl: A 40th Anniversary Reunion," in which they explain what they do now (many are still in show business) and share stories about the film, who was afraid of Christopher Plummer, and what they feel is their responsibility to the film's passionate fans. What's touching is how the group still considers themselves a family so many years later. Other material includes an A&E documentary on the von Trapps, Mia Farrow's screen test for the Liesl role, and a restoration comparison.

What's Missing?
If you already own the previous two-disc editions, you'll want this 40th Anniversary Edition as well, but you might not want to toss those versions. Probably the most significant omission from this edition is the original 14-minute documentary Charmian Carr made in 1967, "Salzburg Sight and Sound." Carr's new documentary includes only a couple clips from the vintage piece. It's not a great work of art, but it's a notable loss and would have made a good contrast with the new documentary. In addition, the new making-of documentary is about 24 minutes shorter than the old one. Also missing are the audio-only features--the interviews, the radio programs, the Ernest Lehman spotlight--and the historical still gallery examining the history of Salzburg and the film. Granted, this material probably got the least play of any of the old features, but completists might want to hold onto their old discs for it. It would have also been nice to have screen tests other than Farrow's. Tests for all the children and for Christopher Plummer (including singing in his own voice before he was dubbed for the film) were included on Hollywood Screen Tests and Rodgers and Hammerstein: The Sound of Movies. Again, they're not critical but it would have been nice to have them all in one place. So maybe the 40th Anniversary Edition isn't the complete package on The Sound of Music, but it's the most satisfying edition yet, with enough new material to please even the veteran SoM DVD watcher. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

The Sound of Music.......2007-07-02

Shot in pristine color on location near Salzburg--and featuring that dizzying opening shot of Maria belting out the title tune from a verdant hilltop--"Music" fully deserves its reputation as one of the most popular films of all time. The daisy-fresh Andrews is simply terrific, whether she's acting or singing, and the songs--"Do Re Mi," "Climb Every Mountain," and "My Favorite Things"--have become part of our cultural heritage. Adapted from the Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway play, the film might be a bit schmaltzy at moments, but in all, it remains utterly irresistible. The hills are still alive--and your singing pipes will be too--with the wondrous "Sound of Music."

the magic is alive..........2007-06-26

I was only six but I still remember when my mother took us kids to the movies to see 'The Sound of Music'. A memory permantly ingrained as is this film. From the most amazing opening shot ever filmed this classic film never lets go of yor senses. It's fun, thrilling and holds up extremely well. Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer are exquisite. Sure some of the lyrics are corny and simple but it all works and I'm not even a fan of musicals.

Pure Magic.......2007-06-25

Who doesn't know the general plot of this movie? Well just in case: Maria is thinking of becoming a nun, yet Sister Superior isn't so sure about that and sends her off to become the governess to seven Von Trapp children. There she meets the very strict father and the not so angelic children. She quickly wins over the children and their father. While all this is going on the Nazis are slowly but surely taking over the country. By the second half of the movie they become a true family and decide to make a dareing escape from the Nazis.

Now that pretty much wraps it up plot wise, yet there is so much more. The songs are very sugar coated but so what? They are there for a purpose: teaching children to not be afraid, coaching them on how to sing,etc. In most parts they are there for the pleasure of the young and the young at heart.

I'll close with an example. I was driving with my wife and our girls in the car, and we were looking at about an hour trip to my mother's house so we popped The Sound of Music in the DVD and we were on our way. As I heard (I coudn't see the movie of course) the movie and we sang the songs on our journey, I looked back and every face was smiling. Now if you are looking for a movie like that you've come to the right place.

The Sound of Music .......2007-06-11

A Family Night is made of... Sound of Music. Worth watching over and over.

saw it as a child and now at my 40s.. it still holds the magic.......2007-06-05

This review is about the movie and not the DVD Product-

I saw it yesterday, Im 43, last time I saw ir I was 28 and prior to that I was 12 the first time I saw it. It still holds the magic, and now I can say its a classic for all the family.

Yes, now I see details I previously did no see. The plot is so idillic that you don't feel the nazi presence inspiring fear, the love scenes are a perfect example of puritanism and political correctness. Yet there is love and there Julie Andrews gives a performance larger than life to captivate all public.

I do not know why in the review preface there is some critisims of the lyrics of the song "Sound of music"- those were elaborated lyrics and none of that senseless rap or overly simplistic lyrics. Sugarcoated? You bet, but just like the pinl lemonade they were sipping on the terrace, "its not too sweet, not too acid, its just too pink "

The movie has an ending that is rather sudden, just as it starts with that glorious song it should have ended with one as well, a triumph song. I still have the same feeling I did when I was 12, what happened to them?

Bridge To Terabithia (Full Screen Edition)

Average customer rating:

Very Emotional. Surprising. Not About Fantasy, But About Loss and Relationships
Terrible and Completely Pointless
Great Fun! Good Story
Warning - sad movie, too sad for kids
Kooky and mildly pointless....

Bridge To Terabithia (Full Screen Edition)
Starring: Josh Hutcherson , AnnaSophia Robb , Zooey Deschanel , Robert Patrick , and Bailee Madison
Director: Gabor Csupo
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Ghost Rider (Two-Disc Extended Cut)
Eragon (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Charlotte's Web (Widescreen Edition)
Breach (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B000OYCM5I
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Very Emotional. Surprising. Not About Fantasy, But About Loss and Relationships.......2007-07-04

Terrible and Completely Pointless .......2007-07-04

Great Fun! Good Story.......2007-07-04

Warning - sad movie, too sad for kids.......2007-07-03

I wish someone had warned us! My daughter and I balled our eyes out. Other than that really sad part, the movie was great, but just to forewarn you...bring your tissues!

Kooky and mildly pointless...........2007-07-03

Average customer rating:

One of my top ten most romantic movies ever made!
Not Persuaded by the film
Didn't like at first .. but then I did.
Excellent film!
Superb

Persuasion (1995)
Starring: Amanda Root , Ciarán Hinds , Susan Fleetwood , Corin Redgrave , and Fiona Shaw
Director: Roger Michell
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Sense & Sensibility (Special Edition)
Mansfield Park (1999)
Pride and Prejudice - The Special Edition (A&E, 1996)
Emma (A&E, 1997)
Emma (1996)

ASIN: B00003JRCQ
Release Date: 2000-02-01

Amazon.com

Movie adaptations of Jane Austen's classic novels were all the rage (relatively speaking) in the mid-1990s. Clueless updated Austen's Emma, which was more conventionally adapted in another version (Emma) starring Gwyneth Paltrow. Emma was produced yet again, this time for British television, as were a celebrated miniseries of Pride and Prejudice and this splendid film of Austen's Persuasion. Persuasion is the story of a love that survives eight years of dormancy and the frustrating obstacles of class prejudice in 19th century England. Anne (Amanda Root) is captivated when she meets the dignified naval officer Capt. Wentworth (Ciarán Hinds), but she is advised to discourage his romantic overtures because he has no fortune. They meet again eight years later, but now Capt. Wentworth has become wealthy while Anne's father is in reduced circumstances in the wake of reckless extravagance. A series of circumstances ensue which prevent Anne and Wentworth from expressing their mutual and inevitable love. The film's success depends entirely on the subtle, superb performances of Root and Hinds. The film builds slowly, occasionally leaving you wondering if anything at all is going to happen. When it does, you realize how carefully crafted a film this is, and the final result is grandly rewarding. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

One of my top ten most romantic movies ever made!.......2007-06-22

This less-than-2-hour movie aired on PBS with a great intro by host Russell Baker. I still enjoy that VHS tape I made at the time, but its colors are dark and sometimes the dialog is hard to understand. Not having it on dvd is NOT an option for me. Luckily, it had been over a year since I last viewed this one, and it was better than ever, even better than the 1st time I saw it. Sometimes I see Captain Wentworth as mildly retarded, that he cannot see that Anne obviously has feelings for him. Then I remember he was thoroughly snubbed by her family as well as refused by her, so his hesitancy is understandable. In the 8 years that have elapsed since refusing him, Anne has found herself & her own voice, & is finally able to tell her well-meaning but patronizing friend, "That is not a thing that I want!" I am always so proud of her for going after what she does want, finally. The last few minutes of the film are some of the most romantic ever made.

My top ten: Pride & Prejudice (mini series with Colin Firth), 2)Persuasion, 3)Room With a View, 4)Casablanca, 5)Emma (Kate Beckinsale version), 6)My Foolish Heart, 7)The Terminator, 8)Doctor Zhivago ('65 version), 9)Best Years of Our Lives, 10)Will Penny. Ok, those last 5 shift around a bit sometimes, depending on which old movies I come across. Some of the traditionally favorite ones like GWTW, or Love Story -- there's more anguish than romance there, to me. What are your favorites? Always on the lookout for romantic moments on film. Hey, that could be another top ten, of your Top Ten Romantic Moments on film, which could be altogether a different list!

Not Persuaded by the film.......2007-05-30

Glad I read the book before watching the film. There were scenes from the book that could have been included to make the film story line flow better. The actors/actresses were not as believable and didn't seem to fit the descriptions in the book as well. This adaptation of "Persuasion" was not as good as Ang Lee's "Sense and Sensibility" (with Emma Thompson) nor Andrew Davies' "Pride and Prejudice" (with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle).
If you're not keen on owning this DVD, I'd borrow it from the local library, a friend, or NetFlix before spending money to buy it.

Didn't like at first .. but then I did........2007-05-04

I am a big Austin fan and have seen just about all of her movie adaptatons. At first I found this movie slow and pointless but about 1/2 way through I got excited to see how it would end. The ending makes good sense but could have been more detailed. The movie builds up antisipation and then ends ubruptly and leaves you saying what just happened. All and all this movie is worth seeing if you enjoy other Austin movies.

Excellent film!.......2007-04-26

This is one of my favorite movies. I saw it at the theater when it first came out and then I bought the book. The characters seem like real people that a person could meet.

Superb.......2007-04-18

This is one of the best of this genre, literary adaptations. Highly recommended, great cast especially Amada Root.

Average customer rating:

Schoolboys In Disgrace
IF only I could decide...
Just one of the Greatest Unknown Films of the 20th Century
Don't forget the music!
Much anticipated!

If... (Criterion Collection)
Starring: Malcolm McDowell , David Wood , Richard Warwick , Christine Noonan , and Rupert Webster
Director: Lindsay Anderson , and Guy Brenton
Manufacturer: Criterion
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Army of Shadows - Criterion Collection
Sweet Movie (Criterion Collection)
La Jetee/Sans Soleil (Criterion Collection)
Ace in the Hole - Criterion Collection
Sansho the Bailiff - Criterion Collection

ASIN: B000OPPAEW
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Description

Lindsay Anderson's If.… is a daringly anarchic vision of British society, set in a boarding school in late-sixties England. Before Kubrick made his mischief iconic in A Clockwork Orange, Malcolm McDowell made a hell of an impression as the insouciant Mick Travis, who, along with his school chums, trumps authority at every turn, finally emerging as violent savior against the draconian games of one-upmanship played by both students and the powers that be. Mixing color and black and white as audaciously as it mixes fantasy and reality, If…. remains one of cinema's most unforgettable rebel yells.

Customer Reviews:

Schoolboys In Disgrace.......2007-06-27

The exclusive private school portrayed in "If.." serves as a scathing metaphor of class and privilege in the United Kingdom. What makes the statement that director Lindsay Anderson is trying to convey more stinging is that he treats his subject matter as dark comedy. What I also found interesting is that Anderson doesn't direct most of his criticism at the school administrators, whose crimes are allowing such a stifling atmosphere to perpetuate. Rather, the worst criticism is directed at the Whips, the sniveling fascist students who are given free reign to terrorize and subjugate their fellow students to the worst kind of torment. It's easy to criticize authority but our worst enemies are our peers who will later become the leaders of our world because that's the way it is. The film is anchored by a mesmerizing performance by Malcolm McDowell who portrays rebel iconoclast Mick Travis. Travis belongs in this stifling environment as much as he needs a hole in the head. Travis serves as everyman and reacts to the inanity around him with a knowing smirk. In one memorably hilarious exchange with a Whip Travis accuses him of serving Coca-Cola to the underclassmen while expecting them to lick his fingers for the rest of their lives. What gives this scene more power is that Travis says it knowing it will subject him to a more severe beating. If you could best describe "If..." I would say it's a dark comedy with dramatic and surreal elements. It would serve as a good double bill with another indictment of English classism, Peter Medak's "The Ruling Class". On a final note will somebody, Criterion or Warner Brothers, release "O Lucky Man" on disc.

IF only I could decide..........2007-06-21

In high school in the middle 1970s we never could get to see this movie but we all owned a copy of the screenplay. Finally I saw the film at a university showing in 1978 or 1979. I hadn't seen it since. From the reviews since 2000 it appears some people in the US had it on VHS or DVD but I don't know how that was possible. I never could find it. I assumed it was being surpressed out of political fear. Anyway, all these years later, I'm still not sure I like how the movie slips the bounds of reality to the point where you're not sure this isn't supposed to be just a fantasy (the vicar in the drawer, the main characters not speaking the last 15 minutes of the movie, the charage across the clean quad that in the previous shot was battle strewn). This shift to fantasy is jarring because up to the last half hour of the movie it is as brutally naturalistic as This Sporting Life (except for the fantasy sex sequence - clearly meant to be fantasy - in the cafe). Am I wrong to find this shift to fantasy an artistic capitulation? Am I the only one who thought the lads burning the stuffed crocodile meant this was all to be seen as something like the collages with pictures from Africa? Nevertheless, I know I'll be watching this DVD many times.

Just one of the Greatest Unknown Films of the 20th Century.......2007-06-18

I first saw "If..." during its original release in the late 1960s in a theater in Pittsburgh. I saw it several times then ...which was not the easiest thing to do as a grad student. Maybe it had something to do with having attended a New England prep school and my brother about to start one.

I have owned a copy on VHS, I own a book with the script and commentary by Lindsay Anderson, and I am ordering a copy of this DVD.

Most reviewers talk about the theme of rebellion due to repressive conditions and such. The concern ... I want to say fear ... that it will trigger more school tragedies is misplaced. What Lindsay Anderson has done is help us explore the challenges that are faced by young men coming of age so that as a society we can learn how to respond to those challenges. Why today do schools still tolerate bullies?

When I saw the movie "Animal House" a few years later, my immediate reaction was that it was an Americanized version of "If..." but with more humor. I am amazed that no other reviewer has spoken of the parallels. I have never read that Landis or the writers of Animal House were even aware of the film. Maybe that speaks to the timeless theme of the film.

This may not be an easy movie for many to watch, but the Missa Lubba soundtrack is unforgetable and continually brings you back into the film.

Enjoy.

Don't forget the music!.......2007-06-10

I have waited years for IF to be released on DVD - I trust that the amazing MISSA LUBA that was used as the sound-track will also get a new release.

Much anticipated!.......2007-04-24

I've been waiting for a release of If... for a long long time, and it is so good to see it will be given the deluxe treatment with Criterion. Lindsay Anderson created a landmark film which captured the talents of a young Malcolm McDowell at his best. You get the feeling that Wes Anderson took his cue from this film when he made Rushmore, but what sets If... apart is the surrealism that creeps into the movie and eventually takes it over, resulting in its wildly hallucinogenic climax. All the extras will make this anxiously awaited DVD a real treat, as hopefully we will be able to get a peek into the mind that created this film. The addition of Thursday's Children certainly makes this deluxe package worthwhile.

Average customer rating:

Excellent mix of old and new
Love it
Pretty Neat, Ending a Letdown
Loved it, amazing
Pure magic

The Illusionist (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Edward Norton , Paul Giamatti , Jessica Biel , Rufus Sewell , and Eddie Marsan
Director: Neil Burger
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Period Piece | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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

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The Prestige
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ASIN: B000K7VHQ4
Release Date: 2007-01-09

Amazon.com

First screened in Europe and scheduled for limited release in the U.S., The Illusionist offers welcome proof that "arthouse" quality needn't be limited to the arthouses. Set in turn-of-the-century Vienna, this stately, elegant period film benefited from a crossover release in mainstream cinemas, and showed considerable box-office staying power--granted, teenage mallrats and lusty males may have been drawn to the allure of Seventh Heaven alumna Jessica Biel, who rises to the occasion with a fine performance. But there's equal appeal in the casting of Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti, who bring their formidable talents to bear on the intriguing tale of a celebrated magician named Eisenheim (Norton) whose stage performance offends the Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell), a vindictive lout who aims to marry Duchess Sophie (Biel), Eisenheim's childhood friend and now, 15 years later, his would-be lover. This romantic rivalry and Eisenheim's increasingly enigmatic craft of illusion are investigated by Chief Inspector Uhl (Giamatti), who's under Leopold's command and is therefore not to be trusted as Eisenheim and Sophie draw closer to their inevitable reunion. Cleverly adapted by director Neil Burger from Steven Millhauser's short story "Eisenheim the Illusionist," and boasting exquisite production values and a fine score by Philip Glass, The Illusionist is the kind of class act that fully deserved its unusually wide and appreciative audience. -- Jeff Shannon

Beyond The Illusionist

"Eisenheim the Illusionist" and Other Stories

Paul Giamatti in a More Loveable Role
Magic Kits & Accessories

Stills from The Illusionist

Description

Unlock the mysteries of the year's most spellbinding film from the producers of Crash and Sideways! Oscar(r) nominees Paul Giamatti and Edward Norton lead an all-star cast in this "stunning" film (USA Today) that conjures an exhilarating blend of suspense, romance and mind-bending twists. The acclaimed illusionist Eisenheim (Norton) has not only captured the imaginations of all of Vienna, but also the interest of the ambitious Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell). But when Leopold's new fiancée (Jessica Biel) rekindles a childhood fascination with Eisenheim, the Prince's interest evolves into obsession...and suddenly the city's Chief Inspector (Giamatti) finds himself investigating a shocking crime. But even as the Inspector engages him in a dramatic challenge of wills, Eisenheim prepares for his most impressive illusion yet in this "mesmerizing" (Entertainment Weekly) and "beautifully acted" (Good Morning America) film that "teases you until the very end!" (The New York Times).

Customer Reviews:

Excellent mix of old and new.......2007-07-04

Old time drama comes alive with this exceptional performance of magic and love. The actors are exceptional and make you believe you are really back in the day of magicians and when people truly believed witchcraft may be at hand.

I will not spoil the ending, because it is a good one. The progression of the movie included a demonstration from Ed Norton to Paul Giamatti on how a simple magic trick is really done. This sets you up to wonder about the rest of the magic. Is it so simple or is Norton MORE than an illusionist?

The romantic side of the story has been done so many times; childhood boys loves girl, meets her later in life, still loves her. However, it is integrated in this movie so well that it makes the movie into a romance you really buy into.

This movie is worth beyond a rental, because I am making a bet, you'll lend it to someone else raving over how good it is!

Love it.......2007-07-03

This is a great film! Edward Norton is incredible as usual. A lot of people have been comparing this to The Prestige since both were released around the same time and are about illusionists, but that's about it. I think both movies are excellent but each has a life of its own. The Illusionist is a modest yet extraordinary love story that happens to be centered around true magic. Definitely worth a look. Enjoy.

Pretty Neat, Ending a Letdown.......2007-07-03

This movie has 'surprise ending' written all over it, but when it comes, well, it's not really a surprise. It's the one you see coming a mile away, from the movie's first flashback of Ed Norton's childhood. That was a bummer. Also a bummer was how cursory the explanation was, just a 10-second montage including nothing you couldn't have guessed quite easily. In fact, Paul Giamatti comes off as really stupid for not having guessed it earlier, especially having examined the blonde's body. It was a cool movie up to that point, but as a con movie, it needed a really cool ending to truly succeed. Also, the writer selectively imbues the protagonist with supernatural powers periodically throughout the film, especially toward the end. However, he uses his powers merely to pull off a hokey con, that's it. It's a shame to see two such great actors and such a promising script all be let down by this bland, facile ending. I can't help wondering if the original script included a much better ending but had it's originality filed down or excised by studio executives.

Loved it, amazing.......2007-07-01

I rented this at Blockbuster the other night and all I have to say that this is an amazing movie. Check out Prestige too which in my opinion is even better. This movie really had my brain thinking hard near the ending and after it. It has an interesting plot and his magic tricks are interesting. You have to watch this...a great movie that will give your mind a whirl.

Pure magic.......2007-07-01

Rarely does a film so magically project so many fantastical tricks (within a fictional story so expertly presented as to appear historical). In the end, of course, all tricks are exposed as the smoke and mirrors expected from the beginning--but in such fine detail and complexity as not to disappoint.

The film's strength rests on that of "Eisenheim the Illusionist," Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Steven Millhauser's 1990 short story (from Barnum Museum), but also resides in Dick Pope's cinematography and Neil Burger's adept direction. It is quite amazing to watch magical tricks for so long propel the tale, as if real--and then to view the delightful unraveling of the story's entwined, sinewy web of script, image, characters and score (Philip Glass), like the finale of a perfectly executed pas de deux. It flows gracefully through to the last second.

The movie begins as Vienna's Chief Police Inspector Uhl (Paul Giamatti) recounts the life, to date (1900) of a carpenter's son, a forbidden friend of Countess Sophie von Teschen, (Eleanor Tomlinson) for whom he carved a magic locket and with whom he had planned to flee. They were discovered and forcibly separated.

The boy departed Vienna and toured exotic countries in Asia, acquiring extensive magical knowledge. He arrived home 15 years later as the performer "Eisenheim" (Edward Norton), and with the help of theatrical manager Josef Fischer (Edward Marsan), he immediately attracts an enormous following. Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell), determined to prove Eisenheim a fraud, attends a show arm in arm with his gorgeous fiancée--Countess Sophie (Jesscia Biel). The Crown Prince volunteers Sophie for an elaborate stage trick. Eisenhem instantly recognizes her and pretends not to know her; Sophie realizes more slowly. Naturally, they reunite romantically.

But that is far from the end of the magic, or the mystery encompassed in this engrossing film. Norton's Eisenheim characterization grabs viewers and balances equally against Biel's angelic portrayal of Sophie. Giamatti's Inspector Uhl, an ambitious, devious, outwardly crusty official controlled by the Prince, also demonstrates a weakness for magic, and beneath that layer, a tenuous warmth that slowly takes root and grows.

One viewer claims the film is too long on time and too short on romance. I disagree. The level of intrigue was exactly perfect for a film of this kind, enough to draw us in, but not so much as to detract from the other, far more magical aspects of the story.

This film is a crowd-pleaser--pure magic.

--Alyssa A. Lappen

Average customer rating:

good music
Just adding to
The Standard for Concert Films - A Trip down Memory Lane!
The Last Waltz-The Band
THE LAST WALTZ IS THE BAND'S MOST SHINING MOMENT.

The Last Waltz
Starring: The Band , Paul Butterfield , Rick Danko , Dr. John , and Emmylou Harris
Manufacturer: MGM
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

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The Last Waltz
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ASIN: B00003CXB1
Release Date: 2002-05-07

Amazon.com

Martin Scorsese's 1978 capsule history of the Band is mixed with footage of the group's allegedly last performance (certainly their last performance as a quintet) in this particularly stylish concert film. Scorsese shoots the players and their sundry guests with the same flair and enthusiasm one can see in the later The Color of Money or Goodfellas. He also proves a good interviewer with Band members, particularly Robbie Robertson, whose sleepy-sexy good looks make a star-caliber impression in close-up. But the film's real hook is the stage show, which features a rotation of rock legends (Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell, Paul Butterfield, Bob Dylan, and so on) playing with the Band before a wildly appreciative audience. --Tom Keogh

Description

It started as a concert. It became a celebration. Join an unparalleled lineup of rock superstars asthey celebrate The Band's historic 1976 farewell performance. Directed by Martin Scorsese (Raging Bull, Goodfellas), The Last Waltz is not only "the most beautiful rock film evermade" (New York Times) it's "one of the most important cultural events of the last two decades" (Rolling Stone)!

Customer Reviews:

good music.......2007-06-14

this dvd is excellent. there is nothing else to be said.

Just adding to.......2007-06-08

There's enough reviews of this Classic. I'm 50+ and showed my copy of this DVD to my teenage kids last Thanksgiving. They were enthralled! My daughter asked for it as a gift for her graduation from UT (uhhh, I guess that means she's not a teenager anymore! but my son is and a Music major at UT). That about says it all I think.

The Standard for Concert Films - A Trip down Memory Lane!.......2007-05-16

Viewing "The Last Waltz," was like a trip down rock history memory lane. This is the DVD you show your children to introduce them to rock music of the seventies. The direction of Martin Scorsese provides the viewer with insightful interviews coupled with lush musical productions. I am still trying to decide on my favorite performance - there are just too many! Also, buy the CD - you will not be disappointed.

The Last Waltz-The Band.......2007-05-15

Probably the best concert film of its kind to date!! Every performer was captured in their prime all at one major rock event. Don't miss it.

THE LAST WALTZ IS THE BAND'S MOST SHINING MOMENT........2007-04-15

I will be writing a review on the legendary historic live DVD concert entitled "THE LAST WALTZ" by one of Rock's greatest legendary bands ever. I give you one of America's pride and joy's, THE BAND. "THE LAST WALTZ" was originally released in 1978 by MGM and United Artists. As always, if I hear any new additional information concerning this legendary band or the artist, I will edit this review immediately so that you the consumer will get the best informative and most accurate review possible.

THE BAND will forever go down in Rock n' Roll history and be remembered for recording some of Rock's most sacred anthems. BOB DYLAN recruited THE BAND known then as THE HAWKS as his back-up group for the 1965-66 World Tour. When THE BAND recorded their first album "MUSIC FROM BIG PINK" in 1968, it was clearly evident that THE BAND had a very special blend and brand of sound formula that would soon be their trademark. When the late great bassist Rick Danko met and joined up with drummer Levon Helm, organist Garth Hudson, the late great pianist Richard Manuel and guitarist Robbie Robertson, the line-up was complete and THE BAND would be born. THE BAND would record many great legendary albums through the years to highly critically acclaim. However, being on the road for many years was starting to take a toll on THE BAND and the group was contemplating retiring from the Rock n' Roll world. Which brings me to the DVD concert I'm about to review for you now. "THE LAST WALTZ" was to be THE BAND'S last hurrah and farewell at Robbie Robertson's request. "THE LAST WALTZ" was filmed and recorded live by Martin Scorsese on Thanksgiving Day 26 November 1976 at the legendary historic Winterland in San Francisco, California. This legendary historic concert was a star studded Rock show which featured fellow contemporary artists such as BOB DYLAN, ERIC CLAPTON, NEIL YOUNG, JONI MITCHELL, VAN MORRISON, NEIL DIAMOND, EMMYLOU HARRIS, MUDDY WATERS, THE STAPLES, RINGO STARR, RON WOOD, DR. JOHN, PAUL BUTTERFIELD and RONNIE HAWKINS. "THE LAST WALTZ" without a doubt, is one of the greatest live concerts ever recorded. "THE LAST WALTZ" is also THE BAND'S greatest achievement and most shining moment in their career. In my opinion, "THE LAST WALTZ" is a true testament of the creative brilliance and musical creativity of five extremely talented masterminded individuals. "THE LAST WALTZ" is also a fine fitting tribute to a great legendary band that was truly indeed, far ahead of their time. And now without further delay, it is now time for me to take you back in time to Thanksgiving Day, 26 November 1976 at the Winterland, San Francisco, California where THE BAND is about ready to take the stage.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS FILM SHOULD BE PLAYED LOUD. It is now time to let the music of THE BAND and many others to speak for itself and back it up by doing all of the talking. The film begins with the "Main Theme from "THE LAST WALTZ." This legendary historic concert film begins with the legendary BAND song "Don't Do It," the uplifting "Up On Cripple Creek," RONNIE HAWKINS singing the rendition of the BO DIDLEY classic "Who Do You Love," DR. JOHN singing "Such A Night," NEIL YOUNG singing "Helpless," THE BAND singing a great live version of "Stagefright," THE BAND singing a great version of their song "The Weight" with the help and assistance of THE STAPLES, THE BAND singing an unforgetable version of "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," NEIL DIAMOND singing "Dry Your Eyes," JONI MITCHELL singing "Coyote," THE BAND and PAUL BUTTERFIELD sing their rendition of "Mystery Train," MUDDY WATERS singing his classic Blues song "Mannish Boy," ERIC CLAPTON singing a great version of "Further On Up The Road," a fine BAND and EMMYLOU HARRIS studio recording of "Evangeline," Garth Hudson's organ solo "Genetic Method" THE BAND sings a fantastic version of their song "Ophelia," VAN MORRISON sings a wonderful version of "Caravan," BOB DYLAN sings "Forever Young," BOB DYLAN sings a great version of "Baby Let Me Follow You Down" and the star studded finale which features RINGO STARR and RON WOOD, "I Shall Be Released." May I also add that this is one hell of a concert that everyone can see over and over again and never get tired of it.

Overall, this is one hell of a DVD concert worth seeking further research into and checking out especially if you are a diehard hardcore BAND fan and many of the artists that appeared in this legendary historic concert film or a devout music collector. As for all of the curious newcomers and new beginners that are not familiar with the sound and music of THE BAND, I would highly recommend purchasing this live DVD concert. This is one great live DVD concert that you will be glad that you bought.

I would like to highly recommend purchasing this legendary historic DVD concert to own as a valuable and important part of his or her own personal music and DVD concert collection. This legendary historic concert has already proven to stand the test of time and will always be around to be enjoyed, appreciated and cherished for many years to come, NOW AND FOREVER. You can purchase this legendary historic concert on both a 4-CD set and on DVD. This is one great concert that no hardcore music fan or devout music collector would want to be without.

In closing, following the release of "THE LAST WALTZ," THE BAND would retire from the music world for many years until they reunited for the LIVE AID concert in 1985. THE BAND would soon after suffer their worse tragedies in the group's career with the untimely deaths of pianist Richard Manuel in March 1986 and bassist Rick Danko in December 1999. THE BAND received the highest ultimate honor by being inducted into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. THE BAND has forever left their mark in Rock n' Roll history and will never be forgotton. So here's to you late great Rick, Levon, Garth, late great Richard and Robbie. Thanks for the great memories. RICK DANKO LIVES. RICHARD MANUEL LIVES. And as the saying goes, "AND THE REST IS ROCK N' ROLL HISTORY," am I wrong? Thanks for reading my review and I hope that you have enjoyed reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it for your reading pleasure. I also hope that all of you will read all of my other reviews in the near future when time permits. THE BAND FOREVER. R.I.P. RICK DANKO, Born 9 December 1943, Died 10 December 1999 at age 56. Also R.I.P. RICHARD MANUEL, Born 3 April 1943, Died 4 March 1986 at age 43. Long Live Rock n' Roll. Rock out always and take it easy. Forever In Rock, John L.

The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy (Platinum Series Special Extended Edition)

Average customer rating:

Good Buy
A masterpiece that will go down in history
I Wish Amazon Has 10 stars to select!
A jewel in your shelf
Pretty slick

The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy (Platinum Series Special Extended Edition)
Starring: Elijah Wood , Ian McKellen , Viggo Mortensen , Sean Astin , and Sean Bean
Director: Peter Jackson
Manufacturer: New Line Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

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( L ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

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The Adventures of Indiana Jones - The Complete DVD Movie Collection (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B000654ZK0
Release Date: 2004-12-14

Amazon.com

The extended editions of Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings present the greatest trilogy in film history in the most ambitious sets in DVD history. In bringing J.R.R. Tolkien's nearly unfilmable work to the screen, Jackson benefited from extraordinary special effects, evocative New Zealand locales, and an exceptionally well-chosen cast, but most of all from his own adaptation with co-writers Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, preserving Tolkien's vision and often his very words, but also making logical changes to accommodate the medium of film. While purists complained about these changes and about characters and scenes left out of the films, the almost two additional hours of material in the extended editions (about 11 hours total) help appease them by delving more deeply into Tolkien's music, the characters, and loose ends that enrich the story, such as an explanation of the Faramir-Denethor relationship, and the appearance of the Mouth of Sauron at the gates of Mordor. In addition, the extended editions offer more bridge material between the films, further confirming that the trilogy is really one long film presented in three pieces (which is why it's the greatest trilogy ever--there's no weak link). The scene of Galadriel's gifts to the Fellowship added to the first film proves significant over the course of the story, while the new Faramir scene at the end of the second film helps set up the third and the new Saruman scene at the beginning of the third film helps conclude the plot of the second.

To top it all off, the extended editions offer four discs per film: two for the longer movie, plus four commentary tracks and stupendous DTS 6.1 ES sound; and two for the bonus material, which covers just about everything from script creation to special effects. The argument was that fans would need both versions because the bonus material is completely different, but the features on the theatrical releases are so vastly inferior that the only reason a fan would need them would be if they wanted to watch the shorter versions they saw in theaters (the last of which, The Return of the King, merely won 11 Oscars). The LOTR extended editions without exception have set the DVD standard by providing a richer film experience that pulls the three films together and further embraces Tolkien's world, a reference-quality home theater experience, and generous, intelligent, and engrossing bonus features. --David Horiuchi

Description

This critically acclaimed epic trilogy follows the quest undertaken by the hobbit, Frodo Baggins, and his fellowship of companions to save Middle-earth by destroying the One Ring and defeating the evil forces of the Dark Lord Sauron. With new and extended scenes carefully added back into the film, the 12-disc set also includes hours of bonus features.

Customer Reviews:

Good Buy.......2007-07-03

Awesome collection of this masterpiece, lord of the rings set as all available behind the scenes and extra we want, and the movie with extended version, what more can you want?

A masterpiece that will go down in history.......2007-07-01

There is a reason why these 3 films got Best Picture nominations (and a win) 3 years in a row as well as winning 11 Oscars in its final year. THESE FILMS ARE AMAZING. Return of the King is the best followed by Fellowship and then Two Towers, but all get 5 stars, placing it as one of the best films ever made. The extended scenes are not really useful but some (like Saruman in "King") are good. The special features makes paying the extra price worth it. Excellent films

I Wish Amazon Has 10 stars to select!.......2007-06-27

The title says it all. This movie trilogy deserve more than 5 stars and this trilogy is the greatest, the best etc etc movie ever made by one of the greatest director.

Miss this kind of movie so much. Hope the will be more from Peter Jackson

A jewel in your shelf.......2007-06-26

this is one of the best products in the dvd market out there. Don't miss the chance to get one before they are gone like the collectors editions with the polystone figures. Which are not in stock anymore.

Pretty slick.......2007-06-25

So far we've watched the first movie. The extra footage is great and holds true to the books. I would recommend this for any fan of LOTR.

Average customer rating:

Happy Feet
Happy all over
Crappy Feet
Creative and Thoroughly Well Done
One of the Best

Happy Feet (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Carlos Alazraqui , Lombardo Boyar , Johnny A. Sanchez , Robin Williams , and Elijah Wood
Director: George Miller (II)
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Animals | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Animation | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B00005JPCF
Release Date: 2007-03-27

Amazon.com

For anyone who thought the Oscar-winning documentary March of the Penguins was the most marvelous cinematic moment for these nomads of the south, you haven't seen nothing yet. Happy Feet is an animated wonder about a penguin named Mumble who can't sing, but can dance up a storm. George Miller, the driving force behind the Babe (and Mad Max) movies, takes another creative step in family entertainment with this big, beautiful, music-fueled film that will have kids and their parents dancing in the streets. From his first moment alive, Mumble (voiced Elijah Woods) feels the beat and can't stop dancing. Unfortunately, emperor penguins are all about finding their own heart song, and the dancing youngster--as cute as he is--is a misfit. Luckily, he bumps into little blue penguins and a Spanish-infused group (led by Robin Williams) and begins a series of adventures. Miller has an exceptional variety of entertainment: Busby Berkley musical numbers, amusement-park thrills, exciting chase sequences (seals and orca lovers might like think otherwise), and even an environmental message that doesn't weigh you down. Best of all, you don't know where the movie is going in the last act, a rare occurrence these days in family entertainment. A fusion of rock songs, mashed-up and otherwise, are featured; this movie is as much a musical as a comedy. Mumble's solo dance to a new version of Stevie Wonder's "I Wish" by Fantasia, Patti, and Yolanda may be the most joyful moment on camera in 2006. --Doug Thomas

On the DVD
There are two new animated sequences, which aren't incorporated into the film. One's a half-minute hackysack-themed bit, but the other is a good-looking, two-minute scene featuring the late Steve Irwin as an albatross, who, with Mumble, encounters a blue whale. "Dance Like a Penguin: Stomp to the Beat" is hosted by Savion Glover, whose dancing was motion-captured for the film, but other than a couple basic tips, it's pretty much a demonstration rather than a lesson. In addition to the two music videos (Gia's "Hit Me Up" and Prince's "The Song of the Heart"), "I Love to Singa" is an appropriately matched 1936 Merrie Melodies cartoon in which a young owl ruffles feathers by wanting to sing jazz for his classical-music-loving family. --David Horiuchi

More Happy Feet

Blu-ray
Combo HD/DVD
More Penguin DVDs

Description

In the great nation of Emperor Penguins, deep in Antarctica, you're nobody unless you can sing - which is unfortunate for Mumble (ELIJAH WOOD), who is the worst singer in the world. He is born dancing to his own tune...tap dancing. As fate would have it, his one friend, Gloria (BRITTANY MURPHY), happens to be the best singer around. Mumble and Gloria have a connection from the moment they hatch, but she struggles with his strange "hippity- hoppity" ways. Away from home for the first time, Mumble meets a posse of decidedly un-Emperor-like penguins - the Adelie Amigos. Led by Ramon (ROBIN WILLIAMS), the Adelies instantly embrace Mumble's cool dance moves and invite him to party with them. In Adelie Land, Mumble seeks the counsel of Lovelace the Guru (also voiced by ROBIN WILLIAMS), a crazy-feathered Rockhopper penguin who will answer any of life's questions for the price of a pebble. Together with Lovelace and the Amigos, Mumble sets out across vast landscapes and, after some epic encounters, proves that by being true to yourself, you can make all the difference in the world.

Customer Reviews:

Happy Feet.......2007-07-04

Happy Feet (Widescreen Edition)
very enjoyable and would be a great movie to have for a whole family.

Happy all over.......2007-07-04

Our granchildren love to watch this DVD as often as they can. Thank you Amazondotcom for continuing to offer great deals on children-friendly movies!

Crappy Feet.......2007-07-03

I'll try not to say much, because I don't want to waste much time on this terrible film. First, let me say that this is the worst movie I've ever seen from start to finish. Usually if a movie is this bad I simply get up and walk out. I saw this at the theater with my 4 year old son, and he even asked if we could leave halfway through the film (and he loves movies)... for some stupid reason, I insisted we stay (probably the $15 bucks I'd spent)

The problem? Weak character development and a terrible story line. The characters are simply forgettable and the story is regretable. The environmental agenda while commendable, comes across as pathetic (this is a kid's movie, right???)
I've read in other reviews that the animation is good, even amazing - but that's not really true. It's average if you compare it to today's standards. If this movie had been released ten years ago, yes - the animation would have been amazing - but at this point it's completely average.

So - the only reason I am wasting more time on this film is to beg those of you who have not seen it - please take my advise and skip it! It's not worth the time it'd take you to watch it - really, it's that bad!!!
(if I had the option, I'd give it no stars)

Creative and Thoroughly Well Done.......2007-06-30

Memphis sings, dances and speaks like Elvis.

Norma Jean comes complete with a well-placed mole and Marilyn Monroe's accent.

Mumble's wide-eyed, upbeat nature can't be beat.

Robin Williams' Lovelace is warm and smooth.

And of course there is Savion Glover's happy footwork!

I loved this movie and continue to watch it over and over again, when I need something sweet and uplifting without the calories.

One of the Best.......2007-06-30

I really like this movie for the simple fact of what it was trying to convey; Somehow, the penguins could sing, but poor Mumble, couldn't. I like it when his mother kept on being there for him no matter what. But what I like is the fact that they had this whole darn chior, but this ONE little fella couldn't sing to save his life if he could. Very interesting movie.

Average customer rating:

Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones deliver towering performances in this gripping thriller
Nice job!
Let the Chase Begin...
An interesting and entertaining adaptation
One Of The Best Thrillers Ever Made.

The Fugitive
Starring: Harrison Ford , Tommy Lee Jones , Sela Ward , Julianne Moore , and Joe Pantoliano
Director: Andrew Davis
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Thrillers | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Blackmail, Murder & Mayhem | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B00005ATZT
Release Date: 2001-06-05

Amazon.com essential video

Do you know anyone who hasn't seen this movie? A box-office smash when released in 1993, this spectacular update of the popular 1960s TV series stars Harrison Ford as a surgeon wrongly accused of the murder of his wife. He escapes from a prison transport bus (in one of the most spectacular stunt-action sequences ever filmed) and embarks on a frantic quest for the true killer's identity, while a tenacious U.S. marshal (Tommy Lee Jones, in an Oscar-winning role) remains hot on his trail. Director Andrew Davis hit the big time with this expert display of polished style and escalating suspense, but it's the antagonistic chemistry between Jones and Ford that keeps this thriller cooking to the very end. In roles that seem custom-fit to their screen personas, the two stars maintain a sharply human focus to the grand-scale manhunt, and the intelligent screenplay never resorts to convenient escapes or narrative shortcuts. Equally effective as a thriller and a character study, this is a Hollywood blockbuster that truly deserves its ongoing popularity. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Catch him if you can. The Fugitive is on the run! Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones race through the breathless manhunt movie based on the classic TV series. Ford is prison escapee Dr. Richard Kimble, a Chicago surgeon falsely convicted of killing his wife and determined to prove his innocence by leading his pursuers to the one-armed man who actually committed the crime. Jones (1993 Academy Award and Golden Globe winner as Best Supporting Actor) is Sam Gerard, an unrelenting bloodhound of a U.S. Marshal. They are hunted and hunter. And as directed by Andrew Davis (Under Siege), their nonstop chase has one exhilarating speed: all-out. So catch him if you can. And catch an 11-on-a-scale-of-10 train wreck (yes, the train is real), a plunge down a waterfall, a cat-and-mouse jaunt through a Chicago St. Patrick's Day parade and much more. Better hurry. Kimble doesn't stay in one place very long!

Customer Reviews:

Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones deliver towering performances in this gripping thriller.......2007-06-18

Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones deliver towering performances in this gripping thriller.

PLOT SYNOPSIS

Dr. Kimble (Harrison Ford) arrived home one night to find his wife Helen on the verge of death after being bru