Popeye

Starring:Robin Williams, Shelley Duvall, Ray Walston, Paul Dooley, Paul L. Smith, Richard Libertini, Donald Moffat, MacIntyre Dixon, Roberta Maxwell, Donovan Scott, Allan F. Nicholls, Wesley Ivan Hurt, Bill Irwin, Robert Fortier, David McCharen, Sharon Kinney, Peter Bray, Linda Hunt, Geoff Hoyle, Wayne Robson
Director: Robert Altman
Studio: Paramount
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
Nothing interests filmmaker Robert Altman more than a contained culture that mixes bare humanity with local eccentricity (think of his M*A*S*H and Nashville). So Altman's Popeye (1980), based on the old comic strip, works best as a portrait of a busy, cluttered, cartoonish town called Sweethaven. But it is much less successful as a comprehensible story about the famous sailor with massive forearms and a relationship with Olive Oyl (Shelley Duvall). Robin Williams plays Popeye with his usual brilliance for mimicry, Paul Dooley makes a credible Wimpy, and Paul L. Smith makes an impression as the oversized bully, Bluto. But this strange, disastrous film never becomes more than an expensive workshop airing out Altmanesque themes. --Tom Keogh

Popeye the Sailor: 1933-1938, Vol. 1
Average customer rating:

It's About Time!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have been waiting for this for a looooong time!!

The real deal...At very long last!

An idea for a follow-up DVD...

FAN-tastic

Popeye the Sailor: 1933-1938, Vol. 1
Starring: Popeye the Sailor
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000P296AS
Release Date: 2007-07-31

Customer Reviews:

It's About Time!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2007-06-29

I have waited for this release for a long time.....As I have worked in Television, I had a few of these from "Master" copies lying in the Vault of some of the facilities I have worked at. I still have the 2 3/4" tapes
(this was BEFORE VHS and Betamax) This is when only "people in the biz" had their own 3/4" VTR's (anybody remember the "Columbo" episode with Bill Shatner that used his 3/4 as a murder alibi?) This is the one release that I and many,many others have been waiting for. Alot of us are in for some great hours of memories. (Sinbad, with real colors!!! Boola, the 2 headed giant, the winking giant Rok ("wreck that ship.....but bring me the woman") It's going to look fantastic upconverted to 1080i, but somehow these should be watched on a 23" DuMont B & W set.
Now all they have to do is remaster and release "Diver Dan" and I can go on to the great beyond.

I have been waiting for this for a looooong time!!.......2007-06-21

WOW, they are finally going to release the original Popeye cartoons!!! This is a dream come true!! Many people do not know the awsome beginnings of the Popeye cartoon series animated by the Max Fleischer Studios, but these are some of the finest examples of animation ever made!! I know, some of you will say "Popeye -- classic animation??, I don't think so", but these are only the people that do not know the original Black & White Popeye cartoons made by Fleischer Studios. To compare the Max Fleischer Popeye cartoons to the Famous Studios Popeye cartoons is like comparing Disney's "Snow White" to Disney's made for TV animation. Even if you have seen the "colorized" versions of the original Popeye cartoons, you have missed an awful lot, since the colorized versions were hastily re-traced with simplified backgrounds inserted. Max Fleischer actually patented a method of using 3D models as backgrounds that moved in perspective as the characters moved. The results are nothing short of spectacular!! This technique was used around a dozen times in the original Popeye cartoon series, but all of them were cut out in the colorized versions (except for the 2 longer Popeye cartoons that were originally made in color). Also the Popeye character is soooo much funnier and less pitiful in the original series with Popeye always staying in his true character and muttering something highly irreverent under his breath. There have only been a handfull of these original cartoons available in the "Public Domain" for many years, and have been put into about a zillion different combinations, BUT THIS IS THE REAL DEAL!!!! This is a real treat for true animation fans, and a must have for true Popeye fans.

The real deal...At very long last!.......2007-06-20

Those of you who have been downloading some of these shorts(in bad quality and damaging coloring) know why this DVD and the volumes that follow are the pride and joy of animation and popeye fans. Those of you who haven't had a chance to taste the glory of the golden age of animation and popeye will have to wait for the DVD to understad what the rest of us are fussing over. Pure animation magic!

An idea for a follow-up DVD..........2007-06-08

The release of the original Fleischer "Popeye" cartoons on DVD is great news for animation fans! Perhaps this will lead to the official release of the Flesicher "Betty Boop" series.

FAN-tastic.......2007-05-25

I cant tell you how happy I am that this is FINALLY being released. Say goodbye VHS copies from the Cartoon Network! Yee Ha!

Average customer rating:

A gem of a movie
Great Movie
Super coming of age movie!
Enduring friendships
Do yourself a favor and buy this film!!!

Stand By Me (Special Edition)
Starring: Scott Beach , Marshall Bell , William Bronder , John Cusack , and Dick Durock
Director: Rob Reiner
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00003CXIP
Release Date: 2000-08-29

Amazon.com essential video

A sleeper hit when released in 1986, Stand by Me is based on Stephen King's novella "The Body" (from the book Different Seasons); but it's more about the joys and pains of boyhood friendship than a morbid fascination with corpses. It's about four boys ages 12 and 13 (Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell) who take an overnight hike through the woods near their Oregon town to find the body of a boy who's been missing for days. Their journey includes a variety of scary adventures (including a ferocious junkyard dog, a swamp full of leeches, and a treacherous leap from a train trestle), but it's also a time for personal revelations, quiet interludes, and the raucous comradeship of best friends. Set in the 1950s, the movie indulges an overabundance of anachronistic profanity and a kind of idealistic, golden-toned nostalgia (it's told in flashback as a story written by Wheaton's character as an adult, played by Richard Dreyfuss). But it's delightfully entertaining from start to finish, thanks to the rapport among its young cast members and the timeless, universal themes of friendship, family, and the building of character and self-esteem. Kiefer Sutherland makes a memorable teenage villain, and look closely for John Cusack in a flashback scene as Wheaton's now-deceased and dearly missed brother. A genuine crowd-pleaser, this heartfelt movie led director Rob Reiner to even greater success with his next film, The Princess Bride. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

A gem of a movie.......2007-05-30

This is a movie worth buying. With a genuine feel, the story rings true. I also like it because in the plot, there isn't clutter. It hints at things and gradually enlightens the audience as it progresses. (Rather than hitting you over the head with a sledehammer at the start and dragging out the next 2 hours. Which seems to be the popular trend these days.) Classic, timeless, and will look great in your collection.

Great Movie.......2007-05-12

I had heard about this movie. I was bored and so I asked my mom to rent it for me. I'll admit that I wasn't expecting much, but it ended of becoming my favorite movie. Something about it is so inspirational and almost makes you want to be closer to your friends. I'm 14 and was 13 when I saw it. I hadn't noticed the rating till I found it kinda fishy that it would be pg (which I read somewhere). Despite the bad language and gangs it is perfectly appropriate for kids my age and should not be rated R. In fact, I think it is target toward all audiences. I showed my dad whose into horror a sci-fi but he liked it. I'm definitely glad I got the movie.

Super coming of age movie!.......2007-05-05

Yes, see the movie "Stand by Me." It took me right back. Those boys walking down the railroad tracks were my friends and me. I even knew an Ace Merrill, but "Big Al" was nice to us boys.

At the beginning of "Stand by Me" when Richard Dryfus is remembering the good old days, you can really feel it--especially as BB King's "Stand by Me" is played in the background. A scene of only a minute--so poignant!

One night we took off on our bicycles and raided a driving range, filling two five-gallon buckets with beat-up range balls that had been left out. What an adventure! Also, a crime. Oops! Does this post count as a legal confession?

Enduring friendships.......2007-04-22

This is a movie based on a novel written by Stephen King. The powerful theme is the development of friendship during our formative years, those friendships that help form and shape our character.

The story is about a group of twelve to thirteen year old boys. The main character is played by Wil Wheaton who is Gordie, a young man who recently became invisible to his parents over the death of an older brother, the favorite, a strong athlete, foot-ball player. We see him at home, trying to talk to his mother, who does not hear or see him for she is totally overcome with grief. His father also ignores him, making him feel that he is nothing as compared to the brother that recently died.

River Phoenix, who plays Chris, is the young man that comes from a bad family, and as such, is expected to grow up to be nothing. In fact, he does not believe he can study, for who would want and support his efforts? At school, there is some money missing and everyone believes he took it, because, who else would do such a thing?

Corey Feldman plays Teddy, the son of a violent alcoholic, who was near killed by his father in a fit of rage that made him put his son's head over the fire that almost burnt his ear off.

The last character is played by Jerry O'Connell in the role of Vern, a kid who is scared of almost anything, but the one responsible for the adventure they are about to undertake, for he hears his older brothers tell the story of a body they found of a young man who has not been seen for days.

They set out to find and observe the dead body of this other kid, killed by a passing train. The reason for their desire to be the first to find this body is to gain recognition, fame, and an opportunity to be in the news, both on radio and TV. So, they are willing to walk 25 to 30 miles, through swamps and open fields in morbid fascination with a corpse that lays out there.

As they live through this adventure, they encounter danger, hunger, a ferocious dog with a fowled mouth, mean and vicious owner, a swamp where they encounter and get their bodies covered with leeches, and a near call as they try to cross a bridge... intended for trains... not people.

But as we live the adventure with the main characters, we find that this movie is about the friendship of these boys, as they help one another grow and confront their personal daemons.

As the story opens we find Richard Dreyfuss narrating the story as the adult version of the character played by Wheaton, who was the story teller of the group and grew to become a writer. During the movie, we have the rare opportunity to see very young versions of great actors of today, namely... Kiefer Sutherland and John Cusack.

Do yourself a favor and buy this film!!!.......2007-04-12

Hailed as one of the essential coming-of-age films, "Stand by Me" has stood the test of time to become a classic. Since most of the other reviews talk about the plot, I'll just talk about my opinion of the movie.

The first time I watched it, I was in awe as the credits rolled. It has since gone on to become one of my all-time favorites. Everything about this movie was executed perfectly--the writing, the performances, the direction, the score--EVERYTHING!! It made me want to be a kid again, and not many movies make me feel like that. I could relate with the characters, especially Gordie, and that's another reason this film stands out in my mind.

I don't want to keep running on, so I'll just sum it up--buy this film, you will definitely NOT be disappointed!

Average customer rating:

Socially impacting it ain't, but.....
Willians First, Altman's Worst
Surreal and a little nighmarish
The Great Muttering Sailor Man
Great!

Popeye
Starring: Robin Williams , Shelley Duvall , Ray Walston , Paul Dooley , and Paul L. Smith
Director: Robert Altman
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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BEETLEJUICE (DVD)

ASIN: B000094J63
Release Date: 2003-06-24

Amazon.com

Nothing interests filmmaker Robert Altman more than a contained culture that mixes bare humanity with local eccentricity (think of his M*A*S*H and Nashville). So Altman's Popeye (1980), based on the old comic strip, works best as a portrait of a busy, cluttered, cartoonish town called Sweethaven. But it is much less successful as a comprehensible story about the famous sailor with massive forearms and a relationship with Olive Oyl (Shelley Duvall). Robin Williams plays Popeye with his usual brilliance for mimicry, Paul Dooley makes a credible Wimpy, and Paul L. Smith makes an impression as the oversized bully, Bluto. But this strange, disastrous film never becomes more than an expensive workshop airing out Altmanesque themes. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Socially impacting it ain't, but............2007-06-06

This film may not have had the social and political impact as M*A*S*H....

But IT AIN'T SUPPOSED TO!!!!!!!!!

I remember seeing this film as a kid and LOVING it! I had grown up watching Popeye cartoons and seeing it in live-action was amazing. Even as an adult (27 years later) I still love this movie. I will NEVER understand why it gets bashed by movie-goers AND the people involved in creating it.

Robin Williams IS Popeye in the flesh. If for no other reason, watch this film just for his performance. No other single actor could have portrayed Popeye more perfectly. From the constant muttering and butchering of the English language right down to the squinting eye, Williams had it DOWN PAT.

And why do people bash the soundtrack? The songs, although a bit odd (most of the lyrics don't rhyme, but so what?!?!?!), were extremely memorable. When I was a kid, I had the soundtrack on vinyl and damn near wore it out.

The story is a bit simplistic, but one should not watch this film expecting and earth-shattering plot or Academy-caliber acting. The characters and situations were based on a CARTOON for God's sake! Take this movie for what it is; a live version of a cartoon feature. And don't forget; there's a moral to the story. The moral is:

Kids, eat your green vegetables so you can be big and strong!

Watch this with your kids or watch it alone. It doesn't matter. You'll have fun either way.

I y'am what I y'am!

Willians First, Altman's Worst.......2007-05-03

For every Spiderman film, there is someone's Howard the Duck!

In the beginning of this movie, an animated Popeye appears and said " I think I am in the wrong movie" I think he is right

Popeye is a yuppie's version Paint Your Wagon, the worst musical ever made. This is Robin Willians's first film. In my opinion, this is Robert Altman's worst (one would have wished he did a director commentary to give better insight which he didnt). This so called musical, written by cartoonist and Popeye fan Jules Feiffer. This lackluster tunes make this live action toon falls with sour notes of a bad musical

The harbor town of Sweethaven looks like a revamped Segarville from Popeye's comics. However the sets looks like sets from Altman's McCabe and Mrs Miller

Williams has his popeye mutter down and loses his Mork from Ork performance, but he cant sing..especially in his Popeye voice. The most perfectly cast in this production is Shelley DuVall as Olive Oil

Altman needed a tighter rein on this film and its cast who crowds into frames of film . It seems more like an overcrowded carnival atmosphere rather than Popeye's search for his father (Ray Walston).

The two stars areWwilliams who tries and Duvall that becomes Popeye and Olive Oil

Bennet Pomerantz AUDIOWORLD

Surreal and a little nighmarish.......2007-04-30

If I hadn't seen it as a child and loved it, I'd be wary about showing it to children. Because when I first saw it through the eyes of an adult, it creeped me right out.

There's a vaguely sinister undertone to the whole thing (maybe a product of the rumored massive consumption of cocaine during production), from Bluto laboriously eating glass (!) and Popeye's bulging, waxy prosthetic forearms (with a smattering of hair for that extra touch of the grotesque), to a showdown between an infant and an angry-looking octopus and a boxing match on a dingy, poorly-lit barge between Popeye and a sweaty, hulking man-child. Elements that might be benevolent in a cartoon or comic strip (such as Olive Oyl's bulbous shoes or the circus sideshow-like denizens of Sweethaven) turn freakish in the flesh, creating, inadvertently, an almost David-Lynchian atmosphere of confused dread. Luckily for the kiddies that dread never pays off in a gut punch, but that doesn't diminish its value for those looking for artful production design and a thoroughly surreal experience.

The Great Muttering Sailor Man.......2007-04-19

Opinions are like noses: everyone has one. Some like it, some don't. Let me say this, however, in defense of this 1980 movie starring Robin Williams as Popeye. It is certainly unfair to say, by any stretch, that this is 'the worst movie of all-time', or 'one of the worst...'. It is funny how, at the time of this writing, that the average vote for this film is about 4.5 stars...Actually that is about right. For those who do not know about the wonderful website called The Internet Movie Database (IMDb.com), you really need to check it out. [...] My point is this: There are many opinions. So if you have never seen this movie, decide for yourself. Do you remember the incredible muttering Popeye (done by Jack Mercer on the cartoons)?. I'm talking especially about the early Fleischer Studios Popeye cartoons from the 30's. You know, the ones in black-and-white. That's what I loved the most, the muttering Popeye. Well, Robin Williams does it superbly! Also, Shelly Duvall is excellent as Olive Oyl in this movie. Granted, the story is kind of bland. The music is not always top notch. Yes, it is too long. However, I enjoyed watching Robin Williams' masterful portrayal of everyone's favorite Sailor Man. Sure, Olive can get a little annoying at times, but wasn't she basically that way in the cartoons? So if you loved the muttering Popeye, then you'll love the movie, overall. Never mind the story. The storyline doesn't really matter, I feel. But, alas, you say you cannot really remember those vintage Popeye cartoon shorts too well. Not to worry! They are scheduled to be released on DVD... FULLY RESTORED!!! Volume 1 (1933 - 1938), with a July 2007 scheduled release, will have, in my opinion, the very best of all the 230 total Popeye cartoon shorts. (Incidently, William Costello provided Popeye's voice from 1933 until sometime in 1935. He was very good also, but the really GREAT muttering came when Jack Mercer took over in 1935). By all means, if you are a huge Popeye fan like myself, then you absolutely must get these DVDs. After listening to the great Jack Mercer, and watching the incredible animation in those early years, then compare Popeye to Robin Williams' version. I dare say, you will see the similarity. So, the bottom line is: See for yourself. If you love Popeye, the character, then you will not be disappointed with Robin Williams' performance. The movie itself... well, you be the judge. Likely you have a nose, so without a doubt you, too will have an opinion. It's ALL alright.

Great!.......2007-04-07

Old animated cartoon turned into a movie with human characters. Job well done.

Average customer rating:

Go Jheri, Go Jheri, Do Da Jheri Curl!!
Side splitting comedy!
Classic comedy!
He understands the laws of GRAVITIVATEE and POLARITY!
There ain't nothin to it but to do it.

Hollywood Shuffle
Starring: Gregory 'Popeye' Alexander , Sena Ayn Black , Conni Marie Brazelton , Sarah Kaite Coughlan , and Starletta DuPois
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00005BKZL
Release Date: 2001-07-24

Amazon.com

The alumni of Hollywood Shuffle are spread across dozens of current comedies and TV sitcoms--this is the movie that introduced Robert Townsend and the Wayans Brothers to the world. Townsend plays a young actor who struggles with being offered stereotyped street hustler roles while trying to maintain his self-respect and the approval of his family. Between scenes of comically humiliating auditions, Bobby has satirical fantasies about the plight of black actors, including the classic "Black Acting School" sketch, in which white teachers demonstrate jive talk and street moves for the befuddled black students. Townsend has a charming, low-key comic style, one considerably more subtle than that of some of the black comics who have risen to success with supposedly self-aware renditions of the stereotypes Townsend mocks. Townsend made this movie on his credit cards and it is clearly a heartfelt labor of love. --Bret Fetzer

Description

The best example of urban guerilla filmmaking is ironicallyand happilyalso one of Hollywood'smost triumphant success stories. Actor Robert Townsend (I'm Gonna Git You Sucka!), decrying the lack of good roles for black actors, puts his money where his mouth is and co-scripts (with Keenen Ivory Wayans), directs and stars in this "exuberant, tirelessly energetic, funny, appealingly mean-spirited and easy-to-like" comedy (Janet Maslin, The New York Times) that took Tinseltown by storm! Actor wannabe Bobby Taylor (Townsend) dreams of landing a role any role. But in a town where the best black roles are usually jive-talkin' gangsta stereotypes, Bobby learns that you have to make your own partseven if they're just in your head. Spoofing everything from Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and Eddie Murphy to Siskel & Ebert, Bobby's vivid imaginationand Hollywood Shuffleare "an exhilarating blast" (New York)!

Customer Reviews:

Go Jheri, Go Jheri, Do Da Jheri Curl!!.......2006-11-27

This has got to be the funniest movie I have ever watched, and the fact that Townsend put so much into getting it made makes me appreciate it even more. While the film touches on a very important subject concerning the downfalls of being a black actor, it still manages to keep the humor alive and strong. Highly recommend this film to all aspiring actors and all those who just love a good laugh.

Side splitting comedy!.......2006-10-16

This movie is hillarious from beginning to end.I remembered seeing this movie on cable almost 20 years ago, and was delighted when the DVD finally came out. Despite the few haters that trashed the film, the movie was all about comedy, so lighten up! It's ok to laugh sometimes, we all need a good laugh every now and then. To all of the haters, you gets the finger!

Classic comedy!.......2006-03-20

I love Robert Townsend and wish he would do more films and tv shows. This movie is as funny as it was years ago when I first saw it!

He understands the laws of GRAVITIVATEE and POLARITY!.......2006-01-08

Hollywood shuffle is pound for pound, the best comedy of all-time. It was made on a budget of seventeen dollars. Each actor plays an average of 7 roles. The very idea of white acting coaches teaching black actors how to act black {"jive turkey (...)!"} is brilliant. Chapelle tapped into the same vein when he dreamed up his blind black white-supremacist sketch. 'Night of the living Street Pimps' inspired many a halloween costume and Keenan Ivory Wayans as Jeri-Kurl is the funniest (...) ever, period. This movie is brilliant on so many levels and there's nothing else that compares to it. It's a nice history lesson for anyone who wants to know what 1987 was like, when the only rap on Mtv was Run-Dmc and LL Cool J. Watch it with some ho-cakes, a winkie-dinkie burger, winkie-dinkie donuts, winkie-dinkie dip and of course, a winkie-dinkie DAWGGGG!!!!!

There ain't nothin to it but to do it........2005-09-11

Was this a comedy or was it a drama? I begin this review by asking this question because the film that I just witnessed, Hollywood Shuffle, was neither funny or rather dramatic. While it tried so hard to make a point, because of this lack of definition (comedy or drama), the clever themes and pointed remarks were lost. While I am a strong believer that there is too much racial profiling happening in Hollywood, even today, I do not believe that Townsend's directorial debut did much to stop it. Instead, I feel it only added more fuel to the fire. Townsend's comic timing in this film was disastrous due to the fact that the elements he was supposed to be making fun of, he was instead promoting and vice versa. The parts that were supposed to be serious were somehow destroyed by the poor lack of funny comedy. Townsend had a decent concept with this film, but sadly the execution is what ultimately hurt this film. If you watch the preview before the film (which I constantly do), you will immediately get the wrong impression of what you are going to see. The preview gives the impression of a very intelligent, comic film that prides itself on the intelligence of the viewers, but the actually film could not be further from the truth.

The main problem with Hollywood Shuffle is not story itself (because it is lacking in elaboration); it is Townsend's direction. He had a wonderful concept with this film. Exploit the Hollywood that exploits our race. Decent idea, but why couldn't he execute it very well? The first reason is that his ideas are too random and sporadic. The structure of this film was like watching a heart attack on a monitor at the hospital, we are literally everywhere without any warning or map. It was obvious that Townsend had quite a bit to say, but only a short amount of time to do it in. So, instead of defining his characters, developing his themes, and actually creating a smart film, he just throws it all together and prays that it works. Sadly, it doesn't. Instead of a smart comedy, we have a hodgepodge of so many ideas, comedic skits, and underused actors that this film goes from decent to nearly unwatchable. What hurts Townsend the most are his brief, attempt to be funny, interruptions throughout the film. From battling a villain known as Jerry Curl to parodying Siskel & Ebert, Townsend's attempt to poke fun while speak a message about the film industry falters. This is because these small intermittent skits actually distract from the central focus of the film and actually destroy internally. While Townsend seems to be trying to make a joke about life in Hollywood, he actually is simply connecting to every stereotype and cliché in the book. What could have been beautiful satire transforms into simply generic humor that never quite stands apart from the rest.

So, if you find yourself not laughing at the humor of this story, perhaps there is some comfort in knowing that some of the Wayans brothers are around to help spice up this dull story. WRONG! The Wayans are in this film, but Townsend demonstrates that he has the ability to even bring the worst out even in this entertaining family. Definitely in their pre-In Living Color moments, we see that comedy was something that all needed to constantly improve upon. Perhaps it was Townsend's direction, or just maybe this atrocious story, but these typically funny comedians were obviously underused and ignored when it came to critics of this film. I just thought that with the talent pool that Townsend had to pull from that Hollywood Shuffle would have been funny, bright, and a true stab at this obvious Hollywood dilemma. Sadly, it was none of the above.

Finally, I would like to say that this was a workable film. There were some moments (while they were few and way far between) that had a smile on my face, the final product just didn't settle well with me. Townsend can be funny, but in this film it just felt like he was playing against himself, instead of through his personal experiences and troubles. I realize that he was probably speaking the truth, but it never came through as that. Instead, we are threaded through a weak story, which supports itself with idiotic flash clips that may have worked for a sitcom, but surely didn't work for this film. Even for those that comment that this was his directorial debut and that he was learning from this film, I would have to disagree. If you are starting fresh, either have a tight script or defined themes. Townsend had neither of these, and combined with the inability to control his actors, he just failed in a ball of flames.

Overall, this was rather disappointing to watch. It reminded me of a grade school Spelling Bee where it is finally your child's time to spell. The word is tough, but as the first two to three letters come out, you think that it is going to work perfectly, but then there is that random "P" and silent "R" that forces your excitement to come tumbling down. That is how I felt with Hollywood Shuffle. At first, I saw the potential, I saw the theme and the motive behind the picture, but through fuzzy and inexperienced technique and after the first couple of scenes, I experienced that deep fall feeling. Townsend sank his own ship on this one, and I don't think Hollywood Shuffle will ever re-submerge as a pivotal moment of Hollywood cinema.

Grade: * out of *****

Popeye: Original Classics from the Fleischer Studio

Average customer rating:

Not high quality
very good, but violent
The best and most important Popeye DVD so far!
A blast from the past
Rare interviews along with great copies of three two-reelers

Popeye: Original Classics from the Fleischer Studio
Starring: Golden Age of Cartoons
Manufacturer: Mackinac Media
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Golden Age of Cartoons: Attack of the 30's Characters
The Cartoons That Time Forgot - The Ub Iwerks Collection, Vol. 1
Popeye: The Sailor Man (75th Anniversary Collectors Edition) restored.
The Golden Age of Cartoons: Cartoons for Victory!
Cartoons That Time Forgot - The Ub Iwerks Collection, Vol. 2

ASIN: B000AP31VA
Release Date: 2005-12-13

Description

A POPEYE collector's dream! Features some of the best of the original 1930's POPEYE cartoons produced by the Max Fleischer Studio, including all 3 of the extra-length color specials. All remastered from the original 35mm materials and restored to their original brilliance.

Customer Reviews:

Not high quality.......2007-05-15

These are the same low end video transfers of these cartoons you can but at Wal Mart for half the price. There must be a cleaner version of this work but this is not it!

very good, but violent.......2007-02-19

I remember watching Popeye and in some way it's interesting to visit some memories. There are a couple of compilations - ones where mini versions of other cartoon are shown. I still want to see the jeep. Still there are a few classics and some I never saw before. Sweepea and the Olive goes rollerskating are my top picks of the B&W. And it does include one of my al time favorites - Popeye trying to sleep while his nephews jazz it up. The color additions are not as clean filmwise as the VHS versions. BTW the Way, the aside comments are great and you may have to listen a few times to pick them all out.

The interviews are okay and the Sing A Long is a Way Back machine all by itself. And I would want to see the live action where Popeye conucils a kids how to deal with bullys....

Now with all the concerns about violence, these are fights to the finish and that struck me as something new - that I didn't think it was violent when I was a kid. Parents may want to talk with their kids before watching this.

The best and most important Popeye DVD so far!.......2007-01-20

I help care for an 35 yr. old mentally handicapped adult who only watches the original Fleischer Popeye cartoons. For approx. 8 hrs. a day that's all he watches because that's all he wants to watch! Show him anything else and he refuses to watch TV at all. Every one of those VHS tapes now are in poor condition so this DVD will help him continue to watch (should he choose to) the best of Popeye for years to come. By the way, he's seen these Fleischer cartoons EVERYDAY for at least 10 years straight, 8 hours a day. No exaggeration. It's got to be record!

A blast from the past.......2007-01-19

If the difficulty I had in getting it to play was my computer (which it very well may have been) i would give it a 5 star rating. It had everything a Popeye fan could want. Excelent quality, vintage selection, black/white plus color features.

Rare interviews along with great copies of three two-reelers.......2006-11-23

I've owned Super 8 film copies of the three two-reelers included in this dvd and the color reproduction is just as good if not better than what is on the films. The two-reelers, running just under 20 minutes each, are "Popeye Meets Sinbad", Popeye Meets Ali Baba", "Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp" and they look excellent in this collection.
I was honored to have part of my audio interview with Mae Questel included on this disk and it's fascinating to also hear the other rare interviews with those who performed the voices in these classics.
My entire interview with Miss Questel ran over 6 minutes and she also talked about the Popeye two-reelers as well as being the voice of Betty Boop and numerous other cartoon characters.
The entire interview is available free online if you do a search for the Laurel and Hardy Forum (it's free to join) and look on their main page for "Rare Valley Forge Audio" and look through the downloads there.
All the cartoons on this dvd are well presented but the inclusion of those three "extra-length color specials" in such pristine condition make this an enjoyable and valuable collection.

Average customer rating:

A gem of a movie
Great Movie
Super coming of age movie!
Enduring friendships
Do yourself a favor and buy this film!!!

Stand By Me (Deluxe Edition)
Starring: Wil Wheaton , River Phoenix , Corey Feldman , Jerry O'Connell , and Kiefer Sutherland
Director: Rob Reiner
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B0007G89G4
Release Date: 2005-03-22

Amazon.com essential video

Description

In a small woodsy Oregon town, a group of friends--sensitive Gordie (Wil Wheaton), tough guy Chris (River Phoenix), flamboyant Teddy (Corey Feldman), and scaredy-cat Vern (Jerry O'Connell)--are in search of a missing teenager's body. Wanting to be heroes in each other's and their hometown's eyes, they set out on an unforgettable two-day trek that turns into an odyssey of self-discovery. They sneak smokes, tell tall tales, cuss 'cause it's cool and band together when the going gets tough. When they encounter the town's knife-wielding hoods who are also after the body, the boys discover a strength they never knew they had. STAND BY ME is a rare and special film about friendship and the indelible experiences of growing up. Filled with humor and suspense, STAND BY ME is based on the novella 'The Body' by Stephen King.

Customer Reviews:

A gem of a movie.......2007-05-30

Great Movie.......2007-05-12

Super coming of age movie!.......2007-05-05

Enduring friendships.......2007-04-22

Do yourself a favor and buy this film!!!.......2007-04-12

Popeye: The Sailor Man (75th Anniversary Collectors Edition) restored.

Average customer rating:

Popeye DVD
Popeye 75th Anniversary DVD Set
Popeye The Sailor Man
Some of the best.......
The best popeye DVD!

Popeye: The Sailor Man (75th Anniversary Collectors Edition) restored.
Starring: Popeye
Manufacturer: Vci Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Popeye: Original Classics from the Fleischer Studio
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Popeye's Voyage - The Quest for Pappy

ASIN: B0001WTWLK
Release Date: 2004-05-25

Description

Popeye first appeared in a 1929 daily comic strip called Thimble Theater by Elsie Segar and caught the country by storm. Popeye had nothing but his wits, a funny way of talking, and a crush on Olive Oyl. His fame eventually caught the attention of the Max Fleischer Studio and by 1933 Popeye had made his big screen debut in a Betty Boop short entitled Popeye The Sailor. The WWII years brought change to the spinach munching sailorman. In 1942, Popeye's uniform changed permanently to Navy whites and the same year, Paramount took over the production studio from the Fleischer brothers and renamed it Famous Studios, which continued to produce some superb entries in the Popeye series. In today's politically correct cartoon landscape of talking sponges and ninja turtles, Popeye is a welcome reminder of a simpler era. This special Double-DVD Collector's Edition contains 34 Popeye cartoons from the Fleischer and Famous Studios period, including the three Fleischer 'Color Specials' Sinbad ('36), Ali Baba ('37) and Aladdin ('39) -- some of the very best ever produced. All cartoons have been digitally restored and remastered from the best 35mm and 16mm film materials available. Bonus Features: Commentary by noted animation historian Jerry Beck| Popeye Classic Movie Poster Gallery| Special Collector's Edition "Liner Notes" Booklet written by Jerry Beck| Animated Motion Menus. Specs: 1-DVD5 + 1-DVD9; Dolby Digital Mono; 258 minutes; Color/B&W; 1.33:1 Aspect Ratio; MPAA - NR; Year - 1936-57; SRP - $19.99.

Customer Reviews:

Popeye DVD.......2007-05-07

I noticed some of the reviews were mixed. Well, my kids LOVED this DVD. They loved it so much, I had to hide the DVD in order to take a break from Popeye and his friends. Yes, the clarity isn't perfect, however, it by all means is not dismal. I saw nothing wrong with the clairty and I can honestly say that my kids wouldn't care if there was a problem. They just want to see what silly thing Popeye is up to next. I would definitely recommend this DVD to anyone who loves Popeye or wants to introduce their kids to Popeye of yesteryear.

Popeye 75th Anniversary DVD Set.......2007-02-10

My girls,ages 2 and 5 loved these old Popeye cartoons,especially the 5 year old who sat mezmerized ! As for my opinion...the cartoons brought back a host of happy childhood memories,and it was kind of comforting to hear the Popeye theme song in the living room !

Popeye The Sailor Man.......2006-07-15

At last a DVD collection that shows Popeye at his best. This brought back a lot of memories from when I was an avid watcher of his cartoons on TV. My only negative comment is I wish there was at least another Disc to this Popeye tribute. This is one for you to sit down and watch with your children, grandchildren or both. I only hope that a Volume Two is in the works like the Looney Tunes Volume 1, 2 and 3. The commentaries also offer another insight to the spinach eating hero.

Some of the best..............2005-10-20

Cartoons produced are in this DVD. I join other reviewers that lament the exclusion of the very best of the Popeye series; namely the great black and whites that the Fleischer studios produced in the 1930's. Those early cartoons are what made Popeye a name to be feared by all would be bad guys. The fight scenes are hilarious as is the dialog among the actors. I never was endeared to the Famous Studios renderings. They were made for younger audiences and don't have the ability to hold the attention of general movie goers. Perhaps we'll see the really good stuff appear someday. In the meantime there is no better collection of the battling old spinach eater available so go ahead and enjoy this DVD set.

The best popeye DVD!.......2005-05-19

Before this one you could't really say there was a good popeye DVD around but all that has changed, popeye fans can't miss this one!

Average customer rating:

Dreadful
Wish they would do more
Popeye's Voyage-Quest For Pappy
My 4 year old son can't get enough of it!
PLEASE STOP IT WITH THE GCI ANIMATION![...]

Popeye's Voyage - The Quest for Pappy
Starring: Billy West (II) , Tabitha St. Germain , Gary Chalk , Sanders Whiting , and Kathy Bates
Director: Ezekiel Norton
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Popeye's Greatest Tall Tales & Heroic Adventures
Popeye
Popeye (75th Anniversary Collector's Edition)
Popeye: The Sailor Man (75th Anniversary Collectors Edition) restored.
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ASIN: B0002HODWC
Release Date: 2004-11-09

Product Description

Popeye and his pals set sail to rescue Popeye s long lost Pappy. Along the way, Popeye must battle the open seas and the infamous Sea Hag!

System Requirements:

Running Time 44 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

Dreadful.......2007-06-04

My kids didn't even like this. Granted, they have been overexposed to the Fleischer cartoons. But as I watched it, I could only think of how one minute of an old B and W one was better than this whole movie. The makers were doomed from the start, because those originals are just pure gold.
The other problem, and main difference with this movie from the old ones, is that it had a "message". And a notable lack of senseless cartoon violence. Gone is the old back and forth fighting of Popeye and Bluto. Now they are friends. Sheesh...They might have pulled this off if they'd stuck to the formula.

Wish they would do more.......2007-03-14

My kids loved this and I have to say that they did a good job with the characters. I'd love to see another one with a bit more work on the animation. Good job at an entertaining movie that keeps the spirit of the classic Popeye cartoons.

Popeye's Voyage-Quest For Pappy.......2006-07-14

My son had wanted this movie and has watched it many times since getting it.

My 4 year old son can't get enough of it!.......2006-01-03

I'm a life-time long Popeye fan, and the joy of passing this on to my son is teriffic. I enjoy this as much as he does because it's a Fleischer inspired Popeye, rather than some reinvention.

Popeye and Bluto duke it out, and there are some good sight gags, and for CGI, it's fast and snappy. Before you assume anything about my four year old, he watches and requests the old B & W Fleischer classics that I have on DVD. He LOVES them. So it's not the glitz of the CGI that he has to have, it's that he feels he's getting classic POPEYE from this special. In a kid's world, the priorities are different.

There's a lot of heart and love and respect for the classic POPEYE characters in this special, and I'm glad to be getting DVD so I don't have to Tivo through the commercials! Billy West does a great Popeye and the character's work well in the new century technology.

PLEASE STOP IT WITH THE GCI ANIMATION![...].......2005-09-07

I REALLY LIKE POPEYE, BUT I'M SICK OF EVERYONE COMPUTERIZING THE OLD CARTOONS! THE DID IT WITH THE CARE BEARS, THEY DID IT WITH MICKEY AND MINNIE, NOW THEY'RE DOING POPEYE!
I KNOW GCI IS POPULAR, BUT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER IF THIS MOVIE HAD THE SAME "OLD' POPEYE ANIMATION, BECAUSE GCI MAKES SWEE' PEA LOOK SCARY!

Average customer rating:

It's OK
Timeless Cartoons
Save Your Money
Great Family Fun
Great Cartoons...But BAD Quality. Starling Films Is WACK!!

Timeless Cartoons
Starring: Daffy Duck , Popeye , Tweety Bird , Porky the Pig , and Bugs Bunny
Director: Varies
Manufacturer: Starling Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Classic Cartoons
Bazooka Classic Cartoons: Classic Cartoons Vol 5
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Classic Cartoons, Vol. 1 & 2

ASIN: B0006I686G
Release Date: 2004-12-01

Customer Reviews:

It's OK.......2007-05-12

This DVD is OK but the thing I don't like is the beginning of it cannot be skipped and all it is an advertisement for a old war movie. So, my daughter has to watch that everytime before she gets to the scene selection.

Timeless Cartoons.......2006-12-21

I bought this DVD for "Fraidy Cat (aka, "The Animals Squeak")" featuring the characters of Porky Pig and "Kansas City Kitty." On another collection (Cartoon Classics, Vol. 2 - I believe), the sound track is off five seconds on the entire DVD - just terrible!! On the "Timeless Cartoons" DVD, the sound track is right on time - Four stars (and the price is right, too!!)

Save Your Money.......2006-02-15

I purchased this DVD as well as the Cartoon Classics as a gift. I was a bit embarrassed by the quality. It looks like it was restored by an amateur. You can see the image of a rectangle around the characters in some of the cartoon clips. I assume this is due to the restoration process. Also, I don't like how Starling Films incorporates their own titles into each cartoon. It doesn't make it very classic. I am now looking to purchase the Looney Tunes Collection DVD. The only thing that I do enjoy about this DVD is the nostalgia effect. It brings back fond memories of Saturday mornings watching cartoons.

Great Family Fun.......2005-12-24

We have three kids: 9, 5 and 3. To my great surprise, the 9 year old enjoys this DVD as much as the 3 year old. One of the few DVDs they sit and watch together. It is great to hear them laugh, and I have as much fun watching them watching the DVD as they do watching the cartoons!

Great Cartoons...But BAD Quality. Starling Films Is WACK!!.......2005-11-16

Well, at first i was really excited to watch these cartoons. When i got home i put the dvd in. The minute i put it...BOOM! I realize this dvd wasn't as good as i thought.

2 Things you people have to know about this cartoons dvd:

1. For all you Woody Woodpecker fans, this DVD has ONLY ONE(1) Woody Woodpecker cartoon and TEN(10) Popeye Cartoons. My sister loves Woody Woodpecker and she was thrilled to watch this dvd, but now since there's only ONE(1) Woody Woodpecker cartoon she's really DISAPPOINTED. (The title for this dvd should be "Popeye's Cartoons Collection")

2. The cartoons quality is horrible. Remastered?? Yeah in your dreams. I can't believe the first reviewer stated "Great Quality". C'mon Starling Films, nowadays technology it's advance. I wouldn't had mind paying $2-$5 dollars more for this dvd if the quality was better.

Overall, honestly i don't recommend this dvd. Save your money people. Specially now that the second reviewer stated "All of the 6 Warner cartoons on this disk have been re-titled by the vendor, and sometimes the copyright on the bullseye doesn't belong with the cartoon" Ha, if i knew this before i wouldn't waste my money on this dvd.

Average customer rating:

Kids Best!!!

Bugs Bunny! That Wacky Wabbit
Starring: Bugs Bunny; Elmer Fudd; Popeye; Olive Oyl and Woody Woodpecker
Manufacturer: Starling Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0009UKUD8
Release Date: 2005-06-22

Customer Reviews:

Kids Best!!!.......2007-02-16

The kids loved this one. It also takes my husband and I back to our childhood laughing right along with them.

DVD:

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