Network

Starring:Faye Dunaway, William Holden, Peter Finch, Robert Duvall, Wesley Addy, Ned Beatty, Arthur Burghardt, Bill Burrows, John Carpenter (III), Jordan Charney, Kathy Cronkite, Ed Crowley, Jerome Dempsey, Conchata Ferrell, Gene Gross, Stanley Grover, Cindy Grover, Darryl Hickman, Mitchell Jason, Paul Jenkins
Director: Sidney Lumet
Studio: Warner Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com essential video

Media madness reigns supreme in screenwriter Paddy Chayefsky's scathing satire about the uses and abuses of network television. But while Chayefsky's and director Sidney Lumet's take on television may seem quaint in the age of "reality TV" and Jerry Springer's talk-show fisticuffs, it's every bit as potent now as it was when the film was released in 1976. And because Chayefsky was one of the greatest of all dramatists, his Oscar-winning script about the ratings frenzy at the cost of cultural integrity is a showcase for powerhouse acting by Peter Finch, Faye Dunaway and Beatrice Straight (who each won Oscars), and Oscar nominee William Holden in one of his finest roles. Finch plays a veteran network anchorman who's been fired because of low ratings. His character's response is to announce he'll kill himself on live television two weeks hence. What follows, along with skyrocketing ratings, is the anchorman's descent into insanity, during which he fervently rages against the medium that made him a celebrity. Dunaway plays the frigid, ratings-obsessed producer who pursues success with cold-blooded zeal; Holden is the married executive who tries to thaw her out during his own seething midlife crisis. Through it all, Chayefsky (via Finch) urges the viewer to repeat the now-famous mantra "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not gonna take it anymore!" to reclaim our humanity from the medium that threatens to steal it away. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Newscaster Howard Beale has a message for those who package reports of cute puppies, movie premieres and fender benders as hard news: "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore." Sidney Lumet directs Paddy Chayefsky's satire (an Academy Award-winning* screenplay) about the things people do for love...and ratings. Three performers won Oscars.* Best Actress Faye Dunaway is the TV exec guarding ratings like a tigress protecting cubs. Best Actor Peter Finch is Beale, whose airwave rants become a phenomenon. And William Holden, Robert Duvall and Best Supporting Actress Beatrice Straight add to the fierce vitality.

DVD Features:
Audio Commentary:by Director Sidney Lumet
Theatrical Trailer
Documentaries:The Making of Network (6-part Documentary): The World and Words of Paddy Chayefsky; The Cast, the Characters; The Experience; The Style; Mad as Hell! The Creation of a Movie Moment; A Classic; Network by Walter Cronkite
Featurette:Dinah! Episodes featuring Peter Finch (1976) and Paddy Chayefsky (1977)

Customer Reviews:

Network.......2007-07-04

Sidney Lumet's devastating, disturbing satire of the modern broadcast age (written by Paddy Chayefsky) still has a lot to say thirty years after release. Beyond portraying a business that bypasses quality in single-minded pursuit of the dollar, television serves as metaphor for a society mired in sensationalism and greed. Dunaway is commanding in a caffeinated performance as ruthless Diana, Holden unusually affecting as a washed-up veteran of TV's glory days, and Finch a revelation as the unbalanced Beale, winning a posthumous Oscar for his work.

Great Movie, Great Extras.......2007-06-23

Quickie movie review: perhaps the most prescient movie ever, definitely the most prescient made about television, viewers and Corporate America. An almost "fantasy movie" team in front of the camera and behind it produced a flick that lives up to their combined talents. I can think of three incredible scenes in which actors/actresses nearly burn up the screen with brilliant timing, emotion, diction -- and none of those actors/actresses are among the four who got top billing for this movie. They've got several other such scenes of their own.

Now to the extras, which is the reason I bought this two-disc set. I already had the movie via the first DVD release.

You've got interviews with almost all the principals still living, including director Sidney Lumet and actress Faye Dunaway. And they cover an incredible amount of ground concernting the making of the movie (one reason they had such an incredible cast is the script was so good, nobody they offered a part to turned them down. So, the producers got all their first choices. As several cast members are dead, it's been over 30 years since the casting and admitting cast substitutions is common in Hollywood, that's a claim you can take at face value.)

There's also a Paddy Chayefsky interview from "Dinah" (remember her show from afternoons after the soaps were finished?) and another interview with Lumet, who also provides a commentary. Hey, I was more than satisfied enough to set aside free time for watching the extras.

The only part of the extras that disappointed was the Walter Cronkite interview. I've read interviews with Cronkite concerning this movie over the years when he fairly crackled with observation. Maybe it's just that he's aging.

Anyway, the movie alone is worth the bucks. Throw in the extras and you've got a bargain.

a film that left the country talking............2007-06-10

NETWORK, a brilliant film directed by Sidney Lumet, takes a bold and darkly humorous look at the world of network television in the United States. We are introduced to Howard Beale (played by the late, great Peter Finch), an anchorman who is getting the axe for low ratings. Beale announces on the air that he plans to "blow his brains out." Of course, this gets his network and those surrounding forces talking. This lunatic deserves a proper opportunity to say good-bye to his viewership (though, increasingly sparce). Little do they know that what they intended as an opening for him to say good-bye will blossom into a far-different situation. His on air rave generates a great audience, because this man wants to tell "the truth" about the world (politically, socially) and those in the quiet and comfort of their homes want to hear what he has to say. The film also stars Faye Dunaway as a stealthy network spin doctor, William Holden and Robert Duvall.

Of course, the famous line that was extracted from one of Beale's on-air raves and spiraled into one of the most-quoted (and mis-quoted) lines from a film is, "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!" This quote was used as recently as this past week, when co-star Isaiah Washington was fired from the popular series, GREY'S ANATOMY. It has also been used in many different instances to convey defiance. NETWORK is a brilliant and timely film that reflects the state of our world and how television plays into our daily lives; what's more, how the plight of one man (no matter how mad) can potentially become great fodder for the media if it sells. This could be reflected on today, when we think about those occupying a space in the media (and in Associated Press columns), in the face of a major war and many other disturbing plights. What sells? Ultimately. corruption does. Does it matter how the corruption effects the subject of its darkness? No, just as long as it brings in money, either through viewership or printed publication. The AFI calls NETWORK, released in 1976, one of the greatest American films of all time. I would agree, because it is a masterpiece, with brilliant acting. What's more, Peter Finch received a well-earned posthumous Academy Award, for Best Actor, for this his amazing performance. Watch it for yourself, if you want an example of thought-provoking film at its best.

You don't have to take it anymore.......2007-05-30

Network is a cynical but totally beleivable portrait of network television in the modern age. Suits and not journalists run network news like it is entertainment. Ratings points are fool's gold. Thoughtless climbers stop at nothing for promotion and reward. Dirty laundry lurks underneath that eventually forces the entertainment gurus to kill the messenger. This film makes the events that unfold beleivable and eerie. Turn on your television and you can't be sure anymore what is truth and what is manufactured reality. It's hard not to be cynical after viewing Network,which sends a shiver down your spine every time you think about what you see and hear today. Sometimes it seems like celebrity foibles are headline news and in depth reporting of issues is shunted off to public television. It is no surprise that the powers that be have little use for network news beyond sound bites. The soft underbelly of the news is revealing in stark reality in this film. It is a sad commentary on the state of news gathering and packaging. But you can always watch public television and still get the news and if you need a tabloid fix the network news will still be there. Only when people say they have had enough will network executives consider a change in programming. I for one have had enough.

I just wanted to offset the bad review.......2007-05-06

The reviewer who gave this one star was basing this on technical difficulties. This is one of the best movies ever made. It was chillingly ahead of its time in predicting the scourge of corporate media. A post-Watergate classic.

Average customer rating:

Hepburn/Tracy fun!
I Adore This Movie!
Tracy and Hepburn
Desk Set
Desk Set DVD

Desk Set
Starring: Spencer Tracy , Katharine Hepburn , Gig Young , Joan Blondell , and Dina Merrill
Director: Walter Lang
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
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The Philadelphia Story

ASIN: B0001NBMAS
Release Date: 2004-05-04

Amazon.com essential video

One of the later Spencer Tracy-Katharine Hepburn matchups, this time pitting efficiency expert--sorry, that's "methods engineer"--Richard Sumner (Tracy) against TV-network research whiz Bunny Watson (Hepburn) over adding a new-fangled computer--again, sorry, that's "electronic brain"--to her department, thereby threatening her and her colleagues' livelihoods. Gig Young appears as Bunny's beau, an ambitious network executive who strings her along and becomes apoplectic at the idea that she doesn't need him. But as always, it's Hepburn and Tracy's bickering-flirting that makes this such a winning enterprise--a lunch date that turns into an interrogation and their sly repartee during a Christmas party are a couple of the movie's hilarious highlights. Interestingly, what starts out as something of a technophobic exercise--Hepburn fears for her job, and a computer goes haywire--takes an abrupt turn (perhaps the IBM product placement had something to do with that). Briskly scripted by Henry and Phoebe Ephron (Nora and Delia's parents) from a play by William Marchant. --David Kronke

Description

Bunny Watson (Katharine Hepburn) heads up the research department at the Federal Broadcasting Company, a major TV network. And she does her job very well, thank you very much. Assigned by the network president to introduce computers into some of the department?s functions, Richard Sumner (Spencer Tracy) arrives at Bunny?s well-run division to observe daily activities. Unfortunately, however, Sumner is ordered to keep his mission secret. As a result, the whole staff believes they are being replaced. To make matters worse, there appears to be more than a little electricity between Bunny and Sumner, which upsets Bunny?s boyfriend Mike (Gig Young). As the tension mounts in the office, so do the laughs in this classic romantic comedy.

Customer Reviews:

Hepburn/Tracy fun!.......2007-05-06

Love this movie.
The subtle humor coupled with the great on screen chemistry of Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy make this movie a great addition to anyone's collection.

I Adore This Movie!.......2007-04-14

I watch this about once a year and never get tired of it. Hepburn and Tracy are great together as usual. The company setting is appealing, and makes me yearn for the pre-PC days when big companies had bars, Christmas parties with drinking and revelry, etc. It's a Christmas movie out of the ordinary.

My favorite scene is when it's raining and Tracy goes home with Hepburn. They are all cozy with a fire and fried chicken and floating island, only to be walked in upon by the wonderfully arrogant Gig Young. Sometimes I just watch this scene alone!

I also love the line near the end of the movie where Young says he's been thinking and Hepburn asks him what that was like.

A delight!

Tracy and Hepburn.......2007-04-12

can make any movie a great one. This one leaves nothing to be desired. Great movie and great dialogue.

Desk Set.......2007-01-21

This is great movie for fans of Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. It's also a great movie if you are a lover of classic movies. It's a good comedy, and Hepburn and Tracy are terrific in this movie genre. Some people will find it interesting what technology was like about fifty years ago and the effect it had on people at that time. It's the kind of comedy that will keep you laughing without getting raunchy or unpleasant. Baby boomers will enjoy this, and so will younger people.

Desk Set DVD.......2007-01-11

You can't really go wrong with Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn. I love this movie and had only ever seen it on TV. It is so much better in widescreen on this DVD. It was like seeing a new movie. THe colors are rich and deep, the scope give a whole new level to the movie. I would recommend this to anyone. It is a witty, sharp, funny, holiday, romantic, smart movie and it looks great.

SCTV, Volume 1 - Network 90 (5 Disc Set)

Average customer rating:

Still Funny After All These Years
SCTV Rocks!!!!
SCTV Volume 1
Wonderful, intelligent comedy skits! We love it!
hilarious

SCTV, Volume 1 - Network 90 (5 Disc Set)
Starring: Rick Moranis , Dave Thomas , Martin Short , and Mary Charlotte Wilcox
Director: John Bell (XI) , John Blanchard , and Jim Drake (II)
Manufacturer: Shout Factory
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0001S6AQE
Release Date: 2004-06-08

Amazon.com

At long last, SCTV is on the air... or at least on DVD! While it never reached the ratings heights or pop culture cachet of Saturday Night Live, SCTV did garner critical buzz and a devoted cult following. As with the Python boys, the ensemble members, and the characters they created to populate the fictional Melonville TV network, are revered in hipper comedy circles. In this respect, SCTV is Letterman to SNL's Leno. This essential five-disc set collects the first nine episodes of the series' Network 90 incarnation, which brightened NBC's Friday late-night lineup in 1981. While original cast member Harold Ramis had since left the show, and Martin Short would join the following year, John Candy, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Rick Moranis, Catherine O'Hara, and Dave Thomas were SCTV's definitive ensemble (SNL-bound Robin Duke and Tony Rosato, we hardly knew ye). These inaugural episodes are comprised mostly of "the golden classics" (so dubbed by Flahrety's wheelchair-bound station manager Guy Caballero) linked by some new material. Included are such series benchmarks as "The Great White North" segments, featuring Moranis and Thomas as the stereotypically Canadian, parka-wearing, beer-swilling McKenzie brothers; "Play It Again, Bob," starring Moranis as Woody Allen and Thomas as Bob Hope; the ill-fated made-for-SCTV "Polynesiantown" starring Candy's Johnny LaRue; "The Sammy Maudlin Show," starring Joe Flahrety as the most sincerely insincere talk show host, with O'Hara as Lola "I want to bear your children" Heatherton, and "Indira," with Andrea Martin in her signature Evita spoof.

And that's just on disc 1! SCTV could parody Leave It to Beaver and Fantasy Island with the best of them, but anticipating the future Ben Stiller Show, its genius lay in its show business savvy to subvert television and movie convention. When Levy's comedian Bobby Bittman arrives on a talk show, he brings "bloopers" from his congressional testimony. And you don't need to have seen The Oscar to appreciate The Nobel, but it certainly helps. The price is steep, but don't be a hoser. This is the comedy release of the year. And it blows up real good. --Donald Liebenson

Description

"These may be the funniest DVDs you will ever own. So, enjoy!" --Conan O'Brien

18 years after it ended, the two-time Emmy-winner SCTV Network/90 - Vol. 1 is available to own for the first time, in a 5-disc DVD boxset. This volume features comedy's brightest northern lights: Eugene Levy, Joe Flaherty, Rick Moranis, Andrea Martin, Catherine O'Hara, Dave Thomas and the late John Candy.

In 1977, Canadian-produced SCTV began as a 30-minute sketch show. It ran in syndication in the U.S. for several years. In 1981 it was picked up by NBC in a 90-minute format. It ran for 2 years and was seen by millions of viewers weekly. This first box set covers the first 9(Cycle 1 as it was referred to in Canada) 90-minute episodes and includes tons of extras.

Extras:

- "SCTV Remembers" with original cast members Levy, Flaherty, O'Hara, Thomas and Martin, and executive producer Andrew Alexander.

- "Origins of SCTV" with photos and clips from Chicago's Second City Theatre.

- "The Craft of SCTV" with costume, hair and make-up designers.

- "Remembering John" with original cast, actor Martin Short, writers, and Bernard Sahlins, Second City theater co-founder.

- The "SCTV Reunion" from the 1999 U.S. Comedy Arts Festival, hosted by Conan O'Brien and first seen on HBO.

- Commentaries by Joe Flaherty and Eugene Levy.

- A photo-packed 24-page booklet with essays by Conan O'Brien, SCTV CEO/producer Andrew Alexander and journalist Don Waller, plus tributes by Ben Stiller, Fred Willard, Dan Aykroyd and Dr. John.

Customer Reviews:

Still Funny After All These Years.......2007-02-07

To me the SCTV cast had a better collection of talent that the SNL of the same time. This DVD of Season 1 of the NBC version has some great moments, although, like most sketch shows, not every sketch is a gem. I loved the premise of SCTV--low budget network in drab Melonville featuring crass management and a mostly wannabe collection of personalities. It was great to see the actors and old characters again- Andrea Martin as Station Manager Edith Prickly, Eugene Levy as hapless newsman Earl Camembert, Rick Moranis as VJ Jerry Todd (the schmaltzy video version of Turning Japanese is a scream), John Candy as Orson Welles-wannabe Johnny LaRue, and the gang from The Sammy Maudlin Show--Joe Flaherty as Sammy, Candy as sidekick William B. Williams, Levy as funnyman (and a comic in all seriousness) Bobby Bittman, and Catherine O'Hara as "I wanna bear your children" songstress Lola Heatherton.

Highlights from Disc 1 include the Maudlin show (featuring Andrea Martin as a very bemused Mother Theresa), Rick Moranis as Woody Allen trying to make a movie with Dave Thomas as Bob Hope in "Play It Again, Bob", Thomas as Japanese talk show host Tim Ishimuni interviewing the Godzilla-like monster Grogan, and the made-for-SCTV movie "Polynesian Town", featuring John Candy as clueless filmmaker and star Johnny LaRue. I look forward to seeing other favorites like Count Floyd and Dr. Tongue of Monster Chiller Horror Theatre, and Dave Thomas as the host of 3CP Russian television.

Somewhat surprisingly, the one feature from SCTV that made it in American pop culture, Moranis and Thomas as Bob and Doug MacKenzie in "The Great White North" is none too funny in this disc. I'm sure they'll get to The 12 Days of Christmas ("five golden toques!") in one of the later discs.

SCTV Rocks!!!!.......2007-01-18

It is just this simple, if you like SCTV at all, you'll want this. There are a few minor changes on some of the episodes ( for full details visit: SCTVGuide.ca ), but for the most part, these classic pieces of comedy are just how you ( probably barely, twenty five years down the road ) remember them. This is sketch/satirical comedy at it's best. Have there been comedy shows that are its equal? Of course there are other great comedy shows but nothing exceeds it. Not by a long shot! If you're interested; perhaps you've enjoyedd the work of John Candy or Eugene Levy and you're curious about their early careers--buy this! If you already know what time it is - What are you waitnig for? SCTV is now on the DVD!

SCTV Volume 1.......2006-04-06

If you dig spoofing satire, this is your show. Second City comedy group "invented" the whacky satire that this DVD set embodies and enshrines. The characters are as memorable as they are hilarious. It is a standing tribute to the fine comic acting of the late great John Candy. John is at his whackiest in this series. It's truly good clean fund for all ages. Any innuendos are deftly hidden. So yes, 99% of the viewers will enjoy this insane spin on a network TV station that could never function in the real world. But there will always be that small, turned-up-nose minority who will disrespect this historic work of comedic art as to benign for our cancerous mentality of today. If you don't laugh at "Jerry Todd" you are one humorless pup!

Wonderful, intelligent comedy skits! We love it!.......2006-02-11

I'm a Kids in the Hall fan, but *my* kids can't watch those shows just yet. I read the reviews of SCTV and decided it was worth buying. We enjoyed all the shows in Volume 1, and we don't get tired of rewatching them. Andrea Martin in the EVITA spoof, and Rick Moranis in the easy-listening remakes of "Turning Japanese" and the Police's "Da Doo Doo Doo, Da Da Da Da" are hilarious. And John Candy as Yuri, the Soviet weightlifter who gets his own talk show! The humor is still completely on target. It does not have the frenetic pace of most shows today, so some people might not like that.

hilarious.......2006-01-29

These are some of the best episodes of them all, the leave it to beaver 25th anniversery is worth the set alone. great John Candy work. I highly recommend this set, and all of them.

Controversial Classics, Vol. 2 - The Power of Media (All the President's Men / Network / Dog Day Afternoon) (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

The summit for movies for serious adults
YESSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Controversial Classics, Vol. 2 - The Power of Media (All the President's Men / Network / Dog Day Afternoon) (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Starring: Dustin Hoffman , Robert Redford , Jack Warden , Martin Balsam , and Hal Holbrook
Director: Alan J. Pakula , and Sidney Lumet
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Double Indemnity (Universal Legacy Series)

ASIN: B000CNESUS
Release Date: 2006-02-28

Description

Warner Home Video releases three of the most explosive films from the 1970's - All the President's Men, Network, and Dog Day Afternoon - all in one collection. This three title, six-disc giftset boasts the star power of Al Pacino, Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman, William Holden, Faye Dunaway, Peter Finch, Robert Duvall, John Cazale and more, and tackling the media mania of American journalism and reality TV, thirty years later these films are just as exciting and relevant as they were when they were made. Bonus features include commentaries by Robert Redford and Sidney Lumet and new making-of documentaries.

Customer Reviews:

The summit for movies for serious adults.......2006-05-14

CONTROVERSIAL CLASSICS VOLUME 2: THE POWER OF MEDIA is one of the crown jewel disk boxed sets in my private DVD library. It includes three incendiary masterpieces from the golden age of the 1970's: DOG DAY AFTERNOON (1975), NETWORK (1976), and ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN (also 1976). All three were Oscar contenders for Best Picture, and all three were winners for Screenplay.

DOG DAY AFTERNOON, directed by Sidney Lumet from a script by Frank Pierson, is so far-fetched that it has to be true. On a hot summer afternoon in 1972 Brooklyn, a nobody named Sonny Wortzik (Oscar nominee Al Pacino) robs a bank to pay for his male lover's (Oscar nominee Chris Sarandon) sex change operation. What should have taken ten minutes ends up becoming an eight hour media event, complete with pizza delivery to the hostages. Lumet took over an entire block in Brooklyn, had the hostages in effect play themselves with improvised dialogue, and worked like an Army commander with a thousand or so extras and stunning second-unit helicopters. The movie has incredible vitality and conviction from Lumet, powerhouse editing by Dede Allen (another Oscar nominee), and another of the great Pacino performances. Bonuses include a vintage featurette on Lumet, brand-new audio commentary by Lumet, and a four-part 30th anniversary featurette. Plus a brand-new remastered print of a great film.

If you thought DOG DAY was looney tunes, get a load at Paddy Chayefsky's audacious Oscar-winning Original Screenplay for another great Sidney Lumet triumph: NETWORK (1976). It is a satire on network television, but so outlandish that virtually everything (except the ending-thank God) has taken place. An unbalanced man (Oscar winner Peter Finch) becomes a media folk hero with super ratings. Oscar winner Faye Dunawaty lives only for ratings-and even discusses them in bed with producer William Holden (at his very best and and an Oscar nominee). Beatrice Straight is electrifying as Holden's wife in one Oscar-winning scene. ("I'm your wife, damn it! And if you can't work up a winter passion for me, the least I ask is respect and allegiance...Are you in love with her? Then say it. SAY IT!") Then the question arises over what to do with Finch's Howard Beale character ("I'm as mad as hell and not going to take it anymore!") when his ratings seriously fail. NETWORK is a brilliant satire that is almost reality thirty years later. And the direction, writing, and performances are all flawless. Bonuses here are huge: PRIVATE SCREENINGS: SIDNEY LUMET (2005) from Turner Classic Movies with Robert Osborne, a vintage Paddy Chayefsky interview from "The Dinah Shore Show", a new 90 minute 30th anniversary filmmaking documentary, and a brand-new Lumet audio commentary. Figure on three nights for this baby.

Best of the lot is producer-director Alan Pakula's ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN (also 1976), with an Oscar-winning screenplay by William Goldman. Both of them together make the saga of Watergate, the fall of President Richard Nixon, both understandable and gripping. Our heroes are WASHINGTON POST reporters Bob Woodward (Robert Redford) and Carl Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman). A huge and wonderful supporting cast includes Oscar-winner Jason Robards as editor Ben Bradlee, Oscar nominee Jane Alexander as The Bookkeeper with some secrets, and Hal Holbrook as the enigmatic Deep Throat who is only glimpsed in shadowy night parking garages. Realism and actual locales help this one a lot. Bonuses on this masterpiece, that should have won Picture and Direction Oscars, include audio commentary by co-producer Robert Redford, a new filmmaking documentary, a documentary on who Deep Throat really was now that we know, a documentary on how Woodward and Bernstein cracked the case, a vintage filmmaking documentary, a vintage chat with Robards on DINAH!, and a gallery of theatrical trailers for other movies in this vein from the late Alan J. Pakula.

CONTROVERSIAL CLASSICS VOLUME 2: THE POWER OF MEDIA will keep you out of trouble for as long as nine nights (!), three per movie if you watch all the bonuses, so only rent it this one boxed set the week you order from Netflicks. It sells on Amazon.com for about $55. It is a sobering lament for an era when movies could be brilliantly written dramas about the media for intellectual adults. DOG DAY AFTERNOON, NETWORK, and ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN are masterpieces in a stupendous boxed set that I cannot recommend highly enough if you have a huge block of time for them. Consider buying them and spending two weeks doing all of the extras and the lenngthy movies leisurely.

YESSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2006-01-30

All three of these movies were among the greatest social commentaries of 1970s. They were quintessential in showing us how America lost its innocence; from the corruption in our government to the bastardization of the media to our adoration of scandal. I suppose Sidney Lumet's "Serpico" should have been included in this set too, as that film was the first to record the depth of corruption in the police force, but I have to admit, "Dog Day Afternoon" is a lot more entertaining! All three of these movies are scintillating entertainment on an intellectual scale that Hollywood rarely measures up to anymore. But these films are also great and important in how they foretold the pathetic state that our media is in now (including the lack of investigative journalism in our current printed press). In fact, "All The President's Men" is as politically relevant as ever - the similarities with this administration are very interesting! And WOW! -- all the extras on these discs look phenomenal!! I'm glad I hadn't bought the earlier 'no extras' releases of these films. If you've already bought them buy this set anyway - you know you're gonna watch them hundreds of times!

Average customer rating:

Beautiful...but not HD
Lives up to it's hype.
Something Fishy going on...................
Junk
Shot in HD, not formatted in HD...?

DVD Aquarium Widescreen ( Shot in HD )
Starring: Planet Earth; fish
Director: DVD Productions
Manufacturer: Powerfloe Network / WavesDVD.com
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Ambient Water: Ultimate Video Aquarium DVD (Shot in HD)

ASIN: B000LC3RZW
Release Date: 2006-11-29

Product Description

DVD Aquarium Widescreen (shot in HD) turns your Plasma, LCD, OR TV into a vibrant and colorful Aquarium. Choose between four high quality and beautiful freshwater or saltwater tanks (see customer pictures above.):

AMAZON ADVENTURE - These Discus fish are native to the Amazon Basin. Watch the fantastic red and blue colors of these freshwater fish.

REEF MAGIC - A saltwater aquarium with lovely living coral and exotic reef fish including a cute orange and white Clown fish.

BLUE MOODS - The perfect night time Aquarium. The moonlight blue reflects brilliantly off the fishes silver scales.

CRYSTAL CREEK - This freshwater aquarium features a submerged log and a variety of green plants full of blue and orange freshwater fish.

Choose between nature sounds or a relaxing lounge / ambient music. Shot using the latest high definition technology, DVD Aquarium Widescreen offers extraordinary realistic and sharp pictures compared to other HD and non HD titles.

Shot lifesize with a 42 inch aquarium, the fish will be of actual size on a 42 inch TV and appear very lifelike. You'll notice the quality difference with the four incredible aquariums sure to impress your guests at your next dinner party. The DVD includes Auto-Loop for continuous play.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful...but not HD.......2007-06-02

Do you want to turn your boring, big, black, blank plasma TV into a beautiful centerpiece when you have company? Then this DVD is your best bet.

I found the idea of an HD aquarium very appealing, especially since a close friend spent more than $10,000 to achieve essentially the same effect, albeit using real fish, salt water, coral, tank, filters and a lot of cold, hard cash.

My wife was genuinely thrilled when she saw the "reef magic" segment of this DVD for the first time. It's beautiful, colorful and relaxing. The sounds are fine, if you even use them; bubbles, ambient music and "lounge" music. We'll play XM on our favorite station, thanks, but the disc's soundtrack is adequate.

There are four "tanks"; "Reef Magic" is the best, "Amazon Adventure" is OK, "Crystal Creek" is rather lame and "Blue Moods" is, as the name implies, a bit depressing. It is very simple to instantly navigate "tanks" and sounds with the DVD remote. But trust me...you'll leave it on "Reef Magic" and supply your own tunes.

This DVD is worth twenty bucks just to transform a dead, blank, black screen into something visually stimulating. What else are you going to leave on when company is at your house...Fox News? The History Channel? Or do you prefer the black monolith?

Other reviewers have pointed out that this isn't High Definition. It's true. It's nowhere close to the clarity I enjoyed watching the Indy 500 last week. But it's fine for $20.

If a true HD version comes out I'll buy it immediately, but I'm happy I bought this one in the meantime.

Lives up to it's hype........2007-04-07

I am very satisfied with this DVD....It is great on my new 50 inch plasma tv. The music is very nice and the picture extemely clear and impressive.

Something Fishy going on..........................2007-04-02

The fish are either not real or it is a copy of a copy of a bad copy. I could not play it on my corporate lobby plasma with out people making comments about how cheap it make the expensive plasma look. They look like the fish on my laptop screen saver.

I would only play this for a child that dosent know any better.

Junk.......2007-03-30

I don't know what everyone is so excited about. I wasn't expecting HD but I was expecting top quality standard def. as it was supposedly shot with an HD camera, but this is terrible. I have a brand new Samsung top of the line 40" 1080P lcd display which puts out an amazing picture. My aquarium screensaver from Windows XP is far better than this and they aren't even real fish. If I were to see this not knowing it was a dvd, I would guess it was someone filming their fish tank with their home video camera. Very disappointed . . . played it for ten minutes . . . it's going out with the trash tomorrow morning.

Shot in HD, not formatted in HD...?.......2007-03-29

Was pretty disappointed at finding this DVD not in true HD format. Most stations I receive now in 720p look better as far as detail expected in HD. The music is very good with this DVD and the colors are all quite fine, but don't buy this thinking your going to get a true high def 1080 DVD because it's not.
When buying DVDs "supposedly" in HD, how the heck are you gonna be assured your getting true HD and not some upscaled program. After all, The Andy Griffith Show is on some HD channels, but will never be true HD... copy?
If you don't expect any more than standard def from this, you'll be happy. I just expected more when it claimed, "Shot in HD."

The Best Caribbean Beaches / WAVES: Virtual Vacations

Average customer rating:

Great colors, great sound, nice scenes - Definite Keeper !
good but not great
Just what we needed!
it just keeps getting better!
The Next Best Thing.

The Best Caribbean Beaches / WAVES: Virtual Vacations
Starring: Planet Earth; Virgin Islands; Bahamas;
Director: Greg Voevodsky
Manufacturer: Powerfloe Network
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Fun View TV - Volume 1: Fireplace, Fish, Snow & More

ASIN: B000127GFY
Release Date: 2003-11-19

Description

Get the BEST SELLING - AWARD WINNING - Relaxation / Nature DVD Video Series and see why WAVES won the popular Telly Award, Videography Award & "Best of Show" Aurora Award! Discover why doctors and therapists recommend Waves for soothing stress relief. WAVES is shown in hundreds of hospitals daily like Stanford's Cancer Center, in hotels lobbies like Guam Hotel Okura, in restaurants like The Island Time Grill in Florida, and in health spas like Euro Day Health Spa in California. Our DVDs have been used for Luau Parties to Weddings around the world.

You've probably seen us on TV! "Waves" was chosen to play on Sears' Plasma TVs in Nasdaq's National TV Ad. -10/2/06. "Waves" was also chosen as a 'Hip Mothers Day Gift' on CBS "The Early Show!" -5/2/05

GETAWAY. RELAX. RENEW! Instantly alter your environment and mood by experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty and healing power of spectacular seascapes. Listen to all natural sounds of lapping waves, sea birds, and swaying palms (without distracting music or narration). Natural images and sounds so vivid - you can almost feel the warm waves lapping at your toes! Virtually sitting there, the long stationary shots will wash your stress away. Experience over 30 soothing beach scenes and colorful sunsets.

Enjoy the Best Beaches from the Bahamas to the Virgin Islands with crisper digital images and stereo sound. Discover pristine "Treasure Cay" to "Smuggler's Cove" plus beaches from Abaco, Turtle Cay, Eleuthera, New Providence, Rose Island, St. John, Tortola, and the world famous "Baths" on Virgin Gorda. NEW "DIRECTOR'S CUT" has all new transitions (QUICK Fade Out and In) between 'day' segments removing all graphics, logos, and websites. Share with friends and family the perfect gift. Collect the Award Winning WAVES video series Vols 1-11. Get FREE Shipping, buy a 2nd DVD or our "Waves DVD Sampler" too.

ATTENTION: Doctors, Therapists, etc: Non-profit Public Screening of Waves DVD on a single TV in waiting rooms, etc are allowed for FREE.

Customer Reviews:

Great colors, great sound, nice scenes - Definite Keeper !.......2007-01-25

Work from home and just got this video to give me something to look at besides a blank plasma. The colors and scenes are really great. The video automatically shows various ocean/sands scenes for a few minutes each and then moves to the next scene (not really looping). The sound quality is very good - sounds like the ocean - actually peaceful - not annoying. I like this one and it seems whenever I look up from typing I've got a new scene to look at ... definitely a keeper.

good but not great.......2006-11-26

I enjoyed the dvd and think it will be cool to have in summer (purchased in winter). If it was in HD it would be incredible, but on my 50" screen it is low resolution, so its not as good as it could be. In HD it would be like looking out the window, but because it isn't, it isn't.

Just what we needed!.......2006-11-13

We purchased this DVD to help calm and relax my Grandmother, who has Alzheimer's Disease. She is easily upset by the TV or music, but these DVDs are perfect. She has always loved nature and it is really nice for her to feel like she is at the beach and hear the waves.

it just keeps getting better!.......2006-04-17

had actually gotten an earlier version of this relaxation series; hawaian vacations. This title is a very big leap i think in terms of its picture and sound quality. I guess H-DEF kicked in! it defnitely now can comptete with BORA BORA. Its amazing!

The Next Best Thing........2006-03-08

We thoroughly enjoyed this video. It was so captivating that we could not take our eyes off of it. It actually lulled my daughter to sleep as well. I will order more from this maker. The waters were crystal clear and the sun sets were beautiful. Buy IT!!

The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy - Billy and Mandy's Big Boogey Adventure

Average customer rating:

My son chose this as a birthday gift
A must buy for the fans.
Disgusting
The Grimmest Adventure of All.
"Billy & Mandy's Big Boogey Adventure"

The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy - Billy and Mandy's Big Boogey Adventure
Starring: Vanessa Marshall , Phil LaMarr , Armin Shimerman , and Frank Welker
Director: Maxwell Atoms , Brian Hogan (II) , Randy Myers , Brian Sheesley , and Shaun Cashman
Manufacturer: Turner Home Ent
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Animation | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000LV6O0S
Release Date: 2007-04-03

Amazon.com

Devious characters and nightmarish happenings are the norm in the twisted, cell animated world of The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy where evil clashes with evil and mean meets meaner on a daily basis. The cast of characters includes Mandy, a surly, controlling, sarcastic girl; Billy, a dim-witted, hyperactive boy obsessed with snot and other bodily fluids; Irwin, a boy who's madly in love with Mandy; the Boogeyman, a bully who's lost his ability to scare people; and the Grim Reaper, a skeletal Mr. Death who's beleaguered by the constant company of Billy and Mandy. In Billy and Mandy's Big Boogey Adventure, Billy and Mandy have recently won ownership of the Grim Reaper and their unceasing demands to accompany him as he drags unsuspecting souls to their deaths is cramping the Grim Reaper's style--so much so that one of his intended victims gets away. Grim is put on trial and fired from his deathly employment which leads him, Mandy, Billy, and Irwin to embark on a quest to capture Horror's Hand in hopes of utilizing its evil powers to get Grim's job back and cause widespread suffering throughout the world. The Boogeyman, Grim's rival since middle school, is experiencing a personal crisis because he can't scare modern children and is also plotting to capture Horror's Hand and then use it to transform himself into everyone's worst nightmare. Grim, Billy, Mandy, Irwin, and Boogeyman battle each other and a host of frightening monsters that include a band of pirates along the river Styx, and Billybot and Mandybot robots from the future in a fight that forces each character to face his/her own worst fears. Bonus features include the original "Bully Boogie" short which explores the middle school beginnings of the feud between Boogeyman and Grim Reaper and a "Behind the Voices" featurette with interviews with creator Maxwell Atoms, Greg Eagles (Grim), Richard Horvitz (Billy), and Grey Delisle (Mandy). (Ages 7 and older) --Tami Horiuchi

Description

It's Billy, Mandy and Grim versus the Boogeyman in an epic tale of monster pirates, futuristic robots, evil artifacts, and snot. When the underworld strips Grim of his powers (due to years of Billy and Mandy abusing them), Billy, Mandy, Grim and Irwin must race the Boogey Man and a crew of monster pirates to capture Horror's Hand, a powerful artifact capable of making whoever wields it into the scariest being alive.

Customer Reviews:

My son chose this as a birthday gift.......2007-06-07

My kids love The Grim Adventures of billy and Mandy and my son couldn't wait to get the movie for his birthday. They are very happy with it and have watched it several times.

A must buy for the fans........2007-04-18

The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy:
My favorite cartoon on the air today.

I recently watched and recorded Billy and Mandy's Big Boogy Adventure and I was very pleased with the movie and I am a huge fan of the series ever since it was originally "Grim and Evil". The Evil Con Carne half of the show was never up to par with Billy and Mandy and it was no surprise that in 2003 Billy and Mandy got their own show. And now that the first movie has been made it is no surprise that it is a treat to watch and is as funny and wacky as ever.
All the plot elements are here. Billy is as stupid as ever and saves the day with his outrageous gross beheivor. Mandy and Erwin duke it out in their little love story and the Boogy Man becomes the central villian while Grim as always is the victim stripped of his powers/dignity/ and honor only to be restored by the likes of Billy and Mandy.

The only things that are missing from this adventure are certain characters and villians from previous episodes. These characters are:
Aris- Goddess of Chaos- The funiest villian in my opinion.
Jack-O-Lantern(hope that's right)- From the Halloween episode.
Haus Del Gado- The fan fav.
Principal Good-Vibes- Not really a villian but a likeable character.
Malaria- Grim's Love interest from a previous episode.
Puddin- One of my favorites.
Blandy- The female version of Mandy.
Harial- The Mermaid copy of Ariel from the Little Mermaid.

Just to name a few of my favorite characters that didn't make it in the movie but it's understandable because of the run-time. You can't put every character in the movie.

With all this said it's a good buy with this dvd because there is still no box set of an entire season or anything besides Cartoon Network Haloween which is a very short dvd. This is the first all-out movie starring Bily and Mandy and should not be missed.

Disgusting.......2007-04-07

I first saw the ad for this movie when I was looking through Cartoon Network. I watched half half of it, but didn't like it at all. Here is the most stupidest line yet, Irwin says, "This is just like "Titanic." This movie has NOTHING to do with "Titanic!"
This movie is really vulgar. I feel that there is no comedy in the whole film, and I wish they would take it off the air. I really am a big fan of "Billy and Mandy," but this movie is a pile of serious garbage.
Go get "happy Feet" instead. This is not worth it.

The Grimmest Adventure of All........2007-04-06

This full-length movie happens to be that Billy and Mandy special I aformentioned in my reviews for the videogame.

In this movie, the Grim Reaper, now powerless, has him, Billy, Mandy, and Irwin on a quest to find the mystic artifact, the Hand of Horror, before his high school rival the Boogeyman gets to it first. Beware of monstrous pirates, high-speed chases, creepy cyclopses, crude puppets, cyborg doppelgangers, tons of snot, a ferocious kracken, and a couple of good songs, too. You'll also note that some of the costumes and other stuff in this movie were big inspirations to the videogame.

Special features on this DVD include a full-screen and a wide-screen format of the movie. Plus, behind-the-scenes interviews with the voice actors of the movie and a bonus cartoon: "Bully Boogie", featuring the Boogeyman's first apperance.

Get this movie if you're a fan of the "Grim Adventures" TV series, and also available, the Billy and Mandy videogame for your favorite game console including the new Wii system.

"Billy & Mandy's Big Boogey Adventure".......2007-04-02

When I heard about this on Cartoon Network, I thought it was just going to be okay. Man, was I wrong! This turned out to be really good! All the previews are really good, such as the one when Dracula pops out and exclaims, "Oh, baby!" I just know that Irwin's fight with the pirates to save Mandy is a referance to the battling in "Pirates of the Carribean".

This may be the first time that Grim cries! And Irwin gets to kiss Mandy when she is under a sleeping spell! The ending is kind of confusing, though. But still, it's a really cool movie! It'll be perfect for either a birthday or Chistmas gift, so buy it when you see it at a store!

My sister says: "Mandy looks so cute when she miss Billy!"

Average customer rating:

Big disappointment
Paris Je T'aime
but even it's the movie, don't waste your money either
NOT PARIS: JE T'AIME THE MOVIE

Paris: Je t¿aime DVD

Manufacturer: Educational Video Network, Inc.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

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Paris Je T'Aime
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ASIN: B0006KZEGO
Release Date: 2004-07-15

Description

To go to Paris is to fall in love with the City of Light. Each quartier of the French capital offers up surprises and delights. Explore Paris with us. Stroll along the River Seine and spend a leisurely afternoon watching the artists of Montmartre at work. Be entertained by street performers. Stop at a sidewalk café on your way to one of the city's treasure-filled museums. Shop at the stalls of the bouquinistes, or in spectacular department stores. Visit chapels and churches that are nearly a thousand years old. Ride the subway from the Left Bank to the Right, and sit on a park bench to enjoy a beautiful afternoon. Paris has all this and much, much more. Come and see. You'll love Paris, too.

Customer Reviews:

Big disappointment.......2007-06-13

This film is a complete waste of money. It is a film of four or five tourist spots in Paris. It lasts 18 minutes and costs $40.00.
Don't waste your time or money.

Jack Lavino

Paris Je T'aime.......2007-06-01

We saw this after attending party where a couple saw it and highly recommended the film. We loved it and have decided to buy it for our library.

but even it's the movie, don't waste your money either.......2007-02-16

that movie got over 16 segments of broken stories, even with a section of vampire?! used so many talented great male and female actors, but about half (or 75%) of the movie should be deleted. a very pretentious movie, only several-maybe 3 or 4 sections-were good but not great. 'paris, i love you', go see those parisians and immigrants struggled in paris. it should titled 'paris, where's your love?' i rest my case.

NOT PARIS: JE T'AIME THE MOVIE.......2006-12-30

This is an educational video about Paris. Not the movie with Natalie Portman and Elijah Wood. Don't make the mistake of buying it (unless of course you are looking for the educational video).

Average customer rating:

"...love that casting, Eugene, love that casting!"
Excellent work from one of my favorite periods of live-action Disney films
The Barefoot Executive
Five reasons to skip this one.
MORE FROM KURT'S EARLY DAYS

The Barefoot Executive
Starring: Kurt Russell , Joe Flynn , Harry Morgan , Wally Cox , and Heather North
Director: Robert Butler
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00077BPF0
Release Date: 2004-04-12

Amazon.com

A young Kurt Russell stars in this good-natured comedy. Steve Stone is an ambitious mailroom clerk at a third-rate television network when he stumbles onto the fact that his girlfriend's pet chimpanzee, Raffles, can pick ratings winners. Suddenly he's well on his way up the corporate ladder and getting his network to No. 1. Keeping Raffles and his abilities a secret provide the perfect setting for wacky, wicked comedy. The truly funny cast of Joe Flynn, Harry Morgan, Wally Cox, John Ritter, and others make up the executives and their cohorts. Not wanting to be made fools of, the executives try to save their dignity as well as their jobs by relocating Raffles. There's lots of physical comedy and downright silliness. Talk about monkey business! Released in 1971, this film can appear dated at times, but the story still holds up today. A likable, fun movie that harks back to a time of innocent mischief. Refreshingly void of techno gadgets and helmet laws, this film is just good, clean, wholesome fun for the whole family. --Peggy Maltby-Etra

Description

In the great Disney tradition of wild family fun, a young Kurt Russell stars as Steven Post -- an ambitious mailroom clerk at a second-rate TV network. With his eye on the boardroom, and getting nowhere with the studio's top dog, he makes a career-changing discovery. His girlfriend's lovable pet chimp can pick a hit show every time! His secret for success turns into madcap monkey business when he makes vice president and jealous rivals want in on the act. Ride along with narrow escapes and a classic cast featuring Joe Flynn and Harry Morgan in a comedic climb up the corporate ladder that will leave you howling for more!

Customer Reviews:

"...love that casting, Eugene, love that casting!".......2006-12-06

Some beloved films from our childhood should not be seen again because they really were junk. This one is the opposite.

Not only do I still crack up (in my mid-40s) at this film, but my kids know almost every line. The script has to be awesome to do that for a picky movie connoisseur such as moi!

This film gives you more than just a funny plot from start to finish. You get some of the most quotable lines of any one film. I can still hear lines like Joe Flynn's "you've got a reverse gear in this thing" and "come on little fella, you're gonna love it" and Ritter sneering "Moonrise night School" and the Irish-stereotyped Father MulCahey saying "there's no prablum that cannut be salved" and the jack-hammer guy wobbling his head as he says "I knew it all the time." Believe me, that snorting laugh of Wally Cox will break the ice at parties! The scene of Joe Flynn and Wally Cox on the ledge is guaranteed to belly-laugh you out of the worst of moods.

And by the way, the stock review for this film says that Kurt Russell is Steven Stone. oops! Sorry, but he is Steven Post. (Could this be a word-play on his role of delivering the inter-office "post" as a mailboy?) Maybe they should have watched the flick first, before telling others about it.

His name in this one is a break from Dexter Riley in his other three blockbusters, although surrounded by the same veteran actors. I guess Disney was trying to let him grow up. I'd have preferred to let him still be Dexter, but just in a new chapter of life, as his loyal fans are too.

Enjoy it with the next generation, over and over!

Excellent work from one of my favorite periods of live-action Disney films.......2006-08-17

The Barefoot Executive may appear to just be a light and fluffy 1960s/1970s-style Disney comedy, and it can certainly be enjoyed that way, but you don't have to dig very far below the surface to find a subtly clever satire of the television industry with a very insider feel. Having worked in radio for a while, and having friends and family who do or did work in television, as well as reading a lot of behind the scenes books on television programs, a lot of the jabs at the industry feel spot on.

The humorous premise, probably stemming from a common joke about this, is that a "monkey" (actually a chimpanzee here) could pick a television stations' programming and do just as good or even a better job at it. Screenwriter Joseph McEveety and director Robert Butler get the dynamics between various levels of employees right, including the bigwigs. There are nice, continuing threads of intertwined sycophancy, insular ideas, fears of getting canned or demoted over ratings or general incompetence, and self-righteous assertiveness. Some of those things may be contradictory, but nevertheless they're representative of life within the walls of a broadcast media outlet--and probably many other places of employment as well. To an extent, the personal dynamics aspects of The Barefoot Executive are suggestive of an early version of Office Space (1999). But towards the end of the film, The Barefoot Executive nicely diverges into slightly more absurdist territory.

Raffles, the chimpanzee, is charismatic and impressive. But an unexpected surprise was the scope and chemistry of the cast, which includes veteran character actors and Disney regulars Joe Flynn and Harry Morgan, veteran television actor Wally Cox, the woman who has supplied the voice of Daphne in most of the Scooby-Doo series and animated films since 1970, Heather North, and in one of his first films, John Ritter. Ritter is on fire here. He steals almost every one of his scenes. And that's quite a feat seeing that the star is an engaging Kurt Russell, who had already made a string of very successful films for Disney.

The Barefoot Executive.......2005-05-06

I am delighted to see that two of my favorite Disney films have been released on dvd, "Million Dollar Duck" and "The Barefoot Executive." Descriptions of the plots for these movies are already noted here, but I will say that both these films are very enjoyable family viewing. I can remember going to the theater as a child and watching these films, and I still enjoy them today. Nobody's claiming they're the best films ever, or even the best Disney films ever, just good, fun entertainment in the grand Disney tradition.Some have complained about these films not being released in their original aspect ratio's, or being remastered for dvd. Although I would have preferred them released letterboxed as well, neither film was released in a very wide aspect ratio, so they play fine on tv, and as for Disney using the same masters they used for the vhs releases and tv airings, if that's what they did, big deal. Those prints are fine. Sharp, clear pictures, with good color.Sure, it would have been nice to have remastered letterboxed versions on dvd, but be grateful we have them on dvd at all. They've both been a long time coming.

Five reasons to skip this one........2005-04-13

First of all, I must say "The Barefoot Executive", which was Kurt Russell's second starring role in his early Disney period, is a wonderful, comic farce. It has a terrific supporting cast, including the hilarious comedy team of Joe Flynn and Wally Cox, an early appearance by the late John Ritter, and a pleasing turn by Heather North as Russell's love interest. And then there's Russell's costar, a chimp who can predict hit TV shows, well-played by Bubbles. His "talent" comes in handy when ambitious mailboy Russell uses his predictions to get ahead at the television network he works at. In all, it's a funny farce that kids and their parents will enjoy.

Alas, I cannot recommend this film for purchase at this time. And here are five reasons why:

1. Disney DVD has once again made the head-scratching decision to release "Barefoot Executive" in a full-screen format, instead of widescreen. Why? Who knows. This is extremely annoying, especially since it was undoubtedly filmed in the family friendly 1:66:1 aspect ratio. Heck, my 3 year old niece has no problem with those black bars at the top and bottom of the screen. Why should anyone else?

2. There is nothing to lead me to believe this film has been restored. Therefore, we're evidently getting the same tired print from the VHS version. Why replace something with something that is no better than what you already have?

3. There are absolutely no special features. None.

4. The retail price of $19.99 is ridiculously expensive for a bare-bones DVD. Most comparable DVDs are priced at $9.99 or less, so Disney should be ashamed of themselves for ripping the customer off.

5. As I said before, 1+2+3+4=ONE BIG RIPOFF.

So, my verdict, thumbs down to Disney and this package. I'd like to thank them, however, for saving me money. Not buying this, "Lt. Robin Crusoe, U.S.N.", and "Million Dollar Duck" will save me anywhere from $45-$60 that I can use to buy product from other DVD companies, like Anchor Bay, for instance, that values its customers enough to present us with topnotch, worthy product.

*** (out of *****)for the film; * for the DVD; ** overall

MORE FROM KURT'S EARLY DAYS.......2005-04-06

If it seems like Kurt Russell has been around forever it's because he HAS! He's been acting since 1957. He was 20 years old when he made this movie in 1951, but still was that fresh-faced kid we'd come to know in "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes" done a few years before. Although it seems like it since once again Joe Flynn is a co-star, this was not a part of the Dexter Riley series of films. Other co-stars include Wally Cox, Harry Morgan, and an equally young John Ritter.

Russell plays Steven Post who works in the mail room of a big television network. Steven discovers that his girlfriend's pet chimp can pick TV ratings winners and soon as the network execs buzzing. Joe Flynn and Wally Cox play off each other hilariously in this film. Flynn was always so much fun to watch with that always perturbed look on his face and wondering "why me?". Ritter actually plays the snobby nephew to the head of the studio who gets his just desserts in the end.

Hey, these things were not classics but they were good and fun family movies the type of which you don't see anymore. Disney did so well at these types of things in the 60's and early 1970's Nice to see they are releasing them on DVD as well.

Miracle Pain Relief-The Gentle Power of Bowen For Family of Friends

Average customer rating:

Great DVD--Helped my POLYMYALGIA RHUEMATICA body pain
Cautiously Optimistic
Takes time...
Grateful For This Amazing Healing Resource
"Not for Me or My Friends"

Miracle Pain Relief-The Gentle Power of Bowen For Family of Friends
Director: Gerri Shapiro MS Ed.
Manufacturer: Joyful Life Network
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Special Interests | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B0008DB7AG
Release Date: 2004-10-01

Customer Reviews:

Great DVD--Helped my POLYMYALGIA RHUEMATICA body pain.......2007-03-19

With the step by step instructions using the pencil + stickers as reminders of place to start, etc. it was easy for a family member to follow and do the therapy. I have had 3 sessions and can tell the difference in many parts of my body. I will continue a treatment every 5 days because I have had severe body pain for over 4 years. 6 months ago the Dr. named it Polymyalgia Rhuematica and put me on Prednisone. (I want to get off the Prednisone as soon as I can---I believe this Bowen Therapy will help me to do it.) After that long with body pain I know I will need MORE than just 3 sessions. I will continue them as long as needed---and then have them done as a maintenance for my body. Thanks to GERRI SHAPIRO, MS Ed. for the affordable DVD instructions--a very good investment for anyone. Thanks a million!!!!! JOY

Cautiously Optimistic.......2007-03-11

I have recently purchased your video, I am a 25 year old female who has suffered from constant pain since the age of 8. I have been to doctors and specialists, none of whom have been able to give me any relief.
My mother has used the video tape, and has expressed her enjoyment that it was easy to do, and easy to follow. I felt the technique made sense and am hoping this will give me some relief.

Takes time..........2006-12-26

Get your coloured sticky dots out, a ruler and a massage table and be prepared to spend a bit of time with this Bowen session. Nice to see the 'secrets' of the Bowen teaching made available to the public. There are tiny little massage-like moves over quite a long session, you'll have to keep your client warm because they're there for a long time lying on the table. And the process of measuring (with a ruler, egad...) and sticking little dots all over them is mind boggling. I suppose, just until you get the hang of it...

Grateful For This Amazing Healing Resource.......2006-10-21

I live in a remote area. I would have to fly hundreds of miles to reach the nearest Bowen practitioner! And so I am very grateful to have access to this DVD to help my family members gain some relief from years of debilitating pain (migraines; fibromyalgia; arthritis). In each case there was an easing of pain and more and more relief each week. The instructions were very easy to follow and the results were amazing!

"Not for Me or My Friends".......2006-10-17

As a recipent of WONDERFUL treatment by a great MD who uses the Bowen Technique, I was incredibly disappointed by the DVD. The use of a pencil was amusing in its attempt to teach something requiring a refined, gentle manipulation.

Bowen works. My physician amazes me with her ability to "see" how I am and what I need! I move a formerly frozen shoulder and my fibromyalgia is gone............(without a pencil)

DVD:

DVD List

DVD

DVD

Classic Albums - U2: The Joshua Tree

Gentleman's Agreement

Pauline at the Beach (REGION 1) (NTSC)

DVD: Analyze That (Widescreen)

The Clansman - Portrait Of A Highland Warrior