Cousins

Starring:Ted Danson, Isabella Rossellini, Sean Young, William L. Petersen, Lloyd Bridges, Norma Aleandro, Keith Coogan, Gina DeAngeles, George Coe, Katharine Isabelle, Alex Bruhanski, Stephen E. Miller, Gerry Bean, Gordon Currie, Saffron Henderson, Michele Goodger, Andrea Mann, Mark Frank, Lloyd Schultz, Gloria Harris
Director: Joel Schumacher
Studio: Paramount
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Adapted from the beloved novel by Walter Farley, this 1979 family classic was hailed by no less than hard-to-please critic Pauline Kael, who wrote that "it may be the greatest children's movie ever made." A visual feast from start to finish, the timeless tale of The Black Stallion plays out on almost mythic terms. A young boy survives a shipwreck and is stranded on a deserted island with a graceful black stallion, with whom the boy develops an almost empathic friendship. After being rescued and returning home, the two make a winning team as jockey and lightning-fast racehorse under the tutelage of a passionate trainer, played by Mickey Rooney in an Oscar-nominated role. From its serenely hypnotic island sequence to the breathtaking race scenes, this delightful film is guaranteed to enthrall any viewer, regardless of age. The Black Stallion is a genuine masterpiece of family entertainment. --Jeff Shannon

Description

From its turbulent beginning in a storm-swept sea to its unforgettable horse race finale, The Black Stallion is a modern-day movie landmark. One of the most highly praised productions of 1979,it is "a wonderful experience...for adults and for kids" (Roger Ebert). When a shipwreck leaves Alec (Kelly Reno)a courageous young boyand The Blacka wild Arabian stallion 'stranded on a desolate island, the two share a frightening adventure of survival that forges a lasting bond of friendship between them. Upon their rescue, Alec and the magnificent horse continue their adventures when they join forces with ex-jockey and horse trainer Henry Dailey (Mickey Rooney). Recognizing the winning combination of The Black's remarkable spirit and Alec's unwavering devotion tohis friend, Dailey takes both under his wing and prepares them to go head to head with the world's best thoroughbreds in "the race of the century."

Customer Reviews:

I Love Horses.......2007-05-12

I always enjoy watching this movie and the second one of the movie. I can never get enough of watching horses.

MOST BEAUTIFUL OF HORSE MOVIES - PURE, IDYLLIC, INNOCENT.......2007-05-01

There is no film more perfectly innocent or pure than this film. There is nothing offensive or defiling about it. It is almost like visiting Eden, and is, in my opinion, what every film should be.

In spite of these remarkable qualities, there are other things about this film that are equally remarkable. For example, the horse that played the Black Stallion - Cass Ole - wasn't really black, and had to go through makeup each day. Kelly Reno, who plays Alec Ramsey, the boy the Black saves, and who rides him to fame and glory, had never acted before and does his own stunts. Corky Randall, the horse's trainer, was the son of Glenn Randall, Sr., who trained the horses for Ben-Hur. Carroll Ballard, director for the film, had never directed a feature film before, but was a talented cinematographer. His other best known film is Never Cry Wolf (1983).

This is one of Mickey Rooney's best performances as the ex-jockey who trains Alec to race, and he was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Thirty-four years earlier, he trained Elizabeth Taylor's character, Velvet, to ride in National Velvet - also one of his most memorable performances. Teri Garr is good as Mrs. Ramsey, Alec's mother; and Clarence Muse is wonderful as Snoe, an old black man who befriends Alec and advises him to keep the Black wild. Of course, he doesn't, and, because of it, we're treated to one of the best racing scenes in film history.

The wedding of visuals and music make this one of the most beautiful films ever made, with Caleb Deschanel taking credit for the photography, for which he was nominated for various awards and won both the LA Film Critics and National Film Critics Awards. There is just enough dialogue to move the story along; but most of it is told through the gorgeous visuals. A stirring original music score by Carmine Coppola supports the cinematography perfectly, for which she, too, was nominated for various awards, including Golden Globe, and won the LA Film Critics Award. Robert Dalva was nominated for the Oscar for Best Film Editing. Francis Ford Coppola (Godfather) was executive producer.

For story and acting, National Velvet is probably the best horse movie ever made. But this is the most beautiful. It is pure beauty, as idyllic and innocent as the island on which the Black and Alec form their relationship. It is the kind of movie that makes you wish you were Alec, racing along the shore with his arms in the air, as free as a bird, on the back of his best friend, the most beautiful stallion in the world. That is what it's like to be totally alive.

Waitsel Smith

at last! a horse movie thats not about a girl ..........2007-04-07

there are three reasons to watch this loooooong movie about a horse: the photography, kelly reno, and mickey rooney. two of those are gorgeous to look at.

A beautiful film for horse lovers........2007-01-27

This is a beautiful film for horse lovers. It is not in canon with the first book (Alec is coming home by himself, his father is alive, he seems older in the book, etc.) but for the general horse lover, this is a must see. There is no pulse-pounding excitement in this film; even the race scenes are exciting but serene, if that sounds right. It isn't for everyone. It is a well-acted, emotional film, with some of the most beautiful cinematography I've ever seen and wonderful music, too. However, it is very "artsy", the dialogue is very minimal up to the last parts of the film, but that is the beauty of it. The silence expresses more than words could. It isn't in the same league as movies like 'Dreamer' and 'Black Beauty'. It is a slow, subtle film, admittedly dull in spots, but is spectacular for all that. If you like a relaxing, artistic film and will overlook some of the inconsistencies and 'huh?' moments (like when the Black manages to race all over the city and into the shipyards and beyond without stopping), you will love this film. It has flaws like any film, but it is truly the most stirring and genuine equine films I've seen.

As for the DVD transfer being poor, I wouldn't know. If you want to be on the safe side, purchase the excellent VHS.

This is a horse-crazy 17 y\o...

Classic!.......2007-01-04

It's not as exciting as I remember it as a kid but it has great cinematography and is a heart warming story.

Average customer rating:

B-Grade Everything
Magnifico!
The best romantic comedy drama of the 90's!
The Cutting Edge - Gold Medal Edition
Cutting Edge

The Cutting Edge - Gold Medal Edition
Starring: D.B. Sweeney , Moira Kelly , Roy Dotrice , Terry O'Quinn , and Dwier Brown
Director: Paul Michael Glaser
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Cutting Edge - Going for the Gold
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The Cutting Edge (Deluxe Edition)

ASIN: B000CCBCAI
Release Date: 2006-02-28

Amazon.com

As far as ice-skating movies go (or those that prominently feature the cold-bladed sport), this romantic movie is one of the best, thanks to utterly charming performances by underrated actors D.B. Sweeney and Moira Kelly. The couple play, respectively, a washed-up hockey player and a prima-donna skater who end up in doubles figure skating together at the Winter Olympics. Of course, the mismatched pair fall in love. In between, there's a lot of verbal sparring, talk of toe picks, and surprisingly skillful directing by Paul Michael Glaser (Kazaam, The Air Up There). Direction here is critical--unlike in Flashdance, where the dancing was done in the shadows, face and feet obviously shot separately--and The Cutting Edge credibly highlights the actors and their professional stand-ins. This is such a fun, sweet story that the facts the film takes liberties with--including the alacrity with which a hockey player takes to Olympic-level figure skating--are easily forgivable. --N.F. Mendoza

Description

Moira Kelly (Dangerous Beauty, "The West Wing") and D. B. Sweeney (Roommates, Memphis Belle) star as polar opposites who unite on the ice for a shot at Olympic gold in this inspirational romantic comedy from acclaimed director Paul M. Glaser (The Running Man). Brimming with wit, charm and plenty of breathtaking sports action, The Cutting Edge is a real winner!

She's a rich and refined pairs figure skater whose prima donna attitude has her skating solo. He's a brash, blue-collar hockey champion with a new injury and no future. With nothing in common but their dream of reaching the Olympics, Kate and Doug are each other's last resort. Reluctantly, they join forces, but its not long before the barbs - and sparks - start flying as the unlikely pair skate towards the opportunity of a lifetime: a chance at a medal...and a chance at love.

Customer Reviews:

B-Grade Everything.......2007-06-17

This is one of those films you find yourself laughing at--not because it's got good humor in it, but because of all the things it does wrong. The script is corny, the acting poor, and the story line trite and uninvolving.They don't even show any extended figure skating scenes, which would have at least added a nice note as that is always fun to watch.

The dialogue between the two leads is supposed to be snappy, but with the wooden way they deliver it, it's just dopey (I'm surprised these two actors ever worked again after this film came out...) The two skaters bicker non-stop through the whole movie and then are supposed to fall in love at the end, though I didn't buy it for a minute. They are both unlikeable, as characters and as actors, so I didn't care what happened to them in the end...unless they would have fallen through the ice, which would have ended this dull ice skating movie on the proper note.

Magnifico!.......2007-05-17

English has words for most emotions, but sometimes Italian is more effective. I saw this movie for the first time seventeen years after it came out, and I found it exactly "Magnifico".
Ice-skating has always represented in my immaginary one of the forms of "gracefullness" that can be acheived in competitive sports. Another is surely gymnastics.
This very well written movie deals with a beautiful and fascinating sport, but also adds to this advantage a story of failures, dreams, efforts and "Great Expectations" (Kate gives Doug this book for Christmas). The plot somewhat resembles "The Taming of the Shrew", with a femine character that is whitty, sassy and tempremental and a male character that steadily somehow tames her. However, we don't live in Skakespeare's times anymore, so the parity of sexes must be respected, with also the man giving in at last to love.
Nothing is more romantic than the meeting of disparities, and this is exactly what happens here.
A pretty, talented, rich, spoiled and introverse young figure skater, Kate Mosely, finds herself without a partner. Thanks to the long eye of her Russian trainer, she has the occasion of trying out the retired hockey player Doug Dorsey, that slightly intimidated by the girl and the situation, but at the same time desiring to skate again and compete decides to pair up with her in the attempt to qualify for the Olympic games.
One of the points of force of this movie is the dialogue between the couple which is fast, humoristic and a pleasure to follow. Another is the evident attraction between the actors which goes right to the heart.
The scenography is also very good, with the winter scenes that add magic to the atmosphere and the training scenes with the skaters alone on the rink.
Obviously some of the sport scenes are impossible, as skaters have rightly pointed out, and the plot resolves as expected, but I believe this movie can be classified as a romantic classic and will stand the test of time.

The best romantic comedy drama of the 90's!.......2007-04-12

People may say that My Best Friends Wedding was the best romantic comedy of the 90's, but I have to say that this one is my all-time favorite! Julia Roberts is great and banked a lot of bucks for the movie studios, however The Cutting Edge proves you don't need big-name stars for a film to excel on all levels. You can read what this film is about already, I just wanted to say that if you have overlooked this or if it is not in your collection already, you are missing out! 5 stars!

The Cutting Edge - Gold Medal Edition.......2007-02-24

The fil is good and interesting, you can enjoy and pass the time

Cutting Edge.......2007-01-29

Definately one of the best skating/love stories ever. It's humerous and both actors play their parts so well.

Average customer rating:

the long shot
horsemomwv
The Long shot DVD movie
The Long Shot
Mild Language

The Long Shot
Starring: Julie Benz , Marsha Mason , Paul Le Mat , Gage Golightly , and David Alexander (IV)
Director: Georg Stanford Brown
Manufacturer: Hallmark Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Thicker Than Water
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Love's Long Journey

ASIN: B00080Z692
Release Date: 2006-02-07

Description

THE LONG SHOT Can a Blind Horse and an Injured Rider Make a Winning Combination? Julie Benz (Angel) stars with four-time OSCAR® nominee Marsha Mason (The Goodbye Girl) and Golden Globe winner Paul Le Mat (The Burning Bed) in this uplifting family drama. Newly relocated to California, Annie Garrett (Benz) is left by her hot-tempered husband, with a young daughter and a horse to support, so she needs someplace to live and to work. She finds both at the stable where Mary Lou O'Brian (Mason) hires her and barn manager Guido Levits (Le Mat) befriends her, but the biggest challenge for Annie has yet to come. OSCAR® is the registered trademark and service mark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Approximately 94 minutes Color

Customer Reviews:

the long shot.......2007-05-12

i just loved this movie, i first saw it on hallmark channel and just wanted to see it again, first i loved the horse side of it and then the way annie just never gave up even when it would have been very easy to. and her love for her horse when he went blind was very heart warming, especially when annie rode him in the drassage event and he did it all perfect, all in all i just loved it from beginning to end.

horsemomwv.......2007-05-10

This movie was great. It showed alot of courage and dedication. It is great for all ages.

The Long shot DVD movie.......2007-05-07

I was so tickled to see this wonderful movie in DVD form. I had seen it on the Hallmark Channel and searched in Hallmark stores and couldn't find it. It is a wonderful movie and arrived in a timely fashion and in good condition. Thanks.

The Long Shot.......2007-03-24

I am a 13 year old girl who loves horses. I thought this movie showed the true statement never give up. For all of the hard, terrible, and deppressing times the owne never gives up her love of horses dreans, and strengths even though they were over powered by weakness. There is true connection and love in this movie and it tells all girls that in the long run they can always have a happy ending.

Mild Language.......2007-03-16

LIke other movies, was a good story but still had mild language. It wouldn't be what I considered a good "family movie".

Average customer rating:

Pure Arnold
One of Schwarzeneggers very best movies
PLEASE RELEASE THIS DVD IN WIDESCREEN!!!
Can I give it 6 Stars?
1990- ARNOLD'S BEST YEAR!

Kindergarten Cop
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger , Penelope Ann Miller , Pamela Reed , Linda Hunt , and Richard Tyson
Director: Ivan Reitman
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Twins
Junior
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ASIN: 0783225504
Release Date: 1998-01-20

Amazon.com

Arnold Schwarzenegger made a successful transition to comedy with this 1990 box-office hit directed by Ivan Reitman. Arnold plays an undercover cop whose attempt to locate a little boy and his mother leads him to a small-town kindergarten class, where he poses as a teacher while continuing his investigation. He's also trying to catch a vicious drug dealer (Richard Tyson), whose ex-wife and son are the pair that Arnold's trying to rescue from impending danger. The scenes featuring Arnold and a classroom full of kindergartners are a real hoot, and Pamela Reed offers enjoyable support as Schwarzenegger's police partner, while Penelope Ann Miller (as another teacher) provides a low-key romantic interest and Carroll Baker steals her scenes as the villain's domineering mother. These familiar elements combine to make this a surprisingly lively and entertaining comedy-thriller, but parents are advised to heed the PG-13 rating: there are a lot of funny kids in the movie, but it's still a police thriller, with a violent climax that's not suitable for young viewers. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Pure Arnold.......2007-03-19

A fantastic movie, featuring Arnold in rare form. The kids add a nice flavor.

One of Schwarzeneggers very best movies.......2007-01-25

This is our families favorite movie! It has one of the best soundtracks/ score of all times! This movie shows Detective John Kimble go through a wonderful growth experience. He gets to know a side of himself, that he did not know about. Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a unique character in his acting career so far: An elementary school teacher. Of course he is also an undercover detective on the way to discovering the love of his life.

Penelope Ann Miller plays a very enchanting role and brings a welcome balance to the movie and plot. We like, that this film is less violent than many other Schwarzenegger movies, so it is ok to watch with younger kids.

This movie is a must own on DVD!

PLEASE RELEASE THIS DVD IN WIDESCREEN!!!.......2006-12-21

Those of you at Universal Home Video, please please please release this great film in its original WIDESCREEN format, along with Twins! Both films deserve better than 10-year-old pan & scan transfers!

Can I give it 6 Stars?.......2006-07-16

An excellent comedy, Kindergarten Cop, brings to the screen the story of a detective that goes undercover to find a key witness and track down a dangerous criminal. What complicates things is that it's Arnold Schwarzenegger and he goes undercover as a kindergarten teacher...
The film combines comedy with action and adventure though it is primarily a comedy and a great one at that!
Arnold Schwarzenegger, (!) and the rest of the cast, have truly outdone themselves with their performances, which are outstanding to say the least! All the actors, without exceptions, give it their 100% and it really shows (the chemistry is AMAZING)! Very well written and very well presented, it allows for a highly entertaining movie that can be watched over and over again!
The setting, the plot, the dialogues, the humor, and the music are all wonderful!
In short, Kindergarten Cop is a movie definitely worth watching and one to seriously consider adding to your movie collection (if you haven't done so already)!

1990- ARNOLD'S BEST YEAR!.......2006-02-16

Following the balls to the wall, surrealist revolution in Total Recall, Arnold was all out of surprises... Untill he became a cop deep undercover in kindergarten that is!
Brilliant!
I haven't laughed so hard since 'Over the Edge'. If I was to rate the Governer's films in order of importance this would definitely be right behind Total Recall and right before Predator. It would be way ahead of the last half of The running man as that films only enjoyment is pondering the distopian future of california.

Average customer rating:

Feel the music...
Shine
Great tale of genius
Fiction, not a biopic--defamation of people still alive
A Terrific Movie w/ Great Performances

Shine
Starring: Geoffrey Rush , Justin Braine , Sonia Todd , Chris Haywood , and Alex Rafalowicz
Director: Scott Hicks
Manufacturer: New Line Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Pianist

ASIN: 0780619587
Release Date: 1997-07-16

Amazon.com essential video

This tearjerker by Australian filmmaker Scott Hicks is a surprising story about real-life classical pianist David Helfgott, an Australian who rose to international prominence at a very young age in the 1950s and '60s, and suffered a psychological collapse after enduring years of abuse from his father (Armin Mueller-Stahl). Hicks has three very fine actors portraying Helfgott at different stages of his life, including the adorably wry and goofy Noah Taylor (Flirting), who takes up the character's teen years, and Oscar winner Geoffrey Rush, giving a great performance playing the musician as a schizophrenic adult. Despite the Helfgotts' compromised psychological health, Shine is hardly a depressing experience. If anything, the story is really about how long one person's life can take to make glorious sense of itself. Sir John Gielgud, in golden form, plays Helfgott's teacher. The DVD release presents the film in its widescreen format, and also includes a Q&A with director Hicks and Rush's Golden Globes acceptance speech. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Feel the music..........2007-06-07

Outstanding movie, performances and music! Compelling, inspirational and so moving. 5 stars!

Shine.......2007-05-28

I bought "Shine" and found that the sound was inaudibly small with maximum volume control. So I complained and got a new copy which turned out to be the same.

For this dvd of a story of a mentally unstable genius pianist the sound is the most crucial but it failed.

I advise you that you should have checked the quality of sound before you put on this item for sale.

Great tale of genius.......2007-05-20

Emotional story of a imperious father' devastting effect on a sensitive musical genius.

Fiction, not a biopic--defamation of people still alive.......2007-04-16

My father and I loved the movie "Shine"; it should never have been advertised or presented as a true story of an actual person or his family. After reading David's sister, Margaret's, book on their family and David's mental illness, I will never be able to view "Shine" in the same way. I believe Hollywood should have ethical boundaries in terms of what they portray as true or as a biography when the fictionalized account defames living people and misrepresents actual people and severe mental illness. I recommend people read the book Out of Tune to correct misconceptions about real people portrayed in this film. The cast for this film was first-rate and it would have been a boxoffice hit without stating that it was true or an actual biopic; without it tied to actual people in this distorted way I would have rated the movie 5 stars. Bravo to all the people attempting to set the record straight!

A Terrific Movie w/ Great Performances.......2007-03-24

"Shine" is a biopic about someone that few people have heard of; a man named David Helfgott. Geoffrey Rush, who plays Helfgott, won an Oscar for Best Actor (even though he's playing the lead role, the performance is more of a Supporting once; Since Noah Taylor plays Helfgott for a longer period of time) and he deserved it. Before watching this film I knew nothing about David Helfgott and even writing this, I know only what I've seen in the film. But David Helfgott is an Australian piano prodigy whose father teaches him how to play the piano, before turning him over to a music teacher named Isaac Stern (Randall Berger). As David becomes more and more well known and begins receiving offers to attend prestigious schools for musically gifted people, his father becomes determined to keep David with the family. Finally, after disobeying his father and attending a school in London, David has a crippling nervous breakdown on the verge of international fame. Rush is the first person we see in the film, but he only sticks around for a few moments and the rest of the film (up until the 69-minute mark) is a flashback. Lynn Redgrave plays Gillian, the woman who ended up marrying David. "Shine" is a risky piece of moviemaking that took ten years to get off the ground. It's about a person that few people have heard of and it stars Geoffrey Rush, who thanked "everyone who agreed to fund this film as long as I wasn't in it..." in his Golden Globe acceptance speech. It's got a plot that could be typical Movie-of-the-Week material, but director/writer Scott Hicks instead turns it into a very inspirational and uplifting film with one of the most realistic protagonists I've ever seen in a biopic. While few people today see the movie, I hope that it gets more attention then it has gotten because it is truly a terrific film that deserves to be seen by a great many people. Rush is absolutely fantastic, as is Noah Taylor who plays the younger Helfgott.

GRADE: A-

Average customer rating:

Kissin' Cousins
Starring: Elvis Presley , Arthur O'Connell , Glenda Farrell , Jack Albertson , and Pamela Austin
Director: Gene Nelson
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Girl Happy
Live a Little, Love a Little
Tickle Me
Stay Away, Joe
Charro

ASIN: B000QXDEF4
Release Date: 2007-08-07

Description

Man tries to convince his hillbilly cousin to allow a missile site to be build on his land.

Average customer rating:

It's all getting a bit boring now . . .
Much creepier and more atmospheric than The Grudge
Some people are so harsh...
It was okay, but hey i want more of those scares thant make you say beep!
Just awful

The Grudge 2 (Unrated Director's Cut)
Starring: Sarah Michelle Gellar , Amber Tamblyn , Edison Chen , Arielle Kebbel , and Jennifer Beals
Director: Takashi Shimizu
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000LRZHQY
Release Date: 2007-02-06

Amazon.com

The Grudge 2 is a spooky installment in Takashi Shimizu's hardworking Ju-on/Grudge series of horror pictures. It doesn't carry the disorienting thrill of the very first Japanese Ju-on features, but it's a lot creepier than anybody could have expected. The story picks up from the end of the first Hollywood version of The Grudge, and has nothing to do with Ju-on 2, Shimizu's Japanese sequel. Sarah Michelle Gellar returns (a distinctly supporting role) as an American woman traumatized by her experiences with a haunted house in Tokyo; younger sister Amber Tamblyn flies over to help out. This particular storyline doesn't have much meat on it; the murder house is still there, and people who go inside have a disconcerting habit of dropping dead. Fortunately, two other plots thread into the basic one: a group of American schoolgirls in Tokyo become intrigued by the legend of the house, and some Chicago apartment dwellers are unsettled by domestic anxiety and the weird sounds coming from next door. (This storyline, featuring Jennifer Beals, gives the film its extremely satisfying opening sequence.) As usual with these movies, sequences come to us in non-chronological order, and it's up to us to piece it together. You can guess where the film is going, but the slow trajectory toward its final sequences is surprisingly involving. The movie was widely panned upon its release, which says more about the presumption of the law of diminishing sequel returns than the film itself--it's a decent little horror flick. --Robert Horton

Stills from The Grudge 2 (click for larger image)

More The Grudge 2 at Amazon.com

The Original Grudge
More Horror on Amazon.com
Japanese Horror on Amazon.com

Product Description

Acclaimed producers Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert and Taka Ichise have re-teamed with director Takashi Shimizu and screenwriter Stephen Susco to present this heart-stopping sequel to the smash-hit thriller, The Grudge. When Aubrey Davis learns her sister Karen (Sarah Michelle Geller) has been hospitalized, she immediately flies to Tokyo. Once there, she learns her sister's horrifying story and discovers that the fatal supernatural curse has been unleashed. Now, as the grudge spreads across the world, a new host of unsuspecting victims are about to become infected by the force that can't be stopped -- and won't be killed.

Customer Reviews:

It's all getting a bit boring now . . ........2007-06-22

I'll say one thing, the previews make this film appear to be more interesting than it really is. Could this film have anything to do with the same director of the first? From watching this, I can't say this is the case. Why have these Asian horror films now become so derivative? You'd think we're watching a typical American horror film. I can't say anything much other than except for the intruiging ghost of Kayako (she really steals the show doesn't she?), this film isn't that great.

Much creepier and more atmospheric than The Grudge.......2007-06-11

Unlike The Grudge, which I found to be a total dud of a horror movie, The Grudge 2 actually has its creepier moments. In my opinion, this sequel is vastly superior to the original, so I'm a little perplexed as to why it has gotten such bad reviews. Like the original, it tells its story in a nonsequential manner. That's not as big a problem this time around, as you know to expect it, but I was a little frustrated by the fact that one big story arc seemed to have nothing whatsoever to do with the rest of the movie until the very end. Of course, what matters here, even more than the story, is the scare factor, and The Grudge 2 greatly ratchets up the creepiness and atmosphere to satisfying levels, and it does so from the very start.

The story picks up immediately after the events chronicled in The Grudge, as Aubrey Davis (Amber Tamblyn of Joan of Arcadia fame) is dispatched to Japan to bring her sister Karen (Sarah Michelle Gellar) home. Gellar turns in a memorable cameo appearance, but the Grudge mantle is quickly placed solely around the neck of Tamblyn as she tries to figure out what happened to her sister. With no one but an interested journalist (Edison Chen) to help her, she eventually succeeds in learning much more than is healthy about "the house" and the curse associated with it. At the same "time" (remember, this is "Grudge time"), you have three young girls who make the mistake of visiting the ghost house; it's basically a prank by two cool girls to scare new girl Allison (Arielle Kebbel) - scare her they do, but let's just say this prank really, really backfires. It makes for a great, really creepy opening to the film and supplies some great moments the rest of the way. Then you have yet another story arc playing out that has the creepy little Japanese boy doing double duty in a Chicago apartment building. Following the arrival of a mystery guest next door, things take a very bad turn for the family of a little boy who is just far too curious for his own good. I didn't really care for this storyline, as it just seemed to interrupt all the good creepy stuff going on in Japan, the changes in family behavior happen far too drastically, and, most importantly, it's hard to put this aspect of the plot into context until the very end.

When I reviewed The Grudge, I said it would only be scary if you think hair and kids wearing mascara are scary. The Grudge 2 isn't what I would call scary, either, but it does deliver a number of really creepy moments. Gellar makes a most memorable exit from the story, Allison's experience in the "closet" may have you gripping the arms of your chair, and Aubrey makes for a most sympathetic character. Tamblyn doesn't have the screen presence of a Sarah Michelle Gellar, but the all-too-brief appearance of Jenna Dewan (the hottest woman on planet Earth) is enough to make you forget Gellar altogether. If you weren't impressed with the first film, you should definitely give this sequel a try.

Some people are so harsh..........2007-05-30

[This review is of the "Unrated Director's Cut"]

Look, Shimizu wasn't trying to make "The Godfather" here. He was making an Americanized sequel to its Americanized predecessor. And considering he was working with a pretty shallow script he did a damn good job.

The Grudge movies (Japanese and American alike) are about atmosphere, creating an eerie motif. Shimizu does this splendidly. The out-of-sequence plot certainly helped to distract from its lack of depth. Some of the acting was adequate while other performances fell flat but, hey, it's a horror movie for crying out loud.

Where this movie shines is in its overall creepiness. While a few of the kill scenes were tension-less, most were not. That damn ghost, Kayako (?), was scary as hell and there was a lot of originality in the execution of her scenes. The camerawork was of Oscar caliber which elevates what should be a "C"(ish) movie to a strong "B".

Very few movies make me "jump" these days and the Grudge 2 did it several times to me. Not to mention there were a few scenes that deeply disturbed me (i.e. when that girl threw up the milk and then DRANK IT!).

If you're a fan of any of the other Grudge movies then certainly check this out. If you didn't like the first one (I was not a fan of the first American one until I saw the unrated cut which added just the right amount of gore for this sort of movie), then this one probably won't win you over. But if you dig ghost movies or supernatural thrillers then be sure to at least rent this one.

It was okay, but hey i want more of those scares thant make you say beep!.......2007-04-30

This movie is a below average horror flick,but with such an ugly cover you'd think you'd be leaving the light on on the night you watched it but yeah you'll be saving electricity.Okay, tnis movie needs more of the scare factor and not the lousy acting factor.See,this is what happens when you interrupt with us asians,HOLLYWOOD!I AM AN AVID HORROR FAN,AND HOPE THEY DO BETTER IN the next flim.meanwhile,why not try shimizu's newest flim about a flying lady in a red coat?

Just awful.......2007-04-29

There is not a single redeeming quality in this whole movie. The acting is wooden, the storyline from the original (which also wasn't that good, but looks like "Apocalypse Now" compared to this atrocity) is mutilated for the purposes of throwing the handicapped blue chick at everyone, everywhere, for no purpose other than for us to see just how contorted and blue she is. Oh, and another blue little kid sits in a closet and meows like a kitten when the door opens--boo!

On the other hand, you have to respect the kind of guts that go into making a movie like this. Takashi Shimizu knew this was a horrible movie when the script was written, when he was filming it, and was released. And he knew people would rent, buy and watch it anyway. The money made to fund the filming of this movie could have gone to feed hungry children in Japan. Or to make a really big piggy bank in the form of the Buddha. Anything would have been more constructive than this movie.

As for the blue chick, maybe we'll hear about a lawsuit launched one day by her and other disabled people against Shimizu for taking advantage of the handicapped: her and the audiences who claimed to enjoy this. Stay far, far away.

Knots Landing - The Complete First Season

Average customer rating:

Where is season 2?
More Knots
We Need Our Knots
Waiting for Knots Landing: Season 2
Wonderful old memories!

Knots Landing - The Complete First Season
Starring: Kevin Dobson , William Devane , Constance McCashin , Julie Harris , and Nicollette Sheridan
Director: Linda Day , Alexander Singer , and Roger Young
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000CS45AG
Release Date: 2006-03-28

Product Description

The second longest running drama in TV history and cultural phenomenon that defined nighttime drama is finally coming to DVD! Dubbed "The Original Desperate Housewives" (William Heck, USAToday), Knots Landing depicts the lives and loves of five suburban families, who live in this always interesting upper-middle class southern California cul-de-sac.

System Requirements:
Running Time: 694 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

Knots Landing was a Dallas spinoff that spent its first season in marked contrast to the latter series' tales of power-grabbing, greed, corruption, conspiracies, and fraternal rivalries. Where Dallas concerned travails of an ultra-rich and influential Texas family, and its many enemies0--all great fantasy stuff--Knots Landing initially evolved as a drama set among Southern California's suburban middle class. Built around the character Gary Ewing (Ted Shackelford), a recovering alcoholic and brother of Dallas' scheming J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman), Knots Landing is set on a cul-de-sac in a seemingly peaceful neighborhood of modest houses. Gary, one might recall from several episodes of Dallas, is the black sheep of the Ewing clan. His marriage to the mousy Val (Joan Van Ark) was sabotaged by J.R., and their troubled teenage daughter came to live with J.R. and his parents on their expansive ranch.

Knots Landing begins with Gary and Val making a fresh start on the West Coast. If their second try at marriage works, they reckon, their daughter can come live with them in a stable environment. Gary, who wants nothing to do with the Ewing oil business, takes a job selling classic cars for his new neighbor, Sid Fairgate (Don Murray). But he reluctantly becomes embroiled, along with Val, in several local issues, the most complicated being J.R.'s plans to drill for oil just off the shore of Gary's adopted community. (Hagman, as a guest star, brings a lot of fun to that episode with his affable villainy.) It doesn't take long, however, for other major characters in Knots Landing to emerge as fascinating people in their own right, with no relationship to Ewing history except friendship with Gary and Val. In fact, Sid and his wife Karen (Michele Lee) are, arguably, the strongest characters in the first season, a couple with such strong underpinnings that their arguments inevitably result in a tighter union. Lee's performance, overall, is the best on the show, and several episodes (that look nothing like a primetime soap opera) are clearly written to spotlight her talent.

Gary's other neighbors include self-centered attorney Richard Avery (John Pleshette) and his beleaguered spouse, Laura (Constance McCashin); plus the youthful if little-seen Kenny (James Houghton) and Ginger (Kim Lankford) Ward. The stories in Knots Landing: The Complete First Season generally concern ordinary and familiar things: fear of crime, unexpected pregnancies, raising kids, dating, education, marital discord. Sure, many of the same conflicts occur on Dallas, but the fun in watching that show is recognizing that the super-wealthy and powerful struggle with the same problems the rest of us do. In Knots Landing, conflicts are more earthbound. That won't always be the case on this show: over subsequent seasons and with the addition of more characters and the loss of others, the drama will tilt in another direction. The Complete First Season establishes a solid foundation, however, and there's a lot of merit to it. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Where is season 2?.......2007-07-04

Hey, come on you makers of dvds! Where is season two? If you start something you have to finish it in good time. You took our money for season one, you owe us the rest. If it's the money you're worried about, everybody knows that the first season of any show is usually not the best season, just keep 'em coming, we'll buy. Please?

More Knots.......2007-07-01

Knots Landing was one of my favorite shows growing up. It literally surrounded my life. The studio where it was filmed is close by. I had a friend who lived next to the cul-de-sac. Scenes were filmed in my neighborhood. I've met a few people from the show in passing. You can't get additional seasons on DVD and apparently there are no plans for season 2 right now. It's not on cable... I have some of the episodes on tape, but they're aging... The show lasted 14 years and I fail to see why it doesn't warrant producing more seasons on DVD. It was a fun series. Too bad the studio which owns the rights doesn't think so...

We Need Our Knots.......2007-07-01

This introduction to the people and plots of Knots Landing is terrific! I was hooked on this series from the first episode but when Donna Mills and William Devane joined the series in later seasons the storylines really took off. This was the best of the nighttime soaps -- best writing, best plots.
Now it's time for Warner Bros. to release all of the subsequent seasons. I'm ready to buy all of them and if other fans want the next set of DVDs, write to Warner Bros.' marketing department and demand that they release the series or sell the rights to someone else who will release the DVDs.

Waiting for Knots Landing: Season 2.......2007-06-24

As a fan of the show, I'm waiting for season 2 of Knots Landing, but have read reports online that Warner Bros. is not pursuing release of the subsequent seasons due to lower than expected sales of the first season. I've written to Warner Bros asking them to reconsider. The show didn't start to really take off until season 2 when Donna Mills came on. I'm sure I'm not the only one waiting for the rest of the series and will certainly purchase it just as I have with the DVD release of DALLAS. Petition Warner Bros to release the rest of Knots Landing on DVD!!!

Wonderful old memories!.......2007-06-20

I grew up in Mauritius watching Knots dubbed in French back in the 80s and early 90s before moving to Britain where I saw the last season of it in English in 1994. I have to say that I am pretty content with this DVD set, as almost bit of it is a joy to watch. Unfortunately, no announcements about forthcoming releases of subsequent seasons have been made. I cannot understand why this is so - a soap as popular as Knots Landing was (and is) should naturally follow in the footsteps of the other biggies of its time (Dallas etc). In the meantime, I'll hang on to my first season buy, and shall keep my fingers crossed in anticipation of the second and other ones.

Kino's Journey - The Complete Collection

Average customer rating:

Overall, pretty decent series
An instant classic . . .
an odd journey.
Simply Beautiful
This anime is not for everybody

Kino's Journey - The Complete Collection
Starring: Jay Hickman , Christine M. Auten , Paul Locklear , Jim McClellan , and James Reed Faulkner
Director: Ryutaro Nakamura
Manufacturer: Adv Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000AP31I8
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Description

Destination is a state of mind. Travelers not only find themselves in a variety of locations and geographic phenomena, but they also bare witness to the whims of culture and the skewed effects of subtle circumstance. Kino is such a traveler. Sitting astride Hermes, the ultimate internal combustion companion, Kino searches for life's answers, life's questions, and the myriad of interpretations connected to them. A wielder of cutlery, firepower and a piercing tongue, Kino is ready to embark on a journey unlike any other!

Customer Reviews:

Overall, pretty decent series.......2007-05-28

While I wouldn't consider this to be my favorite anime series, I did enjoy watching it and found a lot of the storylines to be amusing and intriguing. There really isn't a main story here; basically, Kino rides around to different countries on her talking motorcycle, Hermes. Some people felt that in the english dub Hermes sounded like a pedophile, though I thought he sounded more like a chain smoker, but that's beside the point. I watched some episodes in Japanese with English subtitles, and other episodes with the English dub, and I could go either way as this series has probably one of the better English anime dubs. I watched the series in order, but you really don't have to, as the episodes can be watched in whatever order you wish to watch them in, for the most part (except for 6 and 7, as those are a 2-part episode). In that way, it is a lot like an American TV show, as it really does make very little difference what order you watch the episodes in.

Overall, while some episodes are better than others, I enjoyed the series and there were some very interesting countries that Kino explores with some very amusing, interesting, and bizarre customs. In this way the series does an excellent job in making the point that while in one society, certain actions might be considered strange, taboo, or reprehensible, in another culture they could be perfectly acceptable, or even the status quo. Most of the storylines also contain a twist at the end, which could be similar to a Twilight Zone twist. Many of these twists are easy to see coming, while others are unexpected, but they're not illogical and in no way nullify what went on in the story.

The DVD I got is the slimpack edition, which is nice because the series is only on three discs, and it doesn't take up much space at all. This edition has absolutely no special features whatsover other than some previews on the first disc, which isn't a huge deal to me as I buy DVDs for the movie primarily and special features are a secondary concern, though some people might have a problem with that. It doesn't have one of ADV's best transfers, as I started noticing horizontal lines along the picture on the second and third disc, though the sound quality is okay.

Overall, for the price tag, it would probably be worth it for you to check out if you're interested. As with any other episodic series (whether anime or otherwise), some of the episodes are going to be better than others, and in this series some of the episodes do seem to run a bit longer than they probably should have, given the kinds of stories it's telling, but it's still worth viewing.

An instant classic . . ........2007-05-05

If only there were more! This has to be one of the best animes I've come across. Each story in the 13 episodes can stand alone, but they all lead up to the climax of who Kino really is and what all the travels have meant. Each episode takes place in a new location with new characters and a 'moral' to each story. The art is breathtaking and never gets boring. The character building is fantastic and this is one of those that could have been 70 episodes or more. There's so much potential here. This is honestly one of the most touching and original animes I've seen and I recommend this very highly.
Buy this, you won't be sorry - it's just over way too soon!

an odd journey. .......2007-04-25

Kinos journey is an odd film about a young traveler who goes from country to country, spending never more than three days in each, and has many adventures along the way. With her is her talking motorcycle Hermees who is kind of witty and really funny at times. Although some parts of this fairy tale can be quite gruesome and disturbing, most of it is lighthearted and surprisingly funny. I was expecting something along the lines of "Now and Then, Here and There" but instead got something more like "Porco Rossa" and a tiny bit of "grave of the fireflies."

THE GOOD - first is the main characters. Kino and Hermees are great together and their dialog with each other sounds just eth way two long time friends would talk. Unfortunately there isn't much in the way of secondary characters. every once in a while Kino will stop somewhere and get involved in peoples lives and sometimes even get attached, but for the most part you meet one person and then never see them again. The only secondary character you can possibly feel for is Lilly in the last episode and that's just because she reminds you of Kino in a way. the rest are just there to move Kino's story forward, which isn't bad par say but can get annoying at times.
The movie is full of somber moments from the opening episodes when Kino tries to help out a few starving men to when we finally get to see her past, but it is also full of hummer. I busted out laughing at parts that weren't necessarily meant to be funny. for example there is a part in the movie when one country thinks the world is going to end and one person tells Kino "you know your stay here will coincide with the end of the world, are you okay with that?" to which Hermees replies "I can not believe she just asked us that." the entire episode is really, REALLY funny and can not be missed. I don't' think that it was going for hummer, maybe it was going for a commentary on religion, but hummer is what I got out of it.
Also latter there is a part where Kino helps a young woman in a town build her flying machine. The girl goes "o thank you Kino, thank you thank you thank you" and than knock Kino to the floor with a big hug. The camera stays still so we can't se them, and Hermees says "now this is where it gets interesting." maybe you have to see that part to get it, but once you do you'll see what I mean, its soooooo funny.
Some of the countries are very interesting from the one that maintains its peace by playing terrible war games with its enemies, to the one that has gladiator type battles for the amusement of its king. These are very depressing countries and Kino even gets involved in one, but as I said she never stays for more than three days. But there are some really funny countries too. The one where people hop around like cats comes to mind.
and i have to say that the English dub is top notch. Very few dubs can match this one in quality, almost every character, main and secondary, are perfectly done. Kudos.

THE BAD - as a said before there aren't really a lot of secondary characters that you can like. They are mostly just a bunch of random people that you will never see again in the series. You don't learn many of their names and wouldn't remember what they were afterwards. The exception is Lilly in the last episode, but she is only in one episode too. Also the more somber moments in the film could have benefited from a stronger soundtrack. Maybe I'm just spoiled because I've been watching Myazaki movies too much but loud classical music during a slaughter of hundreds of woman and children didn't get me into a very sad mood. The very ending is very sad, but could have been much better.

BOTTOM LINE - kinos journey is a very good film that deserves to be watched by any anime fan. If you are an amime fan there is really no excuse for you not to watch this movie, it isn't that expensive after all. And even if you aren't an anime fan I think you would like this film. There is a little bit of everything in this movie and whatever you like you'll find some of it. At times it can be funny, others bizarre and surreal, and at other times it can be almost heartbreaking. There is action, adventure, not much romance but there is a little, hope, despair, you name it and it's got it. If you like adventure stories you'll like this movie, flaws and all.

Simply Beautiful.......2007-04-05

Kino's Journey is simply a work of art. It's almost hard to find words for it. The series is just like it sounds Kino is on a journey what you see is what you get. I couldn't take my eyes off it! The voice acting is wonderful (I'm a dub watcher more then anything). And I truly loved each story with my emotions going up and down. This is one of the best animes out there! So glad I found this one! ^_^

This anime is not for everybody.......2007-03-20

If your the type looking for fan service, guns blazing every single episode, a main character who doesn't know if he wants to be serious or silly, then dont even bother son. The main character can be very compassionate, yet cold blooded. This is the kind of thinking persons anime I was able to enjoy, then watch it again. The name of the anime fits the plot perfectly. The main character Kino(who is packin' two pistols, oh yeah she actually uses them to kill too) travels with her talking motorcycle named Hermes(yeah I thought it was corny at first also)to many countries meeting people of many unique and completely crazy cultures. Some of these peoples customs almost costs Kino her life. The animation is nice. The soundtrack is very good. But its the voice acting(gotta love hermes), dialogue, and the concept I appreciate so much. There is a good dose of action but just as every reviewer states its the stories thats griping. Which move from exciting to disturbing.

What I love about this anime is, I can relate to it. I spent a few years traveling and meeting people of many cultures, so it had that nostalgic feeling for me. Like I said this anime is not for everybody. If your an extreme action buff and start to dose off because your not seeing enough murder, then this might not be for you. If your looking for an anime with a very deep story, then this is for you. The dvd collection is 3 disk in thinpack cases with 13 episodes and a few trailers.

DVD:

DVD List

DVD

DVD

Kurt & Courtney

King of the Cage: Road Warriors

Slipper And The Rose, The / Legends Of The Fall / First Knig

DVD: James Spawn

Hero Of The Time