The Specials

Starring:Jamie Kennedy, Rob Lowe, James Gunn
Studio: Anchor Bay
Product Type: DVD

The Vicar of Dibley - 10th Anniversary Specials

Average customer rating:

Adult humor and very funny
Dawn French and the Rest are Brilliant
The Vicar of Dibly - 10th Anniversary Specials
The Vicar of Dibley - 10th Anniversary Specials
British comedy at it's best!

The Vicar of Dibley - 10th Anniversary Specials
Starring: Vicar of Dibley
Manufacturer: BBC Warner
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

( V ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

The Vicar of Dibley - The Divine Collection
Chef! - The Complete Collection (Series 1-3)
As Time Goes By - Complete Series 8 & 9
As Time Goes By - Reunion Special
Waiting for God - Season 1

ASIN: B0009UZG78
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Amazon.com

The Vicar of Dibley fans rejoice! These two hour-long 10th Anniversary episodes rank with the very best. Even though the last full series was 4 years earlier, the cast hasn't lost their fantastic rapport--particularly the delightful chemistry between feisty Vicar Geraldine Granger (Dawn French, French & Saunders) and her sweet-tempered but dimwitted verger, Alice (Emma Chambers, Notting Hill); these two bounce off of each other like a classic comedy duo. The first episode is Christmas-themed and features a contest to write a new Christmas carol and an implausible (yet very funny) visit from amazonian supermodel Rachel Hunter, which leads everyone to believe that Gerry is gay. The other is supposedly a New Year's episode, but it's really about Gerry's impending birthday, speed-dating, and writing a letter to the Prime Minister about world poverty (culminating in a serious and surprisingly moving plea aimed at the 2005 G8 Summit meeting). As ever, French is the barely-calm center of wildly spinning carousel of village eccentrics and the results are wonderfully funny. Co-written by Richard Curtis (4 Weddings and a Funeral, Bridget Jones' Diary, Love Actually). Also featuring a 14-minute mini-episode created for Comic Relief, also excellent. --Bret Fetzer

Description

The holidays are usually an eventful time for the eccentric residents of Dibley and their chocoholic female vicar, Geraldine. This year proves to be no exception. Alice gets "the wrong end of a very, very long stick" when she spots a supermodel in her undies in the vicarage. It isn't long before the entire village believes that Gerry is not only one of the first female vicars in England, but also one of the first lesbian vicars! In the New Years special, Gerry is determined to mark the 20th anniversary of Live Aid, but the villagers are determined to give her a birthday present she'll never forget - a blind date with one of them!

DVD Features:
Biographies:Cast bios
Other:2005 Comic Relief Sketch "Antiques Roadshow"
Outtakes:"Dibley Defrocked": A hilarious compilation of behind-the-scenes footage and outtakes

Customer Reviews:

Adult humor and very funny.......2007-05-13

This irreverent series has a cult following in England but the plots may be difficult for some Americans to follow due to the copious use of English-style 'double meanings'. For those who 'give it a go' I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Dawn French and the Rest are Brilliant.......2007-03-06

This is stomach-hurting laugh time with some of the best scripts and actors you will ever encounter. If you are tired of the awful "comedy" shows on American television, buy this entire set of this series.

Frank Scoblete: Author of Golden Touch Dice Control Revolution!

The Vicar of Dibly - 10th Anniversary Specials.......2007-02-17

Honestly, if you enjoy English humor (and who in their right mind doesn't?), The Vicar of Dibley is ... well, perfect. Dawn French is wonderful, the characters are moving and hilarious, and any "Vicar" is like your best comfort food with giggling and occasional guffaws thrown in. I can't watch it and stay in a bad mood. Hubby likes that! :o)

The Vicar of Dibley - 10th Anniversary Specials.......2007-02-15

If you love British Comedy this is for you! This is hilarious yet with some poignant moments too. Great to have the cast together again. Love it!

British comedy at it's best!.......2007-01-12

Have watched Dawn French in many different series through the years and it only gets better. This is the perfect compliment dvd to add to your collection, especialy if you own the box set of the series. I only wish I could find the Murder Most Horrid series from her as well. This dvd has several little extras that add that much more to it. The behind the scenes extra really lets you feel like you know the actors as well as the characters. I highly recommend this item.

Barbra Streisand - The Television Specials

Average customer rating:

THE BARBRA we fell in love with!!!
I have no idea..........
Comprehensive Babs tv retrospective
My Father is Pleased
Barbra Streisand - The Television Specials

Barbra Streisand - The Television Specials
Starring: Barbra Streisand , Ray Charles , Martin Erlichman , John William Sublett , and Carol Swanberg
Director: Dwight Hemion , Roland Vance , Joe Layton , and Walter C. Miller
Manufacturer: Rhino Records
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Guilty Pleasures
Liza with a "Z" - A Concert for Television (Collector's Edition)
Barbra Streisand - The Concert (Live at the MGM Grand)(Keep Case)
Sings the Peggy Lee Songbook
A Star Is Born

ASIN: B000B9PW7G
Release Date: 2005-11-22

Amazon.com

A feast for Barbra Streisand fans, The Television Specials collects five one-hour programs she recorded between 1965 and 1973 when she was known simply as a recording artist and Broadway star rather than a film director, reclusive performer, and political activist. The first is My Name Is Barbra (April 14, 1965), shot shortly after she played in Funny Girl. Shot in black and white, it's a little different from the other variety shows of the day (e.g., The Judy Garland Show) in that there's no parade of guest stars or dancing girls. That's a good thing, as those are the numbers that get dated very quickly . Instead, we have all Barbra, even if she's more comfortable singing than doing comedy monologues. The show winds its way through an Alice in Wonderland sequence which ends in a plain but magnificent rendition of "People," then has Streisand in a store's fur department. Last is a simple concert setting that includes a Funny Girl medley with "Don't Rain on My Parade" and "The Music that Makes Me Dance." The closing concert segment would become a staple, and the peak, of all her shows.

Color Me Barbra followed on March 30, 1966 and is, naturally, filmed in color. The first sequence was shot at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, with Streisand wandering among the masterworks and antiquities, even singing "Where or When" dressed as Nefertiti. Next she's among a circus of animals, singing "Try to remember" to the elephant or poking fun at herself by telling the anteater "We have so much in common." Again, the final act is her just singing at a mike, with "Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home" and "It Had to Be You." Making its home-video debut, The Belle of 14th Street (October 11, 1967) is something of an oddity. It's styled like a vaudeville show, with period costumes (including the audience) and old-time numbers. Jason Robards (singing and dancing!), John Bubbles, and others guest-star. Streisand plays a modest stripper for "Alice Blue Gown," plays an operatic diva for "Liebestraum," then does double duty as a boy (pre-Yentl) in the audience invited to sing a duet of "Mother Macree" with the on-stage Streisand. The last segment is Streisand singing (accompanied on stage by David Shire before he wrote shows on Broadway with Richard Maltby) such songs as "My Melancholy Baby," "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows," and a medley that includes "My Buddy" and "How About Me?"

The highlight of the collection, A Happening in Central Park (September 15, 1968) is refreshingly free of gimmicks and concepts. It's just Streisand with an orchestra in front of a live New York audience. "The Nearness of You," "Cry Me a River," "I Can See It," "Second Hand Rose" (the audience enjoys singing along)," "People," and "Happy Days Are Here Again." Barbra Streisand... and Other Musical Instruments (November 2, 1973) returns to the concept-show format. Streisand takes her place among the symphony orchestra members sporting her own instrument: her voice. One medley groups a number of favorite songs but in "international" settings, such as "People" accompanied by sitar and "Don't Rain on My Parade" by bagpipe band, and Streisand changes costumes to match. Ray Charles is on hand for four songs in the second set, then Streisand returns to the orchestra to sing such songs as "On a Clear Day" and "The Sweetest Sounds."

Picture quality is good, and sound is presented in original mono, 2.0 stereo, and 5.1 surround. The only bonus features are three introductions Streisand filmed for the 1987 home-video releases, but the set is beautifully packaged with a detailed booklet of liner notes, photos, and song lists. The five 50+-minute programs are ungenerously spread over five discs, however. --David Horiuchi

Description

The five spectacular DVDs contained in this boxed set speak volumes about vision and integrity, fearless instinct, and a passion for discovery. If you think you remember these specials from watching them when they first aired, you'll be astonished how time has only enhanced their vitality. The five DVDs are: My Name is Barbra, Color Me Barbra, and Belle of 14th Street, Barbra Streisand: Happening in Central Park, and Barbra Streisand...And Other Musical Instruments.

Customer Reviews:

THE BARBRA we fell in love with!!!.......2007-05-03

A Must have for all Barbra fans. To hear her singing in those early years just brings me to tears. What a collection - There is no one and never will be anyone like Barbra Streisand - and now I can hear and see her when ever I want. Thanks Amazon.

I have no idea.................2007-04-29

I bought this for my boyfriend for Christmas 2005. By Christmas 2006 he still had not even taken off the plastic from the box. He told me he LOVED Barbara. I'm sure it's wonderful. I'll never know.

Comprehensive Babs tv retrospective.......2007-04-04

All 5 of her CBS television specials spanning from 1965 to 1973 are in this lushly packaged dvd set that includes a very satisfying 58 page booklet with great photographs and interesting text about each one of the 5 shows. Barbra provides commentary on the DVDs, and they look and sound fantastic. I can't imagine this DVD being any better than it is, nothing to find fault with, and plenty to revisit any time you're in the mood. I especially appreciate the book and the art(istic) deco packaging.
Ever open a new DVD you've been looking forward to, and find there's no booklet, or not even an insert? Like a slap in the face. This collection should be used as a blue-print for HOW to release dvds. Props to Rhino Entertainment Co. and to Barbra herself for the attention to detail and loving care put into making this release stand out, no corners were cut, you get full value and then some for the price.
I just wish she'd made tv specials after 1973, as 1974 to 1982 was my favorite 'period' in Babs' musical career.
But for a time capsule back to Barbra in the 1960s (with one special from 1973 added) this collection absolutely cannot be beat! Essential!

My Father is Pleased.......2007-01-20

My father had recently seen Streisand in concert so this was a perfect match for him.

Barbra Streisand - The Television Specials.......2007-01-19

THIS IS THE BARBRA THE WORLD FELL HEAD OVER HEELS FOR!

The Dame Edna Experience - The Complete Collection (Series 1/2 & Specials)

Average customer rating:

I haven't received the item yet
Even better than I remembered it
Jane, you've been successfully married three times...
Isn't she GORGEOUS?!
CONSUMATE ACTOR AND OR ACTRESS

The Dame Edna Experience - The Complete Collection (Series 1/2 & Specials)
Director: Ian Hamilton (II) , and Alasdair Macmillan
Manufacturer: BBC Warner
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

( D ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Comedy | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

Television | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

The Dame Edna Experience - The Christmas Specials
The Best of So Graham Norton
Another Gay Movie
Absolutely Fabulous - Complete Series 1-3
The Vicar of Dibley - 10th Anniversary Specials

ASIN: B0002J4ZZA
Release Date: 2004-10-05

Description

Ten hours of outright hilarity make up this 5-disc Ednathon, The Dame Edna Experience: The Complete Collection. Every program from Dame Edna's hysterical and historical series plus over 4 hours of side-splitting extras make this collection a must-have for Edna's legion of die-hard fans!

Customer Reviews:

I haven't received the item yet.......2007-01-11

How is this possible? What should I do? Thanks

Even better than I remembered it.......2006-09-07

In an A&E interview Robin Williams was asked to name the funniest person alive, and without hesitation he responded: "Barry Humphries". That's a mighty substantial reference, and it's a safe bet that if you like one of these comedians, you'll like if not love the other as well. Both performers are at their absolute best in off-the-cuff, impromptu situations, and fortunately "The Dame Edna Experience" provides a near-perfect format for Humphries.

The heart and genius of these shows is the level of emotional honesty Dame Edna constantly presents us with. E.g. as Sean Connery is droning on about his poor childhood, just at the very moment we start to think, "what a bore this guy is", the camera cuts to Dame Edna -- and there's the exact same thought sitting clear as day on her face. It's absolutely hysterical and, as viewers, rewarding. In her own inimitable way, Dame Edna constantly reminds us of just how ridiculous celebrity really is.

Jane, you've been successfully married three times..........2006-07-28

What's is the secret to your marriages?

The Dame is hilarious! It's spooky!

-c

Isn't she GORGEOUS?!.......2005-12-21

I honestly confess there are many times in viewing the wonderment that is Dame Edna Everege when I must remind myself "That is really a MAN named Barry Humphries" (!).

But who could fail to embrace and adore Dame Edna? Her scathing wit, brilliant double entendres, and magnificent facial contortions are all signature of her placement among the "Super-Mega-Stars" and "Squillionairesses" of the world.

Her booming salutation "HELLO POSSUMS!" and her astonishing array of "party frocks" are but two signature themes to her "Experience". And any human who can both balance and ambulate in such fierce pumps is deserving of respect at the very least! Not to mention the dismally silent, perpetually suffering bridesmaid, Madge Alsop -- what a presence she manages to exude without making so much as a murmur! "Quick sticks, woman! The BADGE, Madge -- the BADGE!"

While some of the guests Dame Edna interviews are unknown to modern American viewers, this collection is still worth every moment -- our privilege is to partake of the Dame's "Niceness", to "care and to share", and to be amused no end by her antics.

CONSUMATE ACTOR AND OR ACTRESS.......2005-10-23

I have fully enjoyed viewing this compendium of Barry Humphries most estimable claim to fame and the actor#actress#thespian is to be commended for the accomplishments of his-her theatrical triumphs. Barry Humphries has written a heartfelt book about his life and success and failures and interpersonal crises and I commend Mr. Barry Humphries on his perseverance and brilliance.

Timothy Wingate OTTAWA CANADA

All Creatures Great & Small - The Specials

Average customer rating:

All Creatures Great & Small - The Specials
All Creatures Great & Small - The Specials
All Creatures Great & Small
James Herriott's specials
Purchased as a gift

All Creatures Great & Small - The Specials
Starring: Carol Drinkwater , Paul Lyon (II) , Judy Wilson , James Grout , and Alison Lewis
Director: Peter Grimwade
Manufacturer: BBC Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

All Creatures Great & Small - The Complete Series 4 Collection
All Creatures Great & Small - The Complete Series 5 Collection
All Creatures Great & Small - The Complete Series 3 Collection
All Creatures Great & Small Series 6
All Creatures Great & Small - The Complete Series 2 Collection

ASIN: B00009XN9D
Release Date: 2003-09-16

Description

1983 SPECIAL: James returns to Darrowby following his wartime service in the R.A.F. Though little has changed in the Dales in the intervening six years, James finds it difficult to adjust to the peacetime routine and to friends and family who seem like strangers.

1985 SPECIAL: Siegfried waxes lyrical about the accelerating rate of scientific progress as James proceeds to plod along with tried and trusted remedies. For how long can the practice and the surrounding countryside resist the oncoming tide of progress?

DVD Features:
Biographies
Featurette

Customer Reviews:

All Creatures Great & Small - The Specials.......2007-05-12

Love the series. The specials just add to the rest of them.

All Creatures Great & Small - The Specials.......2007-02-02

Unable to review wrong DVD format Zone sent to Australia unable to play. Who can I change

All Creatures Great & Small.......2007-01-10

I have read all of James Harriet's books and the actors truly personify the characters in the books. It was wonderful to see print come to life on the television. It was also nice to see the creativity of the author displayed as they did not deviate much from the original written form. It was really great.

James Herriott's specials.......2006-09-05

Highly recommended. Warm and interesting stories from All Creatures Great and Small. I just wish there were more of them on this DVD. The price is much more affordable than the DVD sets.

Purchased as a gift.......2006-02-28

Bought this for my father and he loves it. Apparently extremely humorous and poignant as well. Highly recommended.

The Vicar of Dibley - The Complete Series 2 & the Specials

Average customer rating:

already had
I miss Amma Geraldine. TEN stars
FUNNIER THAN ANY CURRENT SITCOM IN USA!!
divine Dawn French!

The Vicar of Dibley - The Complete Series 2 & the Specials
Starring: Vicar of Dibley
Manufacturer: BBC Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

( V ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

The Vicar of Dibley - The Complete Series 1
The Vicar of Dibley - The Complete Series 3
The Vicar of Dibley - 10th Anniversary Specials
The Vicar of Dibley - The Divine Collection
Gentlemen Prefer French & Saunders

ASIN: B0000ALPJM
Release Date: 2003-10-21

Amazon.com

It's hard to believe, but the second series of British sitcom The Vicar of Dibley is even more charming and delightful than the first. As the vicar of a small town in the English countryside, Gerry (the sharp yet adorable Dawn French, of the comedy duo French & Saunders) pretends to be the Easter Bunny, plays Cupid with her two utterly dimwitted friends Alice (Emma Chambers) and Hugo (James Fleet), fends off the advances of lonely and hygienically challenged shepherd Owen (Roger Lloyd Pack), achieves 15 minutes of celebrity fame, and more. It's not just French's engaging charisma and the sly writing (headed by Richard Curtis, screenwriter of Four Weddings and a Funeral) that make The Vicar of Dibley such a treat; it's the superb ensemble of character actors who bring this village of eccentrics to full, vibrant life, skewering their parochial obsessions without a hint of condescension. --Bret Fetzer

Description

The sleepy village of Dibley has a new vicar, but it's not your standard order bloke with beard, bible and bad breath - it's Dawn French, of the hilarious comedy duo French and Saunders. Armed with a sharp wit, a double dose of double entendre and healthy supply of chocolate, she brings the town's lovable - though rather eccentric - inhabitants a hysterical new outlook on life, love and the Church of England that will leave audiences in stitches!

Customer Reviews:

already had.......2007-02-22

I love the Vicar of Dubley....however I already had Series 2 and didn't realize it...so more then a week ago I I returned it and have not heard from you as of yet....could you please look into this matter...thank you Joan Custer

I miss Amma Geraldine. TEN stars.......2006-06-12

As a US Episco woman seeking Holy Orders, someone in one of the seemingly hundreds of TEDIOUS committees and meetings and impropriety this all too often involves, I was once asked who my FEMALE role models were. Among the list were folks like Dorothy Day, Kelly Brown Douglas, Carter Heyward, Chung Hyun Kyung. I added "Amma Geraldine" to the mix as my first role model and commented that I wish I had her guts and gift of humor. NO ONE on this committee thought there was anything redemptive in Mother Gerry as role model. I removed myself from the Process that day and moved out of the US to live in a community not unlike that of Dibley!! I'd love to see another round of the Vicar and all the Dibley folks in new episodes. There's notta lot I miss about the US but In the Life and the Vicar of Dibley on TV are two! (If my Process were a TV series, it would have to be on Law and Order for the abuse and boundary violation attempts. No one like that lives in Dibley, thank the Goddess!

oonagh Ryan-King

FUNNIER THAN ANY CURRENT SITCOM IN USA!!.......2005-09-02

I got hooked on 'The Vicar of Dibley' while living in Orlando this past year. It was on one of our PBS channels, and I had just finished watching 'Are You Being Served?' and 'Good Neighbors.' When I heard the theme music from my living room, I thought, "I'm changing that as soon as I can, I want a comedy" because the music seemed sort of melancholy in nature. Decided to leave it on when I heard laughter and thank God I did because it is HILARIOUS! When I moved back down to Ft. Myers, I was disapointed when I realized they don't have it down here so I quickly ordered this season, got my friends hooked on it, and now I am ordering the divine collection nad giving this DVD to a friend of mine. I am watching it now in fact! Since many funny sitcoms in the USA have ended (Seinfeld, Friends, Frasier, Cosby Show, etc.), and t.v. is filled with those garbage reality shows, it is great to HAVE this show in my DVD collection!!

divine Dawn French!.......2004-12-30

The second series of THE VICAR OF DIBLEY is even funnier than the first! Dawn French stars as the "bodacious babe" Reverend Geraldine Granger in Richard Curtis and Peter Mayhew-Archer's divine comedy.

"Engagement" - Alice and Hugo, who've been dancing around the dating issue for a while, suddenly get a push in the right direction thanks to match-making Gerry.

"Dibley Live" - The town is allowed a week's worth of radio broadcasts, in a bid to bring the community closer together. There's Gerry's Phone-In featuring only one call, Hugo's sexy pop singers show and Frank Pickle coming out of the closet!

"Celebrity Vicar" - Gerry gets caught up in the heady world of being a religious celebrity, and quickly lets fame affect her friendships in Dibley.

"Love and Marriage" - At last, Hugo and Alice's wedding day has dawned! Though Gerry quickly dissuades Alice's design for the wedding dress (featuring pictures of all the Doctor Who's in lovehearts, and Thomas the Tank Engine as the train).

Also featured on this disc are the 2 specials that were aired after the phenomenal success of Series 1:

"The Easter Bunney" - After the death of Mrs Cropley, Gerry promises to replace her as the village's Easter Bunney.

"The Christmas Lunch Incident" - Gerry discovers there's a downside to kindness as she accepts to eat Christmas lunch with three sets of people (Frank and Jim), (Hugo and his father), (Alice, her sister and mother). Things go quite well until Gerry agreees to a sprout-eating contest with David!

This disc is a great buy for all VICAR fans. Hilarious and quite touching as we continue our friendships with the delightful Dibley residents. Highly-recommended

Average customer rating:

"Not as good as regular superheroes...but better than you"
PLEASE MAKE IT END!!!
One of the best movies ever made! James Gunn is a writing GOD!
A great Indie Superhero Movie
Quality Super hero parody

The Specials
Starring: Jamie Kennedy , Rob Lowe , and James Gunn
Manufacturer: Anchor Bay
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Comedy | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Superguy: Behind the Cape
LolliLove
Mystery Men
Comic Book Villains
Comic Book - The Movie

ASIN: B0001ZX0HY
Release Date: 2005-02-22

Customer Reviews:

"Not as good as regular superheroes...but better than you".......2006-07-21

First of all, I didn't even know this movie existed, that's how low profile it was. I only managed to unearth it in a Blockbusters store, buried under some dvds on sale for $6. Having been a lifelong fan of superheroes, and finding the movie premise somewhat intriguing, I took a chance and bought it. And I'm glad I did.

First of all, this is not your average superhero comic book on cinema. If you pop this in your player, expecting a whiff of X-men type of action and carnage, you'll be hugely disappointed. This film more closely resembles Mystery Men in terms of its cynical, sad sack comedy and wicked digs at the superhero mythology. Mystery Men, if I recall, focused more on the personal foibles of the "heroes" than on actual superheroing. The Specials have even less action - in fact, it has NO action scenes. What it does, instead, is unfold a villain-free day-in-the-life of the Specials.

The plot, as such: The Specials are a bush-league, second-string superhero team, considered the 6th or 7th greatest superhero team around. The team comprises of 12 or 19 members (there is a superhero named 8 - one mind in 8 bodies) and is led by the preachy goody-goody Strobe (Thomas Haden Church). On the verge of getting their own line of Kosgro action figures, the supers fall prey to incessant bickering, which culminates in the break-up of the Specials. Now the disbanded members find themselves rudderless and must do some soul searching and decide on what they really want: go their own separate ways, or come to terms with each other and once more become Special.

This is a low budget film with a semi-indie feel. This flick is also a spoof. It has plenty of satiric elements. It's a "superhero" movie without many special effects (the few f/x we see are at the end, and, brother, do they suck!) But, it doesn't matter. The point never was about the gratuitous spectacular fight scenes, but, rather, the humanizing "behind-the-story" aspects of our masked vigilantes. This picture goes on to show that, underneath the trappings of the glossy superhero veneer, these gifted folks are still inevitably, fallibly human and definitely not error-proof. The viewer is witness to greed, rivalries, jealousies, an extramarital affair, and the misfit deportment of super-nerds, -idiots, and -weirdos. It also makes sense that if superheroes did exist, they'd try to rake in their share of commercial endorsements, corporate sponsorships, and news pub. That's the way of the world, love. Most supers, in my opinion, would strive to "get theirs."

I find the acting to be very good and appropriate for this genre spin. The three main leads (Church, Brewster, and Lowe) do their best with their roles. Church's the Strobe is self-righteous and humorless until he gets the shock of the night, and then sorta comes around. Paget Brewster (guest starred in tv's Friends) is the Strobe's discontented wife Emily (Ms. Indestructible). Paget puts real emotion into her portrayal, ably communicating Emily's dissatisfaction with life and then grief over her transgressions. I think Rob Lowe does credible work as Tony, the Weevil, the most charismatic and popular member of the team. I'll say this, I was semi-stunned with the choice and choice words the Weevil ends up with at the end of the film.

The supporting cast is all-around awesome: Judy Greer (13 Going on 30) as the snide, bitchy, yet faithful friend Deadly Girl; Sean Gunn as Doug, the very weird green alien orphan; Jamie Kennedy as the filthy-mouthed blue-hued ex-supervillain Amok; and Jordan Ladd as the sweet, naive Nightbird, the newest member imbued with dubious bird powers.

This movie has some funny bits in it, such as the Strobe freaking out after watching the tv promo spot of his team's line of toys, and slow thinker U.S. Bill showing new rookie Nightbird around the headquarters. Or the Strobe reminiscing with an ex-team mate: "How about the time we captured and drained the Amazing Blister?" But the bits I found funniest are the comments spat out by the profane Amok, who cusses with sailorlike regularity. He tells the touchy-feely Power Chick: "You're 12-stepping me to death, b***h!" To counteract that, look out for a touching, feel good scene involving dancing on a club stage.

The special features has 2 audio commentaries (one by writer/actor James Gunn and actress Paget Brewster, the other by director Craig Mazin, the producer, the visual effects supervisor, and again writer/actor James Gunn), deleted scenes, a Wedding Video, a trailer, and behind-the-scenes photos.

PLEASE MAKE IT END!!!.......2006-06-27

There are no words to describe how AWFUL (!!!) this "movie" was from beginning to end, but let me try anyway so as to give people a fair chance to avoid it and thus try and prevent their day/evening from being ruined: the film attempts at being a parody dealing with a group of second rate superheroes known as the Specials.
The plot, the dialogues, and the music are way beyond "below average."
The acting-oh my- the acting is beyond words...
School plays (and pre-school for that matter) have better actors! It is truly sad...
The presence of Rob Lowe does absolutely nothing to improve this abomination.
Rent or buy at your own risk. You have been warned!

One of the best movies ever made! James Gunn is a writing GOD!.......2006-03-21

This is the story of the world's 6th or 7th greatest super-hero teams, who've spent many days fighting crime and righting wrongs, today is not one of those days. That's the intro to the movie and from that time on it's non-stop laughs. This version of the movie contains the same specs as the orginal release but now with P. Brewster commentary, which means you need to buy it. James Gunn's dialog is dead on and hilarious, kind of like Clerks meets a good super-hero movie they haven't made yet. Heavy yet funny as crap dialog makes this one a multiple view for sure. I'll continue to buy this movie as long as it continues coming out witha specialer edition! Go buy it and then go see SLITHER!

A great Indie Superhero Movie .......2006-01-11

I was pleasantly surprised by this hit with an Indie feel to it. The Specials are perhaps the 7th or 8th most popular super team in this world, and are just about to get their own toy line, the Oscars for superheroes. But troubles within the group threaten to tear them apart.

There were nearly no special effects in the film, save for a "group shot" feature at the end of the film. But the movie isn't about saving the day, it's about being real people, flaws and all, who happen to have superpowers. It reminded me of the failed "Justice League" pilot on tv. The members of the group are interviewed in one-on-one sessions with a camera (very Real World confessional) as we see one day in their lives. A new member joins the team, a retired super now using his abilities in the corporate world makes a job offer to The Specials' leader, two members of the group are having an affair, and it all comes to a head leaving the release of the action figure line in jeopardy.

The running time was just perfect for the movie, so the joke doesn't go on too long and the special features had some deleted scenes best left on the cutting room floor, but overall I enjoyed the movie and would definitely suggest it to any fan of both independent films and the comic book/superhero genre, but that doesn't need explosions, flying, webbing or cgi to make a good movie.

Quality Super hero parody.......2005-03-15

If you have followed comics at all, you'll enjoy this spoof. It not only blasts multiple super hero stereotypes, but also takes on some of the commercialism associated with comic heros.

As the other review has stated, this is a movie that you watch for the great writing and hilarious characters. Jamie Kennedy has one of the strongest characters, Amok, who you will find instantly quotable (or repulsive, depending on your point of view). The overall story does fall a little on the soap opera silly side of things, but that's what you get in most super hero stories anyway (especially if you took away the actual villains or action).

As for the disc, it looks and sounds quite decent, doubt that there's any change from the pioneer disc. The extras are pretty funny, but I think those were also carried over from the previous disc. The only difference I can think of is that they have a slightly different menu (not much of a real change).
Definitely worth buying if you don't own the previous edition!

30 Years of National Geographic Specials

Average customer rating:

Not viewable
Nice Appetizer
Nothing new, but it doesn't matter
A wonderful compilation of highlights...you'll want more...
Immense educational value, absolutely delightful

30 Years of National Geographic Specials
Starring: Richard Kiley , Birute Galdikas , Jacques-Yves Cousteau , Kent Vliet , and Dian Fossey
Manufacturer: National Geographic Society
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

Science & Technology | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

Nature & Wildlife | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

7-9 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

10-12 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Family Films | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

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

National Geographic's Most Amazing Moments
National Geographic: The Nature Collection
National Geographic's The Photographers
National Geographic - Through the Lens
Jacques Cousteau - Pacific Explorations

ASIN: 0792299949
Release Date: 1999-12-14

Amazon.com

Mystery, danger, splendor, adventure. Since 1964, National Geographic has been broadcasting television specials that created and, many would argue, still maintain the standard for all nature programming since. Vigilantly focusing on what came before human beings, this special is a grand slam of 30 years (1964-1994) of painstaking exploration and documentation. Its narrative sounds almost biblical: "In the beginning..." there was molten lava. The footage is, as you would expect, dazzling but it is the agile editing and well-crafted storytelling here that makes this video into a poignant success.

Moving from the creation of earth to its inhabitants, the narrative segues to the single law of survival. In the Living Sands of Namib (1978), a spider escapes a predator by cartwheeling down a dune. There are clips of Costa Rican lizards sprinting on water, a woodpecker outsmarting a corn snake, and an Indian tiger begrudgingly retrieving his deer-carcass supper from a thieving crocodile. Procreation is, undoubtedly, the more lighthearted side of survival. Three black beetles are in pursuit of a female running in the sand with a musical score so perfectly selected, it is as if the they are engaged in a well-choreographed dance. The synchronized swimming of mating squids in Jewels of the Caribbean (1994) is more graceful than Twyla Thwarp.

After an introduction to the habitat and behavior of so many creatures, the video turns the spotlight on the tool user, fire tamer, language maker: humankind. Americans on Everest (1964), Dr. Leakey and the Dawn of Man (1966), The World of Jacques Yves Cousteau (1966), In the Shadow of Vesuvius (1987), Australia's Twilight of the Dreamtime (1988), and Jane Goodall: My Life with the Chimpanzees (1990) are classic examples of National Geographic at its best. There are also fascinating clips from early Geographic projects, including the 1917 Katmai expedition.

Well beyond serving as a self-congratulatory slap on the back for work well done, this special has an important message: the animals and natural phenoms we fear the most are those we know the least about. Contrary to popular belief, humans are the largest single threat to all life on earth. By bringing fragile ecosystems into our living rooms, National Geographic hopes to instill conservation ethics in each viewer. --Cristina Del Sesto

Description

Relive the most spellbinding scenes from our television documentaries of exploration and delivery. Year: 1994

Customer Reviews:

Not viewable.......2006-12-09

This is the first time I am trying Unbox Video. It did not work. The Video Player kept crashing. I have a Pentium M Machine with 1 GB and running Windows XP Media Center Edition with SP2. Very dissapointing.

Nice Appetizer.......2005-07-28

For a family living overseas without access to National Geographic broadcasts, this DVD was a nice introduction to the variety and beauty of the the specials. And it left us and our kids hungry for me. The downside, is that there the selections are very brief and we think we will find the full length DVDs and videos much more satisfying.

Nothing new, but it doesn't matter.......2003-08-16

With 30 years of some of the best documentaries around to choose material from, it scarcely matters that there is no new footage. The narration seamlessly bridges the gaps between the various shorts from National Geographic specials of the past. I wasn't sure what to expect, since it is essentially teasers of other films, but this is a great film in its own right.

We got the film for our little boys, and they've loved it from day one. My older son is learning a lot about the differing relationships of the natural world, and the broad expanse of this film is perfect for him. It never gets bogged down in the mundane, but it also panders to a long attention span. This is a big difference from the National Geographic videos intended specifically for kids. They tend to be the same basic idea...cut footage from older films, but cut so that there is no footage of animals eating each other, no mating, and it is interspersed with unneccesary music videos and cutesy animation. Even with Dudley Moore's narration, it can't compete. Skip the kid stuff and give your kids the real thing.

A wonderful compilation of highlights...you'll want more..........2003-07-08

This video definitely holds up to repeat viewing. It offers a wealth of information on a wide variety of subjects and could easily have been an hour longer.

National Geographic really hit the mark with this video. Although it's a promotional tool, it stands on its own merits as an educational, entertaining, family video.

Immense educational value, absolutely delightful.......2001-01-31

This was probably the best purchase I ever made on amazon. I'd recommend it to anybody.. especially families with children.

Average customer rating:

Where is "The Wave"
I've saved you a seat on the little, yellow bus...

After School Specials
Starring: After School Specials
Manufacturer: Bci / Eclipse
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

Comedy | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

Drama | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

Television | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

The Best of The Electric Company
After School Specials: Class of '82-'86
Brady Home Movies
Brady Bunch Variety Hour
Krofft - Saturday Morning Collection: Saturday Morning With Sid & Marty Krofft

ASIN: B0009WPLSK
Release Date: 2005-08-23

Customer Reviews:

Where is "The Wave".......2006-01-06

I still remember this episode but just found out the title. Why isn't it included in the set? Anyone know?

I've saved you a seat on the little, yellow bus..........2005-07-15

After School Specials were dramatic, some times comedic, programs designed especially entertain and teach pre-teens about life and issues they could have very well faced, in terms they could understand in an hour-long format (approximately 45 minutes, without the commercials), often dealing with serious issues like drug and alcohol abuse, teen age pregnancy, and so forth...the series (I believe there were something like 26 episodes) was created and produced by Martin Tahse, which won a slew of awards, was really unique in that it was programming for young people that wasn't created to tie into products or sell merchandise, but to speak to them about situations difficult to understand or comprehend, treating its' audience with the respect and intelligence not often seen, not talking down to them but relating to them on a level they understood and appreciated. Below is an episode listing with alternate titles.

The 18th Emergency (Originally aired 1/16/74) aka `Pssst, Hammerman's After You'

In Summer of the Swans (Originally aired 10/2/74) aka Sara's Summer of the Swans

The Skating Rink (Originally aired 2/5/75)

Dear Lovey Hart: I Am Desperate (Originally aired 5/19/76)

Francesca, Baby (Originally aired 6/10/76)

In Beat the Turtle Drum (Originally aired 4/6/77)

The Pinballs (Originally aired 10/26/77)

Trouble River (Originally aired 11/12/77)

It's A Mile from Here to Glory (Originally aired 5/5/78)

Thank You, Jackie Robinson (Originally aired 10/11/78) aka A Home Run for Love

Gaucho (Originally aired 10/25/78)

My Other Mother (Originally aired 9/26/79) aka Which Mother Is Mine?

A Special Gift (Originally aired 10/24/79)

The Gold Test (Originally aired 2/13/80) aka Heartbreak Winner

What Are Friends For? (Originally aired 3/19/80) aka What Are Best Friends For?

Schoolboy Father (Originally aired 10/15/80)

A Matter of Time (Originally aired 2/11/1981)

First Step (Originally aired 9/23/1981) aka She Drinks a Little

Tough Girl (Originally aired 10/28/1981)

The Night Swimmers (Originally aired 3/3/1982) aka Daddy, I'm Their Mama Now

Two Loves for Jenny (Originally aired 10/27/1982) aka Between Two Loves

Did You Hear What Happened to Andrea? (Originally aired 12/27/1983) aka Andrea's Story: A Hitchhiking Tragedy

Ace Hits the Big Time (Originally aired 10/28/1985)

Face at the Edge of the World (Originally aired 9/17/1986) aka A Desperate Exit

The quality of the video on these DVDs is not the best, but it is as how it was when originally televised, and given these were teleplays made to be presented on television in the 70's, you really can't compare it to today's production standards.

Cookieman108

Only Fools and Horses - The Complete Series 4-5 and the Specials

Average customer rating:

LOVE IT!!!
Like Seinfeld, this comedy needed time to get the formula right.
USA, You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet!!!!!!
ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES
classic

Only Fools and Horses - The Complete Series 4-5 and the Specials
Starring: Jamie Smith , Grant Stevens , Roger Liddement , Pete Chesterfield , and Patrick McManus
Director: Martin Shardlow , Tony Dow (II) , Ray Butt , Susan Belbin , and Mandie Fletcher
Manufacturer: BBC Warner
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

Comedy | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

Television | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

( O ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Only Fools and Horses - The Complete Series 1-3
Only Fools and Horses - The Complete Series 6
Only Fools and Horses - The Complete Series 7
Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em - Collection Set
Steptoe and Son/Steptoe and Son Ride Again

ASIN: B0002J4ZYG
Release Date: 2004-10-12

Customer Reviews:

LOVE IT!!!.......2007-01-09

You don't have to "get" British humor to love Only Fools. It's a laugh riot. My husband told me it was his favorite show in the world, so I ordered it for him, and haven't stopped laughing since. Dell Boy makes me cringe, but it's fun to watch.

Like Seinfeld, this comedy needed time to get the formula right........2006-08-15

Well judging from my title you probably know what I am talking about. With more character and plot development this comedy got better and better through the mid to late eighties. You need a basic sitcom at the start that gets moderate attention as OFAH did, but its only then that you can start bending reality slightly to make something even funnier. Don't get me wrong 1-3 were great in their own right. Then 4-5 were the gateway to 6 and 7 and the other specials that really had the right formula and character development. Remember Trigger will call Rodney Dave for twenty plus years. Not funny in the first episode but by the time we get to 'Modern Men.' Its the funnist 'in' joke of any comedy in history.

I am an expat, and was devasated to have to sell all my OFAH videos before coming to the States. Luckily, just a few years later, and to my overwhelming joy they have started to be released here. Now America can enjoy the hilarity of Del-boy Rodney and Co.

This comedy ran for the better part of 20 years. Why? everybody asks.

Answer? John Sullivan. For Sullivan knows the formula of great comedy, namely tragedy. Del and Rodneys upbringing was tragic. Sullivan himself has a phenomenal social awareness and can push the tragedy and comedy at almost the the same time. Watch Grandads funeral, the first episode of season 4. It starts off pretty grim, but then when they drop his hat into the grave and it turns out to be the vicars hat, then you should understand the co-relation of this comedy, tragedy thing Im talking about.

One of my favorite lines ever is when Rodney says after his marriage is failing "Ive got this horrible feeling that if there is such a thing as reincarnation, knowing my luck I'll come back as me!" Genius!

To all Americans, this is the best comedy of all time on any continent, and if you give it time you will see why. funny lines, as well as funny situations. Not many comedies can say they can do both. By the time you get to season 6 you actually start watching them to find out how these peoples lives will turn out, really you will.

Of course you don't have to beleive me, just read all of the other high reviews of OFAH on this Amazon site.

USA, You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet!!!!!!.......2005-08-03

I' an English reviewer on an american website. You americans seriously havn't seen anything yet. You think series 1,2,3,4,5, to hull and back, royal flush, dates and frogs legacy are great. Wait til you see episodes like yuppy love(with a very, funny, classic clip), danger uxd(the one with blow up dolls if anyones seen it),Xmas special Jolly Boy's Outing, Miami Twice, series 7, mothr natures son, heroes and villains and a hell of alot more hilarious episodes.

ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES.......2005-05-19

I HAVE LIVED OVER IN THE US FOR TEN YEARS NOW AND HAVE FORTUNATELY BEEN IN A POSITION TO OWN A MULTI-REGION DVD PLAYER. THIS WAS THE ONLY BRITISH COMEDY SERIES THAT I WANTED. I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THEY HAD NOT BEEN RELEASED BEFORE NOW. I AGREE WITH ONE OF THE OTHER REVIEWS THAT I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY ANY OF THE PUBLIC STATIONS OVER HERE SUCH AS PBS HAVE NOT GOTTEN HOLD OF THIS PROGRAM. IT IS WITHOUT DOUBT THE FUNNIEST COMEDY THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN. WHEN YOU WATCH FROM THE FIRST SERIES RIGHT THROUGH TO THE VERY LAST ONE THAT WAS PLAYED ON BRITISH TELEVISION LAST YEAR, IT IS AMAZING HOW THE MAIN CHARACTERS QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS JUST DEVELOP AND GET FUNNIER. THIS COMEDY IS REAL QUALITY. NOTHING THAT I HAVE SEEN OVER HERE IN THE STATES COMES CLOSE. I WOULD HOPE THAT SOON EVERY SINGLE EPISODE IS RELEASED OVER HERE. THE BEST OF ALL OF THEM IS SERIES SIX. SERIES 4 AND 5 ARE FANTASTIC.
LUBBLY JUBBLY DESCRIBES THIS SERIES VERY WELL. IF THE REST OF THEM ARE NOT RELEASED OVER HER THEN IN WORDS THAT ARE VERY FITTING ARE DEL'S WHO WOULD SAY THAT THE POWERS THAT BE ARE A BUNCH OF "PLONKERS."

IF YOU BUY ANY OF THESE SERIES YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.

classic.......2005-01-30

an excellent consistently funny series
despite the sad loss of grand pa Leonard Pearce
The show continues on with the hillariosly funny and dillusional former sailor Uncle Albert there all good episodes but my favorites are:

Hole in one where with the boys down on there luck, Uncle Albert attempts to swindle a brewery with a fall down cellar steps at the local

Let sleeping dogs lie Where del and rodders are responsible for Marlene's precious great dane Dukie

Tea for three where in a hillarious scene Del Boy takes flight in a hang glider after boasting trying to impress Triggers neice

The longest night Del and boy walk into a scene of dumbest criminals at a supermarket

There is also four specials:

To Hull and back, where the boys get involved in a diamond smuggeling scheme uncle Albert takes to the waves once again as they try to find holland first of all as they make the exchange in the diamonds scheme

Royal Flush where Del Boy ruins any aspiration Rodney has of rubbing elbows with the aristocracy a disasterous visit to the opera, and a disastorous evening dinner with the family of Rodney's new love interest who happens to be the daughter of a duke ensures that
one of my personal favorite episodes absolutely hillarious
the two other two christmas specials are:
the frogman's legacy and dates

Customer Reviews:

After School Specials.......2007-02-16

I am 46 years old and use to watch the After School Specials when I was a child and still enjoy them today. The after School Specials are nice clean stories that all can watch. I recommend these stories for all age groups to enjoy.

Love thoughs ABC Afternoon specials.......2006-08-31

I just recently bought the DVD from the 1976-77 season.It has been years since I had last seen these fine episodes.I especially liked the story Beat the turtle drum.I saw it when it was bran new and I never forgot how sad it was and still is.
I'm so glad they released these out onto DVD

a great piece of 70s Americana!.......2005-01-18

These old after school specials have aged very well...Children and teens watching them today would have no trouble identifying with the characters and their issues, especially if they had gone through some of the same things themselves (i.e. having an alcoholic parent, the death of a sibling, etc.). The picture quality on these shows are not bad at all. They may not be digitally remastered, but they are very, very watchable and I have seen MUCH worse! Brentwood Communications/BCI Eclipse (the company that released these shows) continues to amaze me with the stuff they put out; when it comes to quality at a low price, they do not disappoint. It's very rare to find "bargain bin" DVDs, ESPECIALLY of old 70s TV shows that are watchable; if anyone thinks the quality on these shows are bad, check out some of the bargain bin "Lucy Show" DVDs sometime...THAT is poor quality...audio dropouts, horrible color, artifacting, and dirt and grain. These shows have none of those problems. Do yourself a favor and pick these After School Specials up. You won't be disappointed!

Good fun with great menus and packaging.......2004-12-15

I actually don't find the quality to be all that horrible. Looks like I would expect from 70's vidio TV. Colors are nowhere near as vivid as we now expect from HDTV but the shows themselves are fun and include some talent that has gone on to do some new favorites. Also the packaging and full motion animated menus are excellent.

Nicely done educational drama for the kids of the 70's.......2004-11-25

Here is the sad truth about the video quality. It's not due to bad DVD mastering. These shows were filmed on film but then they were post produced and edited on videotape(Videotronics was the company). Videotape of the 1970's. You get the idea. The best broadcast quality videotape of yesteryear is no match for DVD quality of today (as fans of the classic Norman Lear videotaped sitcoms have found out).

Add to that the deterioration that the master tapes have experienced then it all adds up to that we are seeing it as good as it's ever going to get (unless someone digs up the original film and edit that together).

the packaging is truly inspired and remarkable and the quality concerns were unavoidable.

DVD:

DVD

DVD

DVD

Wildlife Survivors:Tiger/Tracks:Track

Red Shoe Diaries: The Movie

Tornado Run

DVD: The High Crusade

Barbara Currie's Yoga Power