Business is Business

Starring:Ronnie Bierman, Sylvia de Leur, Piet RÃ¶mer, Jules Hamel, Bernard Droog, Eric van Ingen, Wim Kouwenhoven, Ton Lensink, Henk Molenberg, Allard van der Scheer, Jan Verhoeven, Helmert Woudenberg, Trudy Labij, Kika Mol, Dini de Neef, Paula Petri, Carry Tefsen, Carola Gijsbers van Wijk, Elsa Lioni, Tabe Bas
Director: Paul Verhoeven
Studio: Anchor Bay
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
A bawdy though sympathetic look at the lives of two Amsterdam prostitutes, 1971's Business Is Business was the film debut of Dutch director Paul Verhoeven, who would later graduate to the Hollywood mainstream with films like Total Recall and Basic Instinct. Ronnie Biermann stars as Greet, a worldly wise prostitute who, in between gratifying the often bizarre needs and fantasies of her bourgeois clients, is decently protective of her neighbor and friend in the trade, the busty, younger Nell (Sylvia de Leur) of whose relationship with an abusive leech (Bernard Droog) she disapproves. Finally, she decides they must both break out of their decreasingly fulfilling lives and seek out matrimonial stability.

Amazon.com

Based on a cable-channel Nickelodeon project, Good Burger teams Kel Mitchell and Kenan Thompson as a contemporary Abbott and Costello team, working a fast-food stand while competing with a major chain outlet right across the street. It's sight gags and physical humor galore, and while the film is aimed at kids there's no reason adults can't enjoy if caught in the right mood. --Tom Keogh

Description

GOOD BURGER is the story of two goofy friends, Dexter (Thompson) and Ed (Mitchell), while they spend their summer working at a local burger joint for some extra cash. When Mondo Burger, a mammoth fast-food chain opens across the street, it looks like Good Burger is soon going to be history. Now it is up to Dexter and Ed to save the day, as they develop a delicious special sauce that brings hundreds of new customers to their door and makes their new competition desperate to steal the recipe and all of their customers.

Customer Reviews:

Its Good Burger!.......2007-06-08

One of the only original and funny comedys of our time that is great for the whole family! Few movies actually are both funny and clean.

It should be titled "Okay Burger".......2007-05-15

I got this movie for my 10 year old daughter who really likes it. If your getting this for kids then it's probably worth it. Just don't pay too much!!! About a week after I ordered this movie, I saw it in the bargain bin of a local store for $5...!

Lots of silly stuff but not so much funny stuff.

Yeah, this is brilliant.......2007-04-19

There are very few movies that make me fall off my chair and giggle profusely. This is one of them. I don't know why I giggle so much at this ridiculous movie. It is so silly. Yeah, so... so... silly. But I find it so, so charming.

But why? There are so many ridiculous puns. There is nothing on this blue and green Earth that I like more than puns and this movie provides them either intentionally or unintentionally. SAUCE!!! etc... I cab;t think of many of them now because I am still chuckling from the after-effects of this deleightful film.

It is just absurd beyond comparison, well every single film about teenagers with a PG rating would be, but unlike many other films, the toned down language and situations of this film provide it with additional pun fodder and additional charm. The formulaic story and the formulaic characters are all groovy with me.

I am not even high or drunk, but this movie intoxicates me with a bizarre laughter. Kenan and Kel have made me happy today. BRILLIANT!

Cheesy but SO FUNNY!.......2007-04-02

My 5-year old loves this movie and I know I loved it when I was younger! It can be cheesy at parts but i havent laughed so hard at a kids movie in years! Definetly worth buying!

Good Burger silly but fun.......2007-01-18

If you're looking for intellectual stimulating theater, this is definitely not the film to choose. If you want an incredibly silly, funny, and perhaps a bit stupid light-hearted movie, this is the one to watch. My 10 and 14 year old kids laughed the entire length of the film. There's no violence, nudity or sex; it's a great film for preteens and teens.

Average customer rating:

Only a few laughs
Python meets Spinal Tap
One of the funniest movies ever made
The Rutles.
The Ruttles - All you Need is Cash

The Rutles - All You Need Is Cash
Starring: Dan Aykroyd , Terence Bayler , John Belushi , Jeannette Charles , and Ricky Fataar
Director: Eric Idle , and Weis, Gary
Manufacturer: Rhino Theatrical
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00004ZEU2
Release Date: 2001-03-13

Amazon.com

Originally hatched in 1978 as a short film parody for Saturday Night Live, this expanded, 70-minute mockumentary on a trend-setting quartet of British mop-tops bloomed into one of Eric Idle's better projects outside Monty Python. Taking the career (and hagiography) of the Beatles and inverting them quite nicely, Idle conjures up four doppelgangers who offer the familiar mannerisms but practically none of the intelligence of their models. If that sounds like the same gag that powered This Is Spinal Tap (which emerged six years later), it is, with the crucial difference that Idle's lampoon is precise where Tap was consciously generic.

In telling the saga of the Rutles, Idle (who doubles as earnest narrator and McCartney-esque Rutle Dirk McQuigley) works from a rich and immediately familiar trove of pop lore, and he has a ball revisiting and reinventing milestones from the Fab Four's fabled history. The attention to period detail helps elevate the gags further, but Idle's real secret weapon is Neil Innes, standing in as Ron Nasty, the Rutles' answer to John Lennon: it's Innes who serves as the musical architect for the wonderful Beatles parodies that give All You Need Is Cash a delicious kick, and Innes, a one-time principal in the legendary Bonzo Dog Band, is gifted enough to capture the band's lyricism and energy as well as their shifting sense of style.

With the blessing and on-camera participation of George Harrison, and wry cameos from Mick Jagger and Paul Simon, All You Need Is Cash is a perfect companion to the Beatles' own glorious screen comedies and a great antidote to sanctimonious pop documentaries. --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews:

Only a few laughs.......2007-06-16

I enjoy Monty Python and I am a big Beatles fan, so I was surprised I didn't like this movie. Basically, there are only a few laughs, and they weren't specific to the Beatles so it could've been put in any mockumentary. What also disappointed me was there was not much interaction of the Rutles - you don't get to see them talk to each other much, which could've provided many funny moments. The song parodies weren't that funny, either.

What I did like was the visual aspects of the movie - they really did get the look of the Beatles throughout the years pretty accurately. It was also good to see many of the original Saturday Night Live cast and they provided much of the few funny moments in the movie.

If you want to see a funny mockumentary, check out "Spinal Tap" and "Fear of a Black Hat". Both movies have two necessary ingredients that this movie lacked: hilarious banter between the band members and funny lyrics in the songs.

Python meets Spinal Tap.......2007-04-26

This is a wonderful spoof of the Beatles, which deserves a higher reputation than its fairly obscure standing.

Neil Innes is outstanding as 'Nasty' (i.e. Lennon), and of course was also responsible for the wonderful spoof songs ("Let it Rot" "Ouch" "A Hard Days Rut" etc"). Eric Idles presenter is a classic Python type character. The scene at the beginning where the presenter is being filmed from a moving vehicle which gets faster and faster is pure Python.

There are cameo roles for George Harrison, Mick Jagger and Paul Simon. George Harrison isn't playing himself, so you have to look a little harder to spot him.

Along with Spinal Tap (which was made 6 years later) this is the best spoof 'rockumentary'. Its very funny and I recommend it strongly.

One of the funniest movies ever made.......2007-04-10

OK, so it helps to know The Beatles inside and out to totally get this movie. Even if you don't, it's still a riot. But if you do know The Beatles, this is perfect. It's the funniest movie I've ever seen.

Idle and Innes hit a grand slam here. Every scene is hilarious, nearly every line is a complete crack-up. The Beatles needed to be spoofed and they gave their blessing for this project. My guess is they even found it funny (though I doubt John liked seeing Nasty's wife portrayed as a Nazi).

The capper is the music. Some of the songs are just brilliant rip-offs, combining two or three elements of three Beatles songs. Example, "Hold My Hand" combines "I Want to Hold Your Hand," the "Eight Days a Week" intro, and "She Loves You." Just priceless.

If you like The Beatles, you'll really like "The Rutles." If you like great comedy, you'll love this. It's a can't-miss classic!

The Rutles........2007-03-09

Saw the Video when it fist came out. It was great then, even better now!!!

The Ruttles - All you Need is Cash.......2007-01-18

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant! Idle/Innes are in rare form as the dynamic duo lovingly give the Fab Four a Pythonesque makeover. Anyone who love the Beatles and Monty Python MUST own this movie! The interviews alone are worth the price of admission! Mick Jagger.. Paul Simon.. Ron Wood.. (and see if you can spot 'THE' George Harrison). Hats off to Niles Innes for the music - 'spot on'! If you didn't know any better, you'd have thought you'd stumbled onto some old Beatles recordings that were never released to the general public. Tongue firmly planted in cheek! 'Nuff said.

Average customer rating:

Fierce is Funny
Another fine movie from the Monty Python bunch
funny for John Cleese fans
Man is the Fiercest Creature of all
What a funny movie!

Fierce Creatures
Starring: John Cleese , Jamie Lee Curtis , Kevin Kline , Robert Lindsay (II) , and Michael Palin
Director: Fred Schepisi , and Robert Young (III)
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
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ASIN: 0783225490
Release Date: 1998-01-20

Amazon.com

In an attempt to catch lightning in a bottle, Monty Python veteran John Cleese wrote this slapstick farce for the purpose of reuniting the comedic cast of A Fish Called Wanda. Fierce Creatures is all about a media mogul (Kevin Kline) who owns a London zoo. He demands that the park raise more profit, so the new zoo director (Cleese) orders that only dangerous animals be displayed in order to maximize ticket sales. In a dual role, Kline also plays the mogul's son, who plans to run the zoo with the help of displaced employees (including Michael Palin) and zoo programmer Willa Weston (Jamie Lee Curtis). The situation lends itself to comedic confusion and split-second timing, and for a few good laughs the film is a pretty safe bet. It's not as hilarious as A Fish Called Wanda (that's a pretty tall order), but Cleese knows comedy, and his efforts are worth a look. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Fierce is Funny.......2007-05-16

I really enjoyed "Fierce Creatures." It's funny,with a wonderful cast! If you liked "A Fish Called Wanda," you'll like this one,too. John Cleese,Michael Palin,Kevin Kline,and Jamie Lee Curtis are hilarious together. This isn't a sequel to "A Fish..," but the storyline and cast interaction make it just as enjoyable.

Another fine movie from the Monty Python bunch.......2007-05-07

If you like Monty Python Movies, then this will be a tad bit more understated but a really good movie. This movie reunited the cast from A Fish Called Wanda to set us back in merry ol' England as a tycoon buys a zoo with the idea to turn 20% profits or sell it off to the highest bidder. This movie combines classic sexual situation, murder, theft, and the cutest little animals you ever seen. A must see.

funny for John Cleese fans.......2007-02-21

It's a cute movie. Funny for John Cleese fans. My fiance loves Cleese and Cleese was funny in this movie

Man is the Fiercest Creature of all.......2007-01-03

Funnier even than A Fish Called Wanda. Great group of actors and great group of "fierce"creatures.

What a funny movie!.......2006-11-11

This movie is hilarious. It is much funnier than the movie that preceded it, "A Fish Called Wanda." We have watched it several times, and I think that it has something for everyone in the family. There are some adult situations, but they are not necessarily understandable to small children. I would suggest watching it first without them, however. John Cleese is a gem in almost anything he does, and he doesn't disappoint here. Jamie Lee Curtis is terrific and extremely funny. Kevin Kline--well I didn't like his character much, but he excelled in his portrayal. The supporting cast was great and the backdrop of the zoo is wonderful. Watch for the scene with Jamie Lee Curtis and a gorilla. It certainly brought tears to my eyes. And I just love happy endings.

Average customer rating:

for me this is the most accessible of peckinpahs movies
Butterfly Mornings... and Wild Flower Afternoons
A warm and vivid film with a distinctive flavor that teases the sense of taste...
The elusive dreams !
The Ballad of Cable Hogue

The Ballad of Cable Hogue
Starring: Jason Robards , Stella Stevens , David Warner , Strother Martin , and Slim Pickens
Director: Sam Peckinpah , and Nick Redman
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
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ASIN: B000BT96DM
Release Date: 2006-01-10

Amazon.com essential video

What does it tell us that Sam Peckinpah's most joyous and life-affirming movie is also his most underappreciated? The Ballad of Cable Hogue was made in that singular moment when, having just completed The Wild Bunch, Peckinpah knew he was back in the game as a feature-film director; and before anyone (including Peckinpah himself?) had an inkling of how completely he was about to redefine the Western genre, contemporary American filmmaking, and his own personal legend.

Cable Hogue is a splendiferous entertainment: a grufty Western tall tale, a lusty comedy, and also (in critic Kathleen Murphy's phrase) "a musical about the economic and emotional complexities of capitalism." Its title character--Jason Robards in a great, exuberant gift of a performance--is an ornery varmint left by two scurrilous partners (L.Q. Jones and Strother Martin) to die in the desert. Through pure cussedness and what may be dumb luck, may be divine intervention, he "finds water where it wasn't" and survives. Nothing to do now but settle back, let his waterhole--the only one on the stage line between Deaddog and Gila--make him a rich man, and await the day those two old partners drop by his waystation.

Besides such Peckinpah regulars as Slim Pickens, R.G. Armstrong, and Gene Evans, the movie features Stella Stevens in her career-best role as Hildy, Hogue's best reason for getting into town now and again, and David Warner, an itinerant preacher and full-time lech who becomes his soulmate. Lucien Ballard photographed, and there's a charming song score (by Richard Gillis) whose neglect is as mystifying as that of the film. Above all, there is Sam Peckinpah exulting in the lyrical, heart-filling possibilities of making a motion picture, trying just about anything, and finding it beautiful. This film was his personal favorite. --Richard T. Jameson

Description

Sam Peckinpah's light-hearted, rambunctious ode to the dying Wild West, with Jason Robards as a rascally prospector who transforms a desert water-hole into big business. Year: 1970 Director: Sam Peckinpah Starring: Jason Robards, Stella Stevens, David Warner

Customer Reviews:

for me this is the most accessible of peckinpahs movies.......2007-04-22

jason robards made a magnificent western ("once upon a time in the west") the year before, and he excels here as a drifter who comes upon the only watering hole on a stage route, and turns it into a thriving business. all the while falling in love with hooker stella stevens; forging an odd friendship with gantryesque preacher david warner; and plotting revenge against the ex-partners who had left him for dead. the movie is possibly sam peckinpahs best, and sits in an odd spot as the huge flop right between "wild bunch" and "straw dogs": his two biggest hits. absolutely worth your time, and be sure to listen to the dvd commentary by a panel of peckinpah mavens: one of the rare times those tracks offers valuable insight to the movie.

Butterfly Mornings... and Wild Flower Afternoons .......2007-02-25

That song will never leave your head after seeing this film; what a beautiful song! This is the last of Peckinpah's films I have seen, and I must say, it is the best, followed by "Straw Dogs", "Pat Garret" and "Ride the High Country." Cable Hogue found water where it wasn't - and thus begins "The Ballad of Cable Hogue" (1970). Jason Robards delivers one of his best performances, similar to the character he played in "Once Upon a Time in the West" (1969), in a film that is perhaps Sam Peckinpah's best! Left to die in the desert by his so called friends (L.Q. Jones and Stother Martin), Cable wanders about asking God for a helping hand. Near death by thirst, Cable finally stumbles upon water, and begins an enterprise called "Cable Springs"; a reststop for weary travelers along the stagecoach trail. Once in town he falls in love with Hildy, "the ladiest damn'd lady" - a whore nonetheless, while befriending a wandering preacher who expounds in theories of life and love. Peckinpah's lyrical poetry is extraordinary as it is both charming and fascinating; brought to life with the wonderful photography by Lucien Ballard, and the heartwarming score by Richard Gillis. This is a film you will thoroughly enjoy, covering themes often familiar to Peckinpah's films, as the old west dies out, while the heart and spirit remain intact.

A warm and vivid film with a distinctive flavor that teases the sense of taste..........2006-12-22

Sam Peckinpah's "The Ballad of Cable Hogue," although still very much concerned with the sere and yellow, offers light, or, at least, lighter relief...

Thirst does very much play a part in his history at the outset.... Robbed and abandoned by his partners (Strother Martin and L. O. Jones) in the desert, Jason Robards is saved from certain death by finding water from a spring... And out of this discovery comes a sort of success story...

The spring is handy to the stagecoach route and so, assisted by a banker in the nearby of an unexciting town (Deaddog is the indicative name), he sets up a 'halt' on the trail... In Deaddog he also chums up with the local whore (Stella Stevens). And always aiding and encouraging him is a mischievous preacher (David Warner) who is ever willing and able to give more than spiritual comfort to the female members of his flock...

The old fellow's project prospers; the sympathetic prostitute pays him a fleeting but rewarding visit; he eventually gets revenge on one of the partners who left him to die... And the happiest ending seems to purr into view in the form of a splendid car carrying the good-time gal who has finally decided to settle down with him...

Allegory? Or straight romantic comedy? One is never sure but it's a warm and vivid film with a distinctive flavor that teases the sense of taste... Whether the style is peak Peckinpah is another matter...

The elusive dreams !.......2006-10-13

Cable Hogue is the most poetic film of an epic filmmaker as Peckinpah was. This is the portrait of human being who will make the best he can in order to achieve his personal bliss, far from the madding crowd. Intense, lyric and heartfelt rendition of the most representative North American genre: The Western considered as a mythic universe.

Jason Robards and Stella Stevens are superb in this vibrant and touching film.

The Ballad of Cable Hogue.......2006-08-14

A hard movie to find. Directed by the late Sam Peckinpach. Jason Robarts is very good in it. Very entertaining.

Paul Verhoeven Collection - Limited Edition (The 4th Man / Turkish Delight / Katie Tippel / Business Is Business / Soldier of Orange)

Average customer rating:

Only for arthouse fans
Five dutch movies for one great price
5 movies for a great price
Great Movies! Great Price!

Paul Verhoeven Collection - Limited Edition (The 4th Man / Turkish Delight / Katie Tippel / Business Is Business / Soldier of Orange)
Starring: Jeroen Krabbé , Renée Soutendijk , Thom Hoffman , Dolf de Vries , and Geert de Jong
Director: Paul Verhoeven
Manufacturer: Anchor Bay
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005O5C2
Release Date: 2003-04-29

Amazon.com

The Paul Verhoeven Collection consists of five films the Dutch director made in Europe before graduating to the Hollywood mainstream with such films as Total Recall and Basic Instinct. A bawdy though sympathetic look at the lives of two Amsterdam prostitutes, 1971's Business Is Business was Verhoeven's film debut. Ronnie Biermann stars as Greet, a worldly wise prostitute who is decently protective of her neighbor and friend in the trade, the busty, younger Nell (Sylvia de Leur). Finally, she decides they must both break out of their decreasingly fulfilling lives and seek out matrimonial stability. Business Is Business probably seemed like an authentic depiction of the Amsterdam demi-monde in its day, but today its kinky peccadilloes look rather quaint. However, both Biermann and Sylvia De Leur forcefully resist any of the clichés of the era in their strong characters.

When Turkish Delight (1973) opens on a brutal attack and then a succession of one-night stands, it seems that bohemian artist Eric Vonk (Rutger Hauer, collaborating for the first time with Verhoeven) is a complete jerk. Then a sudden flashback reveals the motivations for both his dreams and behavior, as well as the subject of the photos he spends his time pining for. He meets Olga (a fantastic Monique van de Ven), but their tempestuous relationship is shaken by many peculiar events: a surreal wedding ceremony, unveiling a statue to the Queen, and the death of Olga's father. The real problem is Olga herself, however, which leads to a shock ending many have compared to Love Story. Somewhat dated now, Turkish Delight is nonetheless unmistakably a product of the now-familiar Verhoeven style.

Katie Tippel (1975) is a handsome period drama set in 19th-century Holland, based on a true story. The second eldest daughter in a poor family, Katie (Monique van de Ven) must find whatever work is going to make ends meet. As she enters a succession of jobs in which she experiences both exploitation and sexual harassment, she learns that men want her for only one thing and so she enters prostitution. However, she is finally able to escape the poverty trap and ascend the social ladder, particularly when banker Hugo (Rutger Hauer) takes her as his lover. All this is set against a backdrop of social foment as the workers' impatience at poor social conditions increases.

Based on real events, Soldier of Orange (1977) tells the story of Dutchman Erik Lanshof (a star-making performance by Rutger Hauer) and a small group of students as they struggle to survive the Nazi occupation to the end of the Second World War. Across a canvas lasting almost three hours, Verhoeven unfolds a saga of friendship, espionage, and romance with almost documentary realism, crafting a deeply affecting film widely regarded as the greatest ever made in Holland.

Only two years separate The Fourth Man (1983), Verhoeven's final Dutch language movie, and the explosive commencement of his Hollywood career. This savage comedy shocker could well be seen as a trial run for Basic Instinct, since it features an ice-cold seductress (Renée Soutendijk) with mysterious motivations and sexual preferences. The hallucinatory tale follows a novelist (Jeroen Krabbé) first falling for her, and then feverishly investigating whether she's a serial husband killer. The film is full of what would soon be recognized as Verhoeven trademarks: a little blasphemy, a lot of nudity, dispassionate characters, and hidden agendas.

Customer Reviews:

Only for arthouse fans.......2005-06-29

Paul Verhoven's Hollywood films have been a fascinating blend of old-school SF and B-grade sleaze- ROBOCOP,TOTAL RECALL, BASIC INSTINCT, SHOWGIRLS, STARSHIP TROOPERS and HOLLOW MAN range from excellent to plain bizarre. However this collection of arthouse classics showcases some interesting talent that makes for entertaining viewing. These films are not for everyone's tastes, but for fans of the genre, movies like THE 4TH MAN and TURKISH DELIGHT (1986) are a treat. However there's not much to get excited about with KATIE TIPPEL and I'll be frank about BUSINESS IS BUSINESS (or WAT ZIEN IK?). I don't understand it and I don't like it. There are few redeeming qualities, and this should probably be forgotten. Some scenes are vaguely involving, but sometimes the director's sensibilities are over-shadowed by style, and you can ask the question: Do these stories really need to be told? The best film in the box set is SOLDIER OF ORANGE (1977) which tells a story of seven young men living the good life in the Netherlands who find their lives turned inside out, and onto many different paths, by the Second World War. The subject matter and some graphically violent scenes occasionally make this movie difficult to watch, but the story movingly illustrates the painful choices and serendipitous paths that wartime brings. Rutger Hauer, ably abetted by Jeroen Krabbé, deservedly became an international star with this amazing performance. A nice DVD box set with great digital transfer allows Verhoven fans to appreciate his earlier films, but for mainstream audiences, look elsewhere.

Five dutch movies for one great price.......2004-02-09

The Paul Verhoeven is one of the best DVD collections that I have seen. These movies were very different from his movies made in Hollywood. They were made in his native country The Nederlands, before he went to Hollywood. Since I am originally from Belgium and Dutch is my native language, I was very exited that these movies were available on DVD in the United States. I was also satisfied that the English Subtitles were optional, so I turn them off. Soldaat van Oranje (Soldier of Orange) was one of my favorite movies. It is a WW2 war movie and one of the best war movies ever made. Wat zien ik (Business Is Business) is a good comedy about the Red Light District. Keetje Tippel (Katie Tippel), Turks fruit (Turkish Delight), and De Vierde man (The Forth Man) were also good movies. I also would like to warn parents that these movies are not appropriate for children because they contain some nudity. Business Is Business

5 movies for a great price.......2003-11-26

Five of the movies that dr. Paul Verhoeven (Ph.D. in math & physics) made in the Netherlands before moving to the US, in a pretty, stylish box (rather like the box sets for the extended "Lord of the rings" movies). Each movie has Paul's always interesting commentary (in English). As a Dutchman, I grew up having watched "Soldier of Orange" and "Turkish Delight" quite a number of times, so I figured that while living in the States, this box was an essential thing for me to have. Fortunately for me, the English subtitles are optional so I can turn them off! :)

For fans of Verhoeven's American work, these films will certainly be interesting as we can see significant similarities and differences between his Dutch and American works. Obviously, the Dutch movies are older, and some things are now outdated (notably "Business is business" feels so terribly outdated it's almost embarassing to watch, and I imagine it's included primarily for historical interest). On the other hand, whereas his American films are mostly Sci-fi-based, a few of these films are period pieces based on autobiographical writings, and as such the Dutch films are more based on realism (for instance, the excellent WW2-drama "Soldier of Orange", and the 19th-century period piece "Katie Tippel"). Nevertheless, we clearly see the themes that always run through Verhoeven's work: moral ambiguity, sexuality, violence, religion, plot ambiguity, etc.).

I should mention the two gripes I have with this box set. First, although the films are old, many older films these days are rereleased on DVD with a remastered 5.1 soundtrack. Although the mono soundtrack here is adequate, it's just too bad we get to miss the surround sound. Second, the omission of "Spetters", which is strange because that's such an interesting movie, and it would have been a better inclusion than "Business is Business".

I guess you can look up descriptions of the individual films by looking up their single-disk versions. Just a brief summary for each:
"Business is Business", his first movie based on a book of short stories written by Albert Mol (who has a cameo appearance), is a comedy about two prostitutes.
To a degree, "Turkish Delight", based on the classic novel by Dutch author Jan Wolkers, also feels somewhat dated, although it's less bothersome here, the story feels like a period piece stuck in the '60s or '70. It's rated as one of the best Dutch films of all time, and it's a drama about an almost-obsessive, intensely sexual relationship.
"Katie Tippel" is a "rags-to-riches" period piece based on the memoires of Neel Doff (1858-1942), set against the background of the rise of socialism in the 19th century. Although this story is also about a prostitute, it's a very dark story.
"Soldier of Orange" is a WW2 drama based on the autobiography of war hero Erik Hazelhoff. If I'm not mistaken, it was rated by critics as the best Dutch film ever. Very interesting, very good movie.
Finally, the best one, "The Fourth Man" is a surreal movie based on the novel by Gerard Reve. In essence, it's both an art film and a "parody" on artsy movies. Large parts of it were "re-used" in "Basic Instinct". Although this one is much better.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Great Movies! Great Price!.......2003-08-26

Anchor Bay has come through again with this wonderful set of Paul Verhoeven's early films. All of the transfers are top-notch and the subtitles are very clear and concise. As the individual titles have already been reviewed seperately, the big draw to this collection is being able to collect all of these brilliant films for much less than their retail price. The collectible booklet that's included provides plot summaries and quotes from the director and/or cast member(s). Overall, I highly recommend this collection for even the casual filmgoer who is looking for that unique film experience.

Average customer rating:

Romantic Chemistry
Renee Taylor is # 1
Laugh,Laugh,Laugh !
Forget 'Big Fat Greek...': Enjoy this Instead,
angelina jolie

Love Is All There Is
Starring: Bobby Alto , Joy Behar , Gabriel Bologna , Joseph Bologna , and Barbara Carrera
Director: Joseph Bologna , and Renée Taylor
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
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ASIN: B0000V492Y
Release Date: 2004-01-13

Description

This fast-paced and funny twist on Romeo and Juliet is an "extremely funny film" (WBAI Radio)! OscarÂ(r) winner* Angelina Jolie (Lara Croft: Tomb Raider) and Lainie Kazan (MyBig Fat Greek Wedding) star in this tale of rival Italian catering families that serves up laughs, love and "a touching slice of home cooking" (Variety)! In a small Bronx community, the Cappamezzas use smoke machines and gaudy cakes to lure customers to their Italian restaurant. Across town, the Malacicis use elegance and grace to entice patrons to theirs. Naturally, the families hate each other. But the pasta really begins to fly when they discover that young Rosario Cappamezza (Nathaniel Marston) and Gina Malacici (Jolie) have fallen in love! From first course to last, Love Is All There Is offers "comedy at its very best" (WBAI Radio)! *1999: Supporting Actress, Girl, Interrupted

Customer Reviews:

Romantic Chemistry.......2005-10-10

This comic reworking of the "Romeo & Juliet" tale set amid Italian weddings will be remembered as Angelina Jolie's first film. Shot in 1994 and released in 1996, "Love Is All There Is" is a fairly funny little romp. Jolie's career of course skyrocketed with her Best Supporting Actress Oscar for "Girl Interrupted" in 2000 and went on to "Alexander," "Taking Lives," "Gone in 60 Seconds" & "Beyond Borders." She's set to star next year with Robert DeNiro & Matt Damon in "The Good Shepard." As Gina Malacici, she takes over in the local community theatre production when the fat Juliet falls off the balcony and breaks her leg. TV soap opera star Nathaniel Marston plays Rosario Cappamezza who is the Romeo. Hormones kick into full gear for the two and the final scene in the play where Romeo kisses the dead Juliet turns into a major make-out, leaving the dead Romeo with a giant erection. Joseph Bologna as father Mike is suffiently embarrased as is his wife Sadie played by Lanie Kazan who went on to star in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding." Bologna also served as co-director for the film with his wife Renee Taylor and had his lone Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay for 1970's "Lovers & Other Strangers." Paul Sorvino who played Henry Kissinger in the 1995 film "Nixon" plays Count Malacici who is a rival caterer to Cappamezza's. Thrown into the mix is co-director Renee Taylor who was in the 2004 version of "Alfie" as the nutty psychic Mona who prescribes candle dolls with erections to enhance Mike & Sadie's love life. Nicaraguan/American actress Barbara Carrera who was Fatima Blush in the 1983 James Bond film "Never Say Never Again" plays the mother of the bride, balancing decorum with a vengeful temper. Dick Van Patton and TV's "Hawaiian Eye" Connie Stevens have a silly scene as an older couple having an affair in a parking lot. The late William Hickey whose lone Oscar nomination was for "Prizzi's Honor" and also played in the gay Oliver Twist film "Twisted" is the Monsignor who pontificates lightly over the weddings. "Love Is All There Is" does have its share of laughs and the young lovers appear to spark with good romantic chemistry. All in all, this is a good watching experience. Enjoy!

Renee Taylor is # 1.......2004-10-30

This is the funniest movie. I just happen to find it while channel surfing. And I knew it was Connie Stevens as soon as I heard her voice.

The adults in this movie were wonderful. The kids soso.

Gina Malacici, the girl, was a rude brat. If it wasn't for the fact that they were the reason for the story line they could have been left out.

Renee Taylor & Lainie Kazan were great. All through the movie I kept thinking of The Nanny & kept looking for Fran. But she wasn't in it.

Laugh,Laugh,Laugh !.......2004-05-20

When I first saw this movie it was by mistake-but-am I glad I did. I was laughing so hard that I had two pillows over my mouth as so I would not wake up my wife and kids ! There are some low foul parts that really didn't have to be in this movie but most of it will keep you in stitches. The Grandmother and many of her comments and questions are priceless. Lainie Kazan was 10 times better in this movie then the Greek Wedding ( She was perfect in her part as the "Past the flower of her life" mother still trying to hold on, her efforts were Oscar worthy ! This is one movie that will really make you laugh. The daughter played by A. Jolean was as always worthless as the son wasn't much either,but is was the parents that made the show. Being born and raised in East Baltimore City and growing up around a lot of ethnic folks ,this picture stays true to the core. It doesen't stereotype the Itailians but paints a real picture of what they are all about !

Forget 'Big Fat Greek...': Enjoy this Instead,.......2004-01-15

Glamourous comic actress Lainie Kazan, Joe Bologna, Paul Sorvino, and brilliant character actress Renee Taylor take you on a 'not just for New Yorkers' joy ride of a romantic comedy which introduced the teenaged Angelina Jolie. It is a Renee Taylor trademark to poke fun at the clash of the lower classes versus the higher classes (a la her contributions to tee vee's The Nanny. No one could tell than she and Fran were *not* related.) and here as Director, co-writer, she is in her element. Unrecognisable is Connie Stevens and Barbara Carrera in platinum hairpieces. The story is essentially Romeo and Juliet without the daggers and the poison but with musings from the so called Patron Saint Roscoe. Kazan is concerned that her husband Joe Bologna cares more for cuddling with the family cat than she: she asks advice from the friendly sooth sayer and neighborhood wacko Renee Taylor who tells her that her son is going to fall deeply for a girl playing Juliet to his Romeo in a school Shakespeare production. Why, this will not and can not be--that Juliet is getting married next week. (Plus she's terrifically over sized.) So when the new family moves in the area has a daughter who happens to know Juliet--well, the jokes and the hilarity comes in one after another. In my opinion, it's just another pleasant way to kill a Sat afternoon. See it for yourself and I think you'll concur.

angelina jolie.......2003-12-25

i saw it just for angelina. god she is soooooooo beautiful in this movie, other than that the movie is.. bad

Average customer rating:

A wonderful compilation
Revolution OS
a valuable record
boring
Don't look so surprised

Revolution OS
Starring: Linus Torvalds , Richard M. Stallman , Eric Raymond , Bruce Perens , and Larry Augustin
Director: J.T.S. Moore
Manufacturer: Wonderview Productions
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Pirates of Silicon Valley
Triumph of the Nerds
Hackers - Wizards of the Electronic Age
Biography - Bill Gates: Sultan of Software (A&E DVD Archives)
Modern Marvels - The Creation of the Computer (History Channel)

ASIN: B0000A9GLO
Release Date: 2003-09-30

Description

REVOLUTION OS tells the inside story of the hackers and computer programmers who rebelled against Microsoft and the idea of proprietary software to create GNU, Linux, and the Open Source movement. Shot on location in Silicon Valley on 35mm film and in widescreen, REVOLUTION OS captures an offbeat group of characters who are three-parts libertarian, two-parts communist, and one-part bad garage band.

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful compilation .......2007-07-04

A wonderful documentary about the GNU movement and birth of Linux. Some hard to find interviews and recordings of some key events. The documentary has been very well prepared, with all necessary details in place.
I read Eric Raymond's Cathedral and the Bazaar straight after the book, which led me to rethink my business model. I would recommend it to all young entrepreneurs.

Revolution OS.......2007-03-09

Great movie. Wow the part about Cygnus was wonderful. The Open Source movement misses the point on freedom but that is an idealogical debate that movies like this are bound to spark. The producer was on TLLTS in about episode 179 or so and that was sooo good. I heard about the movie from google first and downloaded parts of it but I did actually buy it before the guy was on TLLTS. The Linux Code movie is also being pirated and I learned of and got it from google video now I want to buy it but it seems the company has gone belly up already. Free media and software companies need to do well and we need them to do very well. We need this stuff. The point of GNU FREE is not free as in cost. It is not even about better quality. The point of GNU FREE is not about making the rich CEOs of Red Hat and Novel even richer. It is FREEDOM FREEDOM all the time and in every way. All of the other points are just tools to acquire and spread that FREEDOM. BUY THIS MOVIE!

a valuable record.......2007-02-07

I'll be upfront: one reason I like this documentary is that J.T.S. Moore included some of the photographs I contributed. In any case, the movie is a valuable historic record, showing many of the prominent figures in free and open source software in a direct way. They tell us how they see things in their own words, which you don't often get to see.

Even as something of an insider, I didn't expect the film to be as interesting as it turned out to be. You don't normally think of computer geeks as feature film material and I'm still surprised that it ever got made, much less sold on Amazon. Kudos to Moore and his team for giving us a very watchable film as well as a historic document.

boring.......2006-01-28

This movie is mostly interviews about free software philosophy, open source philosophy, and the rise of linux in the business world. I found the film dull, and I am a linux geek. I do give it three stars because I can see where some may be entertained or informed by the discussions the interviewer had with Stallman, Torvalds, etc. My wife now better understands why I wear a tux hat :) I also enjoyed watching Stallman's manerisms and listening to him speak, since I've heard that he may have Asperger's Syndrome (as does my son, which is why that interested me).

Don't look so surprised.......2006-01-12

This film actually follows the mainstream development and development methods of the vary software that is making it possible for you to read this review. Some people have a tendency to think that is the alternative to Microsoft; the reality, it is Microsoft that is the deviate along with a few other companies (However I must admit I have an admiration for AIX.)

So you will derive from this film software has started out open source and when companies started to button it up the people just moved on to other forms of creating and maintaining open systems.

The film is fun in its self as it lets those there were in the movement see themselves in retrospect and those that missed the boat to catch up. Too bad it cut short being 2002 to miss the inroads of Linux and Fodor both as replacement and coexistent in the information technology world of today.

Frontline: Is Wal-Mart Good for America?

Average customer rating:

Interesting overview
Is a monopoly good for fair business practices?
Clinton should be ashamed of himself
Just ONE point of view
Absolutely Not!!!

Frontline: Is Wal-Mart Good for America?
Starring: Hedrick Smith
Director: Rick Young
Manufacturer: PBS (Direct)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000B0WO4O
Release Date: 2005-10-04

Customer Reviews:

Interesting overview.......2007-07-04

This report, like all quality reporting, leaves it to the viewer to form an opinion. I came away thinking that Wal-Mart wasn't evil, but just in a good position to take advantage of changes in the market. They did so aggressively, but that's competition for you. You can't expect companies to go easy on each other. You also can't expect companies to pass up great opportunities to pad their bottom lines, no matter what the cost to the working class, here or in China. That's what I took away, anyway. As for a prescrition for the maladies described in the piece? I really don't know. Like I said in the title, this i really just an overview; I'd have to learn more. And I plan to, but reports on this subject seem to be predominantly heavy-handed propoganda pieces.

Incidentally, I can't say if this is worth the money or not, I borrowed it from the library.

Is a monopoly good for fair business practices? .......2007-05-24

To understand the economic effect of Wal-Mart on the United States, maybe it's best to start by looking at their enormous growth in a relatively short time. Aggressive is a good word to describe this company's approach to retailing. In 1970, there were 38 stores. In 1980, it was 286 stores. In 1990, Wal-Mart had 1500 stores and overtook all of its competition in 1991 to become the largest retailer in America.

Part of this huge influence on our markets can be partly attributed to an ill conceived, permanent trading agreement with China during the Clinton presidency. In the early 1990's, Wal-Mart flooded their store inventories with manufactured goods from China and low wage countries. These products had a high mark-up which seriously boosted profits. By the late 1990's, Wal-Mart was dependent on low cost Asian imports but it suited them well financially.

China pays employees anywhere from 25 to 50 cents an hour for work. This helps keep production costs down. So much so that it hurts American companies trying to compete and has even forced some of them out of business. As stated in this program, Wal-Mart has some 6000 global suppliers for its goods and 80 percent of those suppliers are in China. Knowing that China is the largest exporter of consumer goods to the U.S. economy and Wal-Mart is the largest retailer in the U.S. economy in consumer goods, it becomes abundantly clear that Wal-Mart has designs on dominating all retailing in the United States. One interview with an employee from the Port of Long Beach also reveals some interesting information. The port brings in 36 billion dollars of consumer goods from China each year and the U.S. exports 3 billion dollars of raw materials to China.

With a massive imbalance such as this, you can only imagine the frightful trade deficit it can create. Since this program first aired on November 16, 2004, Wal-Mart reported record sales of 285 billion dollars, up by 11 percent. The commerce department reported a record trade deficit with China of 162 billion dollars, up by 31 percent. With these figures in mind, one expert in this program estimates that this lopsided economic situation has caused America to lose approximately 1 million jobs to China since the early 1990's.

This documentary is not all one sided. There are interviews for and against Wal-Mart and their business practices so it is a fair look at both sides of the picture. In the end, from my viewpoint of the evidence given, it appears that Wal-Mart is not good for America for many obvious reasons. This mega-company appears to hurt the U.S. economy more than help it. To further examine Wal-Mart and their structure, I would highly recommend the documentary `Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price' in conjunction with watching this one.

Clinton should be ashamed of himself.......2006-12-29

Is Wal-Mart Good for America?: Frontline - 2004

I have an MBA and have found it difficult to explain to my kids why WalMart is so bad for America. This documentary does an excellent job. Showing first-hand how the Chinese are exporting $162 billion in products to the US each year while they're only importing a measly $3 billion in natural resources from the US each year. The Chinese, in turn, make wages of 50 cents to a dollar a day, meaning they can't possibly afford to purchase any US imports (which is why they only import natural resources they don't grow there). Meanwhile, Americans have lost their jobs as WalMart forces companies to have their products manufactured in China (not anywhere else, just China where the labor is 50 cents an hour). There are two mistakes in this film that were more from a lack of how the WalMart business model differs from older business models. Sam Walton is credited with creating the pull system (where instead of manufacturers manufacturing what they thought would sell and selling it to buyers, the buyers TELL the manufacturers what they're making, when they're making it, and how much they'll charge for it). Walton wasn't the first to do this. When DELL came up with the first extensive Just-In-Time (JIT) manufacturing system, they incorporated this to a certain extent, Walton just pushed it farther. The second reference was giving Walton credit for first using bar code systems and (just-in-time) inventory. DELL did it first, not WalMart. The one thing Walton did do first was the hub-and-spoke warehouse transportation model where mega-warehouses in each region ship (via trucks) directly to each store in the area. That was his idea. Southwest Airlines built upon it to make their airline a success as well. The other thing about this documentary that somewhat irritated me was the complete lack of pointing out that WalMart forced these manufacturers to move to China, where there are absolutely no environmental control laws. My husband is an environmental engineer and says there's more than enough proof that China is dumping billions of tons of pollution into the water and air (we'll be paying for that too). Even the WalMart executive stated quite clearly that the only things sold at WalMart for a "fair" price were the sale items. Everything else had a substantial markup. I wonder how all those WalMart shoppers would feel if they knew that they really weren't saving. AND they're making Americans lose their jobs. Lastly, the economist interviewed was a complete idiot. Citing some economic theory that's proven full of holes, he then contradicts himself. What a bozo. This is why no good President has ever listened to an Economist. Did I mention that our huge trade deficit with China is thanks to Hillary and President Bill Clinton? I sincerely hope anyone uninformed enough to consider voting for Hillary takes a look at this first. Hillary will surely send this country back to the stone age and the transformation back to a third world country will be complete.

Just ONE point of view.......2006-11-09

This review will probably not be received with equanimity by most americans...
The movie by frontline focuses heavily on the fact that China is putting in a LOT more goods thru walmart into USA at a MUCH cheaper price than can be manufactured by american companies, and that thousands of jobs are being lost etc..
All admirable points and no doubt true.

Before we ask if "Walmart is good for/to America" in isolation, in the much vaunted/desired "GLOBAL" economy that has been vigorously pushed by the so called economically developed nations over the last century, shouldnt we ask "Has AMerica been good for/to the world 's economy" as a whole , in a Global/trans national view? considering yourself as a "global" citizen rather than just an American.

Now all of a sudden, when the technological superiority has been evened out in consumer products, but the relative wealth level is still enormousl y lopsided, it is UNFAIR for those countries to sell cheaper?

By that argument it would have been unfair to even colonize america from the point of view of the native Indians, or unfair to sell arms for INCREDIBLE amounts of raw materials/labour in extremely uneven exchanges over the past 60 years with all the 3rd world nations. Global economics ALSO has its cycle of evolutons, and I for one, am glad that extremely poor people for whom this is is pretty much a survival issue are able to raise their living standard a little, as opposed to America, where the problem of the "poor" is..obesity. The real culprit here is the "Corporation culture" that the "developed" countries have created, with th result that the top 1% of the population in the USA control 90% of the wealth. this would have been a better DVD if it had not played upon the fears of a public in inflaming the "chinese are taking our jobs" model and focused on corporate greed, of which walmart is only a single example in the USA.
I found the DVD amusing .

Absolutely Not!!!.......2006-04-04

This documentary was first shown as a expose` on the PBS series, Frontline. It started a trend. It asks the hard questions about how Wal-Mart became the world's largest retailer, and at what cost? It is not preachy as with Robert Greenwald's version and it's not biased like Michael Moore. It gets both sides of the arguement to explain themselves and it gives the viewer the chance to decide. Very powerful journalism!

Average customer rating:

haunting docu-fantasy--masterfully done!
Lacks bunches of ap-PEEL
Interesting, but misses a key point
Great, but very sad.
An Extraordinary Talent!

Carmen Miranda - Bananas Is My Business
Starring: Cynthia Adler , Eric Barreto , Mario Cunha , Alice Faye , and Aurora Miranda
Manufacturer: Fox Lorber
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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