Mistress

Starring:Robert Wuhl, Martin Landau, Vasek Simek, Thomas R. Voth, Jace Alexander, Mary Mercier, Tuesday Knight, Eli Wallach, Danny Aiello, Jean Smart, Robert De Niro, William Rotko, Dimitri Dimitrov, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Chuck Low, Ernest Borgnine, Laurie Metcalf, FrÃÃ°a AradÃ³ttir, Raphaela Rose Primus, Christopher Walken
Director: Barry Primus
Studio: Geneon [Pioneer]
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Despite its flaws, The Good German is a welcome gift for every film lover who laments that "they don't make 'em like they used to." Steven Soderbergh's affectionate, knowing tribute to the black-and-white melodramas of Hollywood's golden age may lack the emotional depth and romantic passion of Michael Curtiz's Casablanca--the 1946 classic it intentionally emulates--but as Soderbergh approximates Curtiz's studio style, he delivers a shimmering, shadowy reminder that movies can be enjoyed for the sheer pleasure of their craftsmanship. Once again serving as his own cinematographer (credited as "Peter Andrews"), Soderbergh went to great lengths to technically and aesthetically re-create the look and feel of a Curtiz production, and Joseph Kanon's source novel (adapted by Quiz Show screenwriter Paul Attanasio) provides a twisting plot set around the historical Potsdam conference in post-World War II Germany. An American military journalist, Capt. Jake Geismer (George Clooney) is in rubble-strewn Berlin to cover the event, and is quickly drawn into a murder plot involving his appointed driver (Tobey Maguire), an old flame-turned-wartime prostitute (Cate Blanchett) and her missing husband, a scientist who possesses pivotal secrets coveted by Americans and Russians in a pre-Cold War bid for power.

Violence, sexual content, and salty dialogue make it clear that this R-rated drama is a brashly contemporary homage to films of a bygone era, and not a slavish attempt to copy the past. This yields mixed results in terms of the film's overall appeal; it's gorgeous to look at, but the plot and performances exist in a vacuum, and the entire film feels oddly disengaged from any sense of genuine human emotion. It's probably fair to say that Soderbergh had more fun making the film than most people will have watching it. And yet, as Clooney's character is repeatedly beaten and deceived on his path to cynical enlightenment, The Good German has many qualities that make it recommendable, not the least being the pleasure of following a talented director as he indulges his penchant for bold experimentation. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Who knows what American journalist Jake Geismer (George Clooney) expected to find in postwar Berlin? Peace, maybe. Or at least a story. But certainly not Lena (Cate Blanchett), his beautiful, embittered one-time love. And not the trail of secrecy and deception that leads from Lena to the scheming young corporal (Tobey Maguire) who's her new lover...and to a murder no one seems interested in solving. Except Jake. Steven Soderbergh directs three of today's top talents in this zigzag thriller that's both an atmospheric homage to 1940s filmmaking and a deft modern film noir. The Good German is "haunting and hypnotic, it's pure moviegoing bliss" (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone).

Customer Reviews:

Bold Film Noir for the 21st Century.......2007-07-03

In my view, this was one of the better DVD's of 2006...both in plot and
photography. The black and white visuals are stunning and compare well to
to many film noir films of the 40's. True, the characters are not as bold and dramatic as THE THIRD MAN...and perhaps that is the point...there are no gigantic Wellesian figures in this movie. Everybody is tainted and everyone has an agenda and everyone exists in a shade of grey. Therefore, the film is quite realistic and Cate Blanchett could not be better.

More an homage than a movie.......2007-07-01

There's times where I don't really care for Steven Soderbergh movies. Traffic I felt was a compelling if overlong drama that had an aura of self-importance, like it was intentionally made to be one of those "important" films. The Good German sometimes feels like the same way: like it wants to be a classic noir film although the intent of course was for it to feel like a film that would've been made at RKO in the old days. While there's some things that feel out of place and just a genuine feeling of sluggishness, it's still a good homage to a classic time period.

Jake Geismser (George Clooney) is in Berlin covering the Potsdam Conference with Winston Churchill, Joseph Stalin and President Roosevelt. He meets driver Tully (Tobey Maguire) who's a nice guy until he's left alone in where he becomes a scheming, violent firebrand. His girlfriend is prostitute Lena (Cate Blanchett) who of course has to be Geismer's ex. But the name "Emil Brandt" pops up which gets everyone riled up and a murder happens which gets Jake investigating on who the culprit is and what's so important about Emil Brandt.

I will say this: this film has the perfect 1940's feel, from the shadows to the staging, the overdramatic music and it's even presented in full-frame. Even if you don't like the movie, you got to admit they nailed the feel. As far as acting, we do have Clooney and Blanchett who almost were born to be in black and white with Blanchett looking the best. Only misstep was Maguire since he's not really menacing so much as he goes into temper tantrums. If he did this performance in Spider-Man 3, that movie would've benefited. He even rabbit punches a girl in this just so the filmmakers can let you know this guy's tough. Classically trained actors just needed to look at you to know he's not one to cross; Maguire has to actually be given something violent to do.

The problem with the movie as a whole is that it's just...kind of boring. It's as if more attention was paid to the look than the script. Casablanca was talky sure but at least it kept your interest. This feels like you're just checking the time code a lot wondering how long the movie's been on. But if you're one that prefers the old movies, you'll probably like this although a sex scene that would've got cut feels odd while there's tons of language to get thrown around. But, as far as a great B&W movie is concerned, Good Night and Good Luck is definately a better pick.

Either it's to preserve the "magic" of making the movie or just simply make special features unavailable until a bigger Special Edition is announced, it's really bare-bones. Unless you're a die-hard fan and have to own it, go ahead and buy it but for others, either rent it and test the waters or just wait.

A director's indulgences turn a fine novel into an auteur's dream gone bad.......2007-07-01

The Good German, the novel by Joseph Kanon, is a first-class thriller that makes some serious points. The Good German, the movie by Steven Soderbergh, isn't and doesn't.

Books and movies are different animals, and a fan is naive to think that the strengths of one can always be translated into the other. Director Soderbergh, in my view, in order to achieve two objectives doesn't even try. The first, notable only if the viewer hasn't read the book, is to change substantial elements of the plot and the characters for what seems no greater purpose than to create star roles for George Clooney and Tobey Maguire and "acting moments" for the two of them and Cate Blanchett. He also seems, as so many Hollywood factory philosophers seem compelled to do, to want to make obvious points about how awful some government actions can be, how hideous "end-justifies-the-means" activities are and how noble is the average guy, played by a Hollywood star lead, of course, in resisting all this. But much, much worse, Soderbergh has used The Good German as a toy. He has said he wanted to make the movie in the style of the old Forties movies. For the most part he shot everything on stage sets, used the old camera lenses, insisted on boom mikes for sound recording and played with the harsh light contrasts familiar from movies like The Third Man and the B-level noirs photographed by John Alton. He even was his own cinematographer and editor (under pseudonyms). What he came up with is a stilted drama so harshly lit that the movie is unpleasant to watch. The movie is a collection of deep, deep contrasts that give washed-out brightness, dead white faces and shadows so black anything might be happening. This must have been great fun for Soderbergh to create but it's hell for the movie viewer to sit through for nearly two hours.

The story, set in Berlin in 1945 when the Potsdam Conference is just starting, is hugely visual. There are desperate civilians everywhere, GIs living high, bombed-out ruins, war criminals being hunted by both the Soviets and the Americans, not to punish but, if they were rocket scientists, to bring back home. Intrigue and corruption bubble just below the rotten surface of the city. And Jake Geisner, played by George Clooney, finds himself up to his neck in intrigue when he spots a former mistress, Lena Brandt (Cate Blanchett) and is assigned a GI driver, Patrick Tully (Tobey Maguire). Then a GI is murdered, which leads Geisner into some dangerous situations and some moral conflicts. Unfortunately, among all the specious changes Soderbergh makes in the story-line, the worst is the conclusion. Instead of a satisfying bit of justice served up with irony, as in the book, we have an irrelevant bit of knowledge tossed at us that serves no purpose but to create another acting moment for Clooney and Blanchett.

For me, even if I hadn't read the book this movie would have been a disappointment. It's an auteur's dream of a director's Hollywood clout, but gone bad. If Soderbergh doesn't get his act together soon, he'll wind up as a cautionary tale of talent being indulged, corrupted and wasted. I can't think of a movie of his I've seen since Out of Sight and The Limey that did much for me. Amid the Berlin debris, however, is the performance of Cate Blanchett. She looks awful in Soderbergh's unforgiving lighting and it's obvious at times that she's trying to channel Marlene Dietrich. Still, when she finally settles down into the part Blanchett gives a fine performance.

The DVD is bare-bones. Make sure you wear sunglasses if you watch it. For those who like to read thrillers and are intrigued with Germany right after the end of WWII, you won't do better than Ross Thomas' The Eighth Dwarf. And for those who want to see how dramatic lighting can really be used, try The Third Man or some of Alton's noirs.
Eighth Dwarf
The Third Man - Criterion Collection (2-Disc Edition)
He Walked By Night
The Big Combo

Worth Seeing. .......2007-06-24

I really think that Cate Blanchett's performance here is as good as anything I've seen lately. She is incredibly impressive as Lena and her passion for the role has a powerful effect on our enjoyment of The Good German. As for Clooney, he is believable as Jake Geismer and makes a solid contribution. The only important actor here I cannot be as positive about; although, perhaps I'm the only person who remains completely unimpressed by Tobey Maguire. I was surprised by how discordant his efforts were. He reminded me of that phrase that acting is not "acting" as he was "acting" or seemed to be intentionally playing a character. I felt that his Tully was contrived and quite bizarre. He stood out like spoiled sauerkraut among this ensemble, and detracted from the movie's worth. The plot itself was riveting and it kept you focused in every scene as if it were a classic piece of 40s noir, but, at its root, the storyline was rather fantastic. The US occupation government in Germany was a little too clueless to be as sinister as they are depicted here. My willingness to suspend belief was strained, but I still found The Good German to be entertaining.

Was there another book of the same title...........2007-06-18

...or was this badly re-invented tripe the best that Soderbergh could do with Kanon's novel? Lena, the female lead of book/film - rape victim and NOT a prostitute - is converted from a war weary, emotionally vulnerable yet stable and admirable lead into a vague, emotionally dull, unstable Gestapo informant by way of Marlene Dietrich impersonator. Tully, the character about whom little is known yet all action centers around, is turned into a noir caricature, who is entirely unsympathetic and loathsome. Jake, the central character and lead, is (in the novel) always a step and thought ahead of the other characters and of the action; in the novel, he seems to be the last person in the know.

Noir as a genre can and should be explored in modern cinema, but all this film seems to show is how bad parody and caricature can make even the most incidental wartime story appear. Cinematography aside (which was the only thing commented on favorably by the majority of critics), this was the second worst Soderbergh film I've sat through. It may be time for SS to temporarily, or perhaps permanently, disassociate himself from Clooney.

Average customer rating:

More than expected
Downfall
absolutely mesmerizing potrayal by Bruno Gantz
For History Buffs and Cinephiles
good history, good movie

Downfall
Starring: Bruno Ganz , Alexandra Maria Lara , Corinna Harfouch , Ulrich Matthes , and Juliane Köhler
Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Release Date: 2005-08-02

Amazon.com

The riveting subject of Downfall is nothing less than the disintegration of Adolf Hitler in mind, body, and soul. A 2005 Academy Award nominee for best foreign language film, this German historical drama stars Bruno Ganz (Wings of Desire) as Hitler, whose psychic meltdown is depicted in sobering detail, suggesting a fallen, pathetic dictator on the verge on insanity, resorting to suicide (along with Eva Braun and Joseph and Magda Goebbels) as his Nazi empire burns amidst chaos in mid-1945. While staging most of the film in the claustrophobic bunker where Hitler spent his final days, director Oliver Hirschbiegel (Das Experiment) dares to show the gentler human side of der Fuehrer, as opposed to the pure embodiment of evil so familiar from many other Nazi-era dramas. This balanced portrayal does not inspire sympathy, however: We simply see the complexity of Hitler's character in the greater context of his inevitable downfall, and a more realistic (and therefore more horrifying) biographical portrait of madness on both epic and intimate scales. By ending with a chilling clip from the 2002 documentary Blind Spot: Hitler's Secretary, this unforgettable film gains another dimension of sobering authenticity. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

More than expected.......2007-06-16

Some good history for those who haven't heard it before. Some great acting for everyone. Well worth your time. Some echoes for our time. "They gave us a mandate... "

Downfall.......2007-05-30

a poor actor showing the world how anybody, driven by hate, will go down in history in the worst way.

absolutely mesmerizing potrayal by Bruno Gantz.......2007-05-28

I had no idea Ganz had it in him to be this great until I saw him here as Hitler. Alexandra Maria Lara as his young and naive secretary is also very good. Cast is excellent. Director Oliver Hirschbieger deftly pulls it all together and will keep you on the edge of your seat all the way through--even though we all know how the tale ended.

The film gets under your skin and gnaws at your psyche long after you have seen it--and that is some trick. How were the makers of this motion picture able to accomplish this? By avoiding the usual approach of making Hitler and his murderous SS thugs as two-dimensional cartoon characters, instead they show the lot of them to be what they were: human. Mixed-up, misguided, fanatical, barberic, coldblooded mass-murderers--and all in the quest for power (that they never attained), but human none-the-less.

What is sad here, as far as I am concerned, instead of encouraging his nation to focus all that energy on making the world a better place, because Germans, the German people, have given us so much more than fine cars and excellent beer and camera lenses...Hitler and his thugs had their people squandering all that potential on causing destruction and mayhem, misery and pain...for nothing.

I realize quite a few Germans didn't care for Hitler and his loony notions...only there wasn't much they could do about it (once he came into power and they saw where he was actually taking them...straight to Hell). Any German who opposed the dreaded SS and the Gestapo ended up dead or in some camp somewhere to suffer the consequences.

I always wondered what it must have been like for Hitler and his people down in that bunker during the final months/weeks/days... This powerful motion picture shows you what went on--and then some.

For History Buffs and Cinephiles.......2007-05-15

Incredible cinematography. Bruno Ganz is exceptional as the lead character. Very intricate portrayal of the last days of the Third Reich. Enables the viewer to see an interesting side of [...] that hasn't been explored very often.

good history, good movie.......2007-05-12

I am a college history professor. One of my students had this movie and asked me if I would view it and let him know how accurate it was etc. I viewed it and was very impressed. So impressed I bought one for myself. This is very accurate history as well as well done movie making. I would recommend it to anyone interested in the last days of WWII in Europe.

Average customer rating:

Needs more spice.
This Spice Girl Needs More
[3.5]--The Mistress of Spices will forever be locked up in her store.
buffy move over
Magic, Love & Romance

The Mistress of Spices
Starring: Aishwarya Rai , Dylan McDermott , Nitin Ganatra , Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje , and Caroline Chikezie
Director: Paul Mayeda Berges
Manufacturer: Weinstein Company
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Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000NVT0T8
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Description

(Romance) Tilo runs a spice store in San Francisco and has a magical gift of seeing into her customers' lives and desires. But, when a handsome, enigmatic American with a secret past enters her store, Tilo's own desires are stirred for the first time.

Customer Reviews:

Needs more spice........2007-07-02

Having seen Bride and Prejudice, and been wowed by it, I rented this movie expecting more of the same from the actress (insert unpronounceable name here).

Clearly most of the money was spent on the spice store set which is visually stunning, and which the main character hardly ever left. This story is highly improbable to begin with, a weak story for a movie. Let's face it, the central dilemma for the main character is the choice between desire, and spices. Is that really even a dilemma?

This movie starts off slow, and I found myself wondering if I should even bother to watch the rest of it. She has all these strange rules to follow, laid down by the Old Spice lady, like Ms Rai is supposed to be a spice goddess. Most of the conflict in the movie is inner conflict, and the spices start acting strangely and not working when desire clouds her judgment. OOh, scary, suspenseful, can hardly wait to see what happens next.

Whoever wrote this story needed to crank up the scale of what was on offer. There is no force of anatagonism in this movie, against the main character. Conflict is to story, as sound is to music. Someone compared this to Like Water for Chocolate. Get that movie first.

If you find this review helpful, please click yes.

This Spice Girl Needs More.......2007-07-01

Like the novel of the same name by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, this little film follows the same charming "in-food-there-is-magic" formula found in cult classic films "Chocolat" and "Like Water for Chocolate." In "The Mistress of Spices," director Paul Mayeda Berges moves the audience out of the realm of the French or Mexican village and gives it a glimpse of the slightly exotic world of the Indian immigrant outside of San Francisco. Unfortunately, although the film overloads the senses with its visual perfection---the colorful heapings of spices glorify each set with an appeal that enables the audience to almost feel the textures and enjoy their fragrances---the storyline fails to deliver that ultimate feel for the supernatural that rendered "Chocolat" so uniquely memorable. Lacking continuity and a palpable chemistry between the lead characters, its loveliness wears as thin and transparent as an Indian sari.

Tilo, played by the incredibly exquisite Aishwarya Rai (a former Miss World,) trains from childhood in the magical arts; her gift allows her to discern problems and desires in her patrons' lives and recommend an appropriate spice to alleviate their pain. Her placement in the New World comes with some inflexible restrictions: she must never use the spices to help herself, she can never touch another's skin and she can never leave the confines of the Spice Bazaar that houses the tools of her trade.

When a handsome (and barely shaved) Dylan McDermott equipped with a prerequisite bad-boy motorcycle enters her life, the magic of the spices seems to abandon our Spice Girl. Tilo experiences a crisis of conscience as she struggles to adhere to the promises she has made and yet live a life that fulfills her own desires.

Bottom line? "Mistress of Spices" provides at least 90 minutes of colorful romantic entertainment that although not truly remarkable would definitely brighten up a rainy afternoon. Aishwarya Rai's flawless beauty in conjunction with the rows and rows of rainbow spices creates an almost magic that keeps the viewer watching and hoping for that "more" that unfortunately never comes. Recommended to those who enjoy the slightly unexplained stories of Joanne Harris and Alice Hoffman.
Diana Faillace Von Behren
"reneofc"

[3.5]--The Mistress of Spices will forever be locked up in her store........2007-06-27

I thought this was a good afternoon flick. The good part is that unlike their earlier films that were Indianized as "Football Shootball Hai Rabba" (Bend it like Beckhem) and "Balle Balle Amritsar to LA" (Bride and Prejudice), Gurinder and Paul have not renamed "Mistress of Spices" as "Masalo ki Mallika" or something likewise. That's because thankfully this time they didn't attempt to dub the film in Hindi thereby maintaining the essence of the spices. This fairy-tale fable fits the format of the cross-culture foreign film. Thankfully it doesn't get preachy or blatant on Indian cultures or values but rather used the spices as the connection to India.

You might have read about astrology, numerology, gemology and stuff. This film introduces spice-o-logy whereby our spice girl Tilo (Aishwarya Rai) who runs a spice bazaar in San Francisco can foresee fortunes of her customers with the help of the spices she sells in her store. The art of spicology also says that there is a particular spice for every personality and every problem. Through these spices, Tilo solves the problems of her customers. But then like any secret art, this one also has some rules. Tilo cannot use the spice for her own benefit. She cannot allow anybody to touch her. And finally she cannot leave the spice store. But then obviously rules are meant to be broken. And when she breaks all the rules for a guy Doug (Dylan McDermott) who she falls for, the spices get angry on her and break havoc. As a punishment to Tilo the spices make her customers suffer. Now Tilo has to either go back to the spices or leave them for love. And in the climax she has to give an agni-pariksha.

From flower-petals to scenic locations, "Mistress of Spices" redefines the concept of beauty in films through the rich use of spices. Cinematographer Santosh Sivan simply creates magic onscreen by capturing the true spirit of the spices imparting each frame a gorgeous texture. How one just wishes if we could smell the aroma of Spice Bazaar to get a feel of the hundreds of spices on display. And despite the fact that the major part of the film is shot inside the store, it still looks visually appealing.

But the problem with 'MOS' is that after a point the film drags. The scenes and setting tend to get repetitive. Even the characterizations are one-dimensional. Apart from Aishwarya, none of the characters who come as customers to the store are developed properly! Nitin Ganatra who had put in a fabulous comic act in "Bride and Prejudice" is wasted in the role of a Kashmiri cabbie. Even other actors like Anupam Kher, Ayesha Dharker or Padmalakshmi don't get much scope. The flashback story of Dylan ends mysteriously. The entire focus is on the main spice ? Aishwarya and she succeeds in adding flavor to the film. "Mistress of Spices" cannot be tagged as the perfect entertainment recipe. But then this spice-fest isn't your regular masala flick either.

buffy move over.......2007-06-27

this movie shows what one woman will do to see what her desires will drive hjer to do and what she knows she should do. but this movie dose have a lot in common with the simply irresistable movie and the main focus on the food and what it dose except this has to do with the world of spices.

Magic, Love & Romance.......2007-06-26

I enjoyed reading the book, Mistress of Spices and also enjoyed the movie as well! Aishwarya Rai does a wonderful job of acting as usual and nails the character of Tilo perfectly.

I liked the idea of mystery, humility & humbleness of Tilo's character... Her purpose in life is to use her knowledge of the spices to help benefit the needs of those whom need her most. Tilo's life seems to be one of self service and self sacrifice for she is to never use the spices for her own benefit, dreams, and desires. She is to never leave the shop that holds her spices, nor touch another human being ever.

Tilo seems content with her life as Mistress of Spices and helping others achieve their needs and desires.... That is until she meets Doug, an architect (a lost soul if you), and feels instantly attracted to him and vice versa. Tilo knows she must not fall in love with him and does almost everything to dissuade him from falling in love for him.

The spices become angered with Tilo's desire to be with Doug and Tilo has consequences to pay for angering the spices. Does Tilo forsake the spices to be with Doug or does she forsake him for the spices? Or can she find room in her life for both "Love" and the "Spices"? Watch the movie and see!

Average customer rating:

Leonard and Frankenheimer get down and dirty
interested in a jag
"Gotta lot a mileage on her"
A nasty little gem..."Hey SPORT"
Awesome Movie

52 Pick-Up
Starring: Roy Scheider , Ann-Margret , Vanity , John Glover , and Robert Trebor
Director: John Frankenheimer
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000OPOAPC
Release Date: 2007-06-12

Customer Reviews:

Leonard and Frankenheimer get down and dirty.......2007-06-20

52 Pick-Up was one of the few rays of light in the dark days when every screen adaptation of an Elmore Leonard novel would go horribly wrong and when John Frankenheimer's name on the credits wasn't exactly a guarantee of quality any more, although it sank quickly due to a botched marketing campaign (the producers decided to play up the good reviews by touting it as `The best film this season from Cannon,' which is a bit like boasting about having the least contagious form of VD). A riff on his earlier Western The Tall T, this sees businessman Roy Scheider set up by a trio of blackmailers who, not taking kindly to him confessing his affair to his wife rather than pay up, murder his girlfriend with his gun so as not to miss out on their payday, only for Scheider to turn them against each other. While it's no Out of Sight, it's an effectively seedy L.A. thriller with a couple of outstanding supporting turns by John Glover and a seriously mucked-up and dangerous Clarence Williams III.

No extras at all, but it does have a decent 1.85:1 widescreen transfer.

interested in a jag.......2006-10-02

52 pick up is a tightly woven film noir that builds the suspense right from the outset. Harry and Barbara
Mitchell (Roy Scheider and Ann Margret) play an upscale professional couple in their mid fifties. Harry owns a steel manufacturing business while Barbara is an evironmental oversight board chairman with political connections. As the film begins Harry is sandbagged by three individuals who entrap him with a video showing
him in an extramarital affair with a young woman named Cinny. (Kelly Preston) As the blackmail scenario
unfolds. Harry is ordered to pay a large sum of money by the ringleader of the trio. Alan Raimey (John Glover)
with sidekicks Leo Franks (Robert Trebor) and Bobby Shy. (Clarence Williams III) After informing his lawyer
Jim O'Boyle, (Lonny Chapman) Harry decides not to be intimidated and dismiss the trio as folly. As the story moves along Harry and Barbara develop a determination to deal with the trio. As in the tradition of original film noir Harry and Barbara are trapped in a Catch 22 scenario with the lowly trio. Frankenheimer builds up the intensity and gets excellent performances from the entire cast.
John Glover is superb as the homoerotic protagonist Alan Raimey as well as Robert Trebor and Clarence
Williams III as the other two components of the trio. Alan's psychosis becomes a fulcrum for destruction.
Meanwhile Bobby Shy's girlfriend Doreen (Vanity) cuts both sides of the fence with equal disdain for Harry and Bobby while concealing the triangle that has developed between Harry, Cinny, and herself. The scenes are fastmoving with crisp and candid dialogue. Frankenheimer holds nothing back with realism and taut direction. This film takes one on an emotional rollercoaster with no gimmicks from start to finish. 52 Pick Up
is a great example of modernist flim noir and I believe that is an excellent film. Transfer to dvd in widescreen format is excellent.
Audio in 5.1 surround sound is really incredible and adds a new dimension
to the viewers experience. All of these factors engage the viewer
at an incredibly intense level.

"Gotta lot a mileage on her".......2005-10-08

I've been waiting for this movie to be released on dvd in widescreen with extras for years. I hope Roy Scheider knows about this non release. The movie has been forgotten or hung up for whatever reason and it's a damn shame. The acting is superior all around. John Glover plays one of the best weird, cleverly evil criminals of filmdom. Yes I'd go that far. The movie has a mixture of many elements. One element captures perfectly the decadent street sex of the eighties. Also mixed in between Roy Scheiders affluent fish out of water charactor are drugs, kidnapping, revenge, love, lust, redemption and betrayal. Also added to the boiling pot are an unusual assembly of actors. Some are the epitome of the eighties. Others are old screen stars, decent tv actors, then unknown names, great charactor actors and even a "cameo" by a renowned porn "star". This caldron, well paced and plotted really nails it. Some may say I'm overratting it, and maybe I am a bit, but hey, I'm the reviewer. 52 Pickup is well done, particually now in a nostalgic way. Forget the VHS tape(even laserdisc). DVD only. Hang in there sport. [UPDATE 6/9/07: Im sure Roy Schieder does know what happening with this film. I have a multi region dvd player and have finally seen this classic on dvd. It can be purchased through Amazon as a region 2 disc. Several web sites have also pointed out that it will be released in the good old USA this summer. The region 2 disc picture and audio are just ok. Im hoping the region 1 release will be much improved with seriously needed extras. "She still cooks." ]

A nasty little gem..."Hey SPORT".......2005-08-10

I saw this in the theaters when it first came out in the 80s, not expecting much, but then - BAM! - this nasty little gem of a thriller delivers thrills in spades. JOHN GLOVER creates one of the most chilling, yet hilarious, villains in film history - and the film's most infamous sequence - the videotape replay of Cindy's snuff-movie murder that Glover forces Scheider to watch in horror SITTING THE SAME CHAIR WHERE SHE WAS KILLED! - still never fails to disturb the viewer. Frankenheimer directs how the best do: so seamless and suble and unobtrusive, you never notice him tightening the screws right up until a white-knuckle climax. I cannot quite believe this film is still NOT ON DVD, even though the shelves are crammed with lesser product. C'mon, guys, get with it! Once you see 52 PICK-UP, you will never forget it.

Awesome Movie.......2005-03-05

When is this movie gonna be on DVD, It's totally awesome, John Glover plays the best bad guy ever,This movie has everything you could want in a movie, Sex, drugs, blackmale, murder and porno theatre,Check it out.

Average customer rating:

Farley and Perry are absolutely hilarious!
Good Quality
Funny for Class
......"You there good man....fingering that stomach wound.
A little funny

Almost Heroes
Starring: Chris Farley , Matthew Perry , Bokeem Woodbine , Barry Del Sherman , and Robert Tittor
Director: Christopher Guest
Manufacturer: Turner Home Ent
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0009PVZ9Q
Release Date: 2005-08-30

Description

It was a time of heroes. Well, almost. They were hearty men in those days. Men who, like Bartholomew Hunt and Leslie Edwards, made sure that when adventure called, it got a wrong number. Chris Farley and Matthew Perry team with director Christopher Guest (Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show) to venture into uncharted comedy territory. Where explorers Lewis and Clark go, Hunt (Farley) and Edwards (Perry) follow, hoping to overtake the famed expeditioners and be the more fiery trailblazers. In a land dotted with bears, native tribes, pioneer outposts and wandering conquistadors having a bad hair day, is there not also room for two more adventurers eager to make a name for themselves? Westward ho-ho-ho!

Customer Reviews:

Farley and Perry are absolutely hilarious!.......2007-05-11

I've been waiting for this to come out on DVD forever! I have practically worn out my VHS copy. Get ready to have your sides split with laughter as these two try to beat Lewis and Clark to the coast. Add a zany character played by Eugene Levy to kick it up even another notch of uber-funny! The comedic styles of Matthew Perry and Chris Farley really compliment each other to appeal to what ever your sense of humour may be. The supporting cast was excellent as well. Get this one, you won't be sorry!

Good Quality.......2007-05-09

I bought it for a gift for somebody, and it was very good quality.

Funny for Class.......2007-03-26

Simple review - I show parts of this to my US History class when discussing Lewis & Clark to give them a "different perspective". They enjoy the humor.

......"You there good man....fingering that stomach wound........2007-02-23

I nearly wet my pants laughing at this movie.
Farley and Perry are brilliant together.
A must have movie!

A little funny .......2007-02-14

Silly and only a little funny movie for guys rather then girls (in terms of sense of humor).

Verdi - La Traviata / Levine, Stratas, Domingo

Average customer rating:

OPera at its best
Libiamo! Godiamo!
Moving
The best filmed version of the two I have seen
A great production

Verdi - La Traviata / Levine, Stratas, Domingo
Starring: Teresa Stratas , Plácido Domingo , Cornell MacNeil , Allan Monk , and Pina Cei
Director: Franco Zeffirelli
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Ballet & Dance | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

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Leoncavallo - I Pagliacci / Mascagni - Cavalleria Rusticana / Domingo, Stratas, Pons, Bruson, Obraztsova, Pretre

ASIN: 0783227477
Release Date: 1999-04-13

Customer Reviews:

OPera at its best.......2007-06-13

This film of one of the best loved operas is brilliant both in performance and setting. Even someone who does not attend the opera cannot fail to enjoy and be moved by this production.

Libiamo! Godiamo!.......2007-05-28

Drink and be happy with this luscious and moving rendition of this opera classic. Gloriously rich colors are thoughtfully used in concert with the music and plot. The production design makes you feel what it must have been like to live the life of the truly wealthy Parisians of the time. This is NOT a filmed version of a staged opera (which usually are only useful for archival purposes) but, truly a movie.

Moving.......2007-03-16

I viewed this version of Traviata years ago when it first came out. This week I bought a copy and went back to watch it again. I was moved - even to a tear or two. I guess the intervening years of my life have increased my compassion for those caught in its foibles. An excellent interpretation - I look forward to viewing it again.

The best filmed version of the two I have seen.......2007-03-15

La Traviata on DVD has been released in two versions that I have seen. One was filmed at the Teatro Venice as a stage presentation to a live audiece and it showed.
The other is the Placido Domingo version made as a movie with creative use of lighting, and sets. Released now by Universal, my only quibble is the sub-titles which are only accessible as hearing -impaired extras which means additional titles like "bells ringing", "women laughing" etc.
That aside, the movie is as good as Domingo's other effort "Carmen".

A great production.......2007-03-12

As I understand it, this film was a revolution at the time, with Zeferelli opting for shooting as for a film rather than filming a stage production. As another commentator commented, the miming is not always perfect and lip movements and sung words don't always match. However, the sound of one of Verdi's greatest operas is wonderful and the soloists are great. Domingo is in his prime here, not only a splendid voice but also a great actor, and Teresa Stratas does an equally great job as Violetta. The production is gorgeous, a feast to the eye as well as the ear, and the party scene, with two stars of the Bolshoi Ballet in the starring dancing roles, is absolutely breathtaking ("He really didn't do that, did he? Omigosh, he did it again!"). A must for all lovers of opera.

Average customer rating:

Heavenly Nightmarish Fun !
Tremendous Fun
Elvira - Love her or Hate her she is the 80s
Ease of buying
Such an awesome B movie that it plays like an A

Elvira, Mistress of the Dark
Starring: Cassandra Peterson , William Morgan Sheppard , Daniel Greene , Susan Kellerman , and Jeff Conaway
Director: James Signorelli
Manufacturer: Starz / Anchor Bay
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00004Y6BX
Release Date: 2001-08-28

Customer Reviews:

Heavenly Nightmarish Fun !.......2007-05-17

If you were a teen growing up in the 80s and also growing up watching "Movie Macabre" (or "Movie Mac" for short to fans of the show), then you pretty much known who Elvira is. I love this movie and always enjoy watching it today as i did then when movies didn't cost an arm and a leg. If your a huge fan of Elvira, you'll love this movie!. Highly Recommended!!

Tremendous Fun.......2007-05-06

Cassandra Peterson originally created Elvira as the television hostess of late-night horror films, and when the character proved unexpectedly popular she suddenly found herself doing everything from beer commercials to spots on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. She reached the peak of her popularity in the late 1980s, and the film ELVIRA, MISTRESS OF THE DARK was the result.

The plot is flyweight. Television horror film hostess Elvira dreams of success in Las Vegas. When her great aunt dies, she travels to New England in hopes that the estate will provide enough money to back a stage show; she is disappointed to find she has inherited a rundown house, a poodle, and an old book. It happens that the town is puritanical beyond all description, and she provokes righteous indignation everywhere she goes. It also happens that her great uncle is secretly an evil warlock and very intent on laying hands on "the old book." Throw in a few teenagers, a stud muffin, and a hateful woman with falsies and there you go.

No one would accuse it of being a cinematic masterpiece, and it does drag now and then. But Cassandra Peterson demonstrates tremendous flair from start to finish: squirmy, sexy, and mixing lowbrow humor with flashes of sharp comedy, she dances through the film like a ringmaster in a circus of corny and often self-mocking jokes. From a FLASHDANCE disaster to witchcraft craziness, she is never less than wildly entertaining. It's a tremendous amount of fun, and the film's conclusion even manages to generate considerable suspense. Will Elvira best her evil uncle and save the day? Well, I don't want to give anything away, so let's just say you'll have a lot of fun finding out.

DVD quality is okay and there's little in the way of bonus material, but if you're in the mood for something silly this one is sure to answer the urge. And if you've never seen tassle-twirling, you're in for a treat. Recommended.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

Elvira - Love her or Hate her she is the 80s.......2007-01-12

Anyone familiar with Elvira knows you aren't watching this because you are a bastion of good taste. She was high camp and this movie was the high point of her career. From the one liners to the sight gags this movie is a romp on the wild side. She takes pot shots at other movies popular at the time and takes her audience on a fun ride all the way through. This is the sort of movie you sit down to when you want a good laugh and your horror on the light side. Can't say I've ever heard anyone not enjoy the movie. You have to see the "baby" Elvira if nothing else that alone is worth the viewing. Enjoy.

Ease of buying.......2006-11-15

The product was delivered in a timely manner in good condition as expected. The ease of buying this product from Amazon.com is a plus.

Such an awesome B movie that it plays like an A.......2006-11-06

This film begins with Elvira working, then no longer working, at a TV Station, after which our well-endowed, scantily-clad heroine soon finds herself traveling (hilarious road trip) to conservative-central after being alerted to having a share of an inheritance from a recently deceased great-aunt. Soon the story thickens as her great-uncle appears to be an evil sorcerer intent on destroying her and becoming Master of the Dark. Puns and physical humor abound in this great 80's movie, which can be taken as a hilarious commentary on Right Wing America. Enjoy this with friends and a glass of wine, you won't be disappointed.

Average customer rating:

Back to the Castle
A strong entry in a strong series.
this Dracula serie lacks of Van Helsing
Christopher Lee could replace his predecessor Bela Lugosi as Count
Scars? Getting Hardpressed For Titles Weren't They?

Scars of Dracula
Starring: Christopher Lee , Dennis Waterman , Jenny Hanley , Patrick Troughton , and Michael Ripper
Director: Roy Ward Baker
Manufacturer: Starz / Anchor Bay
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00005KHJP
Release Date: 2001-08-07

Customer Reviews:

Back to the Castle.......2007-03-17

If you like the Chris Lee Dracula films as much as I do, I would recommend getting this one along with Horror of Dracula, Dracula-Prince of Darkness, and Dracula has Risen from the Grave. This one follows the same style setting---England in the 1800's. This particular film has a good bit of supense, and Lee is really evil in this one. Much better than Taste the Blood and AD 1972, this movie follows a formula that really works best for Lee's portrayal of this character---it was a return to form with Lee playing the darker,deadlier Dracula that he was in the first 3 films. The storyline is similiar, of course, with Dracula wreaking havoc on a local community who cower at the mention of his name until a young hero arrives to save the day. The ending is typical, but there is a twist. I won't give it away totally, but the hero thinks he has Dracula when he spears him with a long metal spike only to see Dracula smile and pull the spike out without leaving a mark or any drop of blood.

A strong entry in a strong series........2007-02-01

This is a surprisingly good edition to Hammer's classic Dracula series, though it's certainly not the strongest of the films in the franchise. It is, however, the most risqué, surprisingly so. In addition, this Anchor Bay release of the film has a bonus second feature entitled; The Many Faces of Christopher Lee, which is a lot of fun for fans of the legendary actor, especially the ludicrous music videos included, which are absolutely hilarious. Really, Hammer never made a bad Dracula or Frankenstein film, and it's a shame that most modern horror enthusiasts lack an appreciation for these old gems, because they're really missing out. This one is especially worth picking up, because of the second feature, and perhaps might be a good entry level film for modern film goers, since there is a bit more blood and skin in this one.

Also, in response to an earlier reviewer's statements, Bela Lugosi only played Dracula twice on film, once in Dracula, and once in Abbot and Costello Meet Frankenstein. Christopher Lee, however, played him ten times, and for my money, is the superior count.

this Dracula serie lacks of Van Helsing.......2006-10-28

here are some reasons, why this series becomes one of the weakest Hammer's British Dracula: 1. The very weak priest can't fight against the evil spirit, the actor has not a big talent and the role is not strong enough as Peter Cushing was. 2. The female stars are acting really awful 3. Dennis Waterman has no immense charisma to fight the almighty Dracula, neither does Chris Matthews (Paul). 4. The most worst of all is: Christopher Lee felt very boring to play the same role as Count Dracula. One can notice clearly that his acting was embarrassing and tedious during the movie set. Lee failed to balance the role in this film, which the excellent performance of Bela Lugosi had already appeared 40 years earlier

Christopher Lee could replace his predecessor Bela Lugosi as Count.......2006-09-26

Christopher Lee could balance and continue his charismatic predecessor Bela Lugosi(1882 - 1956) in the 60's Hammer british Dracula series.

This film is a great example for Lee as Count.

The differences are:
- Lugosi was more a theatrical Dracula from Broadway. Lugosi acted very elegant, exclusive & gentleman as a Dracula star. His charming style becomes a legend.
- Lee is more a mainstream Dracula star. He is not a theatre star like Lugosi did in 1931. He'd prefer a type of cold elegant beast. His style is less charming because he has to accustom himself into various directions in eight Dracula series.

Lugosi played as Dracula three times:
1. Dracula 1931
2. Return of the Vampire 1944
3. Mark of the Vampire 1935

Lee played as Dracula 8 times (see Filmography Imdb)

Frankly Bela Lugosi was a bit more charismatic than Christopher Lee, but Christopher Lee could balance the great charisma of his great predecessor.

Scars? Getting Hardpressed For Titles Weren't They?.......2006-07-21

Yes, the Hammer Dracula series continues, and this would be the last of the gothic era films. Roy Ward Baker has inherited the franchise and he does a rather good directing job considering the material isn't too original this time around. In the previous film, they tried to up the ante a bit by slapping an R rating on the series. It didn't really seem to achieve one, but Scars does. One scene has Dracula violently stabbing a woman to death. This may not be too shocking by today's standards, but it probably shocked at the time. It still is kinda brutal though. Plus we have a church full of bloody corpses from a rubber vampire bat attack. Scars also seems to be a sequel to Taste, though there are some major continuity errors between the two. This film has my vote for the most laughable "birth"(especially the birth!) and "death" of Dracula. Plotwise, it's rather simple. A couple of unsuspecting Britishfolk stumble onto Dracula's castle and must escape and destroy the evil. That's really about it. Dracula's a little more talkative this time around. Though Lee supposedly was sick of the role by this time, he can still do it like no one can. Even a tired performance by Lee is a good one! Of course we get the great gothic atmosphere, a sinister castle, sexy women and Michael Ripper! What more do you need? Plus it comes with a great Christopher Lee documentary/interview disc that runs about an hour. Man, he really seems like a cool guy. Well worth it.

Average customer rating:

Born Yesterday
Another classic to love
What Learning Will Do to You
Great Performance
A Revival of Sorts.

Born Yesterday
Starring: Judy Holliday , Broderick Crawford , William Holden , Howard St. John , and Frank Otto
Director: George Cukor
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Born Yesterday

ASIN: B00003L9CI
Release Date: 2000-02-15

Amazon.com

Judy Holliday's Oscar-winning performance is just one of the reasons to watch this terrific 1950 comedy, which is equally acclaimed for its deliciously witty screenplay (based on Garson Kanin's long-running Broadway hit) and George Cukor's silky-smooth direction. Holliday plays Billie Dawn, the floozie fiancée of a junk-dealer millionaire (Broderick Crawford), who is trying to make a good impression among the Washington, D.C., politicos he's hoping to influence. To ensure that Billie gets properly "culturefied," the corrupt Crawford hires a D.C. journalist (William Holden) to give the seemingly dim-witted blonde a crash course in politics, history, literature, and--you guessed it--true love. Billie's not nearly as dumb as she seems, of course, and before long she's graduated from pawn to sassy queen on her husband's political chessboard.

Watching Born Yesterday is a crash course in itself--an object lesson in how low American screen comedy has fallen from these delirious heights. The movie's funny even when there's a pause in the golden dialogue, such as when Holliday tests Crawford's patience in a sublimely comedic round of gin rummy. There's not a single scene in which Holliday (reprising her Broadway role) isn't simply perfect, the cogs turning smoothly behind her dim expressions and coarsely high-pitched squeal. Suave as ever, Holden is her match made in heaven, and Crawford is a brute who's too stupid to be genuinely malevolent. Put 'em all together and you've got a timeless classic, so flawless that a 1993 remake was instantly doomed to pale comparisons. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Born Yesterday.......2007-06-25

New York-born comedienne Holliday had her first real film break the prior year as the wronged wife in the Tracy-Hepburn comedy "Adam's Rib" (1949), and her solid supporting turn helped her clinch the role of Billie, a role she'd done on Broadway. With its witty screenplay and "Pygmalion"-like story, the result was pure gold, netting Holliday the Best Actress Oscar for 1950, and jump-starting her film career in earnest. Broderick is wonderfully crude as her pre-occupied husband, and Holden performs the unheralded job of straight man with finesse. And Judy is fantastic. Smoothly paced comedy from master George Cukor.

Another classic to love.......2007-04-02

I remember seeing this film when I was 12 or so with my Mom. It left an impression and I knew I would have to add this to my classic movie collection. How I enjoyed watching Judy Holliday's performance, she was unique with a wonderful sense of comedic timing. Anyone who collects classic comedies should add this to the list.

What Learning Will Do to You.......2007-04-02

Born Yesterday begins with a narcissistic junk dealer Harry Brock (Broderick Crawford) who is planning a major merger with his company to make loads of money. He uses his dizzy girlfriend Billie (Judy Holliday) as a middleman, though he really controls everything she "owns." She is just content to accept his lavish gifts and be pretty. That is until Paul(William Holden) comes along. He is hired by Harry to educate Billie; she embarasses him in front of sophisticated company. In the process, she learns just how corrupt her fiancee is and why her father has disowned her. She also develops eyes for her teacher.

Holliday won the Oscar for her performance in this film against such professionals as Bette Davis and Gloria Swanson. Indeed, her performance is wonderful. One can watch her character transform before one's eyes from a gold digging chorus girl to an intelligent woman. Her relationship with Holden is believable and powerful. In fact, all of the roles are well developed. The dialogue is conversational but intelligent, making this a very worthwhile film.

Great Performance.......2006-12-04

I'm not a big Judy Holliday fan. She seems to have played the ditzy but smart squeaky-voice role over and over. This said, Born Yesterday is easily her best movie. The script is smart and sweet and she and William Holden have a natural, believable screen chemistry. The performances are excellent as is the Pygmalion like transformation of Holliday's character from mouse to lionness. A great comedy of manners and morality.

A Revival of Sorts........2006-09-11

This original Oscar-winning movie starring Judy Holliday was clever, witty and wise. It was shown on TCM with Nick Clooney guiding us with his winning ways into the mood of the Forties. He couldn't have seen the original at the theaters, either, as he and I are the same age, so I know I didn't see it when I was only ten. I thought the moll was d