Magnificent 2

Starring:Eric Morecambe
Studio: Jef Films Inc.
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

The Truth
ORSON WELLES GREATEST FILM
88 minutes of magnificence
A butchered masterpiece--a hallmark of cinematography and good acting
On sale on Amazon's French site

The Magnificent Ambersons [Region 2]

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ASIN: B00004T8EQ

Amazon.com essential video

Citizen Kane is considered by many to be Orson Welles's masterpiece, but more than a few prominent critics have argued that his second film, 1942's The Magnificent Ambersons, is an even greater artistic achievement. It's certainly the source of the most painful injustice of Welles's brief career in Hollywood, having been seized from the director's control, drastically cut from over two hours to merely 88 minutes, and reshot with a different, upbeat ending that Welles vehemently disapproved of. Adapted by Welles from the novel by Booth Tarkington, it remains a truncated masterpiece, as impressive for what remains as for the even greater film it might have been. The story is set during the late 19th century and follows the rise and fall of the wealthy Amberson family of Indianapolis, Indiana. Central to the drama is George Amberson Minafer (Tim Holt), who is snobbishly to the manor born, and whose petty jealousies and truculent pride compel him to prevent a wealthy inventor (Joseph Cotten) from marrying his widowed mother (Dolores Costello). This in part is the cause of the Ambersons' downfall, and ultimately leads to George's humbling "comeuppance" at the film's dramatic conclusion. It's an absorbing tale of fading traditions and changing times, and it's also a magnificent showcase for Welles's cinematic audacity, famous among film students for its long, fluid shots and ambitious compositions. Responding to the film's drastic cutting and re-editing, Welles justifiably complained that "they destroyed the heart of the film, really." And yet, the director's stamp of genius is evident throughout--the work of a young master (Welles was only 26 when the film was made) that still shines despite its unfortunate fate. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

The Truth.......2007-06-09

After intense study I have changed my view of this film. I believe we are lucky to have this version of the movie. Welles had his chance to edit the film and came up with some very strange cuts. He reduced the "rough" cut of 131 minutes to 110 minutes. In doing so he left out some of the best scenes and also left out the emotional core of the film. When the film was previewed it was a disaster. For the second preview editor Robert Wise, who Welles had given complete authority while he was filming a documentary in South America, added back most of Welles' "big cut"(the elmination of everything from Isabel recieving Eugene's letter to the family gathered outside her room before her death) and cut other scenes that had not worked. This second edit was 117 minutes. The second preview did better but there were still problems. Wise and others associated with the film and who were all friends of Welles came up with a compromise plan. Welles accepted some of the cuts and additions. He even agreed to the reshuffling of scenes after the death of the Major. However, he still wanted his "big cut" of 13 minutes and 40 seconds. He wanted to preserve the ballroom scene, the montage sequences, and his revised ending. It was only at this point, after two and a half months of effort, that studio head George Schaefer told Wise to do what was necessary to fix the film. Schaefer's indulgence of Welles led to him losing his job shortly after this. After two more previews and more cuts and additions the film was released at 88 minutes. Post-production was compelted before the new studio head took over. So the film was finished by people who had a stake in the film and were friends of Welles. Wise did an outstanding job editing the film, as one would expect of the man who edited "Citizen Kane" and later would win two Oscars for best director. The only filmic element we lost was the "dancing camera" effect in the ballroom scene. The reason for the edits in this scene was bad acting and poor audience reaction. Small portions of the montage sequences were also cut. The audience was restless during these and the cuts tightened them up. Some of the scenes that were cut were unnecessary, long and boring dialogue sequences. The new and reshot scenes were unavoidable due to bad acting and poor audience reaction. It would have been better to have Welles do these sequences. However, that was impossible because he was in South America. We are very lucky to have as fine a film as we have. Welles was mostly upset about the new ending. However, he agreed with the rest of the film and he did not ask for his name to be taken off. I think he was mad that it turned out so well without his direct participation! At times it seemed as though he was trying to destroy his own film! I can now watch the film without thinking that we lost a masterpiece. If we ever find the "rough" cut, thats what we will have, a "rough" cut, not a finished film. If Welles would have had nine months to edit his "rough" cut I am sure we would have a masterpiece to rival "Citzen Kane." But given the circumstances that was not to be. I am glad we have what we have. It is a five star classic movie.

ORSON WELLES GREATEST FILM.......2007-01-24

This book on which the neglected second film by Welles is based, is one of the great novels about turn of the century. I would recommend a viewing of the Orson Welles film to set the characters in your mind. The actors are perfectly cast. I would give anything to see Welles' original concept in its entirety. However, what is left of that concept stays remarkably close to the original. Booth Tarkington is a master at describing the time. All in all an absorbing read and one you don't want to end.

88 minutes of magnificence.......2007-01-23

"Magnificent Ambersons"(1942) is a magnificent film even with its 88 min running time that was left after RKO took advantage of the director/writer/narrator Orson Welles absence by editing down the film from its original 131 minutes. Why or why did they have to cut it so mercilessly? The film still remains a brilliant and ironic portrait of a declining aristocratic 19th century family but the final part feels like a lot's been taken from there. At least, the unique end credits when Welles introduces the cast and all members of the crew were left alone. Still, it is an awesome film with every scene arranged and shot like a rare painting. The one which is imprinted in my mind is the scene when Eugene is leaving Isabelle's (the love of his life) house forever and Isabel's arrogant son George (who will finally get his come-uppance) is watching him through the window in his mother's room. I am also impressed by Welles's narration - he had a very nice voice.

A butchered masterpiece--a hallmark of cinematography and good acting.......2006-08-19

Most of you have already read the synopsis, so it won't be repeated here.

Many of the reviews have commented on the acting; I couldn't disagree more on this issue. Based on the personality of the characters, I believe the acting is exactly as it should be. Major Amberson and Uncle Jack, stoic characters in the book, would have acted exactly as they were portrayed by the actors. Aunt Fanny would have acted as hysterically as Agnes Moorehead portrayed her. Wilbur Minafer, ditto.

I agree that Lucy was portrayed as overly mature and unduly wise, but this could have been partly the director's fault. Tim Holt may have been miscast; somehow, his portrayal of George Minafer does seem a bit "off".

The first half of the film, cuts notwithstanding, still stands out as a masterpiece of cinematography. Catch the long takes of the ballroom sequence and the kitchen scene with George and Fanny. It makes you wist for what must have been; these scenes, as powerful as they are, were cut, blunting their already intense impact. Mention should be made of Stanley Cortez's camera work. The use of shadows, and complex lighting arrangements, give it an unforgettable look. The scene with Fanny at the boiler was filmed with Cortez and one other director. The different use of lighting is immediately obvious and jarring to the senses.

After reading the original cutting script of the movie, the much maligned cuts really do appear to have ruined the movie. Much character development was cut; important plot points concerning the decline of the Amberson's fortune are also gone. For those interested, the cutting script really does seem to have made a much better movie than the print RKO left us with.

The kitchen scene seems to be the turning point; after this scene, the movie as cut by the studio suffers very badly. It's a mish-mash of almost-disconnected scenes that makes almost no sense. Before-the-kitchen scene and after-the-kitchen scene almost play as two different movies. These cuts are obvious even to the casual observer; for example, quite suddenly, and for no apparent reason, George's character softens dramatically. In addition, scenes that aren't remotely connected to each other in content jar the senses due to their close proximity. The last half of the movie, simply put, is a mess.

It's because of the last half--and the much-discussed butchering of this movie by the studio--that I must give this movie a 4, rather than the 5 that it certainly would have gotten in the original form.

On sale on Amazon's French site.......2006-07-20

FYI, there's an official release of Ambersons on DVD that's available from amazon's French site: amazon.fr. Do a search. There are a few versions. Get the one released in Sept. 2004. I purchased it in Paris while on vacation in France, and the quality is quite good. It has the original English soundtrack. Subtitles are French, and can be turned off. One caveat: you need a multi-region player. With US exchange, it work out to a little over $20 plus shipping.

Black Belt Theatre, Vol. 14: 8 Diagram Fighter/Magnificent Natural Fist

Average customer rating:

Relavence of "8 Diagram" Uncertain/"Natural Fist" very Poor

Black Belt Theatre, Vol. 14: 8 Diagram Fighter/Magnificent Natural Fist
Starring: Black Belt Theatre 2
Manufacturer: Ground Zero
ProductGroup: DVD
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Shaolin Invincible Sticks
Monkey Fist Floating Snake

ASIN: B0000694XE
Release Date: 2002-07-16

Customer Reviews:

Relavence of "8 Diagram" Uncertain/"Natural Fist" very Poor.......2003-02-13

Overall, this was an interesting and entertaining film, with a pretty good plot and fight scenes. It follows the path of the "5th Son" of the Yiang family after his father and the rest of his brothers (except 6th Son), loyal to the emperor, are defeated in battle by Mongol rebels. 5th Son is wounded. He and 6th Son escape from the battle, but in different directions.

5th Son is helped by priests at a Buddhist monastery, where he hides and where his wounds are cared for. 5th Son is allowed to train with the monks, melding his family's unique Yiang Spear style with Shaolin pole style.

Eventually, the rage of the Mongol rebels disrupts the monastery, drawing 5th Son--who in the course of the story is reunited with his brother and sister--the monks and priests into a final showdown.

What I found bizarre, and what I felt the movie could have done without, making the film better as the result, were these amateurish special effects; for example: people appearing out of thin air, darts of light thrown from the hand, hokey electromagnetic-looking fields surrounding a person's body, and the like, during many of the fight scenes. In addition, the "8 Diagrams" amounted to nothing more than the 8 trigrams of the I-Ching superimposed on the screen during a training sequence, but otherwise having no apparent connection with the plot, script or storyline. (Well, maybe it had to do with the "completeness" of the fighting style that evolved from combining Yiang and Shaolin.) All-in-all, these unnecessary and poorly executed effects gave a decidedly (and annoyingly) 1970's flavor to the film which, frankly, I think the viewer could do without. Also, the final fight scene seemed hurried, and the wire work too fantastic and incongruent with earlier scenes in the film. For these reasons, I deducted 1 star from the rating.

Aside from these chief gripes, I really liked the thoughful character of 5th Son, his interaction with the Buddhist monks and priests, and the ultimate decision he makes at the end of the film (which I won't spoil for you).

The prospective buyer should note that this film, 8 Diagram Fighter, which shares similarities with The Invincible Pole Fighters (starring Gordon Liu) is NOT the same film.

In summary, second shelf entertainment.

As for "Magnificent Natural Fist," in a word: Terrible. The video transfer is extremely poor. The movie seems to be spliced together with no rhyme nor reason. The fight scenes are low-grade and sped up. The make up on the nose of the main character is hideous. In general, a regretable concoction. I have yet to sit through the film in its entirety, and I normally have a cast iron stomach for bad kung-fu films.

From what I have seen so far on the "Black Belt" double feature series, the second film is pure filler, and the pictures on the front cover often have little, if anything, to do with what is on the DVD itself.

1 star.

Average for the two films=(1+3)/2=2

Average customer rating:

Not Academy award movie but entertaining
Brand New 7 Doing Their Number
Surprisingly Suspenseful!
The magnificent seven ride on DVD!
MGM has gone BAD!

The Magnificent Seven Ride! [Region 2]
Starring: Lee Van Cleef , Stefanie Powers , Michael Callan , Mariette Hartley , and Luke Askew
Director: George McCowan
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005NFLP

Customer Reviews:

Not Academy award movie but entertaining.......2007-01-09

Follows along the original movie lines and provides good acting and plot while being entertaining.

Brand New 7 Doing Their Number .......2006-12-07

This is a brand new 7 doing their number or so the poster said. According to the United Artists Pressbook this is not a true sequel to the three preceding films. Instead it is a tale of a brand new Seven rooted to themes and traditions that the earlier films embraced. That same United Artists Pressbook also pointed out that this film contained a very original and innovative story while not abandoning the thematic idea of seven gunmen coming to the rescue of the downtrodden. Chris is the main character of this film and the entire story revolves around him rather than the seven as a cohesive force. Chris, portrayed by a very engaging Lee Van Cleef, is an ex-gunman turned town marshal and now married. Where all three previous films opened with a protracted conflict affecting the lives of poor Mexican farmers, this film has no apparent immediate danger that would draw Chris into and away from his current lifestyle. Needless to say, that changes dramatically. This film really caries no formula recognizable from THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN but approaches the conflict with a bandit hoard quite differently. The conflict, the motivations and the stakes are all different. This film lacks the grandeur or depth of its predecessors and plays out acts of violence for effect rather than substance. Elmer Bernstein apparently assembled a much smaller orchestra perhaps feeling a need to bid farewell to the Seven with a whimper rather than imply some majestic idealism as the sun was setting fast on day of the Western.

Surprisingly Suspenseful!.......2005-10-04

I can't say I was expecting much from the final Magnificent Seven movie, but with Lee Van Cleef in it, I had to check it out. Of course, nothing matches the first film, but this one is better than Return of the Seven, which I thought had a weak premise. "Ride", however, begins a bit weak, but once Chris gets on the trail, its an absorbing story that will leave some sweat on your palms. The usual "Seven" situation is given a twist by making it a village of women to be defended against further rapine and the way that Van Cleef must ensure the allegiance of his current allies. The current crew does not have the charisma of the original Seven except for Van Cleef, Michael Callan, and Luke Askew. Askew's character is fun to watch, since he is the ultimate test of Van Cleef's leadership. This makes the ending both appropriate and humorous. Van Cleef's method of tactical dispersal of the women is ingenious and helps give some definition to some of the characters. Overall, I was impressed by how small a budget it must have taken to make this film and yet it's an effective, enjoyable movie.

The magnificent seven ride on DVD!.......2004-07-09

All of the Seven movies had wonderful moments and Rides is no exception. This excellent fourth Seven film is a very entertaining Western. I'm so glad they put this great movie on DVD!

MGM has gone BAD!.......2004-06-15

MGM is now releasing all their movies in widescreen ( which is good )but they are not ANIMORPHIC (Enhanched for widescreen T.V.'s.) Previous releases were animorphic so this doesn't make any sense. I can only assume there is a new guy at MGM and he is an idiot! The president is completely unaware of what's going on which makes him the same. Other recent DVD's are "Follow That Dream" and "Shalako". If this is unacceptable send MGM an email.

Average customer rating:

Points To Ponder
When westerns were westerns
No enemies ... alive.
Magnificent!!!
Fantastic Entertaining Western! One of the Best ever made!

The Magnificent Seven [Region 2]
Starring: Yul Brynner , Eli Wallach , Steve McQueen , Charles Bronson , and Robert Vaughn
Director: John Sturges
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Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005J9P4

Amazon.com essential video

Akira Kurosawa's rousing Seven Samurai was a natural for an American remake--after all, the codes and conventions of ancient Japan and the Wild West (at least the mythical movie West) are not so very far apart. Thus The Magnificent Seven effortlessly turns samurai into cowboys (the same trick worked more than once: Kurosawa's Yojimbo became Sergio Leone's A Fistful of Dollars). The beleaguered denizens of a Mexican village, weary of attacks by banditos, hire seven gunslingers to repel the invaders once and for all. The gunmen are cool and capable, with most of the actors playing them just on the cusp of '60s stardom: Steve McQueen, James Coburn, Charles Bronson, Robert Vaughn. The man who brings these warriors together is Yul Brynner, the baddest bald man in the West. There's nothing especially stylish about the approach of veteran director John Sturges (The Great Escape), but the storytelling is clear and strong, and the charisma of the young guns fairly flies off the screen. If that isn't enough to awaken the 12-year-old kid inside anyone, the unforgettable Elmer Bernstein music will do it: bum-bum-ba-bum, bum-ba-bum-ba-bum.... Followed by three inferior sequels, Return of the Seven, Guns of the Magnificent Seven, and The Magnificent Seven Ride! --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

Points To Ponder.......2007-04-24

First-rate film, it easily makes my list of the Top 10 westerns. Here are a few points to ponder:

"The Magnificent Seven's" score by Elmer Bernstein received a 1960 Oscar nomination but the award that year went to "Exodus"; which "featured" something called "The Exodus Song" (with lyrics by Pat Boone!!). 45+ years later there is not even a CD release of "Exodus" while the score from "The Magnificent Seven" is one of the most recognized pieces of music ever written. If anyone needs proof of the staggering lameness of academy voting this is the most obvious of countless examples.

The score was further popularized in the late 1960's as the theme for Marlboro cigarettes. An odd bit of irony given that Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, and Jorge Martinez de Hoyos all died of lung cancer; Horst Buchholz and Charles Bronson of pneumonia, and Brad Dexter of emphysema.

In the film, only two (Brynner and McQueen) of the seven leave the village alive (Buchholz survives but stays behind). In real life these two actors were the first to die, preceding the others by about 20 years.

The other four deaths (only Robert Vaughn is still alive) occurred over just a nine-month period (James Coburn in Nov 02, Brad Dexter in Dec 02, Horst Buchholz in March 03, and Charles Bronson in Aug 03).

Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.

When westerns were westerns.......2007-03-30

It is nice to see the good guys come together to help the ones who need it with being paid for it. No dirty language, sex or any of the really violent themes. Just the good guys doing their job and winning.

No enemies ... alive........2007-03-12

The Special Edition in widescreen Panavision with color by De Luxe is gorgeous from landscapes to big action scenes. The camerawork, whether a tracking shot of the galloping Forty Thieves, or just a set piece looking up the long bordertown street to Boot Hill, is inspired. The score by Elmer Bernstein in Dolby is well, magnificent!

The individual vignettes with Wallach, McQueen, Coburn, and Bronson are little classics. And yet, and yet ...

I first saw TM7 in a theater when it was first released and grew up watching the Marlboro Man on TV so I was looking forward to seeing TM7 again in its orginal glory. But as I watched, I found myself thinking: Had Horst Buchholz really been this annoying? Were the villagers always such wooden actors? Wasn't there more interaction among the Seven? Weren't there more gunfights in the original? In short, it is a very good movie, but it isn't THE Magnificent Seven - the one in my memory for 46 years.

But I'm rating it for what it is, not for how I remembered it, and not because it isn't in Japanese, and it still comes up 4 stars ... plus one more star for the interviews and commentary features on the Spec Ed.

If you wonder why a Russian and a German were cast as leads in an American Western, watch the documentary feature, "Guns For Hire." Or, if you wonder why the Mexican farmers speak perfect English (better than Brynner or Buchholz) and always wear sparkling clean white clothing (while the Americans are always sweaty and dirty), watch the feature. Which one of the Seven actually got married on the set during the village fiesta? Yep, it's in the feature.

Magnificent!!!.......2007-01-30

I haven't seen the original "Seven Samuri", so this is has no conparisons. As a western, this might be one of the best I've seen. Yul Brynner's presence on screen is commanding. I can see why he was later chosen for the sci-fi film, "Westworld". His supporting cast is just as outstanding. It reads like a who's who list (McQueen, Colburn, Bronson) of action films. With a powerful cast, a entertaining villan (Eli Wallach), an intriguing storyline and a beautiful Elmer Bernstein soundtrack (It makes me want to have a Marlboro cigarette, afterwards.), everything comes together. It's an unforgetable western that continues to live its reputation as one of Hollywood's finest films.

Fantastic Entertaining Western! One of the Best ever made!.......2007-01-10

A true Classic! Excellent story, fast paced yet, slow enough for the viewer to learn character development. In my opinion, it has one of the best director's of westerns, John Sturges, with a musical score composed and directed by the best man ever to develop a musical score for a western, Elmer Bernstein. His music lends to the story and captures human emotion in every secene. The acting is superb by a veteran cast of the best actors to be assembled for a film, Yul Bryner, Steve McQueen, James Coburn, Charles Bronson, to name a few.

The interviews are interesting and captivating on the second disk, and give you a good a idea of what it was like to work on this film.

Believe me, you won't regret buying this two disk version. An excellent edition to a film library. A great film that you can enjoy over and over again.

John E. Matty, Springfield, VA

Average customer rating:

Not as good as Antasia
Well-written and Very Colorful
Life after receiving Bartok
Why Bartok's story is something special.
This was not a sequel!

Bartok the Magnificent [Region 2]
Starring: Hank Azaria , Kelsey Grammer , Andrea Martin , Catherine O'Hara , and Tim Curry
Director: Gary Goldman , and Don Bluth
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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It's no secret that the popular animated feature release Anastasia played fast and loose with Russian Imperialist history. Never mind that the movie's debut coincided with DNA proof--provided by Britain's Prince Phillip, no less--that Anna Andersen was not Tsar Nicholas II's daughter Anastasia, and that Russian-discovered bones were indeed that of the Tsar and his brutally murdered family.

Anastasia's made-for-video sequel, Bartok the Magnificent, doesn't let historical fact get in its way either. Still, the animated adventure, which features Bartok the excitable albino bat (voiced again by Hank Azaria), is cute and funny, thanks to clever writing and great voice work. Bartok and his sidekick bear friend (an excellent Kelsey Grammer, who voiced Vlad in the original) have become street performers and become embroiled in the evil Ludmilla's plot to get rid of the next heir, a prince. While it's not a particularly fresh tale, Bartok the Magnificent is kept alive through Azaria and Grammer's well-timed and -executed voiceovers. --N.F. Mendoza

Customer Reviews:

Not as good as Antasia.......2005-11-02

In 1999 Bartok the bat once a Minion for the evil Rapspution in Antasai stared in his own movie. This movie has good music but not a lot of action until the very end. It has some good leasons like how to treat others fairly and not judge people by there apperance. Through most of the movie Bartop is performing tasks for Baba Yaga the witch to get a potion made that will make him stronger. Unfortunately the potion falls into the hands of the evil queen who turns into a dragon and terrorize mossocow. This movie I rented even though my father incurged me not to. If you like this see him in Antasia. FYI Bartok is not evil in this movie like he originally was.

Well-written and Very Colorful.......2003-10-11

Get this movie for kids and adults. It's very funny and charming. The animation has the quality of a feature, not a direct-to-video. The cast is first rate: Hank Azaria, Kelsey Grammer, Andrea Martin, Catherine O'Hara.

Life after receiving Bartok.......2002-08-03

My 4 year old just LOVES this tape! The songs are wonderful, and there is a nice story as well. It is a spin off from Anastasia - which is also a wonderful video. My 7 year old nephew likes it too! I highly recomend this for your video collection! again ***** 5 stars! I even like to sit down and watch it too!

Why Bartok's story is something special........2001-08-21

I would never have expected, even with family sequels so prevalent nowadays, that anyone would think of making a movie to track the life of Rasputin's tiny sidekick in Anastasia. I guess I'm not alone in what character traits appeal to me, however. Interestingly enough, some days before I saw Anastasia I woke from a dream in which the villain and sidekick from Disney's Aladdin, Jafar and the parrot Iago, were floating on an abandoned raft during a nighttime lightning storm and lamenting their mistakes together. It seemed foolish when I woke, because those characters were nothing like what my dream made them to be... but when I saw Anastasia, I was amazed at how well Rasputin and Bartok fit the bill. I didn't think anyone else would be so charmed at how the helpful bat-like creature offered sensible advice to his evil liege even while dragging back his fallen-off body parts and displaying a general sort of affection. What a great little guy, I thought, and what a pity he's fallen into such bad company. It was heartwarming to see him turn to the aid of good at the end. All that is why Bartok the Magnificent charmed me so much. It's certainly not a sequel to Anastasia, and I'm sorry the previous reviewer was expecting it to be. It's a spin-off, rather, for anyone curious whether that little whitebat managed to make anything of his life after abandoning his master. What fun to see that he's pursued the life of street showman, which seems oddly appropriate. This movie is casual and makes little effort to establish a setting, which groups it with other sequels/spin-offs and is why I give it only four stars, not five. Chronologically, the characters shown on the Russian throne make no sense and beg the question of what happened to Princess Anastasia. Yet, when we view this Moscow as something of an unreliable fairytale land (and the movie does follow certain tenets of fairy-tales), it seems quite believable. Bartok is obviously the hero of his movie, and he lives up to the role well. He is immodest, an unusual trait among genuine heroes, but it works on him. Of especial note is the fact that while his integrity is questioned at times, hardly anyone ever points out that Bartok is quite small--so how could he make anything of himself? Naturally, this issue itself has been explored time and again in children's movies and books, and is properly treated as a sidenote here. For his part, Bartok is all the more inspiring by how he resourcefully makes use of the physique he has. He is never shown doing anything unrealistic for his size or strength, and neither is there much of the inordinate luck small characters in movies like this often have in besting those larger than them. In my opinion, that implicit honesty makes this movie a real treasure. Bartok is more than just an amusing voice and more than just another unlikely hero--he is an inspiration for those who must confront tasks they know appear far beyond their means to carry out. The tools at hand are determination, perseverance, and ingenuity, all of which are put fully to the test in Bartok the Magnificent, and all of which succeed.

This was not a sequel!.......2001-07-30

How the hell can you call this awful mistake for a movie a sequel? Anastasia and Dimitri and other main characters weren't in it! This movie totally [stunk], it is not worth how ever the hell many minutes of your life or the money.

Guns of the Magnificent Seven [Region 2]

Average customer rating:

Homage to the spirit of the Magnificent Seven
A lesson in quit while you're ahead
Returns to the Roots
the third time is the charm
Third entry for Magnificent Seven series

Guns of the Magnificent Seven [Region 2]
Starring: George Kennedy , James Whitmore , Monte Markham , Reni Santoni , and Bernie Casey
Director: Paul Wendkos
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Westerns | Genres | DVD | Video

( G ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B00005NFLO

Amazon.com

A capable cast led by George Kennedy helps make this third-go round for the Magnificent Seven franchise a worthwhile adventure for Western fans. Kennedy is a more-than-capable replacement for Yul Brynner as Chris, who must round up a new Seven to help rescue a revolutionary leader (Fernando Rey) held captive by a sadistic military leader (Michael Ansara, adding another notch to his long list of villains). Comparisons to the original Magnificent Seven are inevitable, and while Guns doesn't match up in terms of scope or quality of writing, the solid cast--which includes James Whitmore, Joe Don Baker, and Bernie Casey as members of the new Seven--overcomes any limitations by delivering energetic performances; the Spanish locations and veteran TV director Paul Wendkos's nods to spaghetti Western conventions are also a plus. --Paul Gaita

Customer Reviews:

Homage to the spirit of the Magnificent Seven.......2006-12-06

GUNS OF THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN plays like homage to the spirit of THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN. RETURN OF THE SEVEN digressed into peripheral territory still within the scope of the essence of what THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN encompassed. In a somewhat Freudian approach it explored some of the microcosmic elements embodied within its characters. GUNS OF THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN returns to a more direct and straightforward story of good against evil. The strong must stand up for the weak in true heroic and American Western style. The canvas is wide open and Elmer Bernstein's impressive score full of bravado is unleashed in a refreshing manner that makes you want to stand up and cheer as the seven take on those that would subjugate humanity for the darkest of evils.

A lesson in quit while you're ahead.......2006-03-10

I love Westerns because I love the scenery and the music but Guns of the Magnificent Seven is really pushing my tolerance level. The acting is bad. Good actors. Nothing wrong with George Kennedy or James Whitmore. But the lines they were given and the direction was bad. Hang the writers and director. Go ahead and hang the producer too. The photography is good. Rent this movie but don't buy it.

Returns to the Roots.......2006-01-11

GUNS OF THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN returns to the roots which were at the heart of the original THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN. Helping the innocent against insurmountable odds and in the process seeking redemption, these seven take on the task of saving a Mexican revolutionary leader from an impregnable fortress prison. This story is more straightforward than its predecessor RETURN OF THE SEVEN which was very introspective. The motives here are very clear and it ultimately comes down to a tale of good against evil. When the day of reckoning is over the seven only hope they are around long enough to see the fruits of their labors take root. Elmer Bernstein's sweeping score is very good. The action is exciting and emotionally charged. Also, there are some fine performances especially from Joe Don Baker and Bernie Casey who form an unlikely bond. This film does seem to lack some of the wisdom and meaning of purpose that Yul Brynner brought to the role of Chris, the leader of the seven, but George Kennedy gives a determined and well intentioned performance to see evil vanquished and peace returned to the Mexican people. This film is good and can easily hold its own while giving a heartfelt nod to the original.

the third time is the charm.......2004-07-09

Wow! Guns is an excellent western and a worthy sequel to the first. I could go on and on about just what makes this such a great movie, but the other reviews have covered all that.
A FIVE STAR SHOOT 'EM UP.

Third entry for Magnificent Seven series.......2003-05-19

This third film in the Magnificent Seven series is a very worthy sequel to the previous two movies. The story involves a new group of seven who join together to free a Mexican revolutionary from a prison called the Cave of the Rats. The movie is entertaining throughout as the group is organized and then their efforts in the prison break. Many scenes show the influence of spaghetti westerns whether it be close-ups or camera angles during shoot-outs. Either way, this is still a very good movie.

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Customer Reviews:

Points To Ponder.......2007-04-24

When westerns were westerns.......2007-03-30

No enemies ... alive........2007-03-12

Magnificent!!!.......2007-01-30

Fantastic Entertaining Western! One of the Best ever made!.......2007-01-10

Average customer rating:

The Magnificent Two [Region 2]
Starring: Eric Morecambe , Ernie Wise , Margit Saad , Virgilio Teixeira , and Cecil Parker
Director: Cliff Owen
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B0000649GT

The Magnificent Ambersons [Non-US Format, PAL, Region 2, Import - France]

Average customer rating:

The Magnificent Ambersons [Non-US Format, PAL, Region 2, Import - France]
Director: Orson Welles
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Region 2, PAL (Europe, Japan, South Africa and the Middle East including Egypt)
Requires multi-region DVD player for the US.

ASIN: 8324606750

Average customer rating:

Points To Ponder
When westerns were westerns
No enemies ... alive.
Magnificent!!!
Fantastic Entertaining Western! One of the Best ever made!

The Magnificent Seven [Region 2]
Starring: Yul Brynner , Eli Wallach , Steve McQueen , Charles Bronson , and Robert Vaughn
Director: John Sturges
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Westerns | Genres | DVD | Video