The Wood

Starring:Elayn Taylor, Omar Epps, Richard T. Jones, Duane Finley, Trent Cameron, Malinda Williams, Patricia Belcher, Taye Diggs, Tamala Jones, De'aundre Bonds, Cynthia Martells, Wyking Jones, Geoffrey Blackshire, Jascha Washington, Aiysha Sinclair, Melvin Lyons, Sam Hiona, Antwon Tanner, John Wesley, Oscar Dillon
Director: Rick Famuyiwa
Studio: Paramount Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
It looks like writer-director Rick Famuyiwa started a popular trend with his marriage-jitters comedy about three friends who reminisce about their lives together as one prepares to leave the group when he gets married. Everyone who rushed to see The Best Man should catch this sleeper which also stars Taye Diggs (as Roland, the reluctant groom), as well as Omar Epps and Richard T. Jones, who together provide charming, cheerful performances full of warmth and humor. This buddy story is told through flashbacks to 1986, when the three met at public school. The young men gain our affection in their competition to win the most girls, which enhances the bond of loyalty we see in them as men on the eve of Roland's wedding. The casting of the boy actors is almost spooky in its perfection, especially Sean Nelson (who had already proven his acting acumen in American Buffalo) as the younger version of Epps. Although the cast is African American, there's no color bar to the themes or entertainment the movie offers, providing a salient lesson to network TV producers under attack by the NAACP for their inability to include characters of color in TV shows. Instead of stereotyping the characters by placing them in "the hood," where gang members and tragedy rule, this life-affirming comedy depicts the lives of members of "the wood," which refers to Inglewood, a middle-class suburb of L.A. that general audiences will find easy to relate to. --Lloyd Chesley

Bridge to Terabithia (Widescreen Edition)
Average customer rating:

a potentially epic movie that was very badly made, should have been done as "big fish" was

A remarkable film

Very Emotional. Surprising. Not About Fantasy, But About Loss and Relationships

A beautiful story with something to say

Terrible and Completely Pointless

Bridge to Terabithia (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Josh Hutcherson , AnnaSophia Robb , Zooey Deschanel , Robert Patrick , and Bailee Madison
Director: Gabor Csupo
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005JPL5
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Amazon.com

Based on Katherine Paterson's young-adult novel and filmed in picturesque New Zealand, Bridge to Terabithia has lessons to impart about empathy and self-expression, but the tone is never heavy-handed. Jesse (sleepy-eyed Josh Hutcherson, Zathura), a fifth-grade loner, lives in the country with his parents and four sisters, including pesky May Belle (Bailee Madison), who adores him. His strict father (Robert Patrick, The Terminator 2) works in a hardware store. Money is tight and classmates make fun of his hand-me-downs, so Jesse finds refuge in running and drawing. Everything changes when two writers and their daughter Leslie (wide-eyed AnnaSophia Robb, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) move in next door. Leslie is faster than all the boys, which initially puts Jesse off, but the two soon bond over their love of make-believe. In the forest, they find a creek that can only be crossed by rope. Leslie names the land on the other side Terabithia, where they imagine themselves rulers of the kingdom. Jesse and Leslie also connect with their unconventional music teacher, Ms. Edmonds (Zooey Deschanel, Elf), who encourages their creativity. Despite the tension at home, Jesse's personal life is finally coming together when the unthinkable happens. Will he revert to his anti-social ways or will he grow from the experience? Though aimed at all ages, pre-school students may find Terebithia's creatures frightening. For grade-school kids and up, however, there's much to savor in this smartly written, sensitively acted film. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Customer Reviews:

a potentially epic movie that was very badly made, should have been done as "big fish" was.......2007-07-05

now having read the book, i expected to be seeing something along the lines of "Big Fish" or "Hook"..... full of vast fantasy visuals, heartwarming moments and the tear jerker ending.... unfortunately this one really didnt deliver like the others were able to.

the audience was conned into thinking this was the "never ending story" meets "chronicals of narnia". and if done correctly (or atthe very least with an extra half hour of fantasy world), it would have been both visually stunning and one to leave you with a warm feeling in the heart.

...unfortunately it was very badly adapted and as a result EXTREMELY dissapointing. and it fell short on both points

the fantasy aspects consisted of only 20 minutes (generously approximated) of footage spread throughout the middle of the movie in short 3-5 minute incriments.

they simply did not put enough emphasis on the fantasy aspect as you would be led to believe by all the press, and even the disney channel's "commercial break, behind-the-scenes" stuff only focused on the fantasy of it without giving the audience a fair chance to save the 7 bucks.

all they needed to make this movie to the top of the pack was an extra 30 minutes of fantasy footage and a "sensitive content" warning to spare families from the transformers movie fiasco of the 1980's (when the kids left the theater early, crying at the death of optimus prime)

now, it gets credit for following the book fairly closely, but it was without explaination,

they seemed to put in the key elements of the book without giving any exlaination as to why things were the way they were (ie: the teacher bringing him on the spontainious field trip).....they should have made up sometihng like "the kid had been failing and this was extra credit..."etc. instead of making it a sketchy, grey area, uncomfortable situation. in the book there was no question.

i had to explain alot of things to my finacee who had not read the book, and both of us were dissapointed with the whole movie. i was expecting something more along the lines of "big fish" or "hook"

but all we got from it is a potentially epic movie that really was badly made

and a distrust causing me to pay an extra $2 to rent a movie before purchasing it

i only gave it 2 stars for the actual meaning behind the book/movie

A remarkable film.......2007-07-05

I watched "The Bridge to Terabithia" on a whim with my wife and daughter with little foreknowledge of the plot. I'd never read the Newbery Award-winning book by Katherine Paterson, and I'd seen only one trailer for the film, which left me with the impression it would be a Narnia knock-off. It's not.

I'm not dissing "The Chronicles of Narnia," which in its way was a remarkable film. But "Terabithia" didn't deserve the CGI-laden marketing campaign it received; far from a fantasy blockbuster, this is a deep and thoughtful movie that places substance over sparkle -- a rare treat in the sprawling field of youth-oriented theater. It ranks up there with one of my favorites, "The Secret of Roan Inish," which accomplished more with no special effects than most family-friendly movies could with a billion-dollar budget.

But I just can't shake "Terabithia" from my head, a fact owed mostly to the performance of AnnaSophia Robb. As Leslie, a spirited young girl with a fiery imagination and endless good cheer, AnnaSophia captured my heart. She's the kind of person you want to know when you're a child and, as my wife remarked midway through the film, she's the sort of young woman you'd be happy to see your daughter grow up to be.

An outsider despite her youthful good looks and family wealth, she finds her perfect match in Jesse (Joss Hutcherson), another outsider who has withdrawn into his art to escape a chilly home life and his own problems at school. Together, they discover a secret getaway that might seem like a fairly ordinary patch of woods to most people; to them, it's a magical world replete with fantastic creatures, hidden dangers and amazing triumphs. It's here the special effects intrude more than accentuate the film; the story would have benefited from a vaguer sense of Jesse and Leslie's own wonder. We don't need to see CGI creatures to believe that these two children do.

The strength here, besides outstanding performances from the two lead actors, is the impact of a story that knows no amount of fantasy can prevent real-life tragedies from occurring. And the tragedy here -- it's hard to write about it without giving it away -- slams into unsuspecting viewers like a sudden kick to the gut.

Parents of younger viewers should be prepared to have a long and serious talk with their children after this movie, but that's not a recommendation to avoid it. "Terabithia" deserves to be seen, discussed and seen again. (Although use some discretion; very young children should wait before seeing this.) My thanks to director Gabor Csupo, as well as writer Paterson, for giving kids something honest and real rather than another serving of high-energy fluff.

by Tom Knapp, Rambles.(n e t) editor

Very Emotional. Surprising. Not About Fantasy, But About Loss and Relationships.......2007-07-04

This movie can be very surprising and possibly an emotional tearjerker if you are not familiar with the story or book it was based on. If you don't mind your young children learning about "loss" and the sadness surrounding it, this will also be an uplifting movie that shows the positive nature of fostering good relationships. I thought I was getting a "fantasy" movie to watch with my son -- it was short on fantasy, and was heavy on the theme of "loss" but was still a good movie overall as it really brought out the emotions it intended to bring out. Many parents may argue whether the movie should be watched by their children (depending on what you are willing to teach your children about early.) As an adult, I found the movie of value and entertaining and also feel it is necessary to be present if you allow younger children watch it.

A beautiful story with something to say.......2007-07-04

I have been wanting to write a review for this film since I saw it for the first time, back in February. Though the main praises and controversies surrounding the story have been well covered by previous reviews on this site, this movie holds a personal significance that prompts me to share my own thoughts--although I must admit, I wasn't quite sure what to say about it at first.

I am a huge movie fan and have seen a generous number of them over the years, and for some reason, "Bridge to Terabithia" is--in all genuine honesty--the very best, most beautiful, most heartwrenching work of art I have ever seen. Even if it might sound silly to regard a Disney film as something that profound and meaningful, it is certainly true that this particular movie had more time, effort, and sensitivity put into it than most others from the infamous Walt Disney empire.

After watching this movie a good 13 or 14 times (the sad thing is, I'm not even joking), it is difficult to pinpoint exactly why it has moved me in a way that no other film has. Yes, it has a powerful message, a well-executed emotional undercurrent, and some truly impressive acting, but I have seen other movies with similar qualities. I don't even remember being a HUGE fan of the accompanying book by Katherine Paterson, although my fourth grade teacher did read it to our class twelve years ago, and what I remember of it is the strong development of unique, positive characters who--at the tender age of 11 or so--receive a thing or two to think about concerning the "realities of life," as several of us would call them.

Countless children's books have been adapted for the big screen over the years, among them including "Because of Winn-Dixie," "Madeline," "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," and "Shiloh." When you are transferring stories like these to film, it is so crucial to do it the right way, and sometimes, the end result doesn't really do much justice to the original author. One of the reasons I enjoyed "Bridge to Terabithia" so much is because it did not feel the need to conform the movie script to the things that today's society often deems as important, such domineering special effects and technology-driven means of having fun. This film allowed the main characters to highlight some of the personal creativity that all of us can take a lesson from, without making it too saccharine or unrealistic.

I have read in previous interviews that Katherine Paterson (who, again, penned the original book of the same name) was concerned about how her story would be portrayed on screen once she signed the rights over. To achieve the goal of making her tale shine through in the movie, it was only fitting that her son David Paterson--a producer of the film, a co-writer of the script and the real-life inspiration for the Jess Aarons character--take part in making it all happen, and he was surely the perfect person for the job.

I don't really want to hash over too much of the actual plot, since I was a little late in writing my review and, as a result, have a slew of reviews before mine that provide those details. However, since the acting in this film was so powerful and memorable, I would like to comment a bit on that. There are very few actors who command a role so well that you cannot imagine another person as that character, but Josh Hutcherson was about as incredible in this movie as anyone could have possibly been. I saw him for the first time in "Little Manhattan" and thought he was a cute kid with a fresh face in the booming child star industry, but he has since metamorphosized into this amazing, amazing young actor. Simply put, he just seems to know what he is doing when he gets in front of the camera, and let me tell you, that can't be taught (and in fact, Hutcherson did not take any acting classes when he started out at the age of 9, and his career launched because he was basically a talented kid with a gift for portraying different characters). I've heard about actors who can indicate so much emotion with just their eyes and facial expressions, but Hutcherson absolutely has it down cold. I give him a lot of props for what he did with his character, and I predict he is going to do extremely well in his career (which should easily extend into adulthood, for a 14-year-old with this much natural talent).

As for the critical role of Leslie Burke, it has been said that child star sensation Dakota Fanning was allegedly offered the role first. I admit that I can envision her as the character (though many of you might disagree), but I also feel that the casting director's final choice was for the best, given the remarkable performance by AnnaSophia Robb. Always capable of delivering a strong acting job, Robb used her trademark charisma, beautiful smile, and ever-sparkling eyes to lend all the right elements to this dynamic character. Watching Leslie's strengths and personalities unfold in the plot, she reminded me so much of a friend I had back in grammar school, who was constantly making up stories and thriving in a rambling imagination that did not require a television set, an I-pod, or just hanging around indoors. You know the actors are doing their craft well when you can compare their characters with figures from real life, and for that, both Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robb are outstanding up-and-coming stars for being so young. (The obvious close friendship that they have off-screen is also clearly a contributing factor to what they created with Jess and Leslie in the movie.)

Also noteworthy in the cast is young Bailee Madison, whose performance as Jess's younger sister May Belle is about as refreshing as you could ask for in a movie. To see what I mean, just take a second to think about all the 5-year-old children you have seen in the movies over the years, and then ask yourself how many of them actually act like real kids. With her sweet, boisterous, pesky yet affectionate personality throughout the film, Bailee paints a nearly flawless image of any child her age that I would see in my own life, and I give her a lot of credit for that. In some cases, it's far better for a kid to just be herself in a movie, rather than acting too mature and ten years older than she really is, and that is what brings a sense of magic to Bailee's performance (not to mention the fact that you will be hard-pressed to find at least one scene of hers that doesn't make you well up, especially in the film's last thirty minutes). Zooey Deschanel, too, is worth mentioning for the incredibly positive portrayal she gave of a young, vibrant teacher who gets the very best from her students by being compassionate, energetic, and creative. It's the Miss Edmonds-type of educators in our world that make a difference with these kids, as you can see by the impact that Deschanel's character has in the movie.

Although the climax in "Bridge to Terabithia" packs a punch and will leave older audiences with a question or two to answer for the younger viewers, the culminating themes presented are anything but dark and depressing, as some other reviewers here have indicated. Since when is it not completely uplifting to watch kids overcome emotional hardship, recognize the impact of the friends around them, and use what they have learned to make efforts that they may not have considered before? I don't believe for a minute that Jess would have made the decision he did at the end of the film if it weren't for the "close your eyes, but keep your mind wide open" ideal that Leslie introduced to him in their friendship.

And so it goes. Many people have criticized the phenomenon of false advertisement and the unsettling plot threads that changed the film's originally perceived direction in a matter of seconds. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and their differing feelings about the movie are valid, but it's the idea of this being an inappropriate children's film that makes me want to ask the question: What exactly do we want to be teaching our kids, if not courage and compassion in the face of adversity? If we don't want them exposed to certain things, and if we want to protect them from what might be potentially sad or painful, then what opportunity is there to help them learn some of the life lessons that Jess Aarons did at the conclusion of the story? Yes, I understand that it's just a movie, and no kid is going to have a fully developed concept of reality simply by watching "Bridge to Terabithia." However, before we claim that the chosen themes are too much for children and should be replaced with something more along the lines of "The Chronicles of Narnia," we should consider what Katherine Paterson and the filmmakers are trying to communicate with a story like this. Trust me, the message is intended to be a positive one, achieved by working through the tough stuff and discovering a level of happiness that is different, but every bit as valuable.

This isn't to say that I would recommend showing this movie to a preschooler and eagerly filling her plate with all these ideas, but for a kid around the age of 9 or so, it is very much a "children's film" that can be enjoyed by the whole family and appreciated for occasionally uneasy but always important messages it shares. In addition, I am not trying to speak negatively of "Narnia" kinds of action films for kids. Those are also good movies with positive qualities of their own, and if that's what you like, then there is absolutely no problem with it. For the purpose of this particular tale, however, and what it is trying to say to contemporary audiences, I am just saying that it deserves a shot, and if you are looking for a film with kids who are good role models and creative ways of thinking that are encouraged, "Bridge to Terabithia" is worth your time. If you watched it and didn't like it, or if you were upset by the marketing choices that the studio made with the preview trailers, then hey, what's the worst thing that happened? You spent some money on a movie theater ticket, a video rental, or maybe even a DVD purchase that you weren't completely satisfied with--or maybe you watched it with your kids because you were expecting something else, and you had to have a conversation afterward that you weren't exactly thrilled about. Even then, though, in a situation like that, there are far more positive things than negative to derive from the film's ending.

With that in mind, I would like to give this film my strongest recommendation for at least a movie rental. Setting the plot aside, the DVD does have a nice set of special features, including a commentary by Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robb--as well as one of the film producers Lauren Levine--that is both sweet and interesting to listen to, especially if you are a fan of these two stars. There is another commentary by the director, writer and producer; a short featurette about the special effects; and a second featurette where the cast teams up with educators and elementary school administrators all over the country to discuss some of the best reasons to add this book to today's classroom curriculums. Lastly, there is a music video for the song "Keep Your Mind Wide Open," performed by AnnaSophia Robb and sprinkled with some scenes from the movie. Although her actress-turned-singer approach is similar to what young movie starlets like Hilary Duff and Lindsay Lohan have done in their careers, AnnaSophia is a beautiful girl who, to her credit, appeared to give it her all with this song. Regardless of anything else, it is a nice tune, with lyrics that correlates perfectly with everything that this movie is about. In the above mentioned commentary, AnnaSophia discusses this experience and acknowledges that she isn't planning a singing career, but even so, it is a fun music video to watch, and there's no doubt that she will find great things in her future.

I am writing this because this film has reached me in a way that NO other movie has, and there is just something about it that makes me literally want to watch it over and over (which I have essentially been doing ever since I purchased the DVD). If you have not seen it, or if you are debating whether or not it is the right material for young ones, I really hope that you will at least rent it and give it a chance. Just because it is the best movie I have ever seen does not mean that I expect everyone else to agree, but if nothing else, it is a film with an impeccably chosen cast--a group of actors who obviously grasp the movie's purpose and play it out so effortlessly. When she wrote the book in the 1970's, Katherine Paterson wasn't sure if children could deal with the emotions of the story, but her editor knew that kids could, and she was right on target. Paterson did base the plot on a difficult experience that she encountered with her 8-year-old son many years ago, and after all, what hits home harder than a story that is true?

Terrible and Completely Pointless .......2007-07-04

Boy am I sorry I just wasted an hour and a half watching this movie, and I'm even sorrier that I let my kids see it.

This is not a movie for children, it is far too slow, boring, and sad. Its not a movie for adults, it is far too juvenile and, well, dumb.

I kept waiting for the movie to get to a point - and it never does. It meanders around in the very sad lives of two different adolescents - both terribly neglected by their parents in very different ways, both bullied, both living pretty sad lives. I kept waiting for something interesting to happen, or for the film to reach some pinnacle where it all came together, and it never did. Totally pointless.

The "fantasy" bits of the film [and they are *tiny* bits - not really worth even mentioning] are poorly done and just awful.

There is really nothing redeeming about this film, other than the fact that the two young actors who play the main characters do a good job acting - they just have pretty lame characters. ALL the characters in the movie are really just characateurs - with no depth or meaning. And most of them are "bad" in some way or other, from the insanely neglectful mother to the nasty abusive father to the mean bullies who beat up the other kids.

Anyway, its just a terrible movie and not worth anyone's time or money. And please, parents, if you think you *might* want to show this movie to your children, preview it first. I sure wish I had done that.

The Sound of Music (Two-Disc 40th Anniversary Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

The Sound of Music
the magic is alive...
Pure Magic
The Sound of Music
saw it as a child and now at my 40s.. it still holds the magic

The Sound of Music (Two-Disc 40th Anniversary Special Edition)
Starring: Julie Andrews , Christopher Plummer , Richard Haydn , Peggy Wood , and Anna Lee
Director: Robert Wise
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000AP04OM
Release Date: 2005-11-15

Product Description

Shot in Salzburg against the majestic Bavarian Alps, THE SOUND OF MUSIC is considered one of the greatest screen musicals ever made. Winner of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director (Robert Wise), the film, based on a real family and their true events, tells the story of a young postulate, Maria (Julie Andrews), who, after proving too high-spirited for the Mother Abess and other nuns, is sent off to work as a governess to seven unruly children. The Von Trapp family is run, in military style, by the seemingly cold-hearted Captain Von Trapp (Christopher Plummer), a lonely widowed naval officer. Seeing how badly he and his children need companionship, he proposes to the Baroness Schraeder (Eleanor Parker), a calculating, mutual friend of beloved family friend Max Detweiler (Richard Haydn). It is the baroness who soon realizes that it's Maria--with her warmth and love for the children--the captain really loves. It is nearly bliss for the newly formed family who loves to sing together--except for the cloud looming over their beloved Austrian horizon: Hitler is ascending to power, forcing Von Trapp to decide whether to join the Nazi party--which he loathes--or force his family to leave their home forever. One of the most memorable scores ever written (by Rodgers and Hammerstein) and breathtaking performances by Andrews, Plummer, and the seven children mark this classic as one of the world's most favorite films.

System Requirements:

Running Time 174 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com essential video

When Julie Andrews sang "The hills are alive with the sound of music" from an Austrian mountaintop in 1965, the most beloved movie musical was born. To be sure, the adaptation of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II's Broadway hit has never been as universally acclaimed as, say, Singin' in the Rain. Critics argue that the songs are saccharine (even the songwriters regretted the line "To sing through the night like a lark who is learning to pray") and that the characters and plot lack the complexity that could make them more interesting. It's not hard to know whom to root for when your choice is between cute kids and Nazis.

Read our interview with
Charmian Carr, who played
Liesl von Trapp in The
Sound of Music.

It doesn't matter. Audiences fell in love with the struggling novice Maria (Andrews), the dashing Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer), and, yes, the cute kids, all based on a real-life World War II Austrian family. Such songs as "My Favorite Things," "Do Re Mi," "Climb Every Mountain," and the title tune became part of the 20th century Zeitgeist. In addition, The Sound of Music officially became a cult hit when audiences in London began giving it the Rocky Horror Picture Show treatment, attending showings dressed as their favorite characters and delivering choreographed comments and gestures along with the movie. So why resist, especially when the 40th Anniversary Edition is the best DVD yet.

The DVDs
As if the direct involvement of Julie Andrews weren't enough, the 40th Anniversary Edition of The Sound of Music is a must-have for fans because of the fond sense of nostalgia that will touch all but the worst cynic's heart. Andrews introduces both discs and contributes a commentary track on the film. It's a joy to hear her speak about the film (for example, she explains how she solved her dislike for the lyrics of "I Have Confidence"), and also heard are remarks by Christopher Plummer (who at one point refers to his being 48, which if true would mean his comments were made in about 1975), Charmian Carr (Liesl), choreographer Dee Dee Wood, and Johannes Von Trapp (the real-life Maria Von Trapp's youngest son, who admits that his father did have a whistle but claims that he was not as stern as portrayed in the film). Even with all those people involved, there are still significant gaps of silence, however. Retained from the previous two-disc editions is the commentary track by director Robert Wise, which during the musical numbers becomes an isolated score with no vocals. Also new are sing-along subtitles in English, Spanish, and French, which allow you to have your own sing-along at home. In addition, the film's remastering shows off a truer and much warmer sense of color.

On the second disc, Andrews participates in a new 63-minute documentary "My Favorite Things: Julie Andrews Remembers." But it's really a general making-of documentary with contributions from a number of principals, including director Robert Wise, who died in mid-2005 (not surprisingly, some stories are repeated from the commentary track and from the 87-minute documentary on the previous DVD). Andrews also shares a warm 19-minute sit-down with Christopher Plummer. Carr, who over the years has become the film's biggest advocate, narrates a new 22-minute documentary, "On Location with The Sound of Music," in which she revisits the places in Salzburg where the movie was filmed, and even joins one of the "Sound of Music tours" that have become a booming industry. And acknowledging another big industry, there's a 12-minute featurette on the sing-along phenomenon, focusing specifically on the audience, costumed and otherwise, that attended a sold-out Hollywood Bowl sing-along in 2005. Making special appearances at the event are four von Trapp great-grandchildren and all seven of the actors who played the children. Thankfully, those actors also appear in a 33-minute documentary "From Liesl to Gretl: A 40th Anniversary Reunion," in which they explain what they do now (many are still in show business) and share stories about the film, who was afraid of Christopher Plummer, and what they feel is their responsibility to the film's passionate fans. What's touching is how the group still considers themselves a family so many years later. Other material includes an A&E documentary on the von Trapps, Mia Farrow's screen test for the Liesl role, and a restoration comparison.

What's Missing?
If you already own the previous two-disc editions, you'll want this 40th Anniversary Edition as well, but you might not want to toss those versions. Probably the most significant omission from this edition is the original 14-minute documentary Charmian Carr made in 1967, "Salzburg Sight and Sound." Carr's new documentary includes only a couple clips from the vintage piece. It's not a great work of art, but it's a notable loss and would have made a good contrast with the new documentary. In addition, the new making-of documentary is about 24 minutes shorter than the old one. Also missing are the audio-only features--the interviews, the radio programs, the Ernest Lehman spotlight--and the historical still gallery examining the history of Salzburg and the film. Granted, this material probably got the least play of any of the old features, but completists might want to hold onto their old discs for it. It would have also been nice to have screen tests other than Farrow's. Tests for all the children and for Christopher Plummer (including singing in his own voice before he was dubbed for the film) were included on Hollywood Screen Tests and Rodgers and Hammerstein: The Sound of Movies. Again, they're not critical but it would have been nice to have them all in one place. So maybe the 40th Anniversary Edition isn't the complete package on The Sound of Music, but it's the most satisfying edition yet, with enough new material to please even the veteran SoM DVD watcher. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

The Sound of Music.......2007-07-02

Shot in pristine color on location near Salzburg--and featuring that dizzying opening shot of Maria belting out the title tune from a verdant hilltop--"Music" fully deserves its reputation as one of the most popular films of all time. The daisy-fresh Andrews is simply terrific, whether she's acting or singing, and the songs--"Do Re Mi," "Climb Every Mountain," and "My Favorite Things"--have become part of our cultural heritage. Adapted from the Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway play, the film might be a bit schmaltzy at moments, but in all, it remains utterly irresistible. The hills are still alive--and your singing pipes will be too--with the wondrous "Sound of Music."

the magic is alive..........2007-06-26

I was only six but I still remember when my mother took us kids to the movies to see 'The Sound of Music'. A memory permantly ingrained as is this film. From the most amazing opening shot ever filmed this classic film never lets go of yor senses. It's fun, thrilling and holds up extremely well. Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer are exquisite. Sure some of the lyrics are corny and simple but it all works and I'm not even a fan of musicals.

Pure Magic.......2007-06-25

Who doesn't know the general plot of this movie? Well just in case: Maria is thinking of becoming a nun, yet Sister Superior isn't so sure about that and sends her off to become the governess to seven Von Trapp children. There she meets the very strict father and the not so angelic children. She quickly wins over the children and their father. While all this is going on the Nazis are slowly but surely taking over the country. By the second half of the movie they become a true family and decide to make a dareing escape from the Nazis.

Now that pretty much wraps it up plot wise, yet there is so much more. The songs are very sugar coated but so what? They are there for a purpose: teaching children to not be afraid, coaching them on how to sing,etc. In most parts they are there for the pleasure of the young and the young at heart.

I'll close with an example. I was driving with my wife and our girls in the car, and we were looking at about an hour trip to my mother's house so we popped The Sound of Music in the DVD and we were on our way. As I heard (I coudn't see the movie of course) the movie and we sang the songs on our journey, I looked back and every face was smiling. Now if you are looking for a movie like that you've come to the right place.

The Sound of Music .......2007-06-11

A Family Night is made of... Sound of Music. Worth watching over and over.

saw it as a child and now at my 40s.. it still holds the magic.......2007-06-05

This review is about the movie and not the DVD Product-

I saw it yesterday, Im 43, last time I saw ir I was 28 and prior to that I was 12 the first time I saw it. It still holds the magic, and now I can say its a classic for all the family.

Yes, now I see details I previously did no see. The plot is so idillic that you don't feel the nazi presence inspiring fear, the love scenes are a perfect example of puritanism and political correctness. Yet there is love and there Julie Andrews gives a performance larger than life to captivate all public.

I do not know why in the review preface there is some critisims of the lyrics of the song "Sound of music"- those were elaborated lyrics and none of that senseless rap or overly simplistic lyrics. Sugarcoated? You bet, but just like the pinl lemonade they were sipping on the terrace, "its not too sweet, not too acid, its just too pink "

The movie has an ending that is rather sudden, just as it starts with that glorious song it should have ended with one as well, a triumph song. I still have the same feeling I did when I was 12, what happened to them?

Bridge To Terabithia (Full Screen Edition)

Average customer rating:

a potentially epic movie that was very badly made, should have been done as "big fish" was
A remarkable film
Very Emotional. Surprising. Not About Fantasy, But About Loss and Relationships
A beautiful story with something to say
Terrible and Completely Pointless

Bridge To Terabithia (Full Screen Edition)
Starring: Josh Hutcherson , AnnaSophia Robb , Zooey Deschanel , Robert Patrick , and Bailee Madison
Director: Gabor Csupo
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000OYCM5I
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

a potentially epic movie that was very badly made, should have been done as "big fish" was.......2007-07-05

A remarkable film.......2007-07-05

Very Emotional. Surprising. Not About Fantasy, But About Loss and Relationships.......2007-07-04

A beautiful story with something to say.......2007-07-04

Terrible and Completely Pointless .......2007-07-04

Average customer rating:

One of my top ten most romantic movies ever made!
Not Persuaded by the film
Didn't like at first .. but then I did.
Excellent film!
Superb

Persuasion (1995)
Starring: Amanda Root , Ciarán Hinds , Susan Fleetwood , Corin Redgrave , and Fiona Shaw
Director: Roger Michell
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
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Emma (1996)

ASIN: B00003JRCQ
Release Date: 2000-02-01

Amazon.com

Movie adaptations of Jane Austen's classic novels were all the rage (relatively speaking) in the mid-1990s. Clueless updated Austen's Emma, which was more conventionally adapted in another version (Emma) starring Gwyneth Paltrow. Emma was produced yet again, this time for British television, as were a celebrated miniseries of Pride and Prejudice and this splendid film of Austen's Persuasion. Persuasion is the story of a love that survives eight years of dormancy and the frustrating obstacles of class prejudice in 19th century England. Anne (Amanda Root) is captivated when she meets the dignified naval officer Capt. Wentworth (Ciarán Hinds), but she is advised to discourage his romantic overtures because he has no fortune. They meet again eight years later, but now Capt. Wentworth has become wealthy while Anne's father is in reduced circumstances in the wake of reckless extravagance. A series of circumstances ensue which prevent Anne and Wentworth from expressing their mutual and inevitable love. The film's success depends entirely on the subtle, superb performances of Root and Hinds. The film builds slowly, occasionally leaving you wondering if anything at all is going to happen. When it does, you realize how carefully crafted a film this is, and the final result is grandly rewarding. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

One of my top ten most romantic movies ever made!.......2007-06-22

This less-than-2-hour movie aired on PBS with a great intro by host Russell Baker. I still enjoy that VHS tape I made at the time, but its colors are dark and sometimes the dialog is hard to understand. Not having it on dvd is NOT an option for me. Luckily, it had been over a year since I last viewed this one, and it was better than ever, even better than the 1st time I saw it. Sometimes I see Captain Wentworth as mildly retarded, that he cannot see that Anne obviously has feelings for him. Then I remember he was thoroughly snubbed by her family as well as refused by her, so his hesitancy is understandable. In the 8 years that have elapsed since refusing him, Anne has found herself & her own voice, & is finally able to tell her well-meaning but patronizing friend, "That is not a thing that I want!" I am always so proud of her for going after what she does want, finally. The last few minutes of the film are some of the most romantic ever made.

My top ten: Pride & Prejudice (mini series with Colin Firth), 2)Persuasion, 3)Room With a View, 4)Casablanca, 5)Emma (Kate Beckinsale version), 6)My Foolish Heart, 7)The Terminator, 8)Doctor Zhivago ('65 version), 9)Best Years of Our Lives, 10)Will Penny. Ok, those last 5 shift around a bit sometimes, depending on which old movies I come across. Some of the traditionally favorite ones like GWTW, or Love Story -- there's more anguish than romance there, to me. What are your favorites? Always on the lookout for romantic moments on film. Hey, that could be another top ten, of your Top Ten Romantic Moments on film, which could be altogether a different list!

Not Persuaded by the film.......2007-05-30

Glad I read the book before watching the film. There were scenes from the book that could have been included to make the film story line flow better. The actors/actresses were not as believable and didn't seem to fit the descriptions in the book as well. This adaptation of "Persuasion" was not as good as Ang Lee's "Sense and Sensibility" (with Emma Thompson) nor Andrew Davies' "Pride and Prejudice" (with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle).
If you're not keen on owning this DVD, I'd borrow it from the local library, a friend, or NetFlix before spending money to buy it.

Didn't like at first .. but then I did........2007-05-04

I am a big Austin fan and have seen just about all of her movie adaptatons. At first I found this movie slow and pointless but about 1/2 way through I got excited to see how it would end. The ending makes good sense but could have been more detailed. The movie builds up antisipation and then ends ubruptly and leaves you saying what just happened. All and all this movie is worth seeing if you enjoy other Austin movies.

Excellent film!.......2007-04-26

This is one of my favorite movies. I saw it at the theater when it first came out and then I bought the book. The characters seem like real people that a person could meet.

Superb.......2007-04-18

This is one of the best of this genre, literary adaptations. Highly recommended, great cast especially Amada Root.

Average customer rating:

Schoolboys In Disgrace
IF only I could decide...
Just one of the Greatest Unknown Films of the 20th Century
Don't forget the music!
Much anticipated!

If... (Criterion Collection)
Starring: Malcolm McDowell , David Wood , Richard Warwick , Christine Noonan , and Rupert Webster
Director: Lindsay Anderson , and Guy Brenton
Manufacturer: Criterion
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Army of Shadows - Criterion Collection
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La Jetee/Sans Soleil (Criterion Collection)
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ASIN: B000OPPAEW
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Description

Lindsay Anderson's If.… is a daringly anarchic vision of British society, set in a boarding school in late-sixties England. Before Kubrick made his mischief iconic in A Clockwork Orange, Malcolm McDowell made a hell of an impression as the insouciant Mick Travis, who, along with his school chums, trumps authority at every turn, finally emerging as violent savior against the draconian games of one-upmanship played by both students and the powers that be. Mixing color and black and white as audaciously as it mixes fantasy and reality, If…. remains one of cinema's most unforgettable rebel yells.

Customer Reviews:

Schoolboys In Disgrace.......2007-06-27

The exclusive private school portrayed in "If.." serves as a scathing metaphor of class and privilege in the United Kingdom. What makes the statement that director Lindsay Anderson is trying to convey more stinging is that he treats his subject matter as dark comedy. What I also found interesting is that Anderson doesn't direct most of his criticism at the school administrators, whose crimes are allowing such a stifling atmosphere to perpetuate. Rather, the worst criticism is directed at the Whips, the sniveling fascist students who are given free reign to terrorize and subjugate their fellow students to the worst kind of torment. It's easy to criticize authority but our worst enemies are our peers who will later become the leaders of our world because that's the way it is. The film is anchored by a mesmerizing performance by Malcolm McDowell who portrays rebel iconoclast Mick Travis. Travis belongs in this stifling environment as much as he needs a hole in the head. Travis serves as everyman and reacts to the inanity around him with a knowing smirk. In one memorably hilarious exchange with a Whip Travis accuses him of serving Coca-Cola to the underclassmen while expecting them to lick his fingers for the rest of their lives. What gives this scene more power is that Travis says it knowing it will subject him to a more severe beating. If you could best describe "If..." I would say it's a dark comedy with dramatic and surreal elements. It would serve as a good double bill with another indictment of English classism, Peter Medak's "The Ruling Class". On a final note will somebody, Criterion or Warner Brothers, release "O Lucky Man" on disc.

IF only I could decide..........2007-06-21

In high school in the middle 1970s we never could get to see this movie but we all owned a copy of the screenplay. Finally I saw the film at a university showing in 1978 or 1979. I hadn't seen it since. From the reviews since 2000 it appears some people in the US had it on VHS or DVD but I don't know how that was possible. I never could find it. I assumed it was being surpressed out of political fear. Anyway, all these years later, I'm still not sure I like how the movie slips the bounds of reality to the point where you're not sure this isn't supposed to be just a fantasy (the vicar in the drawer, the main characters not speaking the last 15 minutes of the movie, the charage across the clean quad that in the previous shot was battle strewn). This shift to fantasy is jarring because up to the last half hour of the movie it is as brutally naturalistic as This Sporting Life (except for the fantasy sex sequence - clearly meant to be fantasy - in the cafe). Am I wrong to find this shift to fantasy an artistic capitulation? Am I the only one who thought the lads burning the stuffed crocodile meant this was all to be seen as something like the collages with pictures from Africa? Nevertheless, I know I'll be watching this DVD many times.

Just one of the Greatest Unknown Films of the 20th Century.......2007-06-18

I first saw "If..." during its original release in the late 1960s in a theater in Pittsburgh. I saw it several times then ...which was not the easiest thing to do as a grad student. Maybe it had something to do with having attended a New England prep school and my brother about to start one.

I have owned a copy on VHS, I own a book with the script and commentary by Lindsay Anderson, and I am ordering a copy of this DVD.

Most reviewers talk about the theme of rebellion due to repressive conditions and such. The concern ... I want to say fear ... that it will trigger more school tragedies is misplaced. What Lindsay Anderson has done is help us explore the challenges that are faced by young men coming of age so that as a society we can learn how to respond to those challenges. Why today do schools still tolerate bullies?

When I saw the movie "Animal House" a few years later, my immediate reaction was that it was an Americanized version of "If..." but with more humor. I am amazed that no other reviewer has spoken of the parallels. I have never read that Landis or the writers of Animal House were even aware of the film. Maybe that speaks to the timeless theme of the film.

This may not be an easy movie for many to watch, but the Missa Lubba soundtrack is unforgetable and continually brings you back into the film.

Enjoy.

Don't forget the music!.......2007-06-10

I have waited years for IF to be released on DVD - I trust that the amazing MISSA LUBA that was used as the sound-track will also get a new release.

Much anticipated!.......2007-04-24

I've been waiting for a release of If... for a long long time, and it is so good to see it will be given the deluxe treatment with Criterion. Lindsay Anderson created a landmark film which captured the talents of a young Malcolm McDowell at his best. You get the feeling that Wes Anderson took his cue from this film when he made Rushmore, but what sets If... apart is the surrealism that creeps into the movie and eventually takes it over, resulting in its wildly hallucinogenic climax. All the extras will make this anxiously awaited DVD a real treat, as hopefully we will be able to get a peek into the mind that created this film. The addition of Thursday's Children certainly makes this deluxe package worthwhile.

Average customer rating:

Excellent mix of old and new
Love it
Pretty Neat, Ending a Letdown
Loved it, amazing
Pure magic

The Illusionist (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Edward Norton , Paul Giamatti , Jessica Biel , Rufus Sewell , and Eddie Marsan
Director: Neil Burger
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000K7VHQ4
Release Date: 2007-01-09

Amazon.com

First screened in Europe and scheduled for limited release in the U.S., The Illusionist offers welcome proof that "arthouse" quality needn't be limited to the arthouses. Set in turn-of-the-century Vienna, this stately, elegant period film benefited from a crossover release in mainstream cinemas, and showed considerable box-office staying power--granted, teenage mallrats and lusty males may have been drawn to the allure of Seventh Heaven alumna Jessica Biel, who rises to the occasion with a fine performance. But there's equal appeal in the casting of Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti, who bring their formidable talents to bear on the intriguing tale of a celebrated magician named Eisenheim (Norton) whose stage performance offends the Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell), a vindictive lout who aims to marry Duchess Sophie (Biel), Eisenheim's childhood friend and now, 15 years later, his would-be lover. This romantic rivalry and Eisenheim's increasingly enigmatic craft of illusion are investigated by Chief Inspector Uhl (Giamatti), who's under Leopold's command and is therefore not to be trusted as Eisenheim and Sophie draw closer to their inevitable reunion. Cleverly adapted by director Neil Burger from Steven Millhauser's short story "Eisenheim the Illusionist," and boasting exquisite production values and a fine score by Philip Glass, The Illusionist is the kind of class act that fully deserved its unusually wide and appreciative audience. -- Jeff Shannon

Beyond The Illusionist

"Eisenheim the Illusionist" and Other Stories

Paul Giamatti in a More Loveable Role
Magic Kits & Accessories

Stills from The Illusionist

Description

Unlock the mysteries of the year's most spellbinding film from the producers of Crash and Sideways! Oscar(r) nominees Paul Giamatti and Edward Norton lead an all-star cast in this "stunning" film (USA Today) that conjures an exhilarating blend of suspense, romance and mind-bending twists. The acclaimed illusionist Eisenheim (Norton) has not only captured the imaginations of all of Vienna, but also the interest of the ambitious Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell). But when Leopold's new fiancée (Jessica Biel) rekindles a childhood fascination with Eisenheim, the Prince's interest evolves into obsession...and suddenly the city's Chief Inspector (Giamatti) finds himself investigating a shocking crime. But even as the Inspector engages him in a dramatic challenge of wills, Eisenheim prepares for his most impressive illusion yet in this "mesmerizing" (Entertainment Weekly) and "beautifully acted" (Good Morning America) film that "teases you until the very end!" (The New York Times).

Customer Reviews:

Excellent mix of old and new.......2007-07-04

Old time drama comes alive with this exceptional performance of magic and love. The actors are exceptional and make you believe you are really back in the day of magicians and when people truly believed witchcraft may be at hand.

I will not spoil the ending, because it is a good one. The progression of the movie included a demonstration from Ed Norton to Paul Giamatti on how a simple magic trick is really done. This sets you up to wonder about the rest of the magic. Is it so simple or is Norton MORE than an illusionist?

The romantic side of the story has been done so many times; childhood boys loves girl, meets her later in life, still loves her. However, it is integrated in this movie so well that it makes the movie into a romance you really buy into.

This movie is worth beyond a rental, because I am making a bet, you'll lend it to someone else raving over how good it is!

Love it.......2007-07-03

This is a great film! Edward Norton is incredible as usual. A lot of people have been comparing this to The Prestige since both were released around the same time and are about illusionists, but that's about it. I think both movies are excellent but each has a life of its own. The Illusionist is a modest yet extraordinary love story that happens to be centered around true magic. Definitely worth a look. Enjoy.

Pretty Neat, Ending a Letdown.......2007-07-03

This movie has 'surprise ending' written all over it, but when it comes, well, it's not really a surprise. It's the one you see coming a mile away, from the movie's first flashback of Ed Norton's childhood. That was a bummer. Also a bummer was how cursory the explanation was, just a 10-second montage including nothing you couldn't have guessed quite easily. In fact, Paul Giamatti comes off as really stupid for not having guessed it earlier, especially having examined the blonde's body. It was a cool movie up to that point, but as a con movie, it needed a really cool ending to truly succeed. Also, the writer selectively imbues the protagonist with supernatural powers periodically throughout the film, especially toward the end. However, he uses his powers merely to pull off a hokey con, that's it. It's a shame to see two such great actors and such a promising script all be let down by this bland, facile ending. I can't help wondering if the original script included a much better ending but had it's originality filed down or excised by studio executives.

Loved it, amazing.......2007-07-01

I rented this at Blockbuster the other night and all I have to say that this is an amazing movie. Check out Prestige too which in my opinion is even better. This movie really had my brain thinking hard near the ending and after it. It has an interesting plot and his magic tricks are interesting. You have to watch this...a great movie that will give your mind a whirl.

Pure magic.......2007-07-01

Rarely does a film so magically project so many fantastical tricks (within a fictional story so expertly presented as to appear historical). In the end, of course, all tricks are exposed as the smoke and mirrors expected from the beginning--but in such fine detail and complexity as not to disappoint.

The film's strength rests on that of "Eisenheim the Illusionist," Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Steven Millhauser's 1990 short story (from Barnum Museum), but also resides in Dick Pope's cinematography and Neil Burger's adept direction. It is quite amazing to watch magical tricks for so long propel the tale, as if real--and then to view the delightful unraveling of the story's entwined, sinewy web of script, image, characters and score (Philip Glass), like the finale of a perfectly executed pas de deux. It flows gracefully through to the last second.

The movie begins as Vienna's Chief Police Inspector Uhl (Paul Giamatti) recounts the life, to date (1900) of a carpenter's son, a forbidden friend of Countess Sophie von Teschen, (Eleanor Tomlinson) for whom he carved a magic locket and with whom he had planned to flee. They were discovered and forcibly separated.

The boy departed Vienna and toured exotic countries in Asia, acquiring extensive magical knowledge. He arrived home 15 years later as the performer "Eisenheim" (Edward Norton), and with the help of theatrical manager Josef Fischer (Edward Marsan), he immediately attracts an enormous following. Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell), determined to prove Eisenheim a fraud, attends a show arm in arm with his gorgeous fiancée--Countess Sophie (Jesscia Biel). The Crown Prince volunteers Sophie for an elaborate stage trick. Eisenhem instantly recognizes her and pretends not to know her; Sophie realizes more slowly. Naturally, they reunite romantically.

But that is far from the end of the magic, or the mystery encompassed in this engrossing film. Norton's Eisenheim characterization grabs viewers and balances equally against Biel's angelic portrayal of Sophie. Giamatti's Inspector Uhl, an ambitious, devious, outwardly crusty official controlled by the Prince, also demonstrates a weakness for magic, and beneath that layer, a tenuous warmth that slowly takes root and grows.

One viewer claims the film is too long on time and too short on romance. I disagree. The level of intrigue was exactly perfect for a film of this kind, enough to draw us in, but not so much as to detract from the other, far more magical aspects of the story.

This film is a crowd-pleaser--pure magic.

--Alyssa A. Lappen

Average customer rating:

good music
Just adding to
The Standard for Concert Films - A Trip down Memory Lane!
The Last Waltz-The Band
THE LAST WALTZ IS THE BAND'S MOST SHINING MOMENT.

The Last Waltz
Starring: The Band , Paul Butterfield , Rick Danko , Dr. John , and Emmylou Harris
Manufacturer: MGM
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00003CXB1
Release Date: 2002-05-07

Amazon.com

Martin Scorsese's 1978 capsule history of the Band is mixed with footage of the group's allegedly last performance (certainly their last performance as a quintet) in this particularly stylish concert film. Scorsese shoots the players and their sundry guests with the same flair and enthusiasm one can see in the later The Color of Money or Goodfellas. He also proves a good interviewer with Band members, particularly Robbie Robertson, whose sleepy-sexy good looks make a star-caliber impression in close-up. But the film's real hook is the stage show, which features a rotation of rock legends (Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell, Paul Butterfield, Bob Dylan, and so on) playing with the Band before a wildly appreciative audience. --Tom Keogh

Description

It started as a concert. It became a celebration. Join an unparalleled lineup of rock superstars asthey celebrate The Band's historic 1976 farewell performance. Directed by Martin Scorsese (Raging Bull, Goodfellas), The Last Waltz is not only "the most beautiful rock film evermade" (New York Times) it's "one of the most important cultural events of the last two decades" (Rolling Stone)!

Customer Reviews:

good music.......2007-06-14

this dvd is excellent. there is nothing else to be said.

Just adding to.......2007-06-08

There's enough reviews of this Classic. I'm 50+ and showed my copy of this DVD to my teenage kids last Thanksgiving. They were enthralled! My daughter asked for it as a gift for her graduation from UT (uhhh, I guess that means she's not a teenager anymore! but my son is and a Music major at UT). That about says it all I think.

The Standard for Concert Films - A Trip down Memory Lane!.......2007-05-16

Viewing "The Last Waltz," was like a trip down rock history memory lane. This is the DVD you show your children to introduce them to rock music of the seventies. The direction of Martin Scorsese provides the viewer with insightful interviews coupled with lush musical productions. I am still trying to decide on my favorite performance - there are just too many! Also, buy the CD - you will not be disappointed.

The Last Waltz-The Band.......2007-05-15

Probably the best concert film of its kind to date!! Every performer was captured in their prime all at one major rock event. Don't miss it.

THE LAST WALTZ IS THE BAND'S MOST SHINING MOMENT........2007-04-15

I will be writing a review on the legendary historic live DVD concert entitled "THE LAST WALTZ" by one of Rock's greatest legendary bands ever. I give you one of America's pride and joy's, THE BAND. "THE LAST WALTZ" was originally released in 1978 by MGM and United Artists. As always, if I hear any new additional information concerning this legendary band or the artist, I will edit this review immediately so that you the consumer will get the best info