Alien

Starring:Tom Skerritt, Sigourney Weaver, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton, John Hurt, Ian Holm, Yaphet Kotto, Bolaji Badejo, Helen Horton, Eddie Powell
Director: Ridley Scott
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com essential video

Sarah (a teenage Jennifer Connelly) rehearses the role of a fairy-tale queen, performing for her stuffed animals. She is about to discover that the time has come to leave her childhood behind. In real life she has to baby-sit her brother and contend with parents who don't understand her at all. Her petulance leads her to call the goblins to take the baby away, but when they actually do, she realizes her responsibility to rescue him. Sarah negotiates the Labyrinth to reach the City of the Goblins and the castle of their king. The king is the only other human in the film and is played by a glam-rocking David Bowie, who performs five of his songs. The rest of the cast are puppets, a wonderful array of Jim Henson's imaginative masterpieces. Henson gives credit to children's author and illustrator Maurice Sendak, and the creatures in the movie will remind Sendak fans of his drawings. The castle of the king is a living M.C. Escher set that adults will enjoy. The film combines the highest standards of art, costume, and set decoration. Like executive producer George Lucas's other fantasies, Labyrinth mixes adventure with lessons about growing up. --Lloyd Chesley

Customer Reviews:

Labyrinth ~ David Bowie.......2007-07-03

This is a great movie specially for the kids. It also has a great soundtrack as well and excellent graphics. Also a Must own for any David Bowie Works Collecter. Also not bad for those capturing that era of time and those young at heart. thumbs up.

Came in perfect condition.......2007-06-27

I have always loved this movie since I was a kid. It's a bit cheesy for an older crowd but it's a good time and has a lot of good songs in it.

David Bowie Fans.......2007-06-27

If you love magic and fairytales this is the movie for you! Granted it is a bit older, but David Bowie plays a great role and sings you into this magical world. I had never seen it and bought it because he was in it. My stepmother loves him too so of course I bought her a copy. If you have young ones or are just young at heart this is the movie for you!!!

Kid friendly w/ a dash of adventure. .......2007-06-27

I think the title say's it all. I remember seeing this movie when I was a kid, it was a big thing in my home as I grew up listening to Bowie right down from his Ziggy days. I had forgotten how that felt until my daughter came home one afternoon telling me about this movie her teacher showed the class during the last week of school... I can't remember exactly how she explained her view of the movie, but I knew exactly what she was talking about and began singing some of the songs in it... "You remind me of the babe.. The Babe? The babe with the power....." And she beamed a brilliant smile as she said "Yes! that one..." To this day, that movie gets more play then any disney movie my kids have.. They adore watching that movie.. often going round singing the very same somes... I was glad of the reminder my daughter brought hoem of a childhood long since gone. Even more that I found the movie..

I love David Bowie.......2007-06-08

I cant help myself, David Bowie is my hero. And Jennifer Connelly shines in this movie as well

The Fifth Element (Remastered) [Blu-ray]

Average customer rating:

Great movie finally remastered

The Fifth Element (Remastered) [Blu-ray]
Starring: Bruce Willis , Gary Oldman , Ian Holm , Milla Jovovich , and Chris Tucker
Director: Luc Besson
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

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ASIN: B000QTD368
Release Date: 2007-07-17

Product Description

New York cab driver Korben Dallas didn't mean to be a hero, but he just picked up the kind of fare that only comes along every five thousand years: A perfect beauty, a perfect being, a perfect weapon. Now, together, they must save the world. Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich, and Gary Oldman star in acclaimed director Luc Besson's outrageous sci-fi adventure, an extravagantly styled tale of good against evil set in an unbelievable twenty-third century world.

Customer Reviews:

Great movie finally remastered.......2007-07-02

This is a really fun, fun movie. It's not the beat all of science fiction as it was hyped when it was released, but it certainly is a good combination high adventure, situation comedy, cyberpunk, and Bruce Willis gun fighting action. Doesn't make sense? Don't worry. I'll explain.

High adventure comes from the plot: save the earth from evil by finding some mystic items and a perfect human before the appointed zero hour. That much is obvious. Cyberpunk explains in a way the setting of the futuristic urban scenes, which are fantastically portrayed in this movie. All of the settings and technology were impressive as well as stylish. The special effects were well above average and in many scenes very impressive, but a situation comedy? You got it. I won't get into the details. I will say there are quite a few scenes that involve the kind of subplots you find in sitcoms. This is a good thing by the way. A lesser movie would mess this up. Director Luc Besson made all of these elements (no pun intended) fit seamlessly.

Acting is great. Despite popular opinion of models not being very good actors the models that acted in this film did a good job of being campy in an entertaining way without hamming it up. I can go on an on about each of the reas actors and how they succeeded in pulling off whatever character, but I will digress to two ends of the spectrum. Chris Tucker as Ruby Rhod is priceless and worth the price of admission alone. One exception I would have to say is Tommy "Tiny" Lister as the President. Up until the final scenes his acting was pretty dry. I also have to criticize whoever decided to hype up the fact the movie has Luke Perry in it, who played Billy. Billy did nothing to carry the plot and only had a cameo role in the beginning. Ugh... Hollywood.

The movie can get too trendy. The music, though nice, didn't really fit the setting. The very last scene is totally lame and if you ask me unlikely (sorry Korby...). And there is a scene or two that was just trying too hard to be hip. I can forgive all that because the comedy, action and drama do fit in to what ends up being a mirthful romp in high flying action.

Sony dropped the ball on their first blu-ray release of The Fifth Element. The uncompressed PCM and Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround tracks blew you away, but the video quality was merely on par with regular DVD resolution. This time Sony listened to their fans and remastered the movie so that you get the full 1080p love you deserved the last time. Bought the first blu-ray? No problem. Sony seems to be offering an exchange program. Just contact Sony and they will set up a way you can pass your old blu-ray for the remastered one. Contact info is below:

Phone: (800) 860-2878
Email: consumer@sphecustomersupport.sony.com

One downside though: no extras. That's right. All the cool stuff in the ultimate edition is gone. Getting this DVD is just like getting the first one they released. You get only the movie and some trivia text. If I were you I would still wait until they make some kind of special edition in blu-ray so you get the higher resolution AND the goodies.

If you want to experience a varied range of pleasant emotions without taking any one of them too seriously then you're going to love The Fifth Element. If you want high definition and special features then you better wait. I am betting this is going to be the case with most (if not all) new HD-DVD and Blu-Ray DVDs that first come out.

Average customer rating:

true classic
Great Movie, but this is not the Special Edition DVD.
Man plus Machine equals Schwarzenegger!
Great movie
The Terminator

The Terminator (Special Edition)
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger , Michael Biehn , Linda Hamilton , Paul Winfield , and Lance Henriksen
Director: James Cameron
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005N5S5
Release Date: 2001-10-02

Amazon.com essential video

This is the film that cemented Schwarzenegger's spot in the action-brawn firmament, and it was well deserved. He's chilling as the futuristic cyborg who kills without fear, without love, without mercy. James Cameron's story and direction are pared to the bone and all the more creepy. But don't overlook the contributions of Linda Hamilton, who more than holds her own as the Terminator's would-be victim, Sarah Connor--thus creating, along with Sigourney Weaver in Alien, a new generation of rugged, clear-thinking female action stars. It's surprising how well this film holds up, and how its minimalist, malevolent violence is actually way scarier than that of its far more expensive, more effects-laden sequel. --Anne Hurley

Description

In the year 2029, the ruling super-computer, Skynet, sends an indestructible cyborg (Arnold Schwarzenegger) back in time to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) before she can fulfill her destiny and save mankind.

Customer Reviews:

true classic.......2007-06-27

Schwarzeneggers Terminator debut is the best one in my
opinion but the technic isnt that good escpecially in
the last scenes animation of the robot ist done quit
simple for its time ok but today truely bad.
as for the imagequality forget about that fast.

Blu Ray is no magician but it is defenetly the best version when it comes to clear pictures
but no comparison to a new movie thats filmed with HD equipment.

Great Movie, but this is not the Special Edition DVD........2007-06-23

Don't be fooled, I have been looking everywhere for the Real Special Edition DVD.

The first DVD was a barebones Disc that was non-anamorphic. Then in 2001 MGM released the Special Edition with the following features.

- Other Voices Documentry.
- Terminator: a retrospective fetturette.
- Deleted Scenes with optional Commentary
- Theatrical trailers and TV spots.
- DVD-ROM features.

The DVD that Amazon is selling is only includes one trailer and some DVD-ROM stuff. I can't find the Special Edition DVD anywhere. Also, there are three Reagon 2 releases, a Special Editon, a Definitive Edition, and an Ultimate Edition! Why aren't there any Reagon 1 Ultimate Editions, all we have is a barebones Disc with no good extras. Someone tell me where I can find the Reagon 1 Special Edition DVD.

Man plus Machine equals Schwarzenegger!.......2007-06-16

Entertainment Weekly recently touted the first sequel ("Terminator 2: Judgment Day") to this film as being one of The Twenty-Five Best Action Films of all time. That title may be an accurate assessment of the non-stop action of the sequel but what would it have been without its predecessor which ranks as one of the best science fiction commentaries on the path that we may be going with our computer-dependent society.

James Cameron scored a casting coup when he gave the role to Arnold. At the time, the muscle-bound actor had had a few films under his belt, films that played mostly on his physical appearance and his novice acting skills. "The Terminator" character was short on dialogue but Cameron made the best of his star by providing him with one-line zingers and stares that could wake the dead.

To call the part "tailor-made" for Schwarzenegger would be a major understatement. He was muy perfecto.

Linda Hamilton, not yet the household name that she would become for TV's "Beauty and the Beast," as well as not yet the future "Mrs. James Cameron," is appropriately confused and terrified as the waitress that would ultimately become the mother of the man that would rescue humanity.

Michael Biehn is well-cast as the other traveler from the future, intent on preventing Arnold's malevolent cyborg from doing his killing-thing.

Stan Winston's effects still hold their own after almost a quarter of a century.

Great movie.......2007-06-07

Great movie, pretty impressive FX for it's time. The Blu-ray version suffers a little due to this movie's old master. It's no where near being Pirates of the Carabean clear (Probably the best Blu-ray video quality so far).

There are some extras, one which show the making of the FX, which is a plus.

But for 19 dollars, it's a no brainer. Get Blu-Ray version if you don't already own DVD version.

The Terminator.......2007-05-27

Lots of action from beginning to end. If you love an action film, this is for you!

Schwarzenegger was a perfect pick to play this character.

Average customer rating:

Sci Fi At It's Best
Campy Drama / Sci-Fi Classic
One of the best sci-fi movies of the 50's
The Day the Earth Stood Still
The Earth Stood Still This Movie Moves On

The Day the Earth Stood Still
Starring: Frances Bavier , Marshall Bradford , John Burton , Wheaton Chambers , and James Craven
Director: Robert Wise
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005JKFR
Release Date: 2003-03-04

Amazon.com essential video

A hallmark of the science fiction genre as well as a wry commentary on the political climate of the 1950s, The Day the Earth Stood Still is a sci-fi movie less concerned with special effects than with a social parable. A spacecraft lands in Washington, D.C., carrying a humanoid messenger from another world (Michael Rennie) imparting a warning to the people of Earth to cease their violent behavior. But panic ensues as the messenger lands and is shot by a nervous soldier. His large robot companion destroys the Capitol as the messenger escapes the confines of the hospital. He moves in with a family as a boarder and blends into society to observe the full range of the human experience. Director Robert Wise (West Side Story) not only provides one of the most recognizable icons of the science fiction world in his depiction of the massive robot loyal to his master, but he avoids the obvious camp elements of the story to create a quiet and observant story highlighting both the good and the bad in human nature. --Robert Lane

Description

The Day The Earth Stood Still depicts the arrival of an alien dignitary, Klaatu (Michael Rennie), who has come to earth with his deadly robot, Gort (Lock Martin), to deliver the message that earthlings must stop warring among themselves--or else. After being shot at by military guards, Klaatu is brought to a Washington, D.C. hospital, where he begs a sympathetic but frank Major White (Robert Osterloh) to gather all the world's leaders so he can tell them more specifically what he has come to warn them about. Losing patience, Klaatu slips into the human world, adapting a false identity and living at a boarding house where he meets a smart woman with a conscience and her inquisitive son. Both mother and son soon find themselves embroiled in the complex mystery of Klaatu, his message and the government's witch hunt for the alien.

Customer Reviews:

Sci Fi At It's Best.......2007-05-18

This movie earned a Golden Globe and it's message still holds true today.

Campy Drama / Sci-Fi Classic.......2007-05-12

Who knew that actress Patricia Neal and good old Francis Bavier (Aunt Bea from Mayberry fame) would ever appear together, along with Michael Rennie, in this sci-fi-cult screamer of a black-and-white classic, and that we will forever remember the line: "Gort! Klaatu Barada nikto!" This item is worth having just as a peerless piece of 50's memorabilia! Get it, watch it... and Wikipedia it for little known factoids!

One of the best sci-fi movies of the 50's.......2007-04-24

If ever a film could capture the very essence of syrupy conception while making us love it with utter devotion, this is it. The story is perfectly linear in construction, the characters neat and tidy. The story unfolds before you like a clean, speckled linoleum walkway. Just put on your high-tops and stroll along, glass of milk in one hand, cookies in the other. This is the film that reminds the peacenik in us that those higher powers, you know - the guardians of intergalactic peace we just know are out there, are watching, waiting for that single telltale act of malicious intent from homo sapiens that will bring down every last heat ray of righteous fury the outer space cops can muster and "leave our world a burned out cinder."

You'll love the fact that huge diamonds are the currency on the space cops' planet, and that he carries a few million dollars worth in the pockets of his borrowed woolen suit for change. You'll especially love the fact that just three little words, constructed of strangely Germanic phonemes, when spoken to a ten-foot tall robot awakened with a boy scout's flashlight, can belay its built-in command to destroy our world. Watch in bug-eyed awe as Michael Rennie's hands play over those big `ol light bulbs that double as his flying saucer's controls, waving this way and that, as he launches the most complex shipboard functions. Gasp agog as you discover that the cop's ship is made of material so tough that it's un-scratchable, un-filable and un-blowtorchable. Watch the space cop scribble the answer to a monstrously long mathematical equation on Albert Einstein's doppelganger's chalkboard to get the pipe-smoking professor's attention. It's pure poetry I tell you.

The Day the Earth Stood Still.......2007-04-04

This is the original classic movie that everyone should see. The props and the technology of film making has advanced but the differences in our world are the same. Man only does one thing well. He finds improved ways of killing each other. In this movie, though many years old, man is faced with a dilemma. Live in harmony or be eliminated by higher intelligence. Let's face it folks, no intelligent life form would want to have anything to do with a race of people that only excell at murdering each other and their own environment! It is a great movie.

The Earth Stood Still This Movie Moves On.......2007-03-19

After so many years this movie couldn't have been written better today than it was back then. A great theme ahead of it's time with a great cast. I wish they could still make movies today like they did back then. Unfortunately most of these older movies have lost their moral meaning throughout the 60's, 70's, 80's, and whatever was the 90's. It just goes to show that just because something is new doesn't make it better. Watch this movie and you will know what I mean.

Average customer rating:

Godzilla meets James Bond
Classic Media does it again
Enjoyable DVD of one of the more rare of the Classic Godzilla films. Though it's not without flaws
Let's try to review the DVD....PLEASE
The Last of Toho's Golden Age of Godzilla

Ghidorah: The Three-Headed Monster
Starring: Akihiko Hirata , Yuriko Hoshi , Emi Ito , Hisaya Ito , and Yumi Ito
Director: Ishiro Honda
Manufacturer: Classic Media
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Gojira / Godzilla Deluxe Collector's Edition (Gojira/Godzilla [1954] / Godzilla, King of the Monsters [1956])

ASIN: B000OCY7IU
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Description

(Sci-Fi) Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster -- A prophetess from Venus foretells cataclysmic disasters! Godzilla, Mothra and Rodan reappear in Japan, wreaking havoc! A giant meteor crashes into the mountains and the three-headed, fire-spitting space dragon King Ghidorah emerges! As the Venusian's prophecies come true, assassins from a tiny Asian kingdom hunt her down, while the Earth monsters must decide whether to settle their petty differences and join forces against the extraterrestrial enemy!

Customer Reviews:

Godzilla meets James Bond.......2007-07-02

Great Godzilla movie and loads fun, and not only because of the monster battles. It starts out (After the credits) on top of a building with a bunch of people looking for flying saucers. (These people NEED to get a life). One of the stars in the movie, a reporter, is blamed for the saucerpeople not coming, and a proffessor says "I can't help but think that terrible things are about to happen." DUH. After that intillectual thought, a woman screams that she saw a UFO, but turns out only to be a meteorite. And then the scene switches to the star of the movie, a policeman talking to a reporter about Enciphilitis breaking out because of the heat wave that that's going on in January. The reporter looks out into the sky and sees the meteorite that will give Earth a few problems. Stay tuned for more details. The reporter leaves and the dude's boss comes in and tells the guy to guard a european princess, Salina Salno, who is being sent to Japan because of an assination plot to kill her. Then the scenes switches to the Princess being hypnotised by an alien in a flying saucer to get off the plane, and the plane blows, up and a proffessor goes to find the meteorite, that fell, and will later find out that it holds Ghidrah. Later, the policeman finds the princess ands she's a martian from Venus. While this is happening, the assasinators are sent to kill the princess, this goes on for a while so I won't go to deep into it, and while THIS is happening, Rodan and Godzilla appear and start wrecking the place. And Ghidrah hatches from the meteorite and starts doing the same as Godzilla. The fairies from Godzilla x Mothra come in and call Mothra, (one of the babies died) and she finds Godzilla and Rodan fighting each other, shoots them with her silk and tries to convince them to fight against Ghidrah. They don't want to, so Mothra goes and fights Ghidrah herself, and Godzilla appears as well as Rodan and the three start attacking Ghidrah together. Meanwhile The princess's memory has restored itself and the assasinators have been killed. Meanwhile, Ghidrah is being wrapped up in silk and Godzilla tosses him of the hill, and Ghidrah flies away, humiliated. It's a great movie and great collection to any monster series.

Classic Media does it again.......2007-06-08

Excellent packaging, well thought out menu, good commentary and extras.The price point is the major selling point for me. Not my favorite Gojira flick, but the fact that its in my collection makes me happy.

Enjoyable DVD of one of the more rare of the Classic Godzilla films. Though it's not without flaws.......2007-06-06

While just having this Godzilla film finally on region 1 DVD, is cause for celebration, there is much more to this release than just the movie itself. With the addition of a great bundle of extra features adding to the fun, and a nicely designed package this becomes a very worthy purchase. But while the film quality is mostly above average or acceptable, it is unfortunately (though not unexpected) a bit below average at times. Just don't expect crystal clarity all the way through the entire film.

Good points:

1) The movie itself is one of the best of the Godzilla films. This is from the originators of the franchise and this being the fifth in the series, Toho studios and this production crew are at the height of their game here. Ghidorah's introduction as mentioned in other reviews, is very memorable. The human characterizations are fully realized and completely believable. Very interesting and compelling interaction between all the main characters. This is actually one of the better plotlines in a Godzilla film and if you subtract the Godzilla part of the movie, it's still a fairly compelling plot. Princess escapes death by unseen alien assistance, she becomes a spokesperson for the aliens and pleads with the earthlings to be forewarned of the emminent disasters that await. Foreign assasins attempt to find her and kill her. Police are involved in her protection as well in finding out why she now has the personality of an alien. The structure of the story is very well formed and does not have the hokey kind of plots that are reminescent of the low budget 1960's era sci-fi genre.

2) The package has a very unique look and design to it. The Obi band is a nice touch. And it appears much like the "Mothra vs Godzilla" package or the "Godzilla Raids Again" package. Very distinct, utilizing poster art from the era in which it was originally released, encapsulated in what appears like a film canister "look" to it, as a fold open style book. The center spine creaks a bit too much when it opens though. But perhaps it's appropriate as it further reflects the age of the original film.

3) The extras are well done. Poster gallery, commentary by godzilla "expert" and trailers and a fine documentary on Eiji Tsuburaya. The poster gallery includes brief explanations regarding each poster, which is a helpful addition.

4) Sound quality is very good. The introductory score grabs your attention and sustains throughout the movie. Dialogue mix has been improved over previous releases and there is a very noticable difference between the 50's era toho pictures and this time period of mid to late sixties. All the groundbreaking sound effects are here in bright and full mono, with both the Japanese and U.S. dialogue tracks fully represented. Some will be disappointed by a lack of sound options, but the sound is as it was originally released in 1964 with a mono soundtrack.

5) The anamorphic widescreen picture and image for the Japanese edited version while not pristine, and considering it's 40+ year old age, is not bad. Spots and scratches appear from time to time, though not glaringly so. It's hard to believe that this movie could look perfect after all these years, and it certainly does not. But here in all it's full color glory is about as good as it can look, which isn't bad at all and actually quite clear for most of the movie. Contrast is sharp, color is balanced well, images are crisp. And while there is some expected minor fading and it is at times too dark or too light, it does not detract from the overall presentation and most viewers will be satisfied with the film quality. Of course it will not compare favorably to a film released recently, but with the age that this film is and the fact it is of the low budget variety, it is comparable to other DVD releases from movies of this time period.

Bad points:

1) The American edit otherwise known as "Ghidrah, the Three Headed Monster" suffers from a worse looking image quality than the Japanese edit version. Right from the opening titles, the picture is blurry, colors are washed out, scratches and spots exist throughout. Contrast is poor and unbalanced, and though the majority of it looks about average or above, at times it looks like a VHS quality image. Most of the other Godzilla releases are superior in image quality compared to this U.S. edited version. The American Ghidrah definitely shows it's age. In addition several edits and changes from the original Japanese edit, detract needlessly. For example, editing out nearly the entire Mothra song that the peanut twins sing in calling for Mothra's assistance. There was no valid reason for cutting the song out. The images remain but different music has been inserted at that point. Sometimes the U.S. edit works better with dramatic music at certain points. In this particular instance it was ill advised.

2) The commentary, while much appreciated for all the vast amounts of information and anecdotal memories, becomes extremely tedious after a while. David Kalat proves from the outset that his knowledge of the subject matter is robust and authoritative as he covers a lot of ground in small bursts. But with one person talking almost non stop, it becomes tiresome to listen to. Perhaps another commentator teamed with him might have broken the monotony a bit, and could have offered another viewpoint to certain details. Also, while Kalat touches upon the differences in the U.S. and Japanese releases in a very detailed manner, it would have helped to have screen shots accompany his descriptions. Sometimes his knowledge goes beyond that of most viewers and he seems to assume everyone is able to follow right along. On the other hand, the personal stories of his own children's interest in Godzilla and it being the main reason he himself has altered his attitude towards dubbing, was a very interesting and illuminating observation. He definitely hit the nail on the head with those comments, which could apply to practically every person watching, be they longtime fans or casual viewers. Also, his information regarding the toho studios production schedules and how they were producing quite a few films in short periods of time, with some productions overlapping others, whilst using the same production teams, was quite interesting. It illustrates for me, the achievements made in special effects, miniatures, and production values that many of these toho movies are unfairly denigrated for.

So all in all a very good release, and while not perfect is still a very fine, complete movie package. Classic Media have proven with previous releases that they are capable of producing great products, and they continue that trend here with this release of one of the older, more rare Godzilla films and one that has not truly had a legitimate U.S. release...until now. I rate it 4 stars and a recommended purchase, with great extra features and a generously informative, though sometimes monotonous commentary track.

Let's try to review the DVD....PLEASE.......2007-05-31

Yes, I agree that is is a title long overdue. I also agree that this is a great Godzilla flick. But, let's review the DVD itself--not just the film. In fact, how can you post an accurate review without the media? You can't! So, when this monster (pun intended) comes out next Tuesday, let's all review the DVD in all of its glory. You know, the transfer, features, sound quality, etc.

Thank You...

The Last of Toho's Golden Age of Godzilla.......2007-05-09

Contrary to popular belief, Godzilla and Rodan are not good in here. The only good they do is drive off King Ghidorah, the space demon who spews gravity beams. The fiery birth of king Ghidorah is one of the best SFX i have ever seen, even surpassing CGI in some regards. The human plot is pretty cool, but berefit of Ishiro Honda's usual social commentary. There is a bit of monster humour, but nowhere nearly as blatant or ridiculous as in the subsequent films(such as that STUPID dance Godzilla does in Invasion of Astro-Monster). A must buy.

Average customer rating:

Loved It.
Excellent Star Trek Spoof
Good for a Laugh
A geek's treasure.
Hilarious parody of "Star Trek" et al.

Galaxy Quest
Starring: Patrick Breen , Jeffrey Howard , Kevin McDonald , Alan Rickman , and Sam Rockwell
Director: Dean Parisot
Manufacturer: Dreamworks Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Last Starfighter

ASIN: B00003CXDV
Release Date: 2000-05-02

Amazon.com essential video

You don't have to be a Star Trek fan to enjoy Galaxy Quest, but it certainly helps. A knowingly affectionate tribute to Trek and any other science fiction TV series of the 1960s and beyond, this crowd-pleasing comedy offers in-jokes at warp speed, hitting the bull's-eye for anyone who knows that (1) the starship captain always removes his shirt to display his manly physique; (2) any crew member not in the regular cast is dead meat; and (3) the heroes always stop the doomsday clock with one second to spare. So it is with Commander Taggart (Tim Allen) and the stalwart crew of the NSEA Protector, whose intergalactic exploits on TV have now been reduced to a dreary cycle of fan conventions and promotional appearances. That's when the Thermians arrive, begging to be saved from Sarris, the reptilian villain who threatens to destroy their home planet.

Can actors rise to the challenge and play their roles for real? The Thermians are counting on it, having studied the "historical documents" of the Galaxy Quest TV show, and their hero worship (not to mention their taste for Monte Cristo sandwiches) is ultimately proven worthy, with the help of some Galaxy geeks on planet Earth. And while Galaxy Quest serves up great special effects and impressive Stan Winston creatures, director Dean Parisot (Home Fries) is never condescending, lending warm acceptance to this gentle send-up of sci-fi TV and the phenomenon of fandom. Best of all is the splendid cast, including Sigourney Weaver as buxom blonde Gwen DeMarco; Alan Rickman as frustrated thespian Alexander Dane; Tony Shalhoub as dimwit Fred Kwan; Daryl Mitchell as former child-star Tommy Webber; and Enrico Colantoni as Thermian leader Mathesar, whose sing-song voice is a comedic coup de grâce. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Loved It........2007-05-24

This was just plain outright funny. Pokes fun at the Trekkies out there. Tim Allen is super as is Sigourny Weaver. Two thumbs up.

Excellent Star Trek Spoof.......2007-05-16

Tim Allen mocking Captain Kirk, Sigourney Weaver repeating everything the ship's computer says, classic. Bored, bitter and alcoholic from touring the conventions, the washed up has beens are suddenly beamed onto a ship modeled on their TV series and expected to defeat a formidable foe. The problem is -- even though their hosts expect them to know how to do everything (after all, they did on the show) -- they initially can't even perform basic tasks. This is a silly movie, but if you liked Star Trek and can handle some silliness, this is among the best you can get.

Good for a Laugh.......2007-05-13

Personally, I think this movie is pretty cheesy, and it isn't one of my favorites. My husband, however, thinks it is a riot. He loves it. He laughs out loud every time he watches it. For me, it is worth watching it just to see my husband's reaction.
We both like the characters and how it plays off of Star Trek. I think the acting is good.

A geek's treasure........2007-04-16

Excellent and funny movie that pokes fun at "Star Trek". If you like sci-fi and funny movies you will like this one.

Hilarious parody of "Star Trek" et al........2007-04-08

The humor in this movie works on two levels. First is the comedy that results from the movie's basic premise: a bunch of TV actors suddenly find themselves in exactly the same sorts of adventures they used to act out on screen, only now it's real. But second, and even funnier in my opinion, is the humor derived from parodying the entire world of science fiction, and its all to often rabid, religiously devoted fans.

It also showcases the darker side of being involved with a pop-culture phenomenon: actors who become so closely identified with their roles, they find they simply can't get work doing anything else. I imagine the real cast of "Star Trek" could feel how close to the mark this hits (and George Reeves, TV's Superman of the 1950s, may have even killed himself in despair at suffering this fate). The most memorable scene in the movie for me was Alan Rickman's delivery of the line "By Grabthar's Hammer, I've never seen such savings." His rigid posture, hesitant speech, and stony facial expression are hilarious. He's a classicly trained actor who's become pigeonholed in a role he considers beneath him, and he has been reduced to the humiliation of uttering childish drivel at store openings. For all that much of the movie is made in the spirit of William Shatner's famous SNL "get a life" skit, the movie takes an affectionate look at fans, and two sci-fi geeks even provide indispensible help to the heroes in the end.

Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope (1977 & 2004 Versions, 2-Disc Widescreen Edition)

Average customer rating:

george come on!
Original version is important.
Thanks for nothing, George.
A Long, Long time ago . . . The World was soon to be completely amazed and I just turned 13 in May 1977
George, if it ain't broke, don't fix it! Rated: *(****)

Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope (1977 & 2004 Versions, 2-Disc Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Mark Hamill , Harrison Ford , Carrie Fisher , Peter Cushing , and Alec Guinness
Director: George Lucas
Manufacturer: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Star Wars Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980 & 2004 Versions, 2-Disc Widescreen Edition)
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Star Wars - Episode III, Revenge of the Sith (Widescreen Edition)
Star Wars - Episode II, Attack of the Clones (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B000FQJAIW
Release Date: 2006-09-12

Amazon.com

The 2006 limited-edition two-disc release of George Lucas's epic space fantasy Star Wars is not only the first time the movie has been officially available by itself on DVD. It marks the first-ever DVD release of Star Wars as it originally played in theaters in 1977. What does that mean exactly? Well, for starters, the initial title crawl proclaims that this is just Star Wars, not Episode IV, A New Hope. Second, the film is without the various "improvements" and enhancements Lucas added for the theatrical rerelease in 1997 as well as the DVD premiere in 2004. So no more critters and droids scurrying around the port of Mos Eisley when Luke and Obi-Wan Kenobi first arrive, no meetings between Han Solo and Jabba the Hut and between Luke and Biggs (extraneous scenes that were cut in 1977), no enhanced explosions during the final reel, and--most importantly to some fans--no more of Greedo shooting first in the bar. Instead Han is free to be the scoundrel and not even let Greedo squeeze off a shot.

What do you lose by watching the 1977 version? Dolby Digital 5.1 EX sound, for one thing (only 2.0 Surround here). Digital cleanup for another--Tatooine looks like it's been coated with an additional layer of sand cloud. But for home-theater owners, the biggest frustration will be from the non-anamorphic picture. On a widescreen TV, an anamorphically enhanced (16x9) picture at a 2.35:1 aspect ratio will fill the screen with the exception of small black bars on the top and bottom. The original edition of Star Wars, however, is not anamorphically enhanced (sometimes referred to as "4:3 letterbox"), so on a widescreen TV it will have large black bars on the top, the bottom, and the sides unless you stretch the picture (and distort it in the process, especially considering the substandard picture quality). If you're watching on a standard square-shaped (4:3) TV, though, you won't notice a difference.

Yes, it's true that serious home-theater lovers who want spectacular sound and anamorphically enhanced picture can always watch the 2004 version of the movie also included in this set. But chances are good that they already picked up the trilogy edition of all three films, so their decision to buy the 2006 two-disc edition depends on how much they want the original film. The official LucasFilm stance is that this is an individual release of the 2004 version of Star Wars: Episode IV, A New Hope, and the 1977 version of the film is merely a "bonus feature." Common speculation is that the only reason the original versions are seeing the official light of day at all is to undercut the booming black market for the laserdisc version. Star Wars fans will have to decide for themselves if that's worth the purchase. --David Horiuchi

Description

For the first time ever and for a limited time only, the enhanced versions of the Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope, Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi will be available individually on DVD. Plus, these 2-Disc DVD's will feature a bonus disc that includes, for the first time ever on DVD, the original films as seen in theaters in 1977, 1980 and 1983.

Customer Reviews:

george come on!.......2007-06-25

com on George why don't you stop giving everybody this cheesy stuff? If you are going to remaster them, make everything better! picture sound, lightsaber and blast improvmets. and if u r going to sell the unre,astered then sell it Untouched! the only button u should press is the ''copy button''

Original version is important........2007-06-19

Personaly, I just wish to have both versions in good remastering in Anamorphic and DTS sound. Special verion is important but the Original is more important beause it has all the footages from 1977 release.

Special edition is important because it has Mr. Lucas real vision, which is being unabled to creat at that time. It is understandable but i was hoping to see the original in good picture and sound because i do agree with all reviewers that it was good enough and no needing for improvment. Changing the original for better might fix some part while destort another. The 1977 opening title was very simple and wonderul which was truly unforgttable watching it at theater as it apeared very new look, by adding new titles like IV New hope it felt destort that simplicity and add complexity, sometimes it felt like watching a TV series rather than a motion picture.

About new added footages of Jabba, the more i realized that im watching an animated picture the more i loose apatites to watch it more. Same thing to spaceships in last battle scene, i dont know if they are worthy and not staying with old ones. The more reshaping picture for better the more it become unrealistic and loose its powerfull effect.

But perhapse adding new footages without deleting old ones in order to expand the scene in general, it would be a good idea and interesting, especially in the last battle scene in my opinion.

Finaly, about the information displayed in beginning when louding DVD discs. Please can anyone inform the manufactures to disable these and just let the movie begain like old VHS and Laser Discs? Theses menues add more headache and complexity. A desire to watch one small part in the movie and leave, will require long time just pressing bottums and skipping.

Thanks for nothing, George........2007-06-14

I am just guessing here, but I think I know what's going to happen. In about 12-24 months we're going to get word that the Star Wars movies are scheduled to be released in High Definition. But they will only be available in a gorgeously-designed glossy 9-DVD Box Set, with all of the films (special editions), extras. Maybe it will have the original Star Wars illustration of Darth Vader across the box -- and it will be something around $200 list, $140 on Amazon.

Then once again people will voice their fury at Lucasfilm's arrogance. We will be stuck with Hayden Christansen digitally inserted into the finale of Return of the Jedi, a ridiculous CGI Jabba, the slobbering Max Reebo band, and everything else we detest.

Then in about 2010 an ageing Lucas will relent, say he has listened to all the hearfelt pleas, and to much ballyhoo announce that yes he will indeed be releasing the original versions, and yes, because he cares so much, he will even clean them up and release them properly. He will be a compassionate hero while at the same time make umpteen millions more.

Don't give this guy any more money. What he has done here is shameless and rude to the original fanbase. Non-anamorphic tranfers in this day and age is ridiculous.

A Long, Long time ago . . . The World was soon to be completely amazed and I just turned 13 in May 1977.......2007-06-11

The magical accending words that opened this phenomenon back on May 25th, 1977 @ SpringField Mall (VA) theatres; sent this 13 yr old 70's child into an endless STAR WARS fandom. I became instantly obsessed with bubble gum trading cards, comic books, action firgures, Jedi Knights and Light Sabers.

Originally, my family and I viewed our 1st screening of STAR WARS IV @ the 1 & 2 cinemas that use to reside in Bailey's Crossroads - Falls Church, VA (sad to say the theatre is no longer there). Massive long, long lines as all can remember, but much fun and laughter . . . all worth the wait. Not long after the 1st viewing, my mum would drop me off @ Springfield Mall w/my pals and we would make a day of seeing STAR WARS a few times; and then off to the arcade playing STAR WARS pinball, space invaders and air hockey. As the saying goes . . . those were the days.

Here we are at the 30th Anniversary of EPISODE IV and my where the time has gone. Sometimes it seems just yesterday, when I was basking in the bright sun standing within a long line at the neigborhood ice cream truck, looking at what STAR WARS trading cards I had in my hand and what I was going to soon own. And the glorious feeling I had once I purchased a few pacs of those magical fantastic cards. Thou sometimes it seems (as the opening words go) - A long time ago in a galaxy far far away . . .

After I received a stero system from my dad on that B-Day, I purchased an 8 track tape of IV and would listen to it every night faithfully. As I would drift off to sleep, the STAR WARS world came alive in my mind and a smile always laid upon my face. The tape was a condensed version of the movie and it too was extraordinary.
I can remember fading to black with the sounds of RD-D2, C-3PO, Chewie, Han, Luke, Ben, Leia, Tie-Fighters & X-Wings, the infamous M-Falcon, Sand People, Gran Moff Tarkin, the Death Star and the wonderful music. The best for last was the sounds of Vader's breathing and James Earl Jone's voice commanding the Dark Sith Lord.

The daily hustle & bustle of the modern world as a child seems incoherent. For a childs mind is always filled with play and or mischief and adventure. As an adult I am reminded of those times and long hours of role playing games. So, when I put EPISODE IV in the vcr, instantly I venture back to those days and of my wonderful memories that Mr. Lucas so kindly injested immortal memroies into my creative vortex.

Still after all these years and with the enhancement of special effects, I have and will evermore enjoy STAR WARS- A NEW HOPE. Always will I remember the monumental movie making experience it gave leading us into the 21st century.

Some of my favorite quotes:
"Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you're my only hope" - Princess Leia
"Into the garbage chute, flyboy." - Leia

"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid" - Han Solo
"Let him have it. It's not wise to upset a Wookiee.' - Han Solo

"This is the weapon of a Jedi Knight. Not as clumsy or as random as a blaster, but an elegant weapon for a more civilized age. For over a thousand generations, the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic. Before the dark times, before the Empire." - Obi-Wan
"A young Jedi named Darth Vader, who was a pupil of mine until he turned to evil, helped the Empire hunt down and destroy the Jedi knights. He betrayed and murdered your father." - Obi-Wan
"You can't win, Darth. If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you could possibly imagine." - Obi-wan
"I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. I fear something terrible has happened." - Obi-Wan

"Don't call me a mindless philosopher, you overweight glob of grease." - C-3PO

"The Force is strong with this one" - Darth Vader
"Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed; the ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force." - Vader

"I used to bullseye womp rats in my T-16 back home. They're not much bigger than two meters." - Luke
"I'm Luke Skywalker, I'm here to rescue you!" - Luke

"Not after we demonstrate the power of this station. In a way, you have determined the choice of the planet that is to be destroyed first. Since you are reluctant to provide us with the location of the Rebel base, I have chosen to test this station's destructive power on your home planet of Alderaan." - Moff Tarkin

I still posses a few original trading cards from IV, mostly thou from V & VI. I have the original wrappers the cards came in. My SW collection consists of: Action figures, VHS, DVD, CD, old fan club newsletters, stickers, light sabers and books.

Hats off and an endearing bow to you Mr. Lucas! How could you have ever known that you had created a phenomenon. The writing deserved the Pulitzer in my opinion. And as a writer, I know it can be most difficult to lay the whole story out on parchment when it roams in your mind for what seems an eternity. . . but when it is finally adapted to parchment, a masterpiece is thus born. The added element of glory, as I can only imagine, is to finally see the tale adapted to film and to live thru it's grand success.

STAR WARS - A NEW HOPE . . . escape to another time & place, explore worlds both small & grand, experience FORCES of good & evil, ancient religions, sci-fi & fantasy, jedi, farmboys, wookies & wizards, droids, saber duals, blasters, tie fighters & the Falcon, A Dark Lord who made the top of villian lists everywhere and so much more you simply must see.

The power of the FORCE will lure you in, enticing you to follow the chapters here after (and the prequels) in to this extrordinary Lucas realm.
Star Wars Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980 & 2004 Versions, 2-Disc Widescreen Edition)
Star Wars Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983 & 2004 Versions, 2-Disc Widescreen Edition)

May The FORCE be with you . . . as it has been with me for 30 years.

LadyGray
Author of the Yuletide Tale - White Holly

George, if it ain't broke, don't fix it! Rated: *(****).......2007-06-07

I agree with any of a number of previous reviewers: Would somebody PLEASE take STAR WARS away from George Lucas before he ruins it completely?

Like Francis Ford Coppola, who messed with THE GODFATHER trilogy over and over again trying to "perfect" it, Lucas keeps coming back to the original STAR WARS trilogy and adding enhanced effects and formerly deleted scenes.

In what is now known as STAR WARS EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE, (let me catch my breath a minute, please), Lucas decided to add creatures to the Mos Eiseley spaceport scene, alter the classic cantina scene, throw in a scene between Jabba the Hutt and Han Solo in the hangar of the "Millennium Falcon," add a sappy reunion scene between Biggs and Luke just before the Battle of Yavin, make the battle scene explosions more "dramatic," do a score of other little tweaks, and clean up the print.

Lucas has done this so many times over the past three decades that it's now impossible to figure out which film is the "real" STAR WARS. Of all the questionable "improvements" he's made, cleaning up the print is the only worthwhile effort. Most of the added scenes add nothing to the film, the "extra" creatures are interesting but unnecessary, and some of the changes actually degrade the movie, because the dialogue is repetitious. For example:

IN THE CANTINA:

Greedo---Jabba has no use for smugglers who dump their cargoes at the first sign of an Imperial ship.

Han---Even I get boarded sometimes. Do you think I had a choice?

and

IN THE HANGAR:

Jabba--- I have no use for smugglers who dump their cargoes at the first sign of an Imperial ship.

Han---Even I get boarded sometimes. Do you think I had a choice?

Not only was it repetitious, but the hangar scene immediately followed the cantina scene, making the repetition even more obvious. DEAR LORD, WHAT WERE YOU THINKING, MR. LUCAS??????

Fortunately, this two-disc set contains the original theatrical release with all the nicks and imperfections it was born with. The print's a bit dim, and the special effects are showing their limitations after thirty years, but this is the STAR WARS that will remain STAR WARS. It is what it is, and it never needed changes. Given the immense amount of material that has grown up around STAR WARS since it was first released, Lucas would have been smarter to release one or the other or both versions as he did, but added an Extras disc with all kinds of "The Making Of.." and "The Legacy Of..." goodies. I was disappointed that this isn't that set.

I was one of the first people to see STAR WARS when it debuted in the summer of 1977. At age 17, this now-classic movie became and remains a benchmark of an era in my life. While I never became a "Jedihead" (the original tag for the STAR WARS version of a Trekkie), I liked the film a great deal.

STAR WARS is not CITIZEN KANE IN OUTER SPACE. It's not a "great" film, but it is a true "classic." At the end of the first film you might even wonder what all the hype was about. Yet the movie has a engaging and endearing quality that makes you want to keep coming back for more, the true basis of success and the core of meaningfulness for any story. STAR WARS is clearly derivative. THE LORD OF THE RINGS has a "Dark Lord." STAR WARS has a "Dark Lord of the Sith." Lightsabers are yet another nod to the film's Sword & Sorcery roots, as is the Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi (a little Gandalf, anyone?). STAR WARS' "Corellians" appear in Isaac Asimov's FOUNDATION as "Korellians", and "Han Solo" is also there as "Hari Seldon." The space war elements are a mishmash of STAR TREK, FORBIDDEN PLANET, AMAZING STORIES, pulp fiction, and a hundred other sources. George Lucas was able to take these well-used pieces and combine them into something that is both very original and yet archetypal.

STAR WARS is a sci-fi retelling of the Mythos of the young Hero. Aided by a mentor (Obi-Wan), an older, more seasoned companion (Han), and his own court jesters (See Threepio and Artoo Detoo), the young Hero (Luke) is introduced to his special (Jedi) birthright, saves the beautiful Princess (Leia) from the clutches of Evil (Darth Vader), and then must confront that Evil himself (the Battle of Yavin).

Since STAR WARS is so mythic and archetypal, it survives some really bad acting by the background characters, a few missed beats here and there, and even Lucas's post-theatrical obsessive-compulsive changes to remain a modern classic.

FIVE STARS FOR "STAR WARS", ONE STAR FOR LUCAS' DECISION (OBSESSION?) TO "IMPROVE" IT.

Average customer rating:

very good
Like the movie...not the singing
The second best musical of all times
Funny with a great Soundtrack!
Humorously Devious

Little Shop of Horrors
Starring: Rick Moranis , Ellen Greene , Vincent Gardenia , Steve Martin , and Tichina Arnold
Director: Frank Oz
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Hairspray

ASIN: B00004RF8J
Release Date: 2000-05-23

Amazon.com essential video

The off-Broadway comedy-horror-musical hit that ran for years makes a successful transfer to film with a bevy of big-name cameos and two perfectly cast leads. Rick Moranis is the nebbish Seymour, who pines for flower-girl Audrey (Ellen Greene) while living in the basement of florist Mr. Mushnik (Vincent Gardenia). Things start turning around for Seymour, though, after he buys a little plant during a solar eclipse, christens it Audrey II, and discovers that it likes to drink blood. Soon enough, though, Seymour finds out that Audrey II, now grown to epic proportions, is in actuality a "mean green mother from outer space" that is hell-bent on world domination. Based on the 1960 Roger Corman cheapie that featured a young Jack Nicholson, Little Shop boasts a hilarious, amazing score by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, who would go on to revitalize Disney's animation arm with The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. Greene, the lone holdover from the original cast, is a ravishing, goofy Audrey, whose awkward demeanor belies a voice that could knock Ethel Merman off her feet. She's ably matched by Moranis, whose lack of a singing voice is perfectly in sync with Seymour's nerdiness. And Levi Stubbs Jr. of the Four Tops provides the lowdown, nasty-minded voice of Audrey II; his rendition of the Oscar-nominated "Mean Green Mother from Outer Space" is a showstopper. As for those celebrity cameos, Steve Martin's sadistic dentist is a masterful creation, as is Bill Murray's masochistic patient; John Candy, James Belushi, and Christopher Guest also pop up. And there was never a lovelier and funkier Greek chorus than the three Motown-fueled girls (Tichina Arnold, Michelle Weeks, and Tisha Campbell) who appear throughout the film. --Mark Englehart

Customer Reviews:

very good.......2007-06-28

i love this movie it is fun and funny it has comedy and action and murder a evil plant what more could you ask for

Like the movie...not the singing.......2007-05-18

This is a pretty good movie, except for all the singing....I know it's that type of movie, but I don't care for it. But I love the plot!

The second best musical of all times.......2007-05-15

I first saw this when I was about 12. I hated it at first because I wasn't mature enough to watch it with out having nightmares. Luckely after occasionaly watching it over a period of about two years I final was able to to watch the whole movie from beginiing to end without stopping except for bathroom breaks. If you saw the original black and white version of this made in the sixties and the off brodway play which ran four about four years in New York. I also thought I would inform you that the whole alternate first ending is not include on this dvd. The al;ternate nding was only avilable for about the first three days the dvd was avilable for sale on line and in stores when it first came out. Unfortunately Mr. Griffen had not given approval to have the alternate ending included on the dvd so only fragments of it remain on the second release of it. When young rick morransis discovers a mystery planet trouble some comes up. Can rick tame this blood thirst monster will he is forced to murder to feed it;s growing hunger. I also thought I'd inform you that two of the members of this cast are currently decased. John Candy died from a heart prtoblem I belive it was shorly after his role as Barf in spaceballs the famous spoof of the starwars triology that came out after this. In addition shortly before the dvd release vincent Garden also passed away. Can seymor control this monster of nature and what fate lies in store for the human race. Find out in thrilling action packed hillarious finally. This movie should be fine for kids 13 and up due to mild gory images mild rude humor mild violence in a couple of parts, intensity and occasional inapropriate language at the begining, middle and the end of the movie.

Funny with a great Soundtrack!.......2007-04-06

I'm not crazy about musicals, but if the music's right and the story's tight, then I can be sold. I fell in love with this movie when I first saw it and I still love it today. I also admire the original by Roger Corman. Who can resist a giant wise cracking plant that eats people and sings! Gotta love it.

Humorously Devious.......2007-03-23

I have nothing but respect for the puppeteers who controlled dear Audrey II. That plant ran the show, no doubt about it.

As musicals go this is one of the greatest, only second to Rocky Horror.

Rick Moranis is brilliant, and Ellen Greene has such an amazingly deep voice for such a tiny woman.

The three women singing throughout the movie gave me chills with every note. The vocal in this film are surprising and beautiful.

The story itself is brilliantly funny and horrific, it will have you laughing and cowering at the same time.

A true classic and worth watching...again, and again and again.

Average customer rating:

Oldie But Goodie
You CAN Become Important Playing Video Games
Great nostalgia from my 80s childhood
A Good Movie Back Then, Today, Alittle Rusty In Intertainment...
Blast from the past which still entertains even now

The Last Starfighter
Starring: Kay E. Kuter , Dan Mason (III) , Lance Guest , Dan O'Herlihy , and Catherine Mary Stewart
Director: Nick Castle
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00000IQW3
Release Date: 1999-06-08

Amazon.com

At the time of its original release in 1984, this modestly budgeted sci-fi excursion had the distinction of offering some of the first examples of purely computer-generated animation, an apt (and frugal) special-effects solution for a movie with a plot line rooted in computer games. Both the computer-generated visuals and the arcade game now look quaint, but writer-director Nick Castle's affable, good- hearted adventure holds up nicely, thanks to a clever premise--the title game is actually a test for prospective starship pilots, planted by embattled aliens under siege from an evil invader. When a restless teenager (Lance Guest) racks up an impressive score, he finds himself spirited away to the besieged planet and thrust into the midst of an intergalactic war. Apart from Castle's skill at contrasting his extraterrestrial settings with the mundane details of his hero's earthbound life, the movie gets lift-off from two thorough pros, Robert Preston, who makes the alien recruiter, Centauri, a planet-hopping cousin to The Music Man's Harold Hill, and Dan O'Herlihy, the alien copilot, who suggests a scaly Walter Brennan. Older fans will snicker, but kids and young teens will find this rite of passage absorbing, while their folks will savor Preston's brash charm. --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews:

Oldie But Goodie.......2007-07-02

Really gets the imigination going. Like Star Wars in away, but more on a kid level. Good movie.

You CAN Become Important Playing Video Games.......2007-06-24

Alex Rogan (Lance Guest, "Halloween II" and "Jaws: The Revenge") seems to have a dead-end life. He lives in a trailer park and helps keep things in the trailer park running. His life is not his own. The only fun he has is playing a video game, which he is very good playing. One day Alex achieves the high score on the video game and life changes.

A bizarre individual by the name of Centauri (played by the late, great Robert Preston) appears, looking for Alex. Centauri is an agent for the Star League, recruiting potential Starfighters. Centauri's tool for discovering the potential to be a Starfighter is the video game.

Though Alex has longed to escape the trailer park, he struggles with the opportunity to be a Starfighter. Alex thinks of his girlfriend Maggie (lovely Catherine Mary Stewart), his mother and the people he has helped in the trailer park. Eventually Alex realizes that his life has already changed and that sometimes a little risk can yield great gains. Alex heads back to Rylos and the Star League with Centauri, only to discover that he is the last Starfighter. The end of this movie is all fun and excitement.

This movie was released the year after "Return of the Jedi." The Star Wars movies were very serious and contained a lot of depth. This movie avoided the angst of Star Wars and focused on the fun of shooting evil aliens. This movie is a video game with a plot surrounding it. This movie contained significant computer generated affects that helped the movie a lot, and those special effects increased the video game feeling of this movie.

Though this movie relies a lot on special effects, the acting is generally quite good. Robert Preston is awesome as Centauri, and I recommend this movie highly to Robert Preston fans. Lance Guest, Catherine Mary Stewart and the late Dan O'Herlihy as the lizard-like alien Grig are also fun to watch.

There are many kinds of science fiction movies. This movie is fun in the tradition of Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon. There are spies and evil aliens. There are spaceships that twist and turn and it is clear to the audience that Rylos is worth fighting for. Lance Guest makes a lovable protagonist. In addition to fans of the actors I listed above, I highly recommend this movie to science fiction movie fans.

Enjoy!

Great nostalgia from my 80s childhood.......2007-04-19

I have a soft spot for this movie, and when it came out on DVD I immediately bought it. I must have watched it dozens of times when it was on HBO in the 80s. Watching it again so many years later, it still retains its heart and charm. Sure, the effects may seem very dated but the film stands out as a