The Magic Sword

Starring:Basil Rathbone
Studio: Alpha Video
Product Type: DVD

The Sword in the Stone (Disney Gold Classic Collection)

Average customer rating:

Great classic movie
Classic
A good example of early Disney DVD.
The Sword in the Stone
good clean fun

The Sword in the Stone (Disney Gold Classic Collection)
Starring: Sebastian Cabot , Rickie Sorensen , Karl Swenson , Junius Matthews , and Ginny Tyler
Director: Wolfgang Reitherman , and Les Perkins
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Animation | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

3-6 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

7-9 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Adapted from Books | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Family Films | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Fantasy | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

Feature Films | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

All Disney Titles | Disney Home Entertainment | Stores | DVD | Video

Animated Movies | Disney Home Entertainment | Stores | DVD | Video

Gold Collection | Disney Home Entertainment | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

The Rescuers
Alice in Wonderland (Masterpiece Edition)
Robin Hood (Disney Gold Classic Collection)
Robin Hood (Most Wanted Edition)
Dumbo (Big Top Edition)

ASIN: B00004R9A0
Release Date: 2001-03-20

Amazon.com

Based upon T.H. White's beloved novel, this Disney-fied version chronicles the tutoring of the Once and Future King, Arthur, as handled by the magician Merlin. Sword was a portent of things to come, with slapstick upbraiding storytelling, and cultural in-jokes substituting for wonder. But there's much to enjoy here as Merlin shows Newt, the young Arthur, things that will help him become the ruler of the Britons. The transformation sequences, where the boy is turned into a fish, a bird, and a squirrel are vintage Disney. The oft-repeated scene of Merlin battling it out with the mean old Madame Mim still is worth a few chuckles, but it belies the problem with most of the film--the scenes are only there for the chuckles. References by Merlin to television and other items of modern life also mar the generally innocuous landscape. Children will like it, but they won't cherish it. --Keith Simanton

Description

Dazzling color and brilliant animation bring the medieval legend of King Arthur to life in THE SWORD IN THE STONE. With a forest full of charm, spectacle, and wizardry, Disney's classic tale conjures up delightful entertainment for all ages! England is in the midst of a dark age and without a proper king, Young "Wart," an orphan and squire-in-training, is content with kitchen duties in his foster home -- until he drops in on the extraordinary wizard Merlin and his articulate owl, Archimedes. Through three life lessons, Wart learns to set his "sights on the heights," armed with the most powerful forces on earth -- intellect, wisdom, and love. When it's time to contest who will be king, Wart must use his newfound knowledge to do what no mighty knight has done before! Join in all the magical marvels that make THE SWORD IN THE STONE a classic animated film and pure Disney gold!

Customer Reviews:

Great classic movie.......2007-05-13

My boys loved this movie. Most of the older Disney movies are about Princesses and this was nice for my boys who love knights and castles.

Classic.......2007-03-19

I grew up with this film, now i bought it for my 3 and 5 yo nephews and they watch it over and over. Classic Disney.

A good example of early Disney DVD........2007-03-19

When Disney released The Sword In The Stone onto DVD in 2001, Disney had only really gotten into releasing their movies onto DVD within the last two years, starting with their failed Limited Issue line. The Gold Collection followed, with some of the Limited Issues repackaged as Gold Collection titles, and more titles released. Most of these had decent, if not somwhat problematic DVD transfers and few, if any, bonus materials. However, a few of Disney's Gold Collection titles were given decent releases. Among those are the 30th Anniversary Edition of Bedknobs and Broomsticks (Although not officially a Gold Collection title by many people's standards, it says Gold Collection on the spine.) and this 2001 DVD release of The Sword In The Stone.

First off, the film is given a nice transfer here. The DVD case boasts that it's ''fully restored and remastered.'' Although it's not up to par with the Platinum Edition restorations or the Masterpiece Edition of Alice In Wonderland's transfer, it IS far better than many of the other Gold Collection transfers. It's nicely cleaned up, although it's a bit grainier than one would like, and there's still a bit of dirt in the transfer. The colors have been punched up nicely, though. The video transfer here is very satisfying, as is the audio mix.

The disc also includes quite a few good bonus materials. A Sword In The Stone scrapbook features concept art for the film, production photos, character design, concept poster art, official poster art, and more. Two sing-alongs lifted from Disney's Sing-Along Songs video series provide fun captions for two of the film's more memorable songs. Film Facts is...well, basically that. Two animated shorts, ''Knight For A Day'' and ''Brave Little Tailor'' are very entertaining. ''Music Magic: The Sherman Brothers'' has the Shermans talking about songs they wrote for The Sword In The Stone, including a couple that were deleted. (The Shermans also did a Music Magic featurette for Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and that one WAS better, because it also gave a little info on the making of the film, as well as its 1996 restoration.) Finally, an episode of Walt Disney's Disneyland TV series is included - ''All About Magic'' from 1957. Although this isn't directly related to The Sword In The Stone, its inclusion is to be praised nonetheless.

My only disappointment in this DVD is the lack of any sort of theatrical trailer or TV spot. Come on, Disney!

Nonetheless, The Sword In The Stone is a fine example of Disney's earliest attempts to give their movies the deluxe treatment on single-disc DVD releases, reserving their 2-Disc DVD releases for Platinum Editions (This was the year that Snow White's Platinum Edition DVD was released.) and the DVD releases of their most recent animated features. I wholeheartedly recommend this DVD for fans of the film.

The Sword in the Stone.......2007-01-29

Recieved quickly, good condition, thank you for the great service

good clean fun.......2007-01-15

I grew up watching Disney's "The Sword In the Stone" myself, and now I get to introduce my kids to that magic! full of fun scenes as Merlin, "the world's most powerful wizard," tutors young king Arthur (an orphan everyone calls "Wart"), there's plenty of madcap magic in this heartwarming "ugly duckling" story.

Average customer rating:

Best Martial Arts Film Ever
Disappointed...
Not The Best Martial Arts Movie
East meets West, and West comes off best.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Starring: Chang Chen , Chow Yun-Fat , Chang Cheng , Cheng Pei-Pei , and Sihung Lung
Director: Ang Lee
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Romantic Adventure | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Art House & International | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Foreign & International | Stores | DVD | Video

General | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Hero
House of Flying Daggers
Iron Monkey
Memoirs of a Geisha (Widescreen Two-Disc Special Edition)
The Last Samurai (Two-Disc Special Edition)

ASIN: B00003CXR4
Release Date: 2001-06-05

Amazon.com essential video

Hong Kong wuxia films, or martial arts fantasies, traditionally squeeze poor acting, slapstick humor, and silly story lines between elaborate fight scenes in which characters can literally fly. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon has no shortage of breathtaking battles, but it also has the dramatic soul of a Greek tragedy and the sweep of an epic romance. This is the work of director Ang Lee, who fell in love with movies while watching wuxia films as a youngster and made Crouching Tiger as a tribute to the form. To elevate the genre above its B-movie roots and broaden its appeal, Lee did two important things. First, he assembled an all-star lineup of talent, joining the famous Asian actors Chow Yun-fat and Michelle Yeoh with the striking, charismatic newcomer Zhang Ziyi. Behind the scenes, Lee called upon cinematographer Peter Pau (The Killer, The Bride with White Hair) and legendary fight choreographer Yuen Wo-ping, best known outside Asia for his work on The Matrix. Second, in adapting the story from a Chinese pulp-fiction novel written by Wang Du Lu, Lee focused not on the pursuit of a legendary sword known as "The Green Destiny," but instead on the struggles of his female leads against social obligation. In his hands, the requisite fight scenes become another means of expressing the individual spirits of his characters and their conflicts with society and each other.

The filming required an immense effort from all involved. Chow and Yeoh had to learn to speak Mandarin, which Lee insisted on using instead of Cantonese to achieve a more classic, lyrical feel. The astonishing battles between Jen (Zhang) and Yu Shu Lien (Yeoh) on the rooftops and Jen and Li Mu Bai (Chow) atop the branches of bamboo trees required weeks of excruciating wire and harness work (which in turn required meticulous "digital wire removal"). But the result is a seamless blend of action, romance, and social commentary in a populist film that, like its young star Zhang, soars with balletic grace and dignity. --Eugene Wei

Description

An epic set against the breathtaking landscapes of ancient China, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, combines the exhilarating martial arts choreography by Yuen Wo-Pind (The Matrix) with the sensitivity and classical storytelling of an Ang Lee film. The result is something truly unexpected: romantic, emotionally powerful entertainment.

Customer Reviews:

Best Martial Arts Film Ever.......2007-06-22

Everything has already been said about this film, so I'll put only a short review here.

Why did I use the superlative in the title? Because it seems to be true for me. (The second place belongs to House of Flying Daggers [Region 99].) The story line is not very strong, but much better than you may see in this genre. The romantic threads do not make it too schmaltzy, and the visual design is simply excellent.

Disappointed..........2007-05-28

Although I enjoyed Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi (as always), I didn't enjoy this movie hardly at all. I couldn't believe this was the movie that got such rave reviews and was Oscar nominated etc. I don't say that foolishly, stating that I dislike the movie when really I dislike the genre. That's not it. I just much prefer films like "House of the Flying Daggers" and "Hero" to this one.

Not The Best Martial Arts Movie.......2007-04-05

the cinemotography is pretty good i this movie, but the plot was raw. This movie was okay.

East meets West, and West comes off best. .......2007-02-16

The martial arts film traditionally has attained its own unique niche in the domain of film. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a Chinese-language film that works within the parameters of the old cliches of this niche, but changes just enough to make it stand out and create an appeal that reaches far beyond the limited circle of the average martial art film enthusiast. It doesn't lack the action that one might expect from the typical film in this genre, but it adds something new: the soul of tragedy and romance.

An adaption of a Chinese pulp-fiction novel, the story concerns two secret lovers (the male Li Mu Bai and female Yu Shu Lien) who are warriors on a quest to recapture a legendary sword, the Green Destiny, which has been stolen by a masked bandit. The thief turns out to be the beautiful princess Jen Yu, who is in the middle of trying to avoid an arranged marriage, because she is secretly in love with the desert bandit Lo, whom she grew to love after being abducted in the wilderness. Behind the intrigue and romance of these two forbidden loves, lies the dark cloud of mastermind Jade Fox, the evil woman responsible for the deaths of Mu Bai's former master and of Shu Lien's fiance. This sets the stage for a poignant drama, warm romance, and breath-taking action.

Despite being a martial arts film, the movie breaks the traditional Eastern mould by incorporating romantic elements one would expect from Hollywood. It has well been said that stylistically, it is "a blend of Eastern action and Western psychological drama." I think this assessment is correct, that while on the one hand the film is clearly inspired by martial-arts mysticism and action of the East, underneath the window dressing of the foreign aspects of the film lies the romanticism and drama that one is accustomed to from the West. By catering to what appeals to the modern Western mindset and incorporating subtle criticisms of traditional Chinese culture, it's not surprising that the film was somewhat of a flop in Asia, and that its concessions to contemporary themes of love and feelings made it a breakthrough success in the West. Stephen Greydanus puts it well by remarking: "Ang Lee has here crafted a masterful synthesis of various forms of Chinese mythology and Taoist philosophy that brings a broader perspective to its subject matter than many Asian films including some aspects of more typically Western sensibilities and ideals and, in the end, embraces a gently romantic humanism that is more life-affirming than the esoteric way of detachment and denial characteristic of Eastern thought." Certainly there are allusions to Taoistic mysticism, but the Taoism is in the end rejected in favor of realism and romanticism - which perhaps explains why the movie worked for Western viewers and not for Eastern ones.

The movie has also been the subject of scathing criticism for other reasons, not least from conservative Christian quarters, where offense was taken primarily to the implicit endorsement of extra-marital sexual relations, and the rebellious attitude of Jen toward her parents and her arranged marriage. For the most part, I share this concern, and it's good to be reminded of it. Watching too many movies which advocate the moral laxity of modern culture can dull sensitivity on this point, and unfortunately there aren't enough films on the other extreme to act as correctives.

But perhaps most discussion has been about the ambiguous conclusion (*spoiler warning*), where Jen leaps into the unknown. Lo has just expressed the wish is "to be in the desert, together [with you] again" and then Jen jumps off the cliff into the mist of uncertainty. If it's not suicide, what is it? And what happens next? We don't know. Some have optimistically seen this as a Christological leap of faith and sacrifice with the hope of resurrection, but it seems to me that interpreting this as a message of atonement and resurrection is being too generous and overly charitable. Perhaps the point is that we don't know the ending, and that the movie can only leave it up to us to decide for ourselves. And isn't this typical for a Western culture without absolutes? Maybe this is a reflection of our post-modern culture more than anything. Not only does contemporary culture delight in being morally ambiguous, but as a result it also has an ambiguous eschatology. The best that modern Western film can offer is a nebulous promise of a hope for the future. In other words, our world today doesn't really know much about the afterlife, so it can't really tell us much about it, except offer paradoxes and try to make us come up with our own happy endings. The best promise it can give is a blend of hopeless romanticism and eastern mysticism, where suicide is romanticized as an genuine escape and a leap into another world where perhaps dreams might just come true.

Despite being critical of some of these underlying themes and moral ambiguity, I have to admit that Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon is stimulating in raising these questions, in a way that few popular films today do. It remains a fascinating film in what it says about a clash of cultures, and in what it says about our time. The discerning viewer is sure to find some measure of profit and entertainment from this highly regarded and award-winning film. - GODLY GADFLY

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.......2007-02-12

I watched the TV programs first. I understand it must have been difficult to make the long story to short. But the movie didn't reflect the original plot. Since I like Michelle Yoe and Zhan Ziyi, I bought the movie. But I didn't really enjoy it. I couldn't understand the ending, either. I wonder why it got the awrad. Anyway, I recommend "Hero" if you like to enjoy fantazy kun fu movies.

Dungeons & Dragons (New Line Platinum Series)

Average customer rating:

This was a joke right?
Not as bad as most would have you believe.
This "movie" is truely awful
A setback to the genre
Dung and a drag.

Dungeons & Dragons (New Line Platinum Series)
Starring: Lee Arenberg , Tom Baker , Thora Birch , Jeremy Irons , and Edward Jewesbury
Director: Courtney Solomon
Manufacturer: New Line Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

New Line Platinum Series | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video

( D ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

All Deals | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Dungeons and Dragons- Wrath of the Dragon God (Widescreen Edition)
Scourge of Worlds - A Dungeons & Dragons Adventure
Fantasy Quest
Earthsea
Dark Kingdom - The Dragon King

ASIN: B00003CXQM
Release Date: 2001-05-22

Amazon.com

There is trouble in Izmer. With the emperor dead from an assassin's poison, the 16-year-old princess Savina (Thora Birch) inherits not just the throne but also the royal scepter, which has the power to command gold dragons. With a youthful idealism, she decides all people should be equal, from lowly commoners to the ruling-class, magic-wielding mages. This doesn't sit well with the mages, so Archmage Profion (Jeremy Irons) leads a revolt in the Council against Savina's rule, forcing her to relinquish the royal scepter. In order to maintain her power, she decides she needs the rod of Savrille, which can control red dragons. To retrieve it, she hires two bumbling thieves, Ridley (Justin Whalin) and Snails (Marlon Wayans), and an apprentice mage (Zoe McLellan). The true trouble in Izmer is the fact that it's a poorly imagined world that cribs more from Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark than it does from the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game that shares its title. Director Courtney Solomon optioned the rights to the game in 1991, when he was 21, and should have spent the years since then drafting a coherent script. Mediocre special effects take precedence over story, and the actors try to make up for that by hamming it up. Irons, in particular, covers his embarrassment by chewing the scenery and spitting it out. Often unintentionally funny, Dungeons & Dragons is that fun kind of bad movie, whose cult status would be all but guaranteed if it weren't for a slow second act mired in the boring bumbling of the awkward thieves. Still, there are plenty of laughs to be had. --Andy Spletzer

Customer Reviews:

This was a joke right?.......2006-12-03

This was almost as bad as those nerdy guys out in the park acting out scenes from the game in their cheaply made costumes. Well, actually I'd rather watch them than this movie. At least I can throw things at them. All I have to say for this movie is wow...I would not want this put on my resume if I had any involvement in it.

Not as bad as most would have you believe........2006-10-22

While not a masterpiece of any kind (the film barely exceeds mere competence) I didn't find D&D to be as bad as the negative reviews claimed. I put off watching it for so long for this reason, but it was enjoyable enough.

Comparisons to the LOTR trilogy are inevitable, so I'm not going to avoid it. I didn't really like the LOTR trilogy. It just seemed to be a bunch of movies that everyone was forced to like and if you didn't then there must be something wrong with you. Yes, they are much, much better made than the rather quaint D&D, but if you want a smaller, unassuming fantasy ride then don't completely rule this movie out.

The visual effects and production design of D&D are very similar to Paul Anderson's Mortal Kombat. Yes, it looks fake, but with just a little bit of suspension of disbelief you'll not even notice. I have a feeling that Courtney Solomon tried really hard to make it a good film but his talent doesn't extend as far as his enthusiasm.

In terms of character and story it is all pretty bland and generic. There's nothing in this movie that you haven't seen somewhere else. The actors do their best with the tepid dialogue and almost manage to not look embarrassed. The best thing about the film is it's surprisingly ferocious (maybe a bit too OTT) sound design. And the Dragon fight at the end was impressive for a medium budget film.

I was actually surprised to find Joel Silver's name on the closing credits. I will assume that without him the film would have been a REAL stinker. And what's with that ending?

Either way, I am still interested in the sequel.

The DVD is in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen with a very loud Dolby 5.1 sound design.

This "movie" is truely awful.......2006-04-09

I'm a big fan of the role playing game called Dungeons and Dragons. However, this pile of dung masquerading as a movie bears no resemblance to the game. Do not waste your time watching this atrocity. This movie is just plain bad, bad, bad!

A setback to the genre.......2006-04-08

Like everybody else... I feel the need to qualify the beginning of my review by saying that I have been a fan of DnD and fantasy for well over a decade. When I first heard this movie was coming out I was extremely excited, and friends and I went to see it on one of the first nights. When I left.... well, I wondered how, after soooo many years of waiting and finally getting a real big screen debut for the genre, they could drop the ball so very very badly. The worst part is, there was a really good movie in there somewhere, just dying to get out. They clearly did their work on the special effects, which were excellent, but they tripped very badly with the dialogue and storyline. Even the casting (take away the dialogue) wasn't all that bad. Everybody certainly looked the part, but it all ended up feeling very contrived. The comic relief was heroically unfunny, and the "serious" scenes turned out to be the true cause for amusement.

Now, several years (and viewings), later, I don't hate the movie.... I just look at it as a wasted opportunity. Had they really done their homework on this one, I truly think this could have launched the fantasy genre into the mainstream, but as it is I think it did more harm than good. It reinforced the idea that DnD is stupid, hokey, and a game played only by strange repressed teenagers. I had hoped that this could open the door for things like the "Dragonlance" Chronicles, or some of the "Forgotten Realms" storylines to make it into production (much like X-Men did for the comic book genre). Alas, such will have to wait.

All told, this is an average movie that fans of fantasy, with suitably low expectations, can enjoy. It could have been so much more, and I think that is where a lot of the fans venom is coming from. Try to enjoy it for what it is, because our movie options in the genre are severely limited, and despite its flaws there are some redeeming qualities that make it fun enough to watch.... that being said, I've also heard rumor that the movie gets that much better after a couple beers. Enjoy.

Dung and a drag........2006-03-30

OK, first things first true believers - The Curmudgeon is NOT a D&D fan. I've nothing against it or anything (I don't think it's nerdy or whatever), it's just never been my bag. But I was VERY excited when I saw this movie was being released. Why?

Simple - the Dungeons and Dragons cartoon, which was by far the coolest cartoon of the 1980's. It smoked He-Man, Thundercats and any other contender and became one of THE best experiences of childhood. So while a movie based on the board game would have been cool, I was secretly hoping for a movie based on the cartoon. Come on - Hank and his flaming bow and arrow? Sarcastic Eric and his shield (you'd think the Dungeon Master would have thrown a SWORD in there too?), Bobby the Barbarian.. and let's not forget the uber bad-ass - Vengar himself. Let's face it folks - done right, it would have been AWESOME.

But we didn't get that - we got, well.. who knows? The plot is so incoherent and amateurish it could have been based on a game of Hungry, Hungry Hippo's. And whilst great acting is never the prime goal in these sorts of movies, special mention MUST go to the utter lack of any conviction the actors here have in their performances, coming across as just stepping out of a Snow White pantomime.

And then there's Jeremy Irons. Bit of a superb actor is our Jeremy, and I'm sure he thought at first he had signed up to a classy fantasy movie, thinking perhaps of Sir Alec Guiness in Star Wars. Then he read the script and saw the talentless monkeys he was working with and went full out into giving the worst performance of his entire career, not so much saying his lines as yelling them and spitting at the camera in an attempt to hide his embarrassment. Easily the best thing of the movie.

The producers obviously thought it was going to do well judging by its laughably hopeful ambiguous ending. Not a chance in hell, guys. You had your chance and you blew it with this dragon turd of a film.

Stick with the boxset of the cartoon, and see how fantasy really SHOULD be presented.

The_Curmudgeon_Hates_You@yahoo.co.uk

Scourge of Worlds - A Dungeons & Dragons Adventure

Average customer rating:

Happy memories
Entertaining and Fun
Fair...
Surprising entertaining...
Fun

Scourge of Worlds - A Dungeons & Dragons Adventure
Starring: Dan Hay , Lester Rosenthal , Anna Deas , Caroline Lesley , and Jack Brown
Director: Dan Hay , and Dan Krech
Manufacturer: Rhino Theatrical
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Anime & Manga | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Dungeons and Dragons- Wrath of the Dragon God (Widescreen Edition)
Dungeons & Dragons (New Line Platinum Series)
Fantasy Quest
Dragon Storm
Dark Kingdom - The Dragon King

ASIN: B00009KU8L
Release Date: 2003-06-10

Amazon.com

Scourge of Worlds: A Dungeons and Dragons Adventure is not a film sequel to Dungeons and Dragons (2000), but the DVD equivalent of an interactive role-playing novel. There are over 900 short digitally animated sequences, leading every so often to a choice to be made with the remote control, resulting after about 90 minutes in one of four possible endings. Just as the original D&D was inspired by The Lord of the Rings, the scenarios here are Tolkien rehashed: a newly arisen darkness is seeking an ancient ultimate weapon, against which stand a human warrior, Regdar; a halfling, Lidda; and an elven wizard, Mialee. The CGI is closer to Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles than the pseudo-realism of Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, the electronic score is tiresome and the contemporary voice acting, using such expressions as "heads up" and "…or something," is laughable.

What of the interactive element? Essentially it offers two equally uninteresting paths at the end of every major scene--uninteresting because it's impossible to care what happens to the marionette-like stereotypes no matter what they do. While the adventure does offer plenty of well-choreographed cartoon-style action, interacting with Scourge of Worlds is ultimately about as much fun as watching someone else play a computer game--and that's just the first time through. --Gary S. Dalkin

Customer Reviews:

Happy memories.......2007-05-13

If you enjoyed the old adventure books of flipping pages after making a decision, this dvd is a must have

Entertaining and Fun.......2006-09-04

If you're expecting a Lord of the Rings type Academy Award winning movie or a good ol' fashion slobber knocker gaming session, this movie/game are neither. However, it is a fun and entertaining blend of movie and role playing game action. The graphics, sound, and acting may not be Oscar worthy, but they are more than good enough to deliver an exciting and fun escape for the hour or so it takes to play through one of the many different scenarios.

I played it a few times through and tried making different decisions along the way. It was quite fun to get a somewhat different story based on those decisions each time. In short, the graphics, sound, and acting serve their purpose well and all in all this is just a fun piece of Dungeons and Dragons entertainment to own.

Fair..........2006-03-08

This is a nice item to add to a collection of D&D trinkets, but in NO WAY is good. It is lacking in story and acting. A lot of the scenes were pleasant, but I was never "compelled" by the story.

I would only recommend this to a hard core collector or a funny break from your current game...

Surprising entertaining..........2005-12-15

I purchased this with my Mom in mind but appears that I liked it and the options versus a video game. I have decided to loan to a few interested relatives. But I have not explored all the options of the game. The first time I played it, I made a few wise choices and ended up ending the game very quickly. I picked a longer road and still managed to make good decisions. I also made a few bad choices and the end result wasn't pretty at all. But it was worth the money spent and for people who don't video games this is perfect for those Fanstasy fans out there. I loved playing this game and movie. So, maybe I can some people interested in my miniatures games after playing this game.

Fun.......2005-09-30

I truly enjoyed the fact of the DVD being interactive. It is a hard game to beat. I like all the different choices one has to make.

Average customer rating:

Conan the Humorous
typical 80's fantasy
This movie reeked
An action adventure movie whose faults (of which there are many) are now charming in their cheesiness
A must have movie!!!

Conan the Destroyer
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger , Grace Jones , Wilt Chamberlain , Mako , and Tracey Walter
Director: Richard Fleischer
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Romantic Adventure | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Red Sonja
Conan - The Complete Quest
The Beastmaster (Special Edition)
Dragonslayer
Kull the Conqueror

ASIN: 0783225946
Release Date: 1998-03-31

Amazon.com

The dark, brooding tone of Conan the Barbarian is replaced in this rousing sequel by a lighter, more humorous tone and one of the campiest casts ever assembled. This time, Conan is assigned by a duplicitous queen (Sarah Douglas) to escort a virgin princess (Olivia d'Abo) on a treacherous trek to a crystal palace where they will retrieve a priceless gemstone. Basketball champ and self-described Lothario Wilt Chamberlain plays Bombaata, a warrior sent on a secret mission to kill Conan, and the androgynous Grace Jones plays Zula, a wild woman who becomes Conan's loyal ally. Some consider this sequel a disappointment, but the film makes no apologies for its silliness, and that's the key to its success as gloriously pulpy entertainment. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Conan the Humorous.......2007-07-03

"Conan the Barbarian" was an awesome Sword and Sorcery film. That movie is one of the few well-produced high fantasy movies in existence. The expectations for this movie were high given the success of the earlier movie. It was probably inevitable that this sequel was not going to be as good as the original.

Conan has gone back to being a thief. He is doing yoga or contemplating a rock or something like that while his annoying cohort in crime Malak (Tracey Walter, "Annie Hall," "Midnight Run" and "Batman") is counting the spoils. Armored guys intent on some nefarious purpose surround the pair and attempt to capture them. Conan is annoyed at having his yoga interrupted and decides to show his displeasure by hacking apart quite a few of the armored guys until Bombaata (basketball great Wilt Chamberlain in his only acting role) has the armored guys cease throwing themselves on Conan's sword. We then discover that one of the armored guys is actually Queen Taramisu - no, wait, that is a dessert, I think. I meant Queen Taramis (Sarah Douglas, "Superman," "Superman II," and "Solarbabies"). Queen Taramis tells Conan that she can bring back Conan's beloved and dead Valeria if he will baby sit a hot blond while she seeks a phal...oops, I meant a HORN, which Queen Taramis needs to do something that we learn about later.

The rest of this movie is a relatively fun quest, interspersed with moments of humor. Conan gets drunk, ignores Princess Jehnna (Olivia d'Abo) because he is too busy killing people and thinking about Valeria, and tries to avoid having to think of witty one-liners. Grace Jones has a lot of fun as warrior Zula. Mako makes his second, marvelous appearance in a Conan film as the Wizard Akiro. One person who deserves mention is André the Giant's appearance as Dagoth. It is impossible to see André under the makeup. André made a more memorable appearance as Fezzik in "The Princess Bride."

This movie is flawed. The special effects are weak in some areas. Some of the acting is weak or obnoxious. The humor may have been excessive, and the rawness that marked the exuberance and honesty of "Conan the Barbarian" is lacking. In spite of these flaws, many of which appeared to help aim the movie toward teens and children, this movie has a lot going for it. Conan has a lot of non-stop action, and rarely does Conan take much of anything, except Valeria, serious. The outdoor sets are incredible. Conan wisely says little, relying on lots of facial expressions and bulky muscles instead. The action drives the plot and rarely gives a viewer time to focus on the flaws.

"Conan the Destroyer" is clearly inferior to "Conan the Barbarian." However, this movie is still a lot of fun and I enjoy it each time I watch it. The flaws in this movie may make the movie less than what it could have been, but the flaws are not enough to sink it. I give this movie a cautious recommendation to fans of the original, high fantasy, sword and sorcery, and Conan.

Enjoy!

typical 80's fantasy .......2007-01-24

I have seen this movie several times. While it does have a few good moments, it is not enough to save this film. So why do i own this? After the masterpiece that was the first film, why would i have bought this and subject myself to watching it again. The answer is simple. It's because of the score. And even that doesn't save this film. This film is a mere watered down take on the first that takes a great character and turns him into a mere shadow of his former self. All the moments in this movie intended to be funny really aren't. All the serious moments can only make me chuckle. I mean, who wants to see a basketball star (wilt chamberlin) trying to play some warrior. Or some singer (grace jones) trying to act when she should clearly be singing. How a song of hers wasnt on the score seems amazing. So be thankful that some corporate bigwig in some studio decided to not use rock music in this score. Be thankful that Basil Poledouris got the chance to make this score. Without it, this film would be even more of a monstrosity than it already is. But hey, i still have this film in my collection. But this movie is not for everyone. so if you want real gut wrenching blood and gore stick with the first film. Your eyes will thank you and so will your ears.

This movie reeked.......2006-11-19

How is it possible that 7 years after Star Wars and 3 years after Excalibur, Hollywood could still produce a movie of such pathetic special effects, nightmarish casting, and ugly, amateurish cinematography? What a mess.

An action adventure movie whose faults (of which there are many) are now charming in their cheesiness.......2006-06-07

Filming movies back-to-back is nothing new, the obvious savings and advantages on sharing production costs, crew and even marketing meant that the second and third BACK TO THE FUTURE films were filmed simultaneously in the late 1980s. Even today the two sequels to PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN are being filmed hand-in-hand and there are reports that the second Daniel Craig 007 movie will enter into production shortly after the crew have wrapped CASINO ROYALE.
So, it should be no surprise then that the second Conan movie was part of a similar back-to-back deal in the early- to mid-1980s. But what is surprising is that the movie that partnered with the rollicking adventure movie was a quirky science fiction blockbuster from David Lynch named DUNE.
That's right, as that big-budget turkey was roasting under the Mexican sun, a pre-Terminator Arnold Schwarzenegger was working on a much more entertaining movie with a colorful cast of characters.
Based (rather loosely) on the series of novels by Robert E. Howard, this 1984 feature was a sequel to the much darker and more sinister 1982 movie CONAN THE BARBARIAN and saw Schwarzenegger reprise his role as the monumentally strong thief and adventurer.
The director of this entry, the veteran Richard Fleischer actually owed his hire for this movie to another movie he had made almost 30 years earlier, 1958's THE VIKINGS. Producer Raffaella De Laurentiis had commented that since they had tried to copy that movies style and look for the 1982 picture, why not hire that movie's director for this production - and so Fleischer was hired.
Once hired Fleischer set about shaping the movie to his liking. One of the most publicized, decisions he made was telling an incredulous Schwarzenegger that he needed to buff up a bit more. Fleischer said that at the time of the release of CONAN THE BARBARIAN he had been disappointed that Arnold's incredible physique had been covered up for most of the movie, Fleischer also consciously set about making this a lighter entry to the series. The Conan here has a number of genuinely comedic moments, from punching a camel, a horse and attempting to teach a beautiful princess how to wield his sword, Schwarzenegger shows early promise in a genre that would not fully be realized until movies such as TWINS and KINDERGARTEN COP.
Joining Schwarzenegger this time is Sarah Douglas (of SUPERMAN II fame) as the evil Queen Taramis who enlists Conan's help in retrieving a crystal and in turn a magical jeweled horn. Former basketball star Wilt Chamberlain is on board also as the towering Bombaata, who is charged with keeping the princess Jehnna, who is destined to bring back the mystical object (played by the impossibly beautiful Olivia D'Abo) a virgin so that she can be sacrificed. Along the way Conan's ragtag group meet up with Zula, played by Grace Jones. The scene that introduced Jones' character sees her wielding a stick against a group of tormentors and reportedly she landed a few strikes sending a couple of stuntmen in the hospital. It was in fact her role here that brought her to the attention of the James Bond producers that in turn led to her starring in Roger Moore's swan song as 007 in 1985's A VIEW TO A KILL. Far from a great acting display her character still provides a number of memorable moments and is one of the movie's highlights.
The special effects are very dated by today's standards and Pat Roach (veteran of NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN and the Indiana Jones movies) makeup as the wizard Toth-Amon guarding the crystal really is appallingly fake-looking. But the movie is a good popcorn flick that is both fun and fast-paced enough that you can easily forgive these lapses.
Interestingly in the audio commentary that accompanied CONAN THE BARBARIAN Schwarzenegger commented that he would be interested in making a third Conan movie. Sadly this has not been forthcoming and now that he looks intent on pursuing political goals it appears less and less likely. A shame.
This movie is nowhere near as good as its predecessor, but it's still recommended for those rainy Saturday afternoons.

A must have movie!!!.......2006-05-06

this was an fun fantasy-action movie with Arnold Schwarzenegger as a powerful kick ass/warrior. Arnold is so damm sexy with all the muscle showing sword-fighting ....And yes, the movie is visually interesting, too, even though, the special effects are obsolete and a little goofy...but thats ok...its an old movie now... A movie I love seeing over and over again...a movie that is a must have for any Arnold -Fan!

Average customer rating:

DO NOT waste your time...
awsome!!!!!
The Lost Kingdom
Entertainment vs Accuracy
chill ppl, the movie is interesting. why can't you just enjoy it dhuh??

The Lost Empire
Starring: Thomas Gibson , Ling Bai , Russell Wong , Ric Young , and Kabir Bedi
Director: Peter MacDonald
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Adventure | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( L ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Arabian Nights
The 10th Kingdom
Voyage of the Unicorn
The Snow Queen
Jack and the Beanstalk - The Real Story

ASIN: B00005COWD
Release Date: 2001-08-14

Amazon.com

This three-hour made-for-television epic based on the classic Chinese story Journey to the West is an engaging mix of fantasy and martial-arts adventure, and it features a veritable tsunami of special effects. The plot involves an American China scholar (played by Thomas Gibson) whose knowledge of Asian mythology becomes astoundingly useful when he is magically transported into other dimensions by terra cotta warriors who come to life. The American scholar soon finds himself face to face with a wisecracking Monkey King (Russell Wong), a mystical warrior whose martial-arts skills are matched only by his sarcastic one-liners. The mismatched heroes have only three days to find an ancient manuscript and thereby save the world from destruction, and they're assisted by the timely interventions of the Goddess of Mercy (played by Bai Ling). The rambling plot puts the characters into confrontations with tigers, dragons, and evil giants, and at times they're joined by such unorthodox allies as a human with the head of a pig. As his quest progresses, the scholar has to learn to think like a warrior, and there are innumerable obstacles put in his path. Even if the plot doesn't always seem terribly coherent, the computer-generated special effects are entertaining, and the film has no shortage of bizarre villains, flashy martial-arts scenes, and sardonic quips from the Monkey King. --Robert J. McNamara

Customer Reviews:

DO NOT waste your time..........2007-06-25

This movie was so bad and yet I watched it all just to see if possibly it would get better. It didn't. The only one that can act is the damn monkey and even then the character development is slim. I always buy Halmark movies, they've been great (10th Kingdom etc) but this one is the worst movie they've ever endorsed. I read all the reviews and decided to give it a chance-save yourself the dissapointment. The movie could have been so good. The plot is quite good but the screenplay, acting, effects, are not. A goddess having a drink at the bar...come on, even I won't watch something that lame. Mythology is something I love but the way these people portray it becomes laughable, and disrespects the story it's trying to tell. Most of all you can't even like the hero because he is so annoying! Buy the Snow Queen, Jack and the Beanstalk, DEFINETLY 10th Kingdom, but don't buy this movie!
(no, don't even think about giving it a chance because it has a cool cover)

awsome!!!!!.......2007-05-31

i liked this movie so much i don't know what to say about it other than it's friggin awsome!!!!! it has a great story line, i liked it so much i bought it. i originally saw it on the scifi channel but didn't get to see the whole thing. if you want something to make you laugh then you ought to get this movie.

The Lost Kingdom.......2007-05-27

Well done modern telling of a classic Chinese tale. Some special effects were not up to todays standards but that did not get in the way of a well done story.

Entertainment vs Accuracy.......2006-12-06

I picked 3 stars as a medium for this movie.

For those of you who enjoy mythical worlds for entertainment purposes, then you might rank this as high as 4 stars. Though the acting by Thomas Gibson (playing journalist Nick Orton, the Scholar) falls a bit flat, Russell Wong makes for an enthusiastic and entertaining Monkey King. The costumes are nicely done, particularly that of Pigsy, and the martial arts scenes are well choregraphed though a little cheesy sometimes. The special effects, while not perfect quality, give the movie character and a touch of humor.

For those of you who favor accuracy, this probably falls as low as two stars. (1 if you are an extremist, but then why did you even bother watching this?) The movie was created with little regard of the historical/modern origins of Buddhist religion. Issues of particular note are:
1. the Goddess Kwan Ying's deception/drunkenness at the begining of the movie and the romantic feelings throughout the film conflicting with the modern view of the holy figure Guan Yin (whom Kwan Ying is based on)**
2. the portrayal of Confucious as greedy and selfish instead of wise
3. (though not a religious issue) there seems to be a little bit of a dig at Chinese communism in the movie's second half which may be too much for the politically sensitive. There is some obvious emphasis on Western values such as individualism vs the collectivism of the Chinese.

** For those of you crying bloody murder over the portrayal of Guan Yin and looking for a warped version of a Christian holy figure, see the movie series 'Prophecy' by Gregory Widen. (Interestingly, Russell Wong is also a lead in Prophecy II as Danyael.) The archangel Gabriel has turned against the Christian God and the humans of God's creation. The warping of holy figures doesn't just happen to those of Chinese origin - it happens everywhere.

Note: THIS IS ***NOT*** A RECREATION OF 'JOURNEY TO THE WEST'!!!

Too many people seem to be expecting this. If you are looking for a retelling of 'Journey to the West', keep going as this is not for you. This is a Westernized story that pulls elements from the story "Journey to the West". You will not find a cast of all Asian characters. You will not find Buddhism or Confucionism presented here accurately. This is an entertainment piece and not a historical one. This was made for a the general American (and European?) audience and not an Asian one.

chill ppl, the movie is interesting. why can't you just enjoy it dhuh?? .......2006-08-16

it's funny reading some of you ppl ...
making such a big deal over religion, confucius, kuan yin, and all that.
you're so self-righteous that you missed the point of this movie.
kuan yin falls in love with the teacher. she knew she was risking the loss of her godliness ... but being the goddess of mercy,
she was willing to do what she needed to do ...
in order to save the world.
that is what compassion is all about.
confucians being insulted that their master is portray as a snivelling self-centred so and so?
well, maybe he was as self-righteous as those who put down this movie.
step back and stop looking at it from the perspective of the true message; not from what the pig, monkey, kuan yin, white man, yellow man, whatever.
the story and message is good over evil.
and that even gods can fall in love.
some , like monkey , finds love as rather unnecessary.
but, is it not due to their own self-centeredness?
like monkey, who is portrayed as rather arrogant and too concerned with himself. is it no surprise that he finds loving another person unnecessary? he's too much engrossed in himself.

i don't think it was the intention to insult anybody's beliefs or what not. what's the point?
the story is interesting, and the fights are kept to a minimum...
not like the jackie chan and jet li, or kill bill
overkill.

it's meant to send a message , as kuan yin tells the scholar:
you cannot do wrong if you listen to your heart.
remember your past, you were hurt by love,
but you can do great things if you only continue to listen to your heart.

that's all there is ...
no great insults, no subversive insinuations,
... just a simple message.

why make mountains out of molehills???

in closing,
every one has their own perspective of what is and what is not.
we're all unique, and sometimes we need to see it from the other person point of view.
you are not wrong, neither am i. we're just different...
and why don't you just enjoy the movie, huh?

it's an enjoyable movie.
at the end, with monkey , pig and the other walking away...
it reminds me of tin man, lion,...
of wizard of oz.

that was a fun movie, and an unforgettable one,
and so is this one.

Average customer rating:

A childhood favorite of mine!
Enjoyable Medieval Quest Film
Worst. Movie. Ever.
Improved picture and sound quality, fully restored!
''Jolly Good Show'!'

The Magic Sword
Starring: Basil Rathbone , Estelle Winwood , Gary Lockwood , Anne Helm , and Liam Sullivan
Director: Bert I. Gordon
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Romantic Adventure | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Adventure | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Jack the Giant Killer
Prince Valiant
Five Weeks in a Balloon
Hammer Horror Series (Brides of Dracula / Curse of the Werewolf / Phantom of the Opera (1962) / Paranoiac / Kiss of the Vampire / Nightmare / Night Creatures / Evil of Frankenstein)
The Black Swan

ASIN: B00094ARW8
Release Date: 2005-07-12

Description

Mythical monsters and noble knights come to colorful life in this enchanting and engaging adventure. Filled with "special effects sure to amuse and horrify" (LA Herald-Examiner), The Magic Sword is an "all-out children's fairy tale" (Motion Picture Herald) and a "rousing good time" (The Film Daily)! When the evil sorcerer Lodac (Basil Rathbone) kidnaps the beautiful Princess Helene (Anne Helm), the brave young George (Gary Lockwood) makes it his mission to save her and earn her royal hand in marriage. But George must first survive the seven curses that plague the way to Lodac's castle. Though he has a speedy horse, invincible armor and a magic sword, will George's weapons and resolve be enough to defeat Lodac's ghastly ghouls and deadly demons?!?

Customer Reviews:

A childhood favorite of mine!.......2007-05-28

I first saw this movie as a child in B&W on Saturday afternoon matinee on channel 9 (WGN - Chicago). This was my first medieval movie I had ever seen and due to it I am still a science fiction & fantasy fan. About twenty years later I saw a color version on television. And here I am fifteen years later buying it as a keepsake/memory. This MGM version blew the previous two veiwings away. The picture, color and sound quality was superb. I am extremely happy with my purchase of this item.

Enjoyable Medieval Quest Film.......2007-02-08

Evil sorcerer Lodac (Basil Rathbone) takes his revenge on the King by abducting Princess Helene (Anne Helm) to feed her to a dragon in a week. Ambitious courtier Sir Branton (Liam Sullivan) proposes to go alone to rescue her. The obscure, but noble, protagonist, Sir George (Gary Lockwood), uses the gifts of his good-witch foster mother, Sibyl (Estelle Winwood), to re-animate six knights to go after the Princess, his vision-love. Lodac guards his castle with seven curses, including the double-headed dragon. The movie plays out straightforwardly to the expected conclusion using the technology of the early 1960's. It's all good fun.

The first time I saw the movie was from a $1 bargain bin version from "Treasure Box Collection," a good value, especially since it was bundled with a second film, "King Arthur: The Young Warlord". I enjoyed their "The Magic Sword" but wanted it with a better quality picture. The MGM version has an excellent picture and sound.

The MGM version has an additional four-minute scene about 30 minutes into the film, in which a harassed Princess Helene breaks free of her prison cell and meets Little People kept in cages for eating. Lodac returns her to her cell. The Little People show up later to release George from his bindings in the dungeon and are otherwise not explained.

The one and only annoyance of the MGM version compared to the "Treasure Box Collection" version is that MGM's has a different aspect ratio and sizing. The MGM version is wider, but cuts off portions of the scene that appear at the bottom (or maybe top as well) of the TBC version. While the letterbox aspect ratio is standard, why don't they show the entire movie however the aspect ratio falls out? For me the difference was most noticable in George's dungeon scenes. This quibble does not mean that the MGM version is not the one to choose.

There are no extras.

Worst. Movie. Ever........2006-04-19

Having always been a huge fan of classic adventure fantasy romps like the aforementiond Jack the Giant Killer, Jason and the Argonauts, and the many Sinbad outings, I fully anticipated enjoying The Magic Sword with the same kind of childish enthusiasm. I couldnt believe my luck at finding this DVD in the bargain bin at my local retailer for only 5.50!!! Basil Rathbones name alone sold me this movie.

I really really want my 5.50 back. The so called special effects are ludicrous. The props are ridiculous, and the makeup is beyond laughably bad. Basil Rathbone is doing his best to ham it up as the evil sorceror Lodac, but just barely manages to phone it in. What a waste of the talent that gave us Sherlock Holmes and Sir Guy of Gisbourne. I cant tell if the rest of the actors even realize theyre in such a bad movie, or if they know and just dont care. The awkward pauses between every line in the actors vocal exchanges and movements seem to suggest that they are waiting for some idiot with a cue card to tell them what to do. Even Mr Rathbone suffers from this affliction. Blame this on the somewhat less than classic Director Bert L Gordon.

I actually tried to watch this movie three times before I managed to get all the way through it, just to say I could. I put this on my shelf next to Godzilla's Revenge in the "How in the heck can this movie even exist" department, never to be watched again. Unless youre a movie masochist, blind, deaf, or just have a few dollars with nothing else in the entire world to spend it on, DONT WASTE YOUR TIME.

Improved picture and sound quality, fully restored!.......2006-03-25

2 or 3 years ago I purchased the magic sword on DVD. It was the Alpha video version. This MGM version is so much better then the Alpha version. The picture is clear, the sound is crisp (thank you MGM). Also this is the full version (120 minutes). The alpha version cut out a 3 minute segment where 2 dwarfs sneak into the princess's cell and try to grope her.

The special effects are dated (the movie did come out in 1962), but the story and characters are great. This is a really great "good VS evil" film. A true underated classic. Great for the whole family (kids and adults).

''Jolly Good Show'!'.......2005-12-18

"The Magic Sword" is one of B-movie producer/director Bert I. Gordon's best known films. Granted, it's no masterpiece, but it is enjoyable on it's own terms. The plot, very loosely based on the 'St. George And The Dragon' legend, has a princess (Anne Helm) kidnapped by evil sorcerer Lodac (Basil Rathbone) and hunted by lovesick George (Gary Lockwood). Aided by his foster mother Sybil (Estelle Winwood) a good witch, George vows to save the princess and destroy Lodac. Although this plot has been done to death, it's the acting by the splendid Rathbone and Winwood which keeps this film consistently entertaining. Add some modest, but impressive special effects, and you have a very entertaining minor adventure for the family. Beware: this public domain film is available on several cut-rate DVDs, but only the newly released one from MGM/UA home video is worth the price. They have a beautiful print of the film (it was originally released by United Artists) which contains a fun theatrical trailer. This is the one to get! [phillindholm]

Average customer rating:

one of the best Hercules movies
Action, terror and fantasy.
Bava is brilliant
Bava's peplum epic
Terrific DVD showcase for eye-popping Bava beefcake epic

Hercules in the Haunted World
Starring: Reg Park , Christopher Lee , Leonora Ruffo , George Ardisson , and Marisa Belli
Director: Franco Prosperi , and Mario Bava
Manufacturer: Fantoma
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Art House & International | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Foreign & International | Stores | DVD | Video

General | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Hercules Unchained
Hercules The Avenger / Hercules And The Black Pirate
Samson and the Seven Miracles of the World
Hercules
Son of Samson/Son of Cleopatra

ASIN: B0000A2ZSS
Release Date: 2003-07-29

Description

Hercules (Reg Park) must battle a monster made of stone, retrieve a golden apple from the tree of Hesperides, and brave the horrors of Hades to rescue his beloved from the clutches of the evil Lyco (Christopher Lee). Oracles, witches, and vampires abound in this delirious blend of sword and sandal adventure, horror, and psychedelia. Maestro Mario Bava's first color film is awash in a sea of primary hues, creepy atmosphere, and eye-popping imagery. Fantoma is very proud to present the original European cut of this widescreen wonder for the first time in the U.S.

Customer Reviews:

one of the best Hercules movies.......2007-02-06

Reg Park didn't have to lose weight for his role like Reeves did. See a real hercules in his prime.

Action, terror and fantasy........2006-02-28

Here it is a nice and different movie from the 60's, a mixture of Sword&Sandal and terror,with astonishing special effects. Hercules (NATURAL bodybuilder Reg Park) opposes the evil and tyrannical Lyco (Christopher Lee). So Hercules must rescue his beloved princess Deianira (Leonora Rufo) from the curse that Lyco has put on her, and according to the oracle, must go down to Hades. Two friends accompany Hercules, one them is very funny. After many adventures, the hero fights a stone monster, gets a golden apple and a concoction from a flower, they return from Hell. Before the end there are some incredible, delirous and chaotic scenes in a graveyard with some creatures getting out of the tombs that become living deads and zombies and others like flying vampires all attack Hercules. Finally comes the punishment and the evil Lyco turns into dust. Sucessful color special effects by Mario Bava.

Bava is brilliant.......2005-08-10

Somewhere in the recent release of Danger: Diabolick someone points out that although Bava was given 3 million to make that film he only spent $400,000. Bava worked in that giddy realm of making do when making low-budget films. Roger Corman and his people were great at that but Bava was an artistic genius--his movies are frequently stunning, even though you might be looking at $200 in sets and props.

I love this film, almost as much as "Planet of the Vampires"-- my favorite Bava and very nearly my favorite film (Alphaville and 8 1/2 top it for me). Even the soundtrack on this Hercules flick is spectacular.

What's to like? Well, with minimal props Bava comes close to turning a cheap Hercules film into something rivaling the original "Beauty and the Beast" for sublimely weird atmosphere. One scene with Hercules and the Oracle is uncanny: I know I'm seeing two vases, some colored gels, tinsel, a mirror, and about 50 bucks in other stuff but my ever-vigilant analytical mind goes right to sleep during this bit and the magic of it never fails to overtake me. The Oracle is even wearing a mask left over from "La Dolce Vita."

When Hercules and his sidekick enter Hades the real craziness begins (as it should, considering it's Hades). Again, many stunning and surreal scenes. The film has its lumps and bumps but its amazing that it isn't solid lump, as most budget films can be. It also has Christopher Lee doing a swell job as the villain...as usual. All in all, a great and edifying film experience and I'm thrilled it was cleaned up and given to the world in such a wonderful form. I'd use this wonderful movie in any film production class to show students how art and genius can triumph over budget any day (I'd also use Guy Maddin's "Careful"--in his own Canadian way Maddin might rival Bava, in fact since his plots never force him to exceed his limitations his films are seldom lumpy).

Just released--"Danger: Diabolick" another Bava miracle I was glad to put on the shelf beside the previously mentioned films.
The most spectacular set in the film was actually painted on glass by Bava in about a day or so. It makes the sets in Bond films look weak.

Bava's peplum epic.......2004-03-11

Italian director Mario Bava (1914-1980) is one of the giants of the horror film genre. Bava's big break into the field came with his 1960 black and white classic "Black Sunday" starring Barbara Steele. This was only the beginning, as Bava churned out a series of gruesome shockers over the next seventeen years; his films always promised great style mixed with scenes of murder and mayhem. Perhaps Mario's biggest contribution to the horror genre was his 1972 picture "Twitch of the Death Nerve," also known as "Bay of Blood." It doesn't take too long to realize "Friday the 13th" shamelessly cribbed from this slasher bloodbath. At least two of the murders in the film appear almost unchanged in the first installment of the Jason Voorhees franchise. That's right-- Mario Bava gave birth to the modern slasher film. But he also dabbled in non-horror films with projects like "Four Times That Night" and this film, "Hercules in the Haunted World." After watching his contribution to the peplum genre, I have to express further admiration for this amazing filmmaker; he could make an entertaining motion picture no matter what the subject.

Bava's Hercules (played capably by Reg Park) must set out on yet another quest the results of which will have a profound effect on the residents of a Greek city. It seems that the female princess of this town is under some zombie like spell, completely unable to function beyond rambling and stumbling about. In her place, a sinister man named Lyco (Christopher Lee!) "generously" agrees to rule the city until Hercules and his buddy Theseus return from their mission. According to an oracle, Hercules must head into the depths of Hades--ruled over by the evil god Pluto--to secure a special stone that will restore the faculties of the young princess. Of course, our heroes must undertake several other minor tasks before marching into the world of the dead. In order to enter Hell, Hercules must first obtain a magical boat from some large guy who likes to draw and quarter people. Then Theseus and Hercules must sail the boat to the Hesperides, a bleak land beyond the sun where a bevy of beautiful women banished by the gods live. Once they arrive here, one of the men must climb an enormous tree in order to procure a golden apple that will allow them to enter and exit Hades safely. The underworld itself presents a host of problems, including oceans of fire, sexy but fatal mirages, and vines that groan and bleed when cut. Hercules surmounts all of the obstacles through a combination of brute strength and intelligence, arriving back at the city just in time to take on Lyco and some weird flying creatures. The final showdown is fierce, but will our man save the princess and restore the monarchy in time?

Peplum films often rate high on the cheese scale. Bava's film is no exception, but (and this is a big but) "Hercules in the Haunted World" is an enormously entertaining and beautifully made film guaranteed to provide a good time. Sure, some of the miniatures looked schlocky. Sure, the comic relief sidekick Theseus and Hercules take along with them is more of an annoyance than a boon. Sure, Christopher Lee sports a funny Prince Valiant haircut and doesn't really do much. Yes, many scenes and characters in Bava's film possess a decidedly cheesy quality, but the movie succeeds wildly despite these flaws. Just check out the performances. I thought Reg Park made an excellent Hercules; the guy could actually act and really looks the part. Moreover, there are more babes in this film than I remember seeing in 1950s and 1960s cheese flicks. The girl who plays Persephone, the woman Theseus rescues from Hades, looks eerily similar to a young Sophia Loren. In fact, all of the female roles have beautiful women in them, something I greatly appreciated when watching the film.

If you don't want to waste time watching the actors and actresses (dubbed, by the way, since the film was shot in Italian), you can appreciate how Bava overcame a tight budget to create a truly bizarre world. When Theseus, Hercules, and the sidekick sail across the ocean to the Hesperides, the horizon takes on a weird, almost psychedelic tone of red, yellow, and black that is very well done. Just as neat is the desolate landscapes of Hades, a world of smoke, styrofoam rocks, and lava pits that swallow up the unwary. As Hercules and Theseus move through the blasted terrain of Pluto's domain, the camera often draws way back to show the two men from afar jumping off cliffs and climbing hand over hand on a vine rope. Again, it does look a bit cheesy, but it also works in an inexplicable way. The scenes where Hercules talks to the oracle and where he battles Lyco and his undead minions are, without doubt, simply wonderful to look at and stylish as all get out. "Hercules in the Haunted World" is a prime cut of peplum that even a non-fan of the genre can appreciate.

I was surprised to see Franco Prosperi had a hand in making this film; he went on to worldwide fame as one of the co-creators of the notorious "Mondo Cane" series. I suspect, however, that Bava was primarily responsible for the technical brilliance of the movie. Thanks to Fantoma for bringing us the film in a beautifully restored DVD version with a trailer and stills as extras. Bava completists simply must pick up "Hercules in the Haunted World" as quickly as they can. Even non-fans would do well to invest an hour and a half of their time with this one; you're unlikely to see another peplum film as entertaining as this one.

Terrific DVD showcase for eye-popping Bava beefcake epic.......2002-09-10

Fantoma's DVD release of Mario Bava's Hercules in the Center of the Earth ought to elevate his stature in the film world, if not as a "serious" movie director, then certainly as one of the cinema's most talented and artistic lighting cameramen/cinematographers. The story is fairly generic muscleman stuff and the acting is competent if unexceptional (although three-time Mr. Universe Reg Park definitely has a believable physical presence as Hercules); what really sets this movie apart from virtually any other peplum flick are Bava's neon-hued Technicolor visuals, which at times border on the hallucinatory. Throughout most of the movie he tosses off shot after stunning shot, many only a few seconds long, nearly every one impeccably lit, artfully composed, and accented with vibrant color. Bava's interweaving of light, shadow, color, and sometimes literal "smoke and mirrors" to define space, mood, and even character is consistently impressive, even more so after reading the liner notes describing how little he had to work with. Cool sequences and striking set-pieces abound, including Deianira rising from her sarcophagus and floating across the room (like Lon Chaney in Son of Dracula); Hercules's eerie visits with the sibyl; the psychedelic ocean vistas on the voyage to the Hesperides; Lyco (Christopher Lee) reflected in a pool of his victim's blood; the flying ghouls rising from their slimy crypts (which must have given nightmares to the kiddie matinee crowd in 1964); and the climactic showdown between Hercules and Lyco, shot in an atmospheric Roman grotto. There's almost too much to appreciate in a single viewing. While I'm not normally a huge fan of sword-and-sandal flicks (though I did watch lots of them on Saturday afternoons as a kid), and I could've done without the `comedy relief' character, I still have to strongly recommend this movie not only to fans of Bava's other movies (particularly Planet of the Vampires), but also anyone who simply appreciates breathtakingly beautiful color cinematography.
Fantoma's DVD is transferred in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio and anamorphically enhanced, from a virtually pristine Technicolor print of the original Italian-language dub. There is only the lightest of speckling evident; otherwise it's crisp and clean, with lush, richly-saturated color, and excellent contrast and detail. Optional English subtitles are included, as well as the (continental) English-dubbed soundtrack. Unless you're extremely subtitle-phobic, I recommend the Italian-language soundtrack with the subtitles. The English dubbing gives the film a campier, less serious tone and often renders the dialogue much more prosaically than the subtitles (example: Hercules's final words to Deianira in the subtitled version, "Man's love is passionate, but often inconsistent. Ours will last forever"; in the English dub, "As long as Theseus steals other men's girls, I have nothing to worry about.") Unfortunately we don't get to hear Christopher Lee's actual voice in either version. The DVD also includes excellent Tim Lucas liner notes; a gallery of approximately 45 color and B&W stills, posters, and ad mats; and a comparatively rough-looking trailer, matted to about 1.66:1 and suffering from medium to heavy scratching and lining, poor color, and merely acceptable sharpness and detail. The film is broken into 16 chapter stops and the Dolby 2.0 mono sound is full and clear. The definitive edition of an unmercifully neglected film.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (UMD Mini For PSP)

Average customer rating:

Awesome Movie!
Awesome Movie!
Awesome movie for the PSP

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (UMD Mini For PSP)
Starring: Chang Chen , Chow Yun-Fat , Chang Cheng , Cheng Pei-Pei , and Sihung Lung
Director: Ang Lee
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: UMD for PSP

Hardware & Accessories | Specialty Stores | Computer & Video Games

General | Universal Media Discs | Stores | DVD | Video

Action & Adventure | Universal Media Discs | Stores | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Hero (UMD Mini For PSP)
House of Flying Daggers
Kill Bill - Volume 1 (UMD Mini For PSP)
Black Hawk Down (UMD Mini For PSP)
Sin City (UMD Mini For PSP)

Accessories:

Sony PSP PlayGear Amp
Sony PSP Comfort Grips Black
Sony PSP Psyclone Nodus Sound System
Sony PSP Travel Case

Product Features:

Named "Best Picture of the Year" by over 100 critics nationwide! Two master warriors (Chow Yun Fat and Michelle Yeoh) are faced with their greatest challenge when the treasured Green Destiny sword is stolen. A young aristocrat (Zhang Ziyi) prepares for an arranged marriage, but soon reveals her superior fighting talents and her deeply romantic past. As each warrior battles for justice, they come f

ASIN: B0009IOWGG
Release Date: 2005-06-28

Product Description

Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon PSP UMD Movie MODEL- 11559 VENDOR- UMD MOVIE FEATURES- Crouching Tiger PSP Movie An epic set against the breathtaking landscapes of ancient China, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon combines the exhilarating martial arts choreography by Yuen Wo-Ping (The Matrix) with the sensitivity and classical storytelling of an Ang Lee film. The result is something truly unexpected: romantic, emotionally powerful entertainment. Taiwanese filmmaker Ang Lee took a break from making Western period dramas to fashion this wild and woolly martial arts spectacular featuring special effects and action sequences courtesy of the choreographer of The Matrix (1999), Yuen Woo Ping. In the early 19th century, martial arts master Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun-Fat) is about to retire and enter a life of meditation, though he quietly longs to avenge the death of his master, who was killed by Jade Fox (Cheng Pei-pei). He gives his sword, a fabled 400-year-old weapon known as Green Destiny, to his friend, fellow martial arts wizard and secret love Yu Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh), so that she may deliver it to Sir Te (Sihung Lung). Upon arrival in Peking, Yu happens upon Jen (Zhang Ziyi), a vivacious, willful politicians daughter. That night, a mysterious masked thief swipes Green Destiny, with Yu in hot pursuit -- resulting in the first of several martial arts action set pieces during the film. Li arrives in Beijing and eventually discovers that Jen is not only the masked thief but is also in cahoots with the evil Jade. In spite of this, Li sees great talent in Jen as a fig

Customer Reviews:

Awesome Movie!.......2005-09-07

Best UMD I've watched to date! If your into movies like Hero, or House of Flying Daggers you will love this one too!

Awesome Movie!.......2005-09-07

Best UMD I've watched to date! If your into movies like Hero, or House of Flying Daggers you will love this one too!

Awesome movie for the PSP.......2005-08-16

I first saw this Chinese-language film quite a while back on a rental VHS. Due to the poor tape quality I wasn't impressed. This time around, I simply fell in love with the PSP presentation. Great visuals (those lovely bamboo trees! and lovely Miss Ziyi), great soundtrack, pretty neat fighting sequences, and the PSP's beautiful screen makes all look so delicious. Now my coworkers who don't have a PSP want to borroww one from those of us who do have one, so they can watch this, too! Whether you are into Kung Fu or romance or just cute Oriental girls (or a Chow Yun-fat fan), this movie is totally for you!

Average customer rating:

Very, very good!
Terrifying
"I'm warning you! You are forcing me to carry out my most devastating act of magical madness!"
A different Sinbad
So bad it's fun to watch

Sinbad of the Seven Seas
Starring: Lou Ferrigno , John Steiner , Roland Wybenga , Ennio Girolami , and Al Yamanouchi
Director: Enzo G. Castellari , Tim Kincaid , and Luigi Cozzi
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:</