The New Barbarians

Starring:Williamson, Eastman
Studio: Shriek Show
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

In the future, crime is out of control and New York City is a maximum security prison. Grabbing a bargaining chip right out of the air, convicts bring down the President's plane in bad old Gotham. Gruff Snake Plissken, a one-eyed warrior new to prison life, is coerced into bringing the President, and his cargo, out of this land of undesirables. Kurt Russell put his Disney days behind him as the nicest bad guy in the picture. All comic-book sensibilities and macho posturing, this is one of writer-director John Carpenter's better brainless escapes. There are snappy one-liners and explosive action scenes. However, the film lacks tension and some believability even within the realm of SF fantasy. Even when it fails to gel, though, it always manages to amuse, thanks in great part to a varied and unusual supporting cast (watch for Ernest Borgnine as a cabdriver). Followed in 1996 by Carpenter's overdone and campy Escape from L.A. --Rochelle O'Gorman

Description

A thrilling landmark film that jolts along at a breakneck pace, Escape From New York leapt to cult status with high-octane action, edge-of-your-seat suspense and a mind-blowing vision of a lone warrior (Kurt Russell) battling his way out of a post-apocalyptic Manhattan! Hailed as "stylish and scary" (Los Angeles Times), "dark and dangerous" (Newsweek) and "gloriously...fun" (Tyler Morning Telegraph), this fast-paced and furiously entertaining thriller grabs you by the throat and won't let go! In a world ravaged by crime, the entire island of Manhattan has been converted to a walled prison where brutal prisoners roam. But when the U.S. President (Donald Pleasence) crash-lands inside, only one man can bring him back: notorious outlaw and former Special Forces war hero Snake Plissken (Russell). But time is short: in 24 hours, an explosive device implanted in his neck will end Snake's missionand his lifeunless he succeeds!

Customer Reviews:

Cult Classic.......2007-07-02

I recently purchased this movie for way below the asking price. New and sealed, not used. I watched the movie and wasnt too impressed. There is one song in the movie is just like Carpentar's classic Halloween with a few note changes. The action in this movie is missing; Snake Plissken was said way too many times in the movie. Its like people will forget his name if they dont repeat it every few minutes. I didnt enjoy the movie at all.

SINGLE DISC SP.ED. IS THE SAME TRANSFER! COOL FILM!.......2007-07-02

I bought the single disc special edition and found that it has the same transfer as the new 2 disc special edtion. I found this out through another reviewer on this movie. The older 1 disc version stated surround sound on the back of the package the newer one states 5.1. along with some other add ons such a French mono dubbed track amd the reviewer quote "Dark and dangerous" has been replaced with "Riviting". If you want a nice print of the movie you can buy the single disc for around $5.00 or pay $25.00 for some extras and commentary. This movie is an early example of Carpenter's music and style. The Thing was released after this movie and is a superior film.

DA DUKE OF NEW YORK!!!!!!!!.......2007-06-19

WHAT A GREAT CULT CLASSIC,JOHN CARPENTER MADE A ENTERTAINING ACTION FLICK,
EVERY ACTOR ROCKED IN THIS ONE! THIS IS ONE IS A KEEPER IN YOUR DVD COLLECTION.......OFTEN IMITATED,NEVER DUPLICATED..TIMELESS

Escape From The Imitators--Treat Yourself To A Thrillingly Original Cult Classic .......2007-03-28

Mystified and horrified. Those are the feelings that washed over me when I learned of the proposed remake of the almost flawless B-movie extravaganza "Escape From New York." Tampering with the classics (albeit in this case, a cult classic) is never a good idea. But visions of dollar signs keep studio execs chomping at the bit. The potential to make loads of money from a built-in audience, with the least amount of creativity or originality, seems to rule the Hollywood machine. Having already endured the unnecessary sequel "Escape From L.A.," isn't that punishment aplenty for those of us who want the memory of "New York" to be left in peace? Apparently not. It's enough to have made me grab my copy of "Escape From New York" (the wonderful Special Edition), curl up in the fetal position, and hope the original Snake Plissken could save me from this travesty.

For those unfamiliar with the story of "Escape From New York," I'll offer just enough to tantalize you. In the near future, as the world is besieged by crime, officials have taken drastic measures--the island of Manhattan has been appropriated as a prison. Completely walled off, New York has been restructured into a warzone as brutal criminals rule the streets. Left to their own devices, a new society has formed--it's kill or be killed as everyone must make their own niche in the devastated remnants of the once glorious city. One fateful day, the President of the United States (Donald Pleasance) crash lands in the heart of the prison and a rescue attempt is mounted. Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell), a one-time hero now considered an outlaw, is co-opted to head this operation. As an added incentive to stay on task, however, an explosive is implanted in Snake's neck that will detonate in 24 hours.

And so a grand adventure is set in motion. The concept of "Escape From New York" is thrillingly original--somehow the conceit seems just as plausible as it does outrageous. Ahead of its time in many ways, director John Carpenter has filled "Escape" with colorful characters, nonstop action, and a legitimately dark sense of humor. The imagined cityscape of a Manhattan prison is believably dangerous and the social hierarchy that has developed is well established. In what might be Russell's best role (and certainly his most iconic), Snake is a tremendous creation--an anti-hero worth believing in. His toughness is apparent and his wry humor is at one with his character (as opposed to other films with obviously scripted one-liners). A tremendous roster of supporting players include Ernest Borgnine (at his cheesiest), Harry Dean Stanton (at his sleaziest), Adrienne Barbeau (at her buxomist--OK, I know it's not a word), Lee van Cleef (at his meanest), and Isaac Hayes (at his most Isaac Hayes-ist).

Granted, this isn't a socially significant drama--it's just pure adrenaline rush entertainment. There is a reason that this film has endured--if anything, it is more popular now than when it was released. It's great story telling! In a film world now populated with comic book and graphic novel adaptations, "Escape" (without being remade) still stands at the top of this genre--even though it was an original work of artistry. Grab the Special Edition, the extras are fun if not extraordinary--but it's well worth it for picture and sound quality. KGHarris, 03/07.

Dark, gritty action flick, but just camped up enough.......2007-01-22

I used to watch this incessantly when I was a teen (one of the first movies we had on a blurry VHS tape we'd made). It's the real deal. All the cameos are first rate, camped-up fun. And Kurt Russell is one bad fellow. But not without honor. And, as with a lot of 80s dystopia (like Verhoeven's films), some of the swipes and gags have a little serious edge to them. I'd watch this any day of the week.

Average customer rating:

Cult Classic
SINGLE DISC SP.ED. IS THE SAME TRANSFER! COOL FILM!
DA DUKE OF NEW YORK!!!!!!!!
Escape From The Imitators--Treat Yourself To A Thrillingly Original Cult Classic
Dark, gritty action flick, but just camped up enough

Escape from New York (Special Edition)
Starring: Tom Atkins , Adrienne Barbeau , Joel Bennett , Garrett Bergfeld , and Ernest Borgnine
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Sci-Fi Action | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Futuristic | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

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

( E ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Escape From L.A.
The Thing (Collector's Edition)
Big Trouble in Little China (Single Disc Edition)
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome
Mad Max (Special Edition)

ASIN: B0000CNY27
Release Date: 2003-12-16

Amazon.com

Description

Customer Reviews:

Cult Classic.......2007-07-02

SINGLE DISC SP.ED. IS THE SAME TRANSFER! COOL FILM!.......2007-07-02

DA DUKE OF NEW YORK!!!!!!!!.......2007-06-19

Escape From The Imitators--Treat Yourself To A Thrillingly Original Cult Classic .......2007-03-28

Dark, gritty action flick, but just camped up enough.......2007-01-22

Post Apocalyptic Triple Feature (2019 - After the Fall of New York / 1990 - Bronx Warriors / The New Barbarians)

Average customer rating:

i got a great deal
POST-APOCALYPTIC CHEESE FILLED FUN !!
Post Apocalyptic Triple Feature: A decent set.
Just what you need
For Lovers Of Italian Cheese.....

Post Apocalyptic Triple Feature (2019 - After the Fall of New York / 1990 - Bronx Warriors / The New Barbarians)
Starring: Fred Williamson , and Vic Morrow
Manufacturer: Shriek Show
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Anime & Manga | Genres | DVD | Video

Sci-Fi & Fantasy | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

Horror | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

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

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

Jungle Horrors Triple Feature
High School Horrors Triple Feature (Hell High/The Majorettes/Hitcher in the Dark)
Shriek Show Presents: Psycho Killers Triple Feature
Autopsy (1975)
Warriors of the Wasteland

ASIN: B000BB18HW
Release Date: 2005-12-13

Customer Reviews:

i got a great deal.......2007-02-16

i bought this pack for $3.00 at suncoast videos and i'll never regret it

each one of these movies has mindless fun i'll start with 2019 After th Fall of New York i think Children of Men ripped this off but these is a lot better action wise theres nasty looking mutants, flesh eating rats, weapons that sometimes sound like childrens toys, and a colony of underground dwarfs

next is 1990 The Bronx Warriors this has fred williamson as a king of a gang this movie is very entertaining theres really cool fight scenes and idiotic diolauge my favourite scene is when fred chops of a scavengers head

last is The New Barbarians fred williamson is also in this and he has exploding arrows this movie is very weird not as enjoyable as the others but its still good

i highly recommend this pack for some mindless fun

POST-APOCALYPTIC CHEESE FILLED FUN !! .......2006-12-17

Any fan of the 1980's post-apocalyptic film craze would be happy to own this triple feature.This set features:1990 Bronx Warriors:2019 After the fall of New York and The New Barbarians.Shriek show studios has done an amazing job with the video transfer of these movies.The picture quality from shriek show is better than any version i've ever seen.It's obvious that some effort was put into the quality of this set by shriek show.2019:After the fall of New York has 5.1 digital sound while 1990 Bronx Warriors and the New Barbarians have 2.0 sound.Special features on the dvd's include trailers, commentaries and interviews.Three movies for one low price and you get to feed your post-apocalyptic hunger at the same time.

Post Apocalyptic Triple Feature: A decent set........2006-10-06

Here is another set from Media-Blasters featuring 3 Itlaian cult classics. Media-Blasters is really making a name for themselves with the movies they put out. They cater to fans of cult cinema.

First up we have 2019: After the Fall of New York directed by Sergio Martino going under the name Martin Dolman. 2019 is a little bit of Mad Max, but a lot more Escape From New York.

Cult actor Michael Sopkiw is pretty much playing Kurt Russell's Snake Plissken. I have to admit I really like Michael Sopkiw, he may not be known to the mainstream public, but for those who do know him find him entertaining.

Sergio Martino at one point made some excellent Giallos I wonder why he started doing knock off films? 2019: After the Fall of New York is a fun movie no doubt. We have some poor F/X, which really add to the charm of the flick. Not a great movie, but damn fun. With Michael Spokix and George Eastman in the same movie that means fun.

1990: Bronx Warriors was directed by Enzo G. Castellari and it's quite obvious this was inspired by The Warriors. To be quite honest I found 1990: Bronx Warriors rather dull.

There just wasn't enough action and lets face it a movie like this needs that. 1990 has it's moments, but more than often it's just too slow. The highlight is Mark Gregory who plays Trash. What's the deal with the way he walks? Rather funny.

Fred Williamson appears as does cult actor George Eastman.

And finally we have The New Barbarians again directed by Enzo G. Castellari, which again stars Fred Williamson and George Eastman (is this guy great or what?).

The New Barbarians is fairly decent, but it just doesn't work in my opinion. Worth watching at least once, but besides that there is no rush to see it again.

I love 80 Italian cinema and for those reading this I assume you do as well. In that case you might like the set or you may not. I love these kind of flicks, but I just didn't really enjoy these movies except for 2019: After the Fall of New York.

Like all of Media-Blasters sets it's cheaper to buy the set than any of the movies on their own.

As I stated before I love 80s Italian cinema, but this set just didn't do it for me. But it wasn't a total waste due to 2019.

Just what you need.......2006-05-06

It's a low price for a set of low-budget movies. Fair enough !

I'm into this just for the nostalgia. I'm not going to claim
that these movies expand the boundaries of cinematographic art.
But they're quite enjoyable as a guilty pleasure.

For Lovers Of Italian Cheese............2006-01-07

This boxset is great value. It combines 3 films from Media Blasters/Shriek Show's 'Post-Apocalyptic' collection: 1990: The Bronx Warriors, 2019: After The Fall Of New York and The New Barbarians. You can pick up the 3 films for the same price of one individually.

After the success of films like The Road Warrior and Escape From New York you got a lot of rip off films from around the world, most notably Italy. Made on lower budgets with b-grade actors and sets, these films are not 'good' in the traditional but rather fun and cheesy takes on the original better films. So, if you are looking for top class Sci-Fi then these films aren't for you. But if you are in the mood for some cheesy fun rather than high art then these films are for you.

All three films have got excellent, widescreen anamorphic transfers. You also get interviews with members of the cast as well as audio commentaries on two of the films featured. All in all, the films will never look better and time was obviously spent to clean up the transfers and provide some interesting extras.

A must for anyone who has a passing interest in Italian 'cheese' cinema.

Average customer rating:

I've seen worse
Deathstalker
Non-existent, uncomprehensible mess of fantasy schlock-making.
Deathstalker DVD
The Epidemy of Bad Films

Deathstalker - The Last Great Warrior
Starring: Rick Hill , Barbi Benton , Richard Brooker , Lana Clarkson , and Victor Bo
Director: James Sbardellati
Manufacturer: New Concorde
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

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

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

Barbarian Queen
Deathstalker IV: Match of Titans
The Sword and the Sorcerer
The Warrior and the Sorceress
Women in Fury

ASIN: B00005NOP4
Release Date: 2001-10-23

Amazon.com

Brawny blond longhair Richard Hill is the rogue barbarian hero Deathstalker in this hilariously slapdash sword-and-sorcery adventure. Armed with a sword that makes him invincible (provided by an otherwise completely useless sidekick), he heads off for a tournament of warriors sponsored by an evil wizard with a nasty plot to kill all his rivals... but don't worry about the plot because it makes no sense. This shot-in-Argentina, Roger Corman production features badly staged swordfights, loads of gratuitous nudity, female mud wrestling, trolls in bad rubber masks, and a funky eyeball-eating demon sock puppet. Former Hugh Hefner girlfriend Barbi Benton seems rather embarrassed in her role as a whiny harem girl. John Terlesky took over the title role in the sequel (Deathstalker II: Duel of the Titans) while topless warrior woman costar Lana Clarkson graduated to her own series, Barbarian Queen. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

I've seen worse.......2007-03-29

Those of you slamming this one haven't seen enough bad movies. Take my word for it I have seen an abundence of bad movies. This one doesn't stink. "Red Sonja" stinks. I guess partly because with Arnold Schwarzenegger in it I thought it might have a decent story, acting, and music like "Conan the Barbarian". Was I ever wrong. This one doesn't take itself so serious I don't think. That or it was campy enough it seemed to catch my interest. Fans of silly sword and sandal movies probably won't hate it.

Deathstalker.......2006-06-07

Ladies before you comdemn me for my rating read my review first. I give it 5 stars because of how handsome Richard Hill was! That guy had an amazing bod!!!! What woman wouldn't want him! Also the 4 stars is for the warrior, the sorcery and the plot of going to a mysterious medevial planet. However I give 1 star for the RAUNCHY NUDITY,AND SEX SCENES! So 5 stars minus 1 star equals 4 stars. All you guys out there who insulted Richard Hill over how cheesy and lousy he was as an actor, you're probably, most likely ugly, homely-looking, unattractive, beer-belly dudes who make all women cringe in digust! You insult him because you're just jealous of his good-looks!

Non-existent, uncomprehensible mess of fantasy schlock-making........2006-03-04

DEATHSTALKER is perfect for B-fantasy movie fans; this barely 80-minute travesty of filmmaking features everything hecklers can ask for--non-existent plotting, terrible acting (save for at least a raspy-sounding old lady), laughable scripting and schlock editing, and bargain-basement style background settings. There are no characters that come across as likeable or interesting (in particular, the lead doesn't have ANYTHING appealing about him), and the actors assembled barely do anything to rise above the F-grade material. If that's not enough, then how about the lack of a compelling plot (which this movie has nothing of the sort) to make DEATHSTALKER qualify as a major turkey? I was also offended that the women in this movie barely serve any purpose other than to 1) be topless and/or scantily clad; 2) get raped; 3) have sex with the hero; 4) all of the above. In addition, the background music is hideous; a bizarre mess of electronic noise, cheesy choral bursts, and blaring orchestral cacophony. Ear numbing and eye numbing all in one packed with nary a thing to keep one interested, DEATHSTALKER is probably best suited for folks looking for something to laugh at (and believe me, there's plenty of that in here). Otherwise, I do not recommend this 100th-grade CONAN wanna-be to anyone in the least.

Deathstalker DVD.......2005-07-20

Quality of color and sound of DVD is first rate. The packaging was basic, but acceptable.

The Epidemy of Bad Films.......2005-06-03

Ever wonder what really makes a film bad? Look no further as you will find every element of bad film in this atrocious production. This film has absolutely no comprehensible plot. At the same time, Richard Hill and pretty much every other actor who participated in this film is a prime example of bad acting. A bad Kung-Fu film from China would be Oscar material compared to this worthless crap: it would even have a better script and dialogues. I could go on and on but let me just say that I recall seeing this film 22 years ago when I was 12 and I found it comically repugnant even then. One star is too kind of a rating for this piece of junk.

Average customer rating:

Snake Pliskin on the PSP

Escape from New York (UMD Mini for PSP)
Starring: Tom Atkins , Ox Baker , Adrienne Barbeau , Ernest Borgnine , and Rodger Bumpass
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: UMD for PSP

General | Universal Media Discs | Stores | DVD | Video

Science Fiction & Fantasy | Universal Media Discs | Stores | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Alien: 20th Anniversary Edition
The Terminator (UMD Mini for PSP)
Rambo - First Blood (UMD Mini For PSP)
Independence Day (UMD for PSP)
Big Trouble in Little China (UMD for PSP)

Accessories:

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

ASIN: B000C20VT6
Release Date: 2006-01-24

Description

Customer Reviews:

Snake Pliskin on the PSP.......2007-03-22

This is possibly the best sci-fi/Action movie of all time.

After the presedent's plane crashes into New York City, which is now a prison due to America crime rate too high, he is held hostage and the government calls on Snake Pliskin to get him out, or Snake will die.

The movie on the PSP is still great as it is now in high definition format, which looks fantastic.

You would have to be an idiot not to have this movie, but a true respector of this movie should have this for the PSP, if they have one.

The New Barbarians ~ Nina Hartley, Randy Spears, Victoria Paris

Average customer rating:

The New Barbarians ~ Nina Hartley, Randy Spears, Victoria Paris
Starring: Sabrina dawn
Director: Henri Pachard
Manufacturer: Vca
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Debbie Does Dallas 2
Behind the Green Door

Product Features:

Digitally Remastered
Animated chapter Index
Photo Slideshow
Playable Worldwide
Victoria Paris

ASIN: B000PBEF14

Product Description

A glowing crystal that causes sexual arousal, as well as time travel, is the centerpiece of this sexual sword and sorcery epic from award winning director Henri Pachard. Gorgeous Victoria Paris stars as the buxom amazon whose quest for the stolen crystal takes her from one sexual tryst to another, and eventually into another century. 1991 AVN Award Winner

Average customer rating:

Based on the Title of an Isaac Asimov Short Story Minus the Idea . . .
A heart-breaking rape of a masterpiece of fiction
Not That Bad
Asimov's 'Nightfall': A Challenge In Reviewing
Not even worth the ONE STAR

Nightfall
Starring: Jennifer Burns , Winsome Brown , Joseph Hodge , David Carradine , and Ashish Vidyarthi
Director: Gwyneth Gibby
Manufacturer: New Concorde
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Sci-Fi Action | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Futuristic | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

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

All Deals | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

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

Nightfall (Bantam Spectra Book)
This Island Earth

ASIN: 6305909431
Release Date: 2000-08-08

Amazon.com

Isaac Asimov's classic science fiction story "Nightfall" posited a world bathed in perpetual sunlight because of its six suns, which are all in constant orbit so one is always shining. But once every 2,000 years or so there is an eclipse that throws the plant into darkness and drives people mad. Asimov is after a comparison of religious superstition and scientific knowledge here, centered on the poetic sense of awe evoked when darkness falls and the stars are visible for the first time. The present filmed version loses all the poetry, exacting science, and subtlety of its inspiration and adds instead the wooden, uncommitted acting of David Carradine (Kung Fu) as a scientist, hordes of Indian extras (it seems to have been filmed in Bombay), and some botched pyrotechnic battle sequences. Clearly the filmmakers lost their way from story to screen, opting instead for a Raiders of the Lost Ark feeling, with lots of lame action and adventure usurping the story's core concept. The Asimov story has garnered top honors in poll after poll, including one done by the Science Fiction Writers of America, and the packaging tries to capitalize on that cachet. Understandable, since this movie has nothing else going for it. --Jim Gay

Customer Reviews:

Based on the Title of an Isaac Asimov Short Story Minus the Idea . . ........2006-02-02

As the 'virtues' of this film have been well covered by previous reviewers, let me add a nasty tidbit of movie trivia. Incredibly, the 2000 version of "Nightfall" is NOT the first movie 'based' (whatever that word may mean when it appears on a movie screen credit) on Asimov' classic parable/intellectual horror story. A "cheapie" (cheaper than the 2000 version -- if that is even conceivable) version was released in 1988, directed by Paul Mayersberg, and starred David Birney, Sarah Douglas, Alexis Kanner, Andra Millian and died deservedly in the independent theaters after a one week run. (I actually comprised the entire audience at one showing in LA.) Contemporary reviews of the 1988 version have commented that the film seemed to have been written and filmed while the entire cast and production crew was stoned, one of four features that connects this version with the 2000 version, the second being that monumental effort was taken to expunge the film of any premise, plot, character or themetic similarities to Asimov's short story, the third that together these films do not merit one star, and the fourth, that they may be the first two of an inexorable twelve-year cycle of remakes (literary eclipses?) of the Asimov story, the next due in 2012. Would that the world of filmmakers learn from the mistakes of their feeble-minded ancestors . . .

A heart-breaking rape of a masterpiece of fiction.......2004-09-01

If you are a fan of Asimov, or have read and liked either the short story or the novel - don't buy this DVD. It is perhaps the worst adaptation I could even imagine. You will find only heartbreak and disappointment here.

The story that this was based on is rightly known as one of the (if not THE) best science fiction story ever written. Asimov takes the reader into the mind of a culture and unfolds a mystery of epic proportion. The reader is left with just enough to keep the heart pounding and not enough to kill the interest in the next chapter. It is simply a masterful piece of fiction.

In my mind this story is worthy of a remake at the quality of Lord of the Rings. However, it seems to have been sold to a low rent film mill.

I was amazed that this story became very, very boring. Special effects were totally gratuitous and (sorry) stupid. Carradine is totally TOTALLY flat. His lines seemed more like dry runs or dress rehearsals than final cuts. Sometimes I wondered if he had just said "One take only guys".

It seemed like there was a pressure to turn this into some freakish, sword slashing, blood and guts action flick (by the way, the blood looked like Pepto Bismal folks). Nowhere is there evidence of the psychological reasons that this calamity within the story will happen. It just sort of happens.

I am usually very easy to please with my reviews. I can usually find good in most things. Rarely do I give such poor reviews (check my other reviews). However, I would not only like to give less than 1 star, I would also like to yell and scream at everyone involved in this production for having killed my hope of seeing this fine story put on film. I was horrified by the end product. I honestly don't even think they tried to do a good job.

At best it is a boring, nonsensical, disaster of a film - a very bad 'B' film. At worst it is an unforgivable rape of a beloved story. When given such an opportunity, to translate such an important work of fiction (and it -is- that important) I see it as a responsibility to treat it respectfully. Perfection is not required, but respect is.

Not That Bad.......2004-01-06

No, it is not the classic story written by Asimov. In fact, it seems very loosely based on it. Apart from this fact, the movie is mildly entertaining and NOT the terrible anti-classic that most of the other people writing reviews seemed to think. Overall a decent movie, decently acted.

Asimov's 'Nightfall': A Challenge In Reviewing.......2002-06-10

When I first read Isaac Asimov's short story "Nightfall", I was stunned and left gasping at its powerhouse of a closing. When I finished watching the filmed version, I was also stunned and left gasping--but for quite different reasons. All the mystery and beauty of the short story that sought to explain a millenia old phenomenon of a planet's first and last nightfall was not only lost in the movie, but even on a technical level of competence, from the wretched directing of Paul Mayersberg to the incompetent acting of David Birney and David Carradine, this movie quite unintentionally presents both a challenge and a dilemma to those whose job it is to pass judgment on its merits. For truly abysmal efforts like ROBOT MONSTER or PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE, these efforts nevertheless retain the saving grace of something that clicks with the audience, whether that something be the excessive exuberance of John Barrows waving his arms in a gorilla suit from ROBOT MONSTER or the perversely androgynous heavy-handedness of director Ed Wood in PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE. Even 'bad' movies can have a style of their own that comes into play usually late at night in a marijuana filled college recreation room. But what separates the fun of enjoyable bad movies from the torture of having to sit through garbage like NIGHTFALL is the deadening seriousness of the collective hands of all concerned from director to writer to actor. In such movies as this, there is nowhere to be found any lightness of attitude or just plain old fun. It is as if such films serve only to remind the audience that there are indeed moments in our lives that call for infinite patience while someone drives sharp needles under our fingernails. Yet, I do not want to have to pay for such dubious pleasure. With films like this one, I did.

Not even worth the ONE STAR.......2002-03-13

Why was this movie even made? This is the type of movie that Holywood producers see and think "Well, if it was written as a book first, we might as well throw away the script now." It gives a bad name to movies based on books.

I have never read the original book, Nightfall, and have hardly touched any of Asimov's works, but this movie makes me want to keep away from any books by the "Renowned" and "Award Winning" author.

The movie was obviously filmed in India and uses locals as extras. The only people with lines are Caucasian except for the two "villains" who spend more time making faces while speaking than they do making any sense of the lines they have been fed. David Caridine has never been a good actor. The "Kung Fu" series I consider a pathetic excuse for a joke. The only good thing about this movie is the art on the DVD/VHS cover.

The leads are two caucasian women in mid-eighties clothing with bulky purses that contain laser-pistols. They use a modern telescopic camera lens on an antique telescope found in a cave; that would be laughable if they bothered to take a moment to exploit it a bit. Good or bad, not one person in this film is even slightly attractive. Whatever the producers of this film were thinking when they made it, or whatever they were on, it was really a huge waste of time and money.

Don't waste your money on this...

UPDATE!

I read the short story by Isaac Asimov and watched the movie one more time... Suffice it to say, my first impressions were correct.

In the original story, the people are on a planet that is surrounded by three suns and once every 3000 years there is a nightfall. The people are terrified of the dark and cannot even stand to pass through a dark tunnel for five minutes before going insane.

The casting, as I mentioned before, is horrible. The acting is... well... there's not much here to mention.

The movie tore apart what Isaac Asimov wrote (a suspensful thriller of a tale) and made it into a crappy wanna-be action flick that is about as fun as watching a toilet spin the dirty water down the hole in the bottom.

My apologies to those who have seen this movie, even though I had nothing to do with the creation of it.

My warning to all who hold a mild curiosity for this film. You may just find yourself agreeing with me if you take the risk and try to watch it...

Average customer rating:

Great Cormania!

Raiders of the Sun
Starring: Richard Norton , William Steis , Henry Strzalkowski , Nick Nicholson , and Rick Dean
Director: Cirio H. Santiago
Manufacturer: New Concorde
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Thrillers | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Futuristic | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Sci-Fi Action | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Adventure | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

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

All Deals | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

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

Under the Gun
Rage and Honor

ASIN: B000087F2E
Release Date: 2003-04-08

Customer Reviews:

Great Cormania!.......2003-01-27

As presented by Roger Corman, the famous producer whose SciFi
epics have launched stellar Hollywood careers, "Raiders of The
Sun" on DVD allows current audiences the nostalgia of a return to the movies of the 1980s and '90s that were influenced by the success of "Mad Max" and "Road Warrior." Martial arts movie great Richard Norton proves to be a compelling hero in one of his early lead roles - demonstrating the charisma upon which he built his starring career in action films. Solid character actor William Steis shows up as a henchman. The plot has all the classic apocalyptic ingredients. We are treated to
generous doses of anarchy, insurrection, and ultimate salvation
from the dark forces who rule with an arsenal of explosives and
vehicular hardware. Typical of Corman's releases, the budget is
not so generous, but a reliance on emerging talent and film
makers - over high costs - is often part of the Corman formula
and always a part of the fun in seeing his movies again. Enjoy!

Average customer rating:

Fun no-budget barbarian movie
Sure it's cheesy, but it's deliberate...
One of my all time favourite movies!
Back! By popular demand! :)
"I will get my revenge, and Deathstalker too!"

Deathstalker 2
Starring: Jacques Arndt , Dee Booher , Maria Luisa Carnivani , Carina Davi , and William Feldman
Manufacturer: New Concorde
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Comic Action | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Satire | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

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

All Deals | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

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

Deathstalker - The Last Great Warrior
Deathstalker IV: Match of Titans
Barbarian Queen
Barbarian Queen/Barbarian Queen 2: Empress Strikes
The Warrior and the Sorceress

ASIN: B00005NOP6
Release Date: 2001-10-23

Customer Reviews:

Fun no-budget barbarian movie.......2006-08-29

A horrible movie that's actually a lot of fun. I never heard of the "Detahstalker" straight-to-video franchise before this flick, but enjoyed it anyway. Long after cut-rate foreign studios mined the Conan-genre dry, "Deathstalker" was still trodding the sands of swords&sandals territory with cheap production values, dumb-gags and nonexistent scripts.

Story? Deathstalker, free-booting adventurer, steps in to save the life of the impoverished Reena, a fortuneteller marked for death by angry customers (she foretells the birth of children to men other than husbands). Reena, as it turns out, is a princess deposed by Jarek the sorcerer. In her place, Jarek has installed Reena's magically-created clone - but the process that created the clone won't allow Jarek to kill the original. There's also Sultana, a warrior who's as beautiful as she is fiercely insistent to...

Oh, does it matter what it's about? You'll probably forget about it two minutes after your player has spat the tape out. (Did somebody make this available on DVD?) However, "Deathstalker" is one of those flicks that taps into its own flaws in a good way. Much like the story and the main character, "Deathstalker" seems like a good-natured relic of a lost age, never really following any path other than that that provides some (cheap) thrills. Nowhere near as poorly solemn as the "Ator" movies, nor as just misguided as "Barbarians", "Deathstalker" is a movie you just know is junk, yet one you can sit through. The best thing here is John Lazar (that's right - "Z-man" is back, and he's handy-as-ever with a sword!!) hamming it up as the evil Jarek.

Sure it's cheesy, but it's deliberate..........2005-05-22

Yeah, this is a sequel with nothing to do with the first one, and yeah, it's no Conan, but it doesn't try to be. Just remember who the writer/director is (the esteemed Jim Wynorski), take your mind off the hook, and go with it!

The premise (soldier of fortune helps a princess in disguise regain the throne)is classic, but it's all told with such a goofy tone that comparison with a more serious film is, well, goofy.

If you have the DVD edition with the director's commentary, you'll see where Wynorski was going when he made the film. The script is full of in-jokes from other movies in the genre, jokes from television, and more than enough one liners to fill a dozen old Bob Hope movies. You also get John LaZar (from Beyond the Valley Of The Dolls) as the evil sorcerer, Monique Gabrielle (of a zillion b-movies) as the damsel in distress, and Toni Naples in black leather as Sultana, who swings a mean sword.

Add to that a gazillion extras (all masked so they can be used over and over in other scenes), lots of wooden swords painted silver, a fight to the death with Queen Kong (featuring Amazon ring girls holding up the round number painted on cardboard). Yep friends and neighbors, this one leaves no cliché unheard. Do I recommend it? Wholeheartedly. Genre fans won't be disappointed.

One of my all time favourite movies!.......2005-03-01

From the moment, in the opening sequence, when Sultana's (the delicious Toni Naples) vow "I'll have my revenge - and Deathstalker too", heralds the title - "Deathstalker 2" on screen, accompanied by Chuck Cirino's amazing score, I fell totally in love with this movie! No sad Conan clone this!

Cult director Jim Wynorski has quite simply given us one of the most entertaining movies of all time.

The masterful casting of John Terleskey as our wisecracking hero and the gorgeous, scantily-clad Monique Gabrielle in her inspired double-role, ensures a whole laboratory of sexual chemistry between the highly picturesque duo. They also look like they're enjoying this bawdy romp no end!

The unprecedented amount of inspired one-liners, corny puns and cheeky verbal and visual references to other movies (most notably Spaghetti Westerns, Hammer Horror and Star Wars) demand repeat viewing to extract every delicious drop of Wynorsky's waggery.

The plot is a simple one - our eponymous hero (but is Deathstalker his first name or his last name?), promised a great reward, teams up with Evie the seer (Gabrielle), whose rightful position of princess has been taken by an evil clone of herself (evil Evie of course). Battling their way past zombies, pirates, and Amazon tribeswomen, Terleskey and Gabrielle never miss an opportunity to extract every potential bit of humour from each scenario. The other players join in the fun too - John La Zar, as evil wizard (is there any other kind?) Jerak warns Deathstalker that grave-robbing carries a stiff penalty in these parts, Sultana pokes fun at Evie's wardrobe (the Wilma Flintstone look) and pirate Chin (a tribute to Hawaii 5-O) and his hapless team are to bounty-hunting what the Archbishop of Canterbury is to bungee-jumping.

Scene follows glorious scene, my personal favourites being the initial punch-up in the tavern, evil Evie tiring of her musical dwarf playing nothing but the Deathstalker theme, Deathstalker's hilarious fight against the Amazon's champion and , of course, the final scene - when told that his heroic exploits will be reenacted for centuries to come, Deathstalker grins and says "Well, I sure hope they get a good looking guy to play me". What a parting shot!

There's no mistaking the miniscule budget here, and there's even some footage recycled from the (inferior) Deathstalker 1 and a couple of amusing inadvertent anachronisms and continuity errors. With a movie as refreshingly entertaining as this, who cares though?

The DVD contains the outtakes (the same as were also present during the end titles on the VHS version), the theatrical trailer and, delightfully, optional full-length commentary by Wynorsky, Terleskey and Naples. This is very very funny, and adds yet another dimension to the whole package, as Wynorsky flirts with Naples and points out anachronisms, such as a tyre visible as our heroes ride past.

For potential UK purchasers, make sure your DVD player is multi-region, as this is only available as Region 1 (NTSC). My copy took around 10 days to arrive from the States. At this price, Deathstalker 2 has to be the DVD bargain of the century!

You will either think it is brilliant or complete garbage! I am convinced that most viewers with a sense of fun, will decide it is the former.

Back! By popular demand! :).......2005-02-05

This is a great "B" movie. I rated it a 5, which i don't ever hand out to "B" movies, but as far as they go, this is one of the greatest. Obviously it can't compare with greats like BraveHeart and such, but you have to know what you're getting into before watching this.

I believe there are 4 Death Stalker movies. 1 and 4 try to be "serious", kind of like Conan rip-offs.... not real great. 2 and 3 go the more "humorous" route, with 3 failing pretty badly.

But Death Stalker 2 is GREAT! Adventure, comedy, action, slashing, and for those that like beautiful women in their movies, Monique Gabrielle doesn't disappoint!

Be ready for a cheesy movie, but it's fun cheesy! Lots of great (and bad) one-liners throughout. :)

"I will get my revenge, and Deathstalker too!".......2004-08-08

OMG. This is a sequel to a Conan rip off. I mean, this movie has greatness written all over it. The first one was made to be semi serious, but it didn't exactly come out smelling like roses. So the creators saw what they had to do to redeem themselves. Make a tongue in cheek sequel. So they made this abomination. This movie had some one liners that were pretty funny, and then it had others that came out as ridiculous as a man wearing clown shoes in a mine field. This movie is good for watching with friends so that you can laugh and have a good time. But otherwise, don't bother.
What I learned from Deathstalker 2: Huts do not have doors, and barbarians carry ninja stars as weapons.
If you liked this movie, I recomend: Better taste in movies.
Caution! Conan fans will be offended.

Average customer rating:

Science fiction schlock
New Gladiators is Definately 'Old School'
Mid quality Fulci - Low quality DVD
ROLLERBALL, Italian-style
Forget Gladiator, The New Gladiators will always be newer.

The New Gladiators
Starring: Jared Martin , Fred Williamson , Howard Ross , Eleonora Brigliadori , and Cosimo Cinieri
Director: Lucio Fulci
Manufacturer: TROMA ENTERTAINMENT INC.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

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

4-for-3 Action & Adventure | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Art House & International | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Science Fiction & Fantasy | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

General | Foreign & International | Stores | DVD | Video

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

Art House & International | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

All Deals | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

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

Aenigma
Manhattan Baby
Touch of Death
Demonia
Voices From Beyond

ASIN: B00005MKN6
Release Date: 2001-08-07

Customer Reviews:

Science fiction schlock.......2004-06-08

No figure in the horror film genre is as divisive as Lucio Fulci. After watching one or two of his films, viewers tend to move into one of two camps. One side hails Fulci as a master of terror, a man who upped the gore quotient in his films while creating wonderfully atmospheric pictures. For these people, Fulci is right up there with the likes of Dario Argento as one of the best filmmakers ever to emerge from Italy. The other camp sneers at these claims, pointing to the plodding pace of his films, the use of extreme gore to camouflage plot holes, and the director's inability to draw good performances out of his cast as evidence of mediocrity. Initially, I enjoyed Fulci's films, specifically "Zombie," "City of the Living Dead," and "The New York Ripper" because I did not know any better. When I came on the scene, you went to Fulci to feed your craving for gore. What a difference a few years exploring the genre makes! While I will not go so far as to remove Lucio from my play list altogether, I have seen enough of his films to realize he is not a cinematic genius. He is at best a competent director, at worst an abysmal one, and there are plenty of examples of bad filmmaking in this director's filmography. Included in his canon of mediocre movies is one of his forays into science fiction, the 1983 movie "The New Gladiators."

Forget the Fulci of horror with this movie. Instead, cast your mind back to the days when Italian directors went on a sci-fi bender, pumping out product to ride the success of Carpenter's "Escape From New York" and the Mel Gibson vehicle "The Road Warrior." Fulci dove on the bandwagon with this "shocker" about a futuristic society that uses televised gladiatorial combat shows to keep the masses in line. I know what you're thinking: Schwarzenegger's "The Running Man" and reality television, right? Maybe, except most of this film's focus has little to do with either of these two concepts. Jared Martin plays Drake, the champion racer in the "Thrillkill" program who just happens to murder some goons roughing up his wife. He's arrested, convicted, and sentenced to television's latest program, a new gladiatorial combat program advertised as the successor to the Coliseum games of ancient Rome. Martin ends up in a jail/training program with Abdul (Fred Williamson), Akira (Al Yamanouchi), Kirk (Al Cliver), and a few other miscreants. Also in the picture is Cortez (Claudio Cassinelli), a ruthless television executive, and Raven (Howard Ross), the sadistic guard in charge of training the "contestants" with cheesy ray gun effects and laughable punishments.

The training programs look positively awful. In one series of scenes, Fulci has his actors fighting while strobe lights flash. Why? Who knows, but it looks ridiculous. The extreme training eventually unites all of the personalities, with Martin's character emerging as the unofficial leader of the group. By the time Drake swallows a device that allows him to melt metal, I knew I was watching an absolute clunker of a film. The contest does take place, but it's the tamest gladiatorial combat scenario I have yet witnessed in a sci-fi film. All you see are a bunch of guys riding around on bikes hacking away at one another. A bit of the old trademark Fulci gore livens things up briefly, but not enough to salvage the film. The scenes, shot in extreme close up to hide glaring flaws in the set pieces, are interesting only when you compare them to other movies. And wait until you see the conclusion! What a groaner. I won't spoil the fine points for you, but at one moment a satellite blows up in space, which we see on a computer monitor. Fine, but should we see smoke rising off a celestial object? I think not, Mr. Fulci! There's simply no excuse for this sort of sloppy special effects work, even in low budget Italian boilerplate. What did he use as a stand in for that satellite, a Christmas ornament?

Surprisingly, I liked several things about the movie. That scene where we see the convicts suspended over an electrified floor was hilarious. Too, the set pieces for the city, which looked like cardboard cut outs adorned with holiday lighting, worked in an odd way. The best part of the film was a glance at a rival network's show about people who sign on to face their fears through some sort of computer simulation. We see a lady reclining on a bed as a giant pendulum swings closer and closer to her throat. Nifty! They ought to try that out on one of the reality shows on our television networks. Overall, "The New Gladiators" is too ridiculous to take as a serious entry in the science fiction genre. The ideas behind the shoddy pacing, acting, and effects work, however, does seem highly prescient considering what came after. In that regard, Fulci's film is worth watching if you don't mind laughing too hard at the whole thing. By the way, Riz Ortolani scored the movie.

Troma released the DVD version of the film and made a mess of it in the process. Supposedly "restored" for our viewing pleasure, the picture is a fullscreen transfer of what looks like a murky VHS tape. Extras include an interview with Dario Argento (?), several schlock Troma trailers, an intro from Lloyd Kaufman, and an interview with Fulci's daughter (the director passed away in the 1990s from diabetes). Fans of the Italian science fiction era-roughly the early 1980s-should probably check this one out. Rent it first, though.

New Gladiators is Definately 'Old School'.......2003-01-13

Coming from the 'Italian Master of Gore' I was definately expecting something that this movie is not. It is not comparable to Fulci's masterpieces. While there were a small handfull of scenes where the Master makes himself known, they were too few and far between to keep the movie alive.

This movie is very similar to the dozens of other low-budget 'dark future' movies of the time, and if you've seen one you've seen them all. The story is slow and often difficult to follow and the ending makes zero sense.

However I do give this movie points for originality. This movie is a lower budget version of 'The Running Man', except this movie was first. I also enjoyed the god-awful special effects; they were another saving grace of the film (read: the fly by city miniature scenes). Not to mention the soundtrack that consists of one song repeated over and over (not a bad song though).

Even though the movie is not too enjoyable, I would have given in three stars because of the extras, unfortunately the awful quality of the movie took away from its rating. But in true Troma fashion there are a decent array of extras included with this flic.

Bottom line don't expect 'Zombie', but rather a lower budget 'Logan's Run' or 'The Running Man'. If these kind of movies are your thing then you can probably get your money's worth from this film.

Mid quality Fulci - Low quality DVD.......2001-11-19

Once more it becomes appearant that Troma's president Lloyd Kauffmann comes from another world. In that world, lousy DVD's looking like conserved VHS tapes are called "loving restorations". At least, there is some interesting bonus material, including statements of Fulci's daughter Antonella. Anyway, it is nice that "New Gladiators" was released at all.
It is an interesting and dark variation on the "Rollerball" theme, though I would not call it a good movie. It is carried out in a style which is typical for that period of Fulci's work, that is, more effort is spend on enhancing single scenes to the maximum effect than on developing a coherent narrative. "New Gladiators" has a fairly good opening, including the surreal murder of the protagonist's wife, and an ending which is appropriate for a sci-fi movie. Unfortunately, the middle part is very weak and confused. It reaches its silliest moment when the protagonist swallows a computer chip which enables him to manipulate electronic devices and even melt metal walls only to be re-captured one minute later.
The special effects work well, even the toy models are not so bad, and the movie has a nice musical score. In contrast to "Rollerball", "New Gladiators" disposes also of the background of the antique Rome (at one point, new gladiators meet old gladiators).
As a Fulci fan you will probably be surprised that he could also handle a sci-fi project with some success.

ROLLERBALL, Italian-style.......2001-07-27

After a rapid decline in quality with CONQUEST, Fulci did better with this low-budget but enjoyable futuristic action thriller. It's a messily-plotted but fun movie made to cash in on the then-popular (and short-lived) [...]

This is set in a BLADE RUNNER-style world of shuttles zipping across high skyscrapers, and is ruled over by corrupt TV stations who keep the human race in control with ever-more violent TV game shows. One such station stages a re-staging of the Ancient Rome Gladiator games - on motorbikes!

Though it has many faults (tacky FX, poor action scenes, hard-to-follow story), it still has some good ideas and decent acting from Italo-exploitation regulars like Jared Martin, Al Yamanouchi, Claudio Cassinelli, Howard Ross and Al Cliver. Fred Williamson's also around, but he barely gets twenty words to say!

Effective scenes on cruelty include prisoners forced hang over electrified floors, a pair of gory decapitations, and a good psychological torture scene. Best aspect of the film is Riz Ortolani's pounding theme tune, but this becomes overused with time.

Not a great film, but it's certainly worth seeing.

Forget Gladiator, The New Gladiators will always be newer........2001-07-16

This movie is a post-nuke fans delight. It's packed with Italian post-nuke regulars Fred Williamson, Al Cliver, and Al Yamanouchi. It's basically the same plot as The Running Man, but in a cruel irony, The New Gladiators was made years earlier! Plenty of futuristic sets, clothes, and dirtbike action to please even the most jaded post-nuke fan! ( this text refers to the vhs version).

DVD:

DVD

Guilty by Suspicion (REGION 1) (NTSC)

DVD: Meet Prince Charming

Gregorian - Masters of Chant in Santiago de Compostela