The Hidden/The Hidden 2

Starring:Hidden, Hidden 2
Studio: New Line Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Description
In The Hidden a Bizarre ribberies and murders have an L.A. police detective totally baffled, especially when a mysterious FBI agent tell him that a demonic extraterrestrial creature is invading bodies of innocent victims and transforming them into inhuman killers. The Hidden 2 follows a different alien policeman sent to save the Earth. This sequel is bursting with mind-bending special effects.

DVD Features:
Audio Commentary:Commentary for The Hidden w/ director Jack Sholder and Tim Hunter
Production Notes:The Hidden special effects production footage narrated by Jack Sholder
Theatrical Trailer:The Hidden Theatrical Trailer

Average customer rating:

Ho-hum second entry

Just for Laughs - Gags, Vol. 2
Starring: Just for Laughs
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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

( J ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Just for Laughs - Gags: Volume 1
Candid Camera: Greatest Moments
Just for Laughs: Stand Up, Vol. 1 - Best of the Uptown Comics
Candid Camera: 5 Decades of Smiles
Just for Laughs - Stand Up, Vol. 2 - On the Edge

ASIN: B000C20VN2
Release Date: 2006-02-07

Description

Mixing clever practical jokes, hidden cameras, and a few unsuspecting victims, Just for Laughs: Gags delivers the perfect recipe for laughter! Perfect for audiences of all ages!

Customer Reviews:

Ho-hum second entry.......2006-04-16

I discovered this show when I arrived in the UK a few years ago, and it quickly became a favorite (when I could find it.) When Vol I came out, I was quick to order several, one for me and others for gifts. I wasn't disappointed. Although the running time is short (IMO), what is there is great television. However, I'm disappointed with Vol II. There were a couple of repeat gags from Vol I, and several variations on a theme, which this show does a lot of. Overall, most of the gags in this volume fell flat for me. More grins than guffaws. Hoping vol III is a return to form....

How Jesus Became a Christ: The Hidden Years. Vol. 2 of Deep Deceptions by Miceal Ledwith featured in What The BLEEP Do We Know!?

Average customer rating:

remarkable
This is the best information I have come across
And What the Bleep Do you Know????
Very Poor
Oh dear, so much talk, so little said

How Jesus Became a Christ: The Hidden Years. Vol. 2 of Deep Deceptions by Miceal Ledwith featured in What The BLEEP Do We Know!?
Starring: Miceal Ledwith
Director: JZ Knight
Manufacturer: Edessa Code LLC
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Religion | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Science and Spirit ¿ The Great Questions, Vol. 1 of Deep Deceptions by Miceal Ledwith featured in What The BLEEP Do We Know!?
Conscious Acts of Creation
What the Bleep!? - Down the Rabbit Hole (QUANTUM Three-Disc Special Edition)
Days of the Ram, Then and Now
Consciousness

ASIN: B000I0QN0I
Release Date: 2006-08-30

Product Description

How Jesus became a Christ" is the second DVD in the "Deep Deceptions" series. The series set out to ascertain answers to what he calls, "The Four Great Questions" about human destiny: Who Are We?; Where Did We Come From?; What Should We Do?, and What May We Expect After Death? Jesus promised that those who followed his message would do all the wonders he did and more. If this is not happening in todays Christianity it shows that something has gone very seriously awry. Few even realize that more than 80% of the life of Jesus is missing from the New Testament. Míeál Ledwiths lifelong study of the available sources had identified many gaps in the religions understanding of God and our place in the world. In particular it became clear that the Christian religions do not, as they claim, carry the revelation of a previously unknown message; but are based on fragments and corruptions of a rare and very ancient wisdom. The early Christian Church spent several centuries of tortured controversy trying to explain how God could have become man in Jesus the Christ. It should have focused instead on how the divine element in every man and woman could be effectively drawn forth. According to the teachings of Ramtha, and upheld by a thorough investigation of all the historical sources, that is precisely what Jesus came to exemplify and facilitate for everyone. Inspired and guided by Ramthas teachings, this DVD presents what was accomplished during the transformative journey of the so-called hidden years of Jesus in Egypt, India and Tibet, which all came to fruition in the dramatic events of the three-year ministry in his homeland. The message of Jesus when placed in this context is radically transformed from what it is if you somehow believe that all he accomplished was made possible by an eighteen-year apprenticeship at a carpenters

Customer Reviews:

remarkable.......2007-05-12

A very revealing story about someone who for the past 2 thousand years have become such an icon and yet how little if any thing we know of him.

This is the best information I have come across.......2007-04-10

I am totally enjoying this DVD "How Jesus Became a Christ". It makes me think outside the box and realize that everything we have been told all of our lives by the traditional religious groups isn't necessarily the truth. I love hearing different opinions and this guy is Spot On !!

And What the Bleep Do you Know????.......2007-04-02

How do you know Ramtha is true? There is proof that Jesus of Nazareth was crucified by the Romans. But there is no proof of the physical existence of Lemuria. Ditto for Atlantis. Why did JZ Knight sue a woman in Germany for channelling her Ramtha so she could have exclusive rights to bring him forth? If Ramtha is such a great guide how come he couldn't prevent JZ Knight's four failed marriages??????

Is Christianity a deception? If so, how come Ramtha is not? Jesus died on the cross. Ramtha ascended into the ether after a long life. Why should we believe Ramtha whose sole messenger is a woman of interesting reputation? After 2000 years much mystery is still there on Jesus of Nazareth.

The truth is: By their fruits you shall know them. What fruits has JZ Knight borne? What good has come of Ramtha?

Very Poor.......2007-03-26

I am sorry to say that this so called DVD is a complete and utter waste of money. Far from me to cast an opinion on Dr Ledwith, yet this highly un-professional school boy type movie should not have even got past the teacher, let alone onto the market. If this were free, i would still feel that i had wasted my time watching this amature, super low budget disk together, but to charge top $ ----- i must have been crazy.....

The best Dr Ledwith could do with this poorly put together piece of film would be to put it on his hamburger web-site free of charge.

I think Dr Ledwith has been in the USA too long,,,, nice guy, just ripping us off though.

Sorry Dr Ledwith - i waited and wanted a good movie here, what i got was a 5 year old childs version of making a movie....

In short,,,,, dont buy it

Oh dear, so much talk, so little said.......2007-03-05

Was this DVD made as a high school project? Because it certainly does not come across as professionally made. Whilst some of what Dr. Ledwith had to say was of interest, it took well over an hour of the first DVD to actually describe - very briefly - what Jesus actually did when he was in India, and this is supposed to be earth shaking? I'm sorry but to me it was mostly repeating old, previously stated and published material that anyone with any interest in the subject can find. And the DVD is so poorly put together, very long periods of talking, interspered with the odd picture that is not always entirely relevant and the music! Don't waste your money buying this, do some research yourself and buy some books instead.

Hidden Hollywood, Vol. 2 - More Treasures from the 20th Century Fox Vaults

Average customer rating:

TWO GREAT CARMEN MIRANDA OUTTAKES!
More jigsaw pieces .... and better
...even more fun than the first Hidden Hollywood....

Hidden Hollywood, Vol. 2 - More Treasures from the 20th Century Fox Vaults
Starring: Joan Collins , Ginger Rogers , Robert Wagner , Anthony Slide , and Phil Baker
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Classics | Genres | DVD | Video

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

Hidden Hollywood - Treasures from the 20th Century Fox Vaults
20th Century Fox - The First 50 Years
The Alice Faye Collection (That Night in Rio / Lillian Russell / On the Avenue / The Gang's All Here)
The Busby Berkeley Collection (Footlight Parade / Gold Diggers of 1933 / Dames / Gold Diggers of 1935 / 42nd Street)
Twentieth Century Fox - The Blockbuster Years

ASIN: B00005Y6YX
Release Date: 2002-03-05

Amazon.com

Comedy is king in this second collection of outtakes from the Fox studio vaults. Some former vaudevillians are captured in rare clips, including behind-the-scenes footage of Buster Keaton instructing Alice Faye in the proper method for taking a cream pie in the face. W.C. Fields holds court in a legendary sequence from Tales of Manhattan, cut from the film's release but restored here to something like its original shape (alternate takes show Fields's incorrigible genius for improvising). Danny Kaye shines in a brilliant bit from On the Riviera, parodying an off-key singer manhandling "Begin the Beguine." The musical numbers tend to be so-so, with the notable exception of the Nicholas Brothers tearing through an athletic dance routine in a harem. Skating enthusiasts will welcome the footage of Sonja Henie, whose somewhat mysterious popularity is examined. The spectacle of Victor Mature as a singing star is mercifully (and amusingly) brief. --Robert Horton

Description

See a cavalcade of legendary actors and actresses at the top of their form in this stunning collection of rare musical and comedy sequences excised from classic Fox films! The history behind each deleted sequence blends with fascinating interviews, recently discovered dailies, and rare archival footage and stills to offer a comprehensive story of Hollywood's Golden Age! Includes: W.C. Fields, Margaret Dumont and Phil Silvers in the 13 minute restored comedy sequence from "Tales of Manhattan;" rare outtakes of Buster Keaton and Alice Faye rehearsing comedy gags for "Hollywood Cavalcade;" "I'll See You in My Dreams" performed by Alice Faye (deleted from "Rose of Washington Square"); a restored version of the "Sheik of Araby" musical sequence from "Tin Pan Alley" featuring Alice Faye and Betty Grable, including never-before-seen alternate takes of a dance routine performed by the Nicholas Brothers; "The Old Army Game" performed by Kay Francis, Mitzi Mayfair, Martha Raye and Carole Landis (deleted from "Four Jills and a Jeep"); the Ritz Brothers perform a hilarious comedy sequence cut from the film "On the Avenue."

Customer Reviews:

TWO GREAT CARMEN MIRANDA OUTTAKES!.......2006-05-11

In the 1940s B&W musical FOX film, "DOLL FACE" Carmen Miranda had
one of her production numbers cut from the film due to the censors at that time. "She's Always True To The Navy" was the song Carmen sang with a lighthouse as a hat and wearing a very sexy outfit, this and another musical number of hers that ended unfortunately on the cutting room floor is presented here uncut and a joy! Not only Miranda but many great stars of Hollywoods Golden age is featured on this outstanding DVD...a real treat!

More jigsaw pieces .... and better.......2006-02-22

Following the original "Hidden Hollywood", this DVD gathers more outtakes from the films of Fox and the fascination continues with how they fit into the films and why they were removed. Joan Collins is back and narrates with her superb soft English accent and perfect diction.

The outtakes contain comedy sequences as well as musical numbers. The highlights of the former are Danny Kaye singing "Begin the Beguine" offkey from "On the Riviera" and W C Fields long lost sequence from "Tales of Manhattan", a really hilarious skit which should have been released as a short film. Of the latter, Alice Faye's rendition of "I'll see you in my Dreams" captures her vocal and visual appeal perfectly. She stands in front of a piano with a back up quartet and sings - no special effects, no embellishment, just raw talent. She is memorable.

Let's hope there are more DVDs to follow.

...even more fun than the first Hidden Hollywood...........2002-04-06

...some real gems...a thirteen minute sequence with W.C.Fields
and Margaret Dumont (she remains totally unflappable in the face
of Mr Field's shenanigans!)....Sonja Heine...who won medals in
THREE winter Olympics, starting when she was probably twelve..
and may well be the single most influential female skater of
the 20th century (the ice fairies in 'Fantasia' skate exactly
like Sonja!)--has some delightful unused sequences here..and
of course, our old friends Betty Grable and Alice Faye..and
Carmen Miranda, complete with an extension cord...this dvd packs
quite a bit of 'lost' entertainment into 90 minutes. If you
are a 'movie nut' you will love this...if you are not...go rent
Terminator II, please.

Average customer rating:

Body-snatching at its best
3 stars for the first movie only
80's sci-fi near classic and it's lame sequel
This double feature is worth ever penny

The Hidden/The Hidden 2
Starring: Hidden , and Hidden 2
Manufacturer: New Line Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

Suspense | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Mystery | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

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

( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Alone in the Dark
Wanted Dead or Alive
The Stuff
Let's Scare Jessica to Death
Final Destination 3 (Widescreen Two-Disc Special Edition)

ASIN: B0009S4IF6
Release Date: 2005-08-30

Description

In The Hidden a Bizarre ribberies and murders have an L.A. police detective totally baffled, especially when a mysterious FBI agent tell him that a demonic extraterrestrial creature is invading bodies of innocent victims and transforming them into inhuman killers. The Hidden 2 follows a different alien policeman sent to save the Earth. This sequel is bursting with mind-bending special effects.

Customer Reviews:

Body-snatching at its best.......2005-11-29

New Line added the dreary sequel and lowered the price by five bucks, but this is essentially the same "Hidden" DVD that came out in 2000. Still, horror/sci-fi fans shouldn't miss an opportunity to revisit Jack Sholder's fast, funny and furious tale of an alien lawman in pursuit of a body-snatching serial killer.

Angelenos will love the street-level looks at punk-era L.A. as the action careens around Silver Lake, Melrose and Hollywood. Sholder's commentary, which dates back to the laserdisc, seems aimed at young filmmakers.

He recalls how Kyle MacLachlan looked too puny to play the lawman but turned into an action hero when viewed through a lens: "That's why (some) people are movie stars." The 1.85:1 images from the 1987 film look outstanding, as they did on the old DVD.

3 stars for the first movie only.......2005-10-18

The Hidden is a decent B-flick that is worth renting. It is somewhat of a rip from the body snatchers but it has it's own story. The acting and plot for the most part is not oscar winning but then most B-movies aren't to be taken seriously and this one shouldn't be taken seriously either. Regardless, it is entertaining. The odd behavior of Kyle MacLachlan's character keeps you guessing what will happen next. Now after seeing this movie I expected that there would be a sequel and of course there is. The Hidden II takes place 15 years after the first one but the movie overall is just not good. If you see the Hidden and enjoy it, chances are you will want to see the sequel but trust me, you won't like it as much. As most direct to video films go, the Hidden II suffers from a weak script and is too short. As for the DVD, the Hidden has a few features which are good but the Hidden II has no features to speak of which is typical for lame sequels.

80's sci-fi near classic and it's lame sequel.......2005-10-02

The Hidden was one of those extra rare sci-fi/horror gems that came out of the 80's that still manages to hold up today for the most part. Robert Shaye, mainly known as the producer of the Nightmare on Elm Street films, produced it, and it stars Michael Nouri as a big city cop teamed up with an otherworldly detective (Kyle MacLachlan) to track down an alien slug-like creature that can jump from one person to another and use their body as a host. It's not the sci-fi masterpiece that some crack it up to be, and it's a bit dated, but it's still great to watch. It's direct to video sequel, which is included on this double feature DVD, is what you would expect from a 90's direct to video B-movie with some somewhat decent effects, and Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3's Kate Hodge as Nouri's character's daughter who finds herself allied with another otherworldly lifeform against another bloodthirsty alien. The good news is that New Line Cinema included the DVD features of the original Hidden release (commentary by director Jack Sholder, production footage, a trailer, and some more), and the lesser sequel here is really nothing more than an added bonus.

This double feature is worth ever penny.......2005-09-19

For those of you that love Sci Fi/Action and haven't heard of The Hidden, then buy this now! The Hidden is a slam bam action picture with ample amounts of sci fi and violence to boot. Movies like this is what makes it fun to go to the theater.

I saw The Hidden many years ago and loved it. The unique characters, the awsome story, the stylisth directing were all great. I however kept putting off buying the original DVD release of it. This double feature proves that good things come to those that wait. So why is this double feature worth every penny other than the film being great? Well first of all, this DVD release is CHEAPER than the original Hidden DVD.

Second is that this re-release features The Hidden II on the same disc. Though it lacks in just about every aspect that made the original Hidden so good, it's still good to have on the same disc. The first Hidden movie is worth $15 bucks alone, so its like getting the sequel for free!

Third is that this release contains ALL the same special features as the original Hidden DVD release. You get commentary, a trailer, and a special effects featurette. No special features for Hidden II, but again, the sequel is like a bonus in itself.

Fourth is that the packaging is better. Now we bet the more durable keep case instead of those dreaded snap cases. Also, both films are featured on the one side of the DVD! No flipping the disc over and less chances smudging or scratching the disc!

This is a TERRIFIC DVD to buy for any action or sci fi fan! Hell, if you own a DVD player you must own this DVD! I can't recommend this DVD double feature more!

Average customer rating:

Hilarious, Violent, Great Trash--One of them, anyway

Hidden/Hidden II (DVD)
Starring: Hidden , and Hidden 2
Manufacturer: New Line Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Lost Boys
Bones - The Complete First Season
Spider
King Kong (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Mortal Kombat

ASIN: B000I2KOAQ
Release Date: 2006-02-14

Customer Reviews:

Hilarious, Violent, Great Trash--One of them, anyway.......2007-01-09

The original "The Hidden" is a wonderful combination of Sam Peckinpah shoot 'em up, science fiction horror, and weird humour. It is unique, and worth a watch for any fan of sf and/or horror films.

The film begins with a man casually robbing a bank, shooting whoever gets in his way. It's giving away nothing to say that in the first five minutes of the movie, the police stop him by shooting him about forty gazillion times. But...that is just the start of the film.

Pretty soon the older man in the hospital bed next to our dieing bank robber suddenly gets up and takes off, with a newfound taste in fast cars, loud music, and blowing away anyone who stands between him and a good time. Then Kyle McLaughlin shows up (he of Twin Peaks fame) as an FBI agent on the trail of the killer(s). But there is something "not quite right" about ol' Kyle, as the police detective investigating the increasing number of murders soon discovers.

Why ruin the plot with spoilers? Let's just say that this film expertly mixes several genres by throwing them into a blender & standing back. It's a wild, wooly ride that rarely takes a moment to breathe. If you've never heard of it, and thought Alien Nation (was that the name of the film with Mandy Patinkin?) was any good, just plain buy this one.

Oh yeah, there is a remarkably babe who wields a mean machine gun.

And as for "The Hidden Two"...uh...forget it. It has zippo to do with the first. None of the original's charactrs (not many survived the first film anyway), none of its wit.

But since the original is hard to find, pick up a copy when you can.

Average customer rating:

Hidden Agenda, Vol. 2
Starring: Hidden Agenda
Manufacturer: UFO TV
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Description

This program is presented in two parts. Part 1: Moles In High Places and Part 2: The Open Gates of Troy exposing the systematic and disturbing history of subversion by enemy agents of the US government from 1920s to the present day.

Evidence is culled from public records and supported by remarkable newsreel footage. Learn the real truth about Alger Hiss and the theft of atomic bomb secrets. Discover how Communist spies penetrated the OSS before it became the CIA.

Product Description

Italy released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: it WILL NOT play on standard US DVD player. You need multi-region PAL/NTSC DVD player to view it in USA/Canada. LANGUAGES: English (Dolby Digital 2.0), Italian (Dolby Digital 2.0), Italian (Subtitles), SYNOPSIS: Made-for-TV film about rocker's attempt to spy on the wife he is about to divorce to get proof of her philandering to save as much money as possible. His lawyer hires a security team under the guise of trying to guard her home, and fixing up video cameras. However, one of the security guards falls in love with the woman and he hides some of the filmed evidence against her. SPECIAL FEATURES: Interactive Menu,

The Hidden (Oculto) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Spain ]

Average customer rating:

"Oculto" Dreams A Little Dream--2 Spanish Psychological Thrillers That Might Drive You Mad

The Hidden (Oculto) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Spain ]
Director: Antonio Hernández
Manufacturer: Warner
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Product Description

Spain released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: it WILL NOT play on standard US DVD player. You need multi-region PAL/NTSC DVD player to view it in USA/Canada. LANGUAGES: Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1), English (Subtitles), ANAMORPHIC WIDESCREEN (1.85:1), SYNOPSIS: Beatriz, Alex and Natalia meet each other in a conference on the power of sleep. From this day mysterious ties seem to bind them together more and more strongly; the strange tattoo, certain shared nightmares, and above all an obsessive sexual passion. In love and disorientated, a storm of memories rising from dreams threatens their lives. Which of the three is hiding something in her past which could drag them to their death? Who isnt hiding anything? "Oculto (Hidden)" is a psychological thriller whose leading characters live a dream of destructive love from which they are fighting to awaken.. SPECIAL FEATURES: Interactive Menu, Making Of, Trailer(s),

Customer Reviews:

"Oculto" Dreams A Little Dream--2 Spanish Psychological Thrillers That Might Drive You Mad .......2007-02-10

One of my favorite types of film has always been the thriller. Unfortunately, more often then not, the major studio thrillers of late have been pretty unexciting. I think of them as "cookie cutter" thrillers--meaning the plots are somewhat interchangeable, just slap in a marquee name and add a generic title and you're ready to go. It is with great surprise that I recently came across two Spanish films, neither one had I heard of before, but each offering a unique and interesting concept. More aptly described as psychological thrillers, these two films use standard story conventions--but flip those conventions in an unorthodox way to create something that seems entirely new. "Oculto" (The Hidden) and "El Habitante Incierto" (The Uninvited Guest) may not be high profile films--or even perfect films, for that matter--but each took me on a rewarding journey with unexpected and satisfying results.

Antonio Hernandez's "Oculto" starts off innocuously enough. At a conference about dreams and their meanings, a beautiful woman named Natalia (Angie Cepeda) shares a recurring nightmare that she's been having. She wishes the expert to help her make sense of its significance. Natalia is noticed by Alex (Leonardo Sbaraglia), a reporter at the event who is instantly smitten. Also working there is Beatriz (Laia Marull). Beatriz takes a liking to the good looking Alex, but also seems strangely fascinated by Natalia--and specifically her dream. What begins to unfold is a love triangle of sorts, but also an interesting look at the symbology of dreams. As Natalia becomes increasingly distraught over her nightmares and the connections that link them to the real world--the film heads off in a direction that you might not expect. Bringing in components of obsession and revenge, these three characters will square off in surprising ways to an emotionally complex conclusion.

"The Uninvited Guest" may not seem quite as intricate in comparison--however, it is challenging in a completely different way. Beginning with a fantastic setup, we meet Felix (Andoni Gracia) who has recently broken up with his girlfriend and is left alone in an extensive house. One night a stranger appears and asks to use the phone. Felix permits this, lets him have some privacy, but when he returns--the stranger is gone. Has he just left or is he still in the house? Over the next couple of days, Felix becomes convinced the stranger is living there and evading him--his fear and paranoia grow as no one will believe him. But again, just as you think you know where this story is headed--it changes completely. I won't reveal much--I'll just say that the primary premise of the "uninvited guest" is continued, but is now turned on its head. This paranoid thriller now becomes a film about obsession and voyeurism. And while I may have wanted a little more explanation at the conclusion, it was still a ride I enjoyed taking.

Both of these films feature extremely charismatic and attractive performers. The three leads of "Oculto" form a believable triangle--everyone is linked to everyone else in a compelling way. "The Uninvited Guest" rests largely on the shoulders of Gracia, however, and he shows a great range. Even falling apart, you are still rooting for him. The other lead performer of "The Uninvited Guest" is Monica Lopez (in a critically applauded role). Here, she actually plays two characters--it's very Hitchcockian, but to say more would be a disservice to the film.

Check out these films for something different. Neither is without flaws, but at least they attempt something different. And, for the most part, they succeed. Fascinating, exciting, and surprising--both are highly recommended. (However, as of now, "Oculto" isn't on Region 1 DVD.) KGHarris, 02/07.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon [Region 2]

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 [Region 2]
Starring: Yun-Fat Chow , Michelle Yeoh , Ziyi Zhang , Chen Chang , and Sihung Lung
Director: Ang Lee
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( 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: B00005B5R9

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

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.

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East meets West, and West comes off best.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon [Region 2]
Starring: Yun-Fat Chow , Michelle Yeoh , Ziyi Zhang , Chen Chang , and Sihung Lung
Director: Ang Lee
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD