Richard III

Starring:Ian McKellen, Annette Bening, Jim Broadbent, Robert Downey Jr., Nigel Hawthorne, Kristin Scott Thomas, John Wood, Maggie Smith, Jim Carter, Edward Hardwicke, Adrian Dunbar, Dominic West, Tres Hanley, Roger Hammond, Tim McInnerny, Stacey Kent, Bill Paterson, Denis Lill, Ryan Gilmore, Andy Rashleigh
Director: Richard Loncraine
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Science fiction and romance collide in The Fountain, the ambitious third feature from director Darren Aronofsky (Pi, Requiem for a Dream), who labored for four years to complete this epic-sized love story that stretches across centuries and galaxies. Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz (Aronofsky's real-life companion) play lovers in each of the film's three settings--16th century Europe and America (Jackman is a Spanish explorer searching for Incan magic), the present day (Jackman is a doctor attempting to cure his dying wife), and the 26th century (Jackman is a space traveler seeking a gateway to the afterlife)--who struggle mightily to stay united, only to lose each other time and again. Aronofsky may not have chosen the easiest presentation for audiences to absorb his theories on the lasting qualities of life and the transformative powers of death--the final sequence, in particular, with a bald Jackman floating through space in a bubble, harks back uncomfortably to "head movies" of the late '60s--but his leads have considerable chemistry (and look terrific to boot), which goes a long way towards securing viewers' hopes for a happy ending. Critical reception for The Fountain has been nothing short of bloodthirsty, with Cannes audiences booing, but there are elements to enjoy here, even if the premise throws one for a loop. Ellen Burstyn (who earned an Oscar nomination for Requiem) delivers a typically solid performance as Jackman's boss in the present day sequence, and special effects (most done without the benefit of CGI) are also impressive given the film's low budget (spurred by a mid-production shutdown after original stars Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett ankled the picture). And science-fiction fans whose tastes run towards the metaphysical (Asimov, Le Guin) will appreciate the attempt to present the genre in a serious light. -- Paul Gaita

Description

Yesterday, today, tomorrow. Past, present, future. Through time and space, one man embarks on a bold 1000-year odyssey to defeat humankind's most indomitable foe: Death. Hugh Jackman plays that man, devoted to one woman (Rachel Weisz) and determined to protect her from forces that threaten her existence. His quest leads him to a Tree of Life...and to an adventure into eternity. Darren Aronofsky (Pi, Requiem for a Dream) directs, continuing his string of imaginative, involving filmmaking with a tale alive with ideas and filled with astonishing vistas. "Not many films can blow your mind and break your heart at the same time, but this one will" (Drew McWeeny, Ain't It Cool News).

Customer Reviews:

A dud.......2007-07-04

I gave it 2 stars - 1 for being in HD and a 2nd star for being a visually beautiful film. That's as far as it goes. The story is ... well what story? Well acted but ....

never given 1 star before.......2007-07-04

I don't think that i've ever given a movie one star before, nor have I told thse around me "Really, don't waste your time." This is perhaps one of the worst waste of two hours in my life. The effort to try and bring together Christian, Jewish, Bhuddist themes was terrible and meant nothing to nobody.
It's got love in it, but it is not primarily a romance flick. Its an effort to describe in poetic terms the life/rebirth cycle and unless your metaphysical and thelogical views are normally shapped by hollywood, you'll be bummed.
I prefer Hugh Jackman with claws and a cigar.

Confusing and disapointing.......2007-07-03

when i saw the preview to this movie i thought it would be excellent, but i was wrong it was boring and on top of that it was confussing for me. I will have to give it credit on a good story but was made wrong.

graceful.......2007-07-02

I enjoy watching movies that stretch my imagination, and bring me in and pose large questions. However, I often find that art movies go out of their way to make things too complicated. The focus is too often on the plot - it might have a bazillion jumbled pieces, which actually fit together (say, Momento), or which don't even come together (say, anything by David Lynch), or which are made to represent something I don't understand (say, The Last Temptation). But if I were looking for mere symbolism or complexity of thought I'd read an essay about mechanics or something. The truth of the matter is that artistic cinema has a more to offer than mere complexity or intellectual wackery.

The premise for The Fountain is deceptively simple: A cancer researcher's wife is dying of cancer; in the meanwhile, she is writing a historical / mythical book about Spain's conquest of the Mayans. The movie progresses by interweaving her book and his experiences - threads of reality, history, and myth - none of which, again, are very complicated.

Written above, it all looks somewhat bare perhaps a bit cheesy. But movies aren't meant to be read, they're meant to be watched. And this one unfolds very graciously. It quite literally ebbs and flows, thanks to the accomplished cinematography, editing, and score. The style has a way of digging its way inside your head: A shot of a smiling woman spontaneously running around a house feels like a personal revelation and a past regret about life slipping away; a shot of a warrior being boldly carried off by the enemies seems like a body attacking a bacteria. The movie can even be seen as a story of movement, with some story arches literally going up, others going down. A passing shot into an intriguing piece of wallpaper feels like an inevitable approach.

Most movies use such stylistic techniques for the sake of character development, or to move along the plot. However, in The Fountain, these elements are in fact the movie. Like the directors other great movies, this one capitalizes on these elements in order to portray a progression of events and feelings in a manner that only cinema can. While such attention to style can often be devastating for a story, The Fountain uses it in good taste: And why not use the tools of cinema, in congruence with the way in which humans watch and register things? Ignoring such tools would be like writing an essay without any periods.

Consequently, some people might ask, "What's the message this guy's trying to get across?" and "Who are these characters?" But these questions miss point, (and any movie that could answer such questions, I'd argue, is a bad movie, because it might as well be a book); The Fountain feels more like a symphony - you wouldn't ask those questions to Beethoven about his Fifth, would you? Of course, much of the movie's impact will depend on its aesthetic effect on you: It's difficult to explain why you like a piece of music, it just feels right. But if you surrender yourself to this one's feelings - its progression, texture, and flow - you might get totally sucked in. And at the center there isn't an idea, a message, or an unforgettable character; there's a feeling: Awe. The feeling is wrapped in timeless questions about the pursuit of science, man's mortality, the differences between man and woman, and the reality of myth; it's wrapped in the steps that one needs to take to experience it. But at the same time it's not too removed or abstract; it registers as brutal and thought-provoking, and so very *human*.

Perfection.......2007-07-01

It was nice to see some bigger names in an Aronofsky film finally. I suppose this means he's jumping a little more into the mainstream, which is great because his films are thoroughly enjoyable and different than the cookie cutter crap that comes out of Hollywood. The effects in The Fountain are gorgeous and the plot is original and touching. I absolutely love the score, it has a wonderful sound that will stay with you. Hugh Jackman is great as the lead. My favorite scene is the part shot in the mosque in southern Spain, it is absolutely flawless. I definitely recommend having a look at this one, it is very mellow and has some great allegories and allusions for everyone. Enjoy.

Hannibal Rising (Unrated Widescreen Edition)

Average customer rating:

Hannibal Rising
It Started With Revenge and Ends With Disappointment...
Boo, I'm so tired of this series
Sympathy for the Devil
Out For Revenge Or Made A Monster?

Hannibal Rising (Unrated Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Helena Lia Tachovska , Richard Leaf , Michele Wade , Martin Hub , and Ingeborga Dapkunaite
Director: Peter Webber
Manufacturer: Weinstein Company
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

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

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
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Mel Gibson's Apocalypto (Widescreen Edition)
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Shooter (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B000NVT0SO
Release Date: 2007-05-29

Amazon.com

Though Hannibal Rising's Lecter (Gaspard Ulliel) is a pussycat compared to Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs, this sequel's story of revenge is grizzly enough to satisfy lovers of Thomas Harris's epic tale. After young Hannibal (Aaron Thomas) is forced to watch his little sister, Mischa (Helena Lia Tachovska), devoured by starving soldiers in his homeland Lithuania, Hannibal vows to avenge his sister's death by slaying those who committed not only war crimes against the Lecters, but also against other families during WW II. In detailing Hannibal's revenge plan, the film investigates the psychological implications of witnessing cannibalism to justify Hannibal's insatiable appetite for human flesh. The most interesting aspect of Hannibal Rising—its analytical connections drawn between Hannibal's childhood traumas and his murderous adult obsessions—is also the film's weak point. The links oversimplify Lecter's complex character. For example, though titillating to see flashbacks of Lecter's sister hacked up and boiled while Lecter visits a Parisian meat market, the reference is too obvious. One learns why he excels in his medical school classes dissecting cadavers, and we're given explicit explanation for why he slices off and eats his victims' cheeks. The story only complicates when Hannibal interacts with his sexy Aunt, Lady Murasaki (Gong Li). When Murasaki educates him in the art of beheading, the viewer sees Hannibal's sword fetish as a manifestation of physical lust. --Trinie Dalton

Description

(Horror/Suspense) The terrifying Silence of the Lambs prequel that reveals the history of the infamous Hannibal and how he came to be a cannibalistic murderer.

Customer Reviews:

Hannibal Rising.......2007-07-03

This film is excellent, the actors are great and the film is very welldone,the only thing which is missing is the CD of the music of the film. Katixa from PARIS France

It Started With Revenge and Ends With Disappointment..........2007-06-30

In the history of cinema there are many great cinematic villains that have terrified movie audiences over the years. Often times they are frightening in appearance or deeds, sometimes they are misunderstood or victims of circumstance, and they can even be so captivating that you can't help but pay attention to their many evil acts. These great villains range from the dreaded Darth Vader, to the slashers known as Freddy, Jason, and Leatherface, or the brilliant evil genius' of the James Bond films, to the most feared psychological villain of all time, Hannibal 'the cannibal' Lecter. Moviemakers lately have felt the need to explain the origins to some of cinema's classic villains from George Lucas' prequel trilogy of 'Star Wars' films, to Leatherface's lackluster origin story in "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning", the most recent addition to the list of villains getting the origin treatment would be Hannibal Lecter in the Weinstein Company's adaptation of Thomas Harris' novel, "Hannibal Rising".

"Hannibal Rising" is the origin story of Hannibal Lecter, showing how he went from being an innocent young boy in Lithuania to society's most deadly, cannibalistic serial killer. As a young boy in Lithuania, Hannibal witnessed the deaths of his parents in World War 2, leaving he and his sister Mischa to fend for themselves. Just when Hannibal thought things couldn't get worse, a group of militia men invade their home, taking Hannibal and Mischa hostage. Soon, food begins to become sparse, and the militia gets desperate and chooses to survive by taking Mischa's life for food. Some time after that, grown up and in college, Hannibal (Gaspard Ulliel), is mastering every course he takes, and well on his way to earning his doctorate. Little does his professors know that Hannibal hides a dark, deadly secret. In his own time he is obsessively pursuing the men that formed the militia that took his sister's life, and if there's one thing Hannibal intends to do when he finds them, it's take his pound of flesh for their crime.

The decision to make a prequel to the popular Hannibal Lecter trilogy of films seemed like a waste of time and space, simply a way for the studio to just cash in on the character's well-known name. Which left me feeling like this would be a pathetic movie, because more than likely not a single person associated with the previous films would be involved, and for the most part I was right on that count, but there was a glimmer of a chance that this movie would be more than expected. Shortly after the film was greenlit, it was announced that the movie was being written by none other than Thomas Harris, the creator of Hannibal Lecter, based on his novel of the same name that he was in the process of finishing up. With that prospect, I thought that "Hannibal Rising" (at the time the movie was being called "Young Hannibal") just may stand a chance of equaling its predecessors in terms of quality storytelling and acting that is among the best Hollywood has to offer.

Well, as good of a writer Thomas Harris is, or I should say was (his other three books in the Lecter series are great works of fiction), this novel and the screenplay that was based on it are far inferior to anything offered in the other installments. I was disappointed by the movie for several reasons; first I felt the actor chosen to portray young Hannibal was only okay. I understand he was trying to only give hints as to what this character will become later on, and I'll give it to the actor, there were a couple of times that I saw a glimpse of Anthony Hopkins' creepy portrayal seep in, but these were few and far between. For the most part the actor was just flat in his performance and apparently the only expression he really knew how to make was a snarl, he didn't really have any of the nuances that Anthony perfected in this character. Second, it seemed like Hannibal took to cannibalism a little too easily. I understand that he saw his sister suffer at the hands of evil militia men, and seeing that would definitely scar a young child, but when he kills the first soldier and commits his first act of cannibalism, there is no uncertainty or disdain for what he's doing. He simply does the deed, doesn't appear to be bothered by it, in fact he may even have enjoyed it (the movie really doesn't explain this), and moves on in search of the next victim on his list. Which brings me to my third problem with this movie; aside from revenge being his motive for killing the killers of his sister, he doesn't show any further conviction to commit murder. Leaving one to wonder why he continued after achieving his vengeance, did committing all those acts of murder and cannibalism become such an obsession for him outside of revenge that he just felt compelled to do more or what? This was an aspect that wasn't explained, and I felt should have been, especially since this was to be the origin of his evil life and a deep psychological profile into the why of his life of crime. Instead, Thomas Harris' screenplay and novel barely scratched the surface, no doubt because the Weinstein's are hoping to cash in on further installments of prequels, since Hopkins is probably through portraying the character. And my final complaint would have to be that there was no cameo by Anthony Hopkins, the least they could have done was bring him in during the final moments of the film to link it in to the other three. Instead, he gets his revenge, the story ends, and the credits roll. Nothing linking it in to the other films, aside from the name of the lead character.

"Hannibal Rising" is not the worst film ever made, it's actually an average movie, and if it was the first in the series to be made, it may have seemed better, but when comparing it to the other three already in the franchise, it pales in comparison. The other movies contained many psychological aspects to them, especially "The Silence of the Lambs", "Red Dragon" and "Hannibal" did to an extent just not as much, but this film didn't contain any. There was potential, especially given that Hannibal endured a horrific childhood which is the root of his evil, but aside from a few dream sequences we don't get much insight into his character, and the dreams only serve to show us exactly what the militia did to him and his sister. Which is probably where the biggest problem of this film lies, is that in trying to explain why Hannibal is who he is, the makers of the film try to make the audience feel sympathy for him. This is one of modern cinema's greatest movie villains, I don't want to feel sorry for him, I want to see what made him who he is. The filmmakers tried to accomplish the why of the character, but went about it wrong, all they explained was why he was killing the militia, it never explained why he felt the need to continue killing other people that weren't involved in his sister's death. So, because of that the audience feels that his killing is justified, at least in this movie (it's just a really sick brand of justice), and in doing so you sympathize with him. What this all boils down to is that the filmmakers, especially Thomas Harris, really dropped the ball on explaining the origin of Hannibal Lecter, opting simply to give audiences an average revenge tale, just a little gorier than most.

"Hannibal Rising" is unrated containing violence, gore, and language.

Boo, I'm so tired of this series.......2007-06-28

Ok, the first movie was shocking and told a gripping tale with a human
dimension, although decidedly opaque. Now it's just regurgitating.
Furthermore, if it has to be unrated to tell a story, forget about it.
There's enough real gore in the world as it is.

Sympathy for the Devil.......2007-06-28

Hannibal Rising suffered severely at the box office because it was implied in the trailers that we'd mainly see a young Hannibal Lecter slashing up the countryside. That kind of marketing certainly didn't lure me into theaters to see it, and--based on its less than $30 million box office gross--much of the public had the same sentiment.

At the end of May, Hannibal Rising gets released on DVD and the memory of the slash-'em-up trailer is still in my head, so I'm not compelled to see it, but 4 weeks later I finally do. And it turns out to be one of the better movies that I've seen this year.

Funny though...I'm not sure that I'd have appreciated Hannibal Rising as much without first seeing 1991's Silence of the Lambs The Silence of the Lambs (Two-Disc Collector's Edition) . Oh, it certainly isn't necessary to see Silence of the Lambs prior to seeing Hannibal Rising. Ironically, seeing Lambs before seeing this prequel just puts a better perspective on the things to come as you watch Lecter in his early years. It did for me anyway.

In Silence of the Lambs you fear Lecter and what he'll do next. In Hannibal Rising you actually find yourself rooting for him with a kind of sympathy. Hannibal Rising is more a story of revenge than it is a story about a serial killer...kind of like a Rambo First Blood (Special Edition) with class.

In Hannibal Rising, you get a great directorial from little known Peter Webber and a terrific performance out of mostly French film actor Gaspard Ulliel. In the beginning sequence Webber went a little overboard with getting us to believe that those who committed the atrocities that ultimately turned Lecter into what he bacame would all be so unified in the decision to commit the atrocities. But the movie really is done well overall and Ulliel played a masterfully diabolical young Hannibal Lecter.

So forget that the movie poster and DVD cover have a picture of Lecter in what looks like that this'll-prevent-you-from-bitng-me mask (turns out that's not what it is at all). And forget that the trailers showed mainly a young, sinister looking Hannibal Lecter as if about to cut someone open. Hannibal Rising ultimately is less gory than you probably think it will be, and less gory than 2001's Hannibal Hannibal . It's not a Horror movie. It's just a very good movie like 1986's Manhunter Manhunter (Restored Director's Cut Divimax Edition) and/or its 2002 remake Red Dragon Red Dragon - Collector's Edition (Widescreen) .

I wouldn't go so far as to say that Hannibal Rising is a classic, as Silence of the Lambs was, but it's very good. Fans of Lambs should take a chance with Hannibal Rising.

The missing story in the Lecter chronicles is his doings in the US leading up to his capture by FBI Agent Will Graham (between Hannibal Rising and Red Dragon). Can't wait.

Out For Revenge Or Made A Monster?.......2007-06-27

I just got done watching "Hannibal Rising" this evening. Hmmmm, not sure what to make of it! I've read and seen "Red Dragon" (which I loved by the way), "Silence of the Lambs", & "Hannibal"....

After reading many negative reviews for both the book and movie versions of "Hannibal Rising", I wasn't sure if I wanted anything to do with the book or the movie.... However, decided to watch the movie for myself and form my own opinion.

Honestly, I don't think "Hannibal Rising" is as bad as everyone has made it out to be. It is suppose to be a prequel, giving us the idea of why Hannibal is the way he is as an adult. I thought "Hannibal Rising" was suspenseful and well acted by the cast members. We see Hannibal as a monster out for revenge for those who killed his younger sister. This is where Hannibal begins to learn and refine his murderous appetite that we later refined when he becomes an adult..... What starts out as revenge turns into gruesome psychopathic behavior.

Ghost In The Shell - Solid State Society (Limited Edition)

Average customer rating:

Surely they could've done better...
Argueably the Best GIS yet
Full English Version
True to the Series
awesome

Ghost In The Shell - Solid State Society (Limited Edition)
Starring: Michael McCarty (III) , Dean Wein , Yutaka Nakano , Takashi Onozuka , and Joshua Seth
Director: Kenji Kamiyama
Manufacturer: Manga Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Anime & Manga | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

Ergo Proxy, Vol. 4: Wrong Way Home
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Volume 2 ( Limited Edition)
Ergo Proxy Vol. 3-Cytopropism
Ergo Proxy 5: Terra Incognita (Ws)
Black Lagoon Volume 2 Limited (w/ Dog Tag)

ASIN: B000PMGNK4
Release Date: 2007-07-03

Amazon.com

The television movie Ghost in the Shell: Solid State Society (2006) continues the adventures of the cast of Stand Alone Complex, the TV series based on Mamoru Oshii's watershed feature. It's been two years since Major Kusanagi left Public Security Section 9 and struck out on her own. Batou pursues only investigations that interest him. Togusa is in charge of the Section, largely by default. All three characters, plus Chief Aramaki and the Tachikoma robots, join in the investigation of a string of suicides by agents of a foreign general. The trail leads them to a terrorist plot involving micro-machines created to release a deadly virus, and to the master-hacker known as the Puppeteer. The depiction of a corrupt politician using resources earmarked for the care of an aging population for his own ends reflects recent scandals in Japan. But Solid State Society feels derivative. The plot borrows heavily from the "Laughing Man" storyline, and the general lack of inspiration is evident in the failure to resolve the mystery satisfactorily.

The Limited Edition includes a music CD and a second DVD of extras, among them notes on designing the futuristic vehicles in the film, and an interview with Mitsuhisa Ishikawa of Production I.G., all packaged in a metal box. (Rated 13 and older: violence, grotesque imagery) --Charles Solomon

Customer Reviews:

Surely they could've done better..........2007-07-02

Ghost in the Shell's success has always been a bit of a fluke, as it was to be Appleseed that was Shirow's magnum opus. I really wanted to like Solid State Society, I really did, but just found it to be very lacking.

The first season of Stand Alone was amazing, as it managed to capture some of the feel of the comic: counter terrorist ops fighting terrorists and drinkin a cold one afterwards. Second season was passable, grasping at straws to develop characters meant to be nothing more than a talking head or plot device, plus the inclusion of a Mary Sue villain.

Still, I'd hoped that all the money that the GitS property has made studio IG over the years could've produced something better than what was essentially an almost two hour episode of Stand Alone with at most three minutes of amazing action animation.

Had they simply retold the classic Puppet Master story from the comic using the Stand Alone characters, it could've been a much better movie. The further GitS breaks from the original source material (specifically the original comic run), generally the weaker it becomes. I can't help but think that by borrowing more heavily from Man Machine Interface (particularly the whole rogue Motoko and Motoko's split consciousness bit), Solid State Society lost the potential to be an action packed thriller to wrap up the series in a hail of gun-fire and car chases. It all felt rather unsatisfying.

After the unyieldingly convoluted, pandering, and nearly unreadable debacle that was Man Machine Interface, I hope, as a Shirow fan, that the Ghost in the Shell franchise can be laid to rest with some of its dignity in tact; a solemn procession that should not end with a 21 gun salute, but rather a crudely drawn Batou going colon "d" while firing a miniature shoulder mounted rocket into the air.

Argueably the Best GIS yet.......2007-06-16

Not since they pulled out the concept in the first GIS movie that the build up of information at nodes in the sea of information could result in a self maintaining/regulating entity have I been so blown away by an idea in an Anime film. Batou, Togusa, and the whole gang are on the job, but where is the Major? Some hard hitting criminal is up to something with people dying or disappearing or simply just being erased from the sea of information. The Major is missing AND their is a new criminal about, who could it be?

Well, this film take political science fiction to its height, and also does very nicely with the technology and action aspects. And the ending is friggin phenomenal. Sure the GIS has always been wonderful with its ability to paint the world in shades of gray, or at least to say that sometimes the black is the better choice over the white, but in this story, the viewer will find it impossible to make a judement call on which side was fighting for the greater good.

BTW, watching these movies in English is pathetic because they choose voices that seem appropriate for Children's Cartoons. Be serious, GIS is absolutely not for children, if, IF, they can comprehend the concepts being thrown around, there is no way they can actually appreciate them.

Full English Version.......2007-06-12

I saw this movie for the first time on Sci-Fi Channel's Ani-Monday. I was getting ready to call it a night when this was advertised as being next and had to stay up and watch it. It's a very well done movie with a lot of feeling of the first movie that was brought to the series. Alot of things have changed, alot of feelings are different, but it's all very good. I think I saw an edited version but for the most part it was very well done. All the original cast has returned to do the voices so there's no problem with the english subtitles or with dubbing. Overall it was a good movie.

True to the Series.......2007-06-11

This film is one of the best things that I have seen come out of the GITS franchise. I have watched the movie several times, each time enjoying even more. I would give a description of the plot, but I will not ruin it for you. My only complaint about Solid State Society is that it borrows ideas from both of the feature-length movies. If you liked GITS: SAC, and most specially 2nd GIG, you will enjoy this movie.

Note: It is dubbed in English, unlike Innocence. Amazon just has that fact incorrect

awesome.......2007-06-10

i downloaded a torrent of the jap version of this and im still buying the english dvd. the premisie is prettty simple a computer master mind is getting bots to kill them selves. over all an exelent movie, while not as visually stunning as innocence it raises the bar in terms of storytelling. if u pick this up you will not be dissapointed.

Beverly Hills, 90210 - The Complete Second Season

Average customer rating:

Love this show!!!
Quitaron la música original
90210 Fan
90210 Season 2 rocks!
Bevery Hills 90210 Second Season

Beverly Hills, 90210 - The Complete Second Season
Director: Jason Priestley , Robert Weaver (III) , Richard Lang , Bethany Rooney , and Tori Spelling
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000MGBSHQ
Release Date: 2007-05-01

Amazon.com

From a pregnancy scare and a psycho girlfriend to a cameo by Color Me Badd, Beverly Hills 90210's sophomore year demonstrates why this was "the greatest TV show in history with a zip code in its title." That's what comedians John Aboud and Michael Colton (Best Week Ever) call it in a very entertaining bonus feature that affectionately roasts 90210 from its so-the-drama melodramatics to its stuck-in-the-'90s fashion sense (high-waisted jeans, buttoned-up shirts, and whatever the heck you call the outrageous wardrobe worn by Brian Austin Green's David). This is the season that catapulted 90210 from Most Likely to Succeed to BSOF (Best Show on Fox). Certainly, it was must-see viewing for teens who anxiously tuned in each week to vicariously chart the serial adventures of siblings Brenda (Shannon Doherty) and older brother Brandon (Jason Priestley), recent transplants from Minnesota to glitzy Beverly Hills. Season 2, one of the best in this series' decade-long run, is one for the time capsule, with episodes and story arcs that loom large in the 90210 phenomenon, among them: Brenda's tempestuous, on-and-off-again relationship with soulful bad boy Dylan (Luke Perry in his instantly iconic role), causing rifts between her and her increasingly disapproving parents; new girl Emily Valentine (Christine Elise) going all Fatal Attraction on Brandon (no rabbits are boiled but a homecoming float is in jeopardy); Kelly (Jennie Garthhooking up with Melrose Place-bound Jake (Grant Show), and Donna (Tori Spelling) in her mermaid Halloween costume.

Degrassi Jr. High has nothing on 90210 when it comes to issues-oriented episodes. Not four minutes into the season opener, Brenda announces she is five days "late." "I love Dylan, and I thought I knew what we were doing" she tells BFFs Kelly and Donna, "but I'm beginning to get the feeling that it wasn't worth it." Other episodes address abstinence, child abuse, the physically challenged, sexual orientation, racism, rape, and steroids. A heartbreaking story arc concerns David shunning his former best friend, Scott, who returns from an Oklahoma vacation all urban cowboy, making him even more of an outcast with the popular kids. "Cool it with the guns," David cautions, foreshadowing tragic events to come in the episode "The Next 50 Years." Throwing something of a wet blanket on precious memories of the show is the substitution of generic songs for 90210's originally killer soundtracks of alternative and classic rock and golden oldies. One would think that the Peach Pit has the lamest jukebox on Earth. --Donald Liebenson

Product Description

One of the definitive, landmark shows of the 1990s, 90210 quickly became an important fixture on the FOX and in the popular discourse of adolescents and young adults. The second season's main characters, Dylan, Kelly, Donna, Steve, David, Andrea and twins Brandon and Brenda all attended West Beverly Hills High School. Brandon and Brenda Walsh and their parents, transplants from Minneapolis were the stable nuclear family with strong values; their home was a safe haven for the whole gang and the center of much of the drama. The show dealt with a steady stream of love triangles and other romantic entanglements and occasionally touched on more serious issues as well.

Customer Reviews:

Love this show!!!.......2007-07-05

I am a huge fan of 90210 and always was I am so happy they have the season 1 & 2 out on dvd. Wish they did not have to change the music as it is a bit weird with the new songs etc. But still the same great show and I couldn't be more happy...Hope season 3 is out soon.

Quitaron la música original.......2007-06-28

Me encanta el show, lo he grabado y visto mil veces, y queria tenerlo en DVD, pero la música importante ha sido toda retirada por simples fondos musicales sin autor. Esto hace de las escenas que sean realmente diferentes. Se que costarían mas los DVDs con la música original, pero creo que nosotros los consumidores estariamos mas comodos pagando un poco mas por un producto mejor.

90210 Fan.......2007-06-11

If you are a fan of the show you need Season 2. Totally takes you back to the 90's.

90210 Season 2 rocks!.......2007-06-08

The DVDs are awesome! I'm a big fan of 90210! Can't wait for season 3 to come out!

Bevery Hills 90210 Second Season.......2007-06-08

Delivery was on time and product was in perfect condition!! Thanks!!

Average customer rating:

"You're nothing but waste and disappointment!"
pitiful
Typical
Great fun!
Highly Recommend, Good, Solid Movie.

Notes on a Scandal
Starring: Judi Dench , Cate Blanchett , Tom Georgeson , Michael Maloney , and Joanna Scanlan
Director: Richard Eyre
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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

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

The Queen
The Last King of Scotland (Widescreen Edition)
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ASIN: B000NIVJFY
Release Date: 2007-04-17

Amazon.com

Gold stars to all for this taut psychological thriller based on Zoe Heller's novel that that gets more insidiously twisted as it unfolds. Oscar-nominated for her chilling performance, Dame Judi Dench gives a master class as schoolteacher Barbara Covett, a frumpy, friendless, and flinty spinster who lives with her cat. A formidable presence, Barbara is standoffish with colleagues and not one for students to trifle with (not that they'd dare). Cate Blanchett, also an Oscar nominee and winner of several critics society awards for her impassioned performance, costars as Sheba Hart, the new, overwhelmed art teacher who first becomes enthrall to Barbara after she steps in to help Sheba discipline unruly students. Barbara cultivates a friendship, and insinuates herself into Sheba's chaotic life, which includes her older husband (Bill Nighy), teenage daughter, and a son with Down's syndrome. Then, Barbara catches the reckless Sheba in a compromising position with a 15-year-old student (Andrew Simpson). Seizing her opportunity, the calculating Barbara does not turn her in. Rather, she wants to "help" her. "She's the one I've been waiting for," she writes in the journals she meticulously keeps, and which provide, in voiceover, her corrosive commentary. This all sounds very Fatal Attraction, but no boiling rabbits, please; we're British. Philip Glass's Oscar-nominated score accentuates the growing menace. Though there is little in these characters to admire, (one would think GLAAD would have something to say about the predatory turn Barbara's character takes), Notes on a Scandal is a compelling tour-de-force for its Grade-A cast. --Donald Liebenson

Notes on a Scandal Extras

Cate Blanchett and Judi Dench on their characters in the film

Beyond Notes on a Scandal

Book to Movie Adaptations
More Cate Blanchett Films
What Was She Thinking? Notes on a Scandal: A Novel

Stills from Notes on a Scandal

Description

Academy Award(r) winners Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett give wickedly entertaining, Oscar-nominated performances * ? one as a woman consumed by her colleague's guilty secret, the other, a victim to her own dark obsessions ? in this sexy, stylish thriller. Dench mesmerizes as Barbara Covett, a teacher who rules over her classroom with an iron fist, yet leads a desperate, solitary life outside it. That is, until she meets radiant new art teacher Sheba Hart (Blanchett). Although at first overjoyed with her newfound kindred spirit, when Barbara discovers that Sheba is having an affair with a teenage student, her jealously and rage spiral out of control.

Customer Reviews:

"You're nothing but waste and disappointment!".......2007-07-03

Cate Blanchett delivers another great performance as a lust-crazed, almost-40 teacher looking for illicit, illegal love in the arms of a 15 yo student. I found the film quite fascinating and very disturbing. The director uses Judi Dench's and Cate's acting brilliance to create a raw intensity that comes from watching adults at their most debased. The magnetism that draws the creepy spinster Dench into an obsessive adulation of Cate's character is true even for the viewer. Blanchett is so beautiful and full of live that the audience can't help but like her. This affection makes her fall from grace all the more shocking. The film was clearly inspired by recent events in America, and the director created a really fine film from such sordid material. Any true fan of Cate Blanchett must see this film!

pitiful.......2007-07-01

An extremely disturbing movie with no clear moral or even comic relief. I can't remember a single character who exhibited good judgement or self-control. Of course with moral relativity in vogue, the suggestion that one should exercise self-restraint or that there even is good and bad is old-fashioned and bigoted.

But if you want to see graphic scenes of Cate Blanchett having sex with a smallish 15 year old boy or an elderly lady lusting after Cate, then this is your movie.

Typical.......2007-06-29

Once again, modern cinema cannot resist the urge to set up and then tear down symbols of moral authority, which this film gleefully does by making a pinata out of Judi Dench's character. Behind every judgmental facade, preaches the movie, lies a twisted and lonely soul who lacks the courage to indulge her passions in the way that Cate Blanchett's character does (and whose atrocious behavior is ultimately portrayed as less culpable than Dench's). Sorry, but no matter how well acted this film was, it's the same old slashing and burning of any remaining pockets of piety.

Great fun!.......2007-06-18

After an uncomfortable hour of Middle Class coffee table navel gazing I decided "Scandal" was best treated as a comedy. A southern gothic like "Whatever Happened To Baby Jane" transposed to Blighty.

A hoot!

Highly Recommend, Good, Solid Movie........2007-06-17

This is my favorite movie with Cate Blanchett of all time. She plays the character of a wife and mother of 2, and now a school teacher. The turmoil she creates in her life seems like it is done because she is simply bored, and wants some adventure. She is beautiful, captivating, and sexy.

She becomes friendly with the character Barbara, played by Judy Dench, who is a fellow school teacher. She becomes entranced with Cate. As the movie progresses, she wants more and more of her attention, and the intimate secret they share becomes more and more convoluted.

Judy Dench is wonderful, she is eerie yet something about her character feels so familiar and close to home.

Highly recommend as a good, solid movie.

Average customer rating:

We Love It!
Great Family Viewing
old time beauty salon
Classic Waltons
GREAT DVD's set.

The Waltons - The Complete Fifth Season
Starring: Ronnie Claire Edwards , Nora Marlowe , Richard Gilliland , and Robert Donner
Director: Alf Kjellin , Gabrielle Beaumont , Richard Chaffee , Jack Shea (III) , and Larry Stewart
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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Drama | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

Television | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

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

The Waltons - The Complete Fourth Season
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The Homecoming
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ASIN: B000MQ58WM
Release Date: 2007-05-08

Amazon.com

The Waltons: The Complete Fifth Season finds the Depression-era, Blue Ridge Mountains family a little more in touch with the outside world, largely because of the aspirations of the growing Walton children. The most dramatic example, over numerous epsiodes, results from the assertiveness of professional journalist John-Boy (Richard Thomas) as he insists on publishing national and international news in the small-circulation Blue Ridge Chronicle he writes, edits, and publishes. A lot of people in the county are mystified as to why John-Boy would want to bring Walton's Mountain closer to epochal events in Germany, or why he would choose to provide coverage of the Hindenburg zeppelin's aerial triumphs despite its link to the Nazis. Yet John-Boy is just as interested in his backyard as the world stage: In season opener "The First Edition," he stands up to strong pressure to kill a story about a judge whose drunk-driving offense causes costly property damage. In "The Fire Storm," locals are appalled when he prints excerpts from Hitler's Mein Kampf in order to make readers aware of what kind of madman the German chancellor is.

While John-Boy stands up to popular opinion, brother Jason (Jon Walmsley), a talented musician, has to take a job playing piano at a roadhouse to make up for the loss of his college scholarship. The decision doesn't go down too well with the Walton women, but Jason's presence at the Dew Drop Inn allows for some interesting scenes over the course of the season, none more so than the unexpected visit of a fire-and-brimstone evangelist in "The Baptism." In that same show, father John Walton, played by Ralph Waite, notorious in his Christian community for eschewing church services, faces renewed pressure from wife Olivia (Michael Learned) to accept her faith, making for one of the most interesting episodes of the season. Meanwhile, John-Boy's sister, Mary Ellen (Judy Norton), is wooed by a couple of different men and hears wedding bells with one of them. She also pursues her nursing degree and misdiagnoses an ailment of Grandma Esther (Ellen Corby), resulting in long-term hospitalization and no end of grief for Grandpa Zeb (Will Geer). The other, increasingly restless Walton boys and girls grab their share of the spotlight, too, but The Complete Fifth Season is, once again, John-Boy's year, capped by dramatic developments in his career and vision of himself. --Tom Keogh

Description

Front-page news! The Blue Ridge Chronicle hits the streets, with publisher John-Boy Walton covering everything from a local break-in (Ben is among the suspects) to his eyewitness account of the crash of the Hindenburg. And, in a story filled with surprises and a ceremony filled with beauty, Mary Ellen becomes the first Walton child to marry. More adventures await, including Jason's job in a honkytonk, Grandma's set-to with the minister, and an exciting, heartwarming Christmas episode that's sure to become a holiday favorite with your family. And along the way old friends return, new friends arrive and the family bedrock of love endures in this 5-Disc, 24-Episode Season-5 Set of one of television's most enduring series.

Customer Reviews:

We Love It!.......2007-07-03

Thank you for providing access to these great family shows. I grew up watching all of these in the 70's, and I love seeing them again. My husband and I just had a baby, and we plan to show these DVDs to our child some day, as well. They just don't make the same quality t.v. shows the way they used to. I can't wait for the next season of The Waltons to become available... will you notify me?

Thanks!
Brenda P.

Great Family Viewing.......2007-06-27

I'm so glad there are DVDs of this best of all family programs. We need more shows like this to watch over and over again. It is nice to have the collection to view when there is nothing worth my time on TV.

old time beauty salon.......2007-06-17

As I am trying to recreate a 1930's beauty salon, I found that the episode, The Rebellion, was right on target. Not only is the beauty salon seemingly authentic, so is the perm machine that is being used. Steam was shown rising from the head! Seeing this helped me understand what I should see with my own perm machine for my videos. For those intrigued by beauty salons of days past, I highly recommend the 5th season of the Waltons, even just for this one episode!

Classic Waltons.......2007-06-17

The 5th season is the last with the full cast and it is very good. We are already about 12 episodes in and there have been many changes during that time. For one the kids all seem to be growing up rapidly and there has already been a marriage this season. It's a great joy to be able to view these again as the last time I saw them was with my grandparents when they were originally aired on TV. The Waltons is still one of the best shows ever to grace the TV screen. What can I say if you like The Waltons then go get it now; you won't be sorry.

GREAT DVD's set........2007-06-11

These are a great purchase for someone who was a Waltons fan. And even if you weren't it is a great addition to your DVD collection and very good for your children to watch.

Average customer rating:

Michael Moore is "slightly" over the Top
A poorly argued liberal rant.
great documentary movie
Good but a little sensational
Fahrenheit 9/11

Fahrenheit 9/11
Starring: John Ashcroft (II) , James Baker III , James Bath , Khalil Bin Laden , and Stephen G. Breyer
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

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

Bowling for Columbine
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An Inconvenient Truth

ASIN: B00005JNEI
Release Date: 2004-10-05

Amazon.com

To anyone who truly understands what it means to be an American, Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11 should be seen as a triumph of patriotic freedom. Rarely has the First Amendment been exercised with such fervor and forthrightness of purpose: After subjecting himself to charges of factual errors in his gun-lobby exposé Bowling for Columbine, Moore armed himself with a platoon of reputable fact-checkers, an abundance of indisputable film and video footage, and his own ironically comedic sense of righteous indignation, with the singular intention of toppling the war-ravaged administration of President George W. Bush. It's the Bush presidency that Moore, with his provocative array of facts and figures, blames for corporate corruption, senseless death, unnecessary war, and political favoritism toward Osama Bin Laden's family and Saudi oil partners following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Moore's incendiary film earned Palme d'Or honors at Cannes and a predictable legion of detractors, but do yourself a favor: Ignore those who condemn the film without seeing it, and let the facts speak for themselves. By honoring American soldiers and the victims of 9/11 while condemning Bush's rationale for war in Iraq, Fahrenheit 9/11 may actually succeed in turning the tides of history. --Jeff Shannon

Description

In the most provocative film of the year, Academy Award-winner Michael Moore presents a searing examination of the role played by greed and oil in the wake of the tragic events of 9/11. From Academy-Award winning director Michael Moore (Bowling for Columbine). WINNER, Palme D'Or Award at the Cannes Film Festival, BEST PICTURE. DVD features:

* "The Release of Fahrenheit 9/11" featurette
* "Iraq, Pre-War" featurette: The people of Iraq on the eve of invasion
* "Homeland security, Miami style" featurette: Footage of the old men who patrol the Florida coast lookng for terrorists as part of the homeland security plan
* "Outside Abu Ghraib Prison"
* Eyewitness account from Samara, Iraq
* "Lila, D.C.": Lila Lipscomb at the Washington, D.C. premiere
* Arab-American comedians: Their acts and experiences after 9/11
* Extended interview: More with Abdul Henderson
* "Condi 9/11": Condoleezza Rice's 9/11 Commission testimony
* "Bush Rose Garden": George W. Bush's full press briefing after 9/11 Commission appearance

Customer Reviews:

Michael Moore is "slightly" over the Top.......2007-07-05

This film is a good portrayal of the the dissentinting notion to the lies that Bush and his addman Cheney were presenting to US and to the world prior to the Iraq invasion. Unfortunately, most of us bought it. For me, unlike Hillary and most of the rest of the cadidates who seem to have a hard time recognizing true religious extremism (narrow mindedness), or comment on it, and the politicians who have endeavored to use that extremism to further their re-election ambitions the Bush-Cheney ploy to advance himself power-wise, has been lost. We live in, as always, a likely difficult world if we are not in the right place at the right time with the right look for our purposes. I think Michael Moore did a good job in affirming that perception.

A poorly argued liberal rant........2007-06-30

I am about as liberal as they come and I couldn't stand this movie. Completely ignoring the fact that this movie has very little in common with real documentaries, this movie begins with a rambling, incoherent conclusion that repetitiously attacks Bush and his administration in every way conceivably possible. Now, I realize most of us already have opinions on a subject and it is good to be honest about the fact that none of us can truly be impartial. But the whole point of a well-crafted argument is that you provide your audience with copious evidence, and you present it in such an artful way that the audience reaches your conclusion by themselves by the end of the movie. This even-handed persuasion obviously escapes Moore, as the first few minutes of the movie consist of a very hateful rant about Bush and his policies. Only after this rant does Moore begin to provide any evidence as to why we should hate Bush. The feeling I got from the movie was of a little kid tattletaling on his older brother. That's not to say I don't agree with the general conclusions. But the point of a movie like this should be persuasion. Liberals don't need convincing that Bush is despicable. It's the moderates and conservatives who need persuading, and this crude and poorly put together "documentary" surely is not going to do that.

great documentary movie.......2007-06-25

This movie makes you think. This movie is kinda biased and a lot of clips were taken way out of context. For example, the clip where Britney Spears says " we should all support our president Bush" was take out of context much like the American soldiers in Iraq acting psychotic and making them seem like they lost it and were killing everyone randomly. But yes, the Bush administration and politicians and the goverenment in general are all corrupt and evildoers. This is how the American society is. The rich justs keeps getting richer and the middle and lower class are becoming poorer. And everything in our society is in favor of the rich. For example, Paris Hilton. If the Paris Hilton incident happened to someone else that person would've been behind bars for 5 to 10 years. But poor Paris was whining and crying and said "this isn't right" by serving only 20 something days. Our US laws and our government are a big joke.

Good but a little sensational.......2007-06-20

Worth watching, and full of good facts. I admit I prefer my documentaries a little less "sensational" just put the facts out there and let people judge. But that's just me other people find that boring...

Fahrenheit 9/11.......2007-06-13

Excellent movie - sad, but true! A must see for everyone in this country.

Average customer rating:

One damn awful film!
Love and Sex
Huh?
so-so
could a movie be any duller?

9 songs - Unrated Full Uncut Version
Starring: Kieran O'Brien , Margo Stilley , Huw Bunford , Cian Ciaran , and The Dandy Warhols
Director: Michael Winterbottom
Manufacturer: Tartan Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Lie With Me
Intimacy (Unrated, Widescreen Edition)
The Dreamers (Original Uncut NC-17 Version)
Romance
Devil in the Flesh

ASIN: B000BGH29K
Release Date: 2005-11-22

Amazon.com

Maverick director Michael Winterbottom wondered about the double standard of why novels can have explicit sex scenes and be legit and films could not. So his short film of a relationship based solely on sex and a love for music is the result of that thought. If the definition of a porn film is to shoot actors performing graphic sex scenes for real, then 9 Songs qualifies. It certainly doesn't feel or look like your standard whoopdee-do XXX feature. It's as glossy and low-budget arty as Winterbottom's 24 Hour Party People or I Want You. But yeah, Matt and Lisa do everything to each other, and the actors are not "just acting" in some of the sex scenes. No matter how landmark the movie might be, there is not much story here (at least a book with hot sex often has a good story to it). Lisa is an American drifter in London who hooks up with Matt, a scientist who studies glaciers in Antarctica. They have sex and visit nine rock concerts including Franz Ferdinand and The Dandy Warhols. As advertised, you can't find these musical performances anywhere else, but we just see them from way back in the crowd. The film has an essence of how someone can find bliss in another person's body, and the emotional, magical weight that can hold over you. But that spell doesn't last. Since the sex is real, Winterbottom had to cast unknown actors, and they really don't make an impression, especially with the lack of story. --Doug Thomas

Description

Matt, a young glaciologist, soars across the vast, silent, icebound immensities of the South Pole as he recalls his love affair with Lisa. They meet at a mobbed rock concert in a vast music hall - London's Brixton Academy. They are in bed at night's end. Together, over a period of several months, they pursue a mutual sexual passion whose stages unfold in counterpoint to nine live-concert songs. Featuring nine live concert performances not available anywhere else by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Von Bondies, Elbow, Primal Scream, The Dandy Warhols, Super Furry Animals, Franz Ferdinand and Michael Nyman. Special features include a Concert Performance-only option.

Customer Reviews:

One damn awful film!.......2007-07-03

Please, dont anyone tell me this is some erotic Romeo and Juliet, dont anyone complain about this film being 'too explicit' this film is bad because.....well it is just plain awful.

Two ugly students, one an American with an accent so anoying that it makes you want to punch her the second an Englishman so boring you wish he would fall down one of those glaciers he is exploring meet up, go to so called 'indie' shows down the Brixton academy, have sex a few times, make a pathetic attempt to take drugs, argue a bit, then brake up. Just about sums up the film.

If this is what anyone realy considers a good plot consider putting a gun to your head and putting yourself out of your misery. So what there are '9 songs' in the film and that is some kind of clever link to the title, so what? If anyone thinks two half starved students engaging in sex is erotic well.....er each to their own I guess.

In this world the director used amature actors, I hear in Road to Guantanimo he did the same. I can only asume that in 9 songs he used the same format because these two planks cant possibly be professional actors. I even watched the extra footage which included an interview with the main actress who is even more anoying in real life than she is when she is making her poor attempt at acting.

Awful film, avoid at all costs. I shudder at the thought of this film as I write this review.

Love and Sex.......2007-06-05

I thought that this film did a great job in depicting modern life, especially that of a young urbanite.

Much has been said in the reviews about the reliance on sex to underline the story and to be honest doesn't sex underpin much of our lives?

I like the fact that the sex is less overt at the start of the film; though it is happening we get only glimpses and teasing rather than a full on show (a likeness to those first exploratory forays with a new lover?), however as the couple relax further into their relationship the sex becomes more selfish and frank. By the final act of the film, as the relationship begins to fail, the sex is at it's most explicit (shown in sun drenched hues, lazy and slow - often the indicator of romance in films), but in this case the realty of boredom and routine.

I enjoyed the film though, like most, I found some of the sex shocking. But it made me think and, it certainly felt like a real place and not some cinematic creation.

Huh?.......2007-05-14

This movie was very hard to follow. The only thing I got was the fact that
she left him at the end. I didn't care for it too much.

so-so.......2007-05-12

Film started off ok but after a bit it wasb very repetative and boring.

could a movie be any duller?.......2007-04-16

A not too good looking guy meets a really skinny girl at a rock concert. He takes her home and they do it. They see another band, and they do it some more. And so it goes on. And then the girl leaves and the guy resumes his job studying antarctic ice. End of story.
What we see: Medium-core porn that never becomes interesting, let alone exciting. A couple of rock bands that sound pretty much the same and look pretty much the same. Oh, and Michael Nyman playing the piano for an enjoyable minute or three.
What we learn: Rock may not be dead, but it's seriously ill. Porn may not be an artform, but it IS a craft and it DOES require skill and the power to convince - and boy, are these 'actors' and director powerless.

Average customer rating:

The Roadshow Is Unwatchable
great movie deserves better
The Roadshow Version
McQueen's finest dramatic acting...
More details on this new DVD release...

The Sand Pebbles
Starring: Steve McQueen , Richard Attenborough , Richard Crenna , Candice Bergen , and Emmanuelle Arsan
Director: Robert Wise
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

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

Von Ryan's Express (Special Edition)
Nevada Smith
The Caine Mutiny (Collector's Edition)
Fantastic Voyage (Special Edition)
Papillon

ASIN: B000O78L00
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Amazon.com

Following the success of The Sound of Music, director Robert Wise chose to film Robert McKenna's prize-winning 1962 novel, The Sand Pebbles--an ambitious choice for a director at the peak of his career. Shot in Taiwan and Hong Kong, the film combines historical sweep and intimate human drama in several parallel stories, all revolving around U.S. Navy machinist's mate Jake Holman (Steve McQueen). Holman is a skillful but fiercely independent sailor who joins the "sand pebble" crew of the U.S.S. San Pablo, a Navy gunboat patrolling the Yangtze River on the eve of the Chinese revolution in 1926. The San Pablo's inexperienced captain (Richard Crenna) obsessively defends the Navy's mission--however unnecessary or unwanted--to protect American missionaries and businessmen, blind to the more dangerous implications of American involvement with China's opposing political factions.

Holman is a defiant voice of humanity in this clash between outmoded values and inevitable change; his final line of dialogue ("What the hell happened?") is a tragic summation of misguided policy, expressing the film's criticism of the Vietnam War. Rather than preach, however, Wise lets McKenna's potent drama emerge from finely-drawn relationships--between Holman and a young American teacher (19-year-old Candice Bergen, in her second film); between Holman and the Chinese "coolie" (Mako) whose heartbreaking fate transcends all issues of racial or political difference; and between crewmate "Frenchy" Burgoyne (Richard Attenborough) and the Chinese woman he's sworn to love and protect at all costs. Combined with the film's colorful supporting cast, adventurous scope, and climactic battle scenes, these personal dynamics bring substance and spirit to a complex story of good intentions gone awry. --Jeff Shannon

Description

"The Sand Pebbles" tells many stories. It's the story of China, a slumbering giant that rouses itself to the cries of it's people - and of the Americans who are caught in its blood awakening. It's the story of Frenchy (Richard Attenborough), a crewman on the U.S.S. San Pablo who kidnaps his Chinese bride from the auction block. It's the story of Shirley (Candice Bergen), a teacher and her first unforgettable taste of love. It's the story of Captain Collins (Richard Crenna), ready to defy anyone for his country's defense. Most of all, it's the story of Jake Holman (Steve McQueen), a sailor who has given up trying to make peace with anything - including himself. McQueen gives what is probably the best performance of his career. It's not surprising that he, Mako and the movie were up for Oscars. Portraying a character with conflicting loyalties to friend and flag, McQueen expertly conveys the confusion that leads into his final line: "What the hell happened?" It's to his credit that we already know.

Customer Reviews:

The Roadshow Is Unwatchable.......2007-06-15

I was looking forward to seeing the roadshow edition of this film with the extra footage, but who decided to just copy over a faded and overly red copy of it? I gave up halfway through; it's just unwatchable and hard on the eyes. They should have done what Fox did with "South Pacific": insert the faded footage into the pristine shorter version. Then your eyes would get a rest. This would be a five-star package were it not for the mishandling of the roadshow edition. Buy it if you don't own the film, because it's a very good picture with good acting of an engrossing story. If you already have it, don't bother spending the extra money.

great movie deserves better.......2007-06-14

Why do companies keep putting out dual discs? Everyone I talk to hates them and I personally will not buy them. This is such a let down for me. I have noticed a lot of new releases with 4.0 or 2.0 or even mono sound!!! Is this the 21st century with new technology or are we regressing with our technology? Every single new dvd release should be in both 5.1 and 5.1 dts and the option of the original sound! I personally am tired of the repackaging and lack of quality special features ( fluff )The only way the companies will change is the way you spend your money. They did alot of good things on this edition and then get cheap with making one disc a dual disc. DO NOT BUY DUAL DISCS!!!! This is another special edition that should have been re-mixed in 5.1 and made to 3 discs if it would not fit on 2!!!! I vote " NO BUY " The same goes for Von Ryans express ( 2.0 )

The Roadshow Version.......2007-06-13

No stars would be better for this version of the movie.Why did Fox release it? Its colourless just reddish. I was looking forward to view this version of the movie it being longer than the theatrical version but I just could not watch it. Can someone at Fox explain please??? Was that the only print of this version available??? As for the theatrical version and all the other features they get 5 out of 5 stars despite the roadshow version its still worth it to buy this DVD

McQueen's finest dramatic acting..........2007-06-06

I could talk forever about this movie, but I don't want to take the joy out of your watching it for youself. I'll just say this...the scene where Steve is involved in the mercy-killing of his coulee has got to be one of the very greatest in screen history. The intensity of Steve's fine acting draws you into the moment and Jerry Goldsmith's haunting score leaves you with a lump in your throat and tear in your eye. First class movie-making all around due to the thoroughly adept direction of screen master Robert Wise. It's a crime that McQueen got stiffed for Best Actor at the Oscars that year, giving it instead to the Brits, for Paul Scofield's portrayal of Sir Thomas More in "A Man For All Seasons". I don't believe Steve ever attended the Academy Awards again after that. In the words of Jake Holman, "What the hell happened?"

More details on this new DVD release..........2007-05-01

Features on this 2-Disc Special Edition include...

Specs:
* 2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
* English DD4.0 Surround and Stereo
* French Mono
* English, French and Spanish subtitles

Disc 1:
* Anamorphic Widescreen Feature (Theatrical Version)
* Audio Commentary by Director Robert Wise and actors Candice Bergen, Mako & Richard Crenna
* Isolated score and FX with commentary by Music Producer Nick Redman, Film Music Historian Jon Burlingame, Screenwriter (The Limey, Dark City) and Film Historian Lem Dobbs

Disc 2 (Side A):
* Roadshow Version Feature
* Robert Wise Roadshow Intro
* Richard Zanuck Roadshow Intro

Disc 2 (Side B):
* "The Making Of Sand Pebbles" Featurettes (view individually or play all)
* Side Bars:
o Steve McQueen Remembered
o Robert Wise In Command
o China 1926
* From FOX Vault:
o A Ship Called SAN PABLO- Narrated by Richard Attenborough
o The Secret of the SAN PABLO- Narrated by Richard Crenna
* Radio Documentaries Narrated by Richard Attenborough:
o Changsha Bund and the Streets of Taipei
o A Ship Called SAN PABLO
* Radio Spots:
o 2:00 of audio over static image
* Theatrical Trailer
* Still Galleries
* MAD Magazine's THE "SAM PEBBLES"

Ghost In The Shell - Solid State Society

Average customer rating:

Sweet!
True to the Series
Delving into a detailed universe...
Another Star in the GitS Series
Much better than the serials

Ghost In The Shell - Solid State Society
Starring: Michael McCarty (III) , Dean Wein , Yutaka Nakano , Takashi Onozuka , and Joshua Seth
Director: Kenji Kamiyama
Manufacturer: Manga Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, 2nd GIG, Volume 07 (Episodes 24-26)
Ergo Proxy, Vol. 4: Wrong Way Home
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, 2nd GIG, Volume 05 (Episodes 17-20)
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Volume 2
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, 2nd GIG, Volume 03 (Episodes 9-12)

ASIN: B000PWQPAC
Release Date: 2007-07-03

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Sweet!.......2007-06-12

Every instalment of this series leaves me in awe. It was great to see all the familiar faces and hear some new tunes from Yoko Kano.

True to the Series.......2007-06-11

Delving into a detailed universe..........2007-05-28

Solid State Society is hopefully a sign of what is to come in the world of Ghost in the Shell. After Stand Alone Complex's 2nd GIG, I was definitely left with a slightly bitter aftertaste. The pacing of the 2nd GIG felt uneven and the story felt more convoluted than tastefully complex, creating an adequate but not perfect addition to the GitS series. However, Solid State Society takes the best from the Stand Alone Complex series and in little under two hours presents a story as rich in detail and as lovingly complex as the series preceding it.

A huge plus of the movie is that instead of feeling like an overstretched episode, it feels more like a long arc of quality episodes stringed together while still feeling cinematic in its presentation. Solid State Society gives us everything we expect in a GitS story: a sci-fi universe that draws you in but never overwhelms, continuity in character development, rich and intelligent dialogue and plot that almost seems plausible down the road, and of course, some light philosophy and shades of grey. Even if you aren't an anime or a strict sci-fi fan, you might just enjoy this one.

Another Star in the GitS Series.......2007-05-17

This series just keeps getting better. Unlike the abysmal Cowboy Bebop movie that killed the franchise, Ghost in the Shell in all it's incarnations are well-thought out, engaging, topical, and state-of-the-art animation. Solid State Society is no different. It's all the little things that matter to the animation team from deep character development to the smallest of drawn detail.

Although I've only seen the Japanese DVD version, I assume the usual cast of American voice actors will be along for the State-side release (and in a way, I prefer them... the Japanese Motoko, while I'm told sounds like a traditional "sexy mama" voice is pretty darn husky), so the production value should be spot on.

Don't listen to that guy from San Francisco. I love the Tachikomas. If fact I bought the model and put one together myself. It's sitting here on my desk keeping my Talosian figurine company. My wife has the big plush version sitting on her desk as well. Hee Hee.

Much better than the serials .......2007-05-17

I assume that Production I.G. finally got tired of padding screen time with trite exposition and inane one-off subplots that contribute nothing to the story, as this film does away with all these things that so plagued its made-for-TV predecessors. The production values are nowhere near the levels of the last GITS theatrical release, but the story is at least as focused and drives straight ahead throughout. Taken at a distance, the plot seems somewhat derivative--there are child abductions (just like in "Innocence") and a mysterious computer network based consciousness known as the "Puppet Master" (sounds a lot like "Puppeteer") driving people to kill themselves ("Innocence" again), but the similarities are fairly inconsequential once you actually get into the story.

There are also far fewer squeaky voiced robots pontificating tediously, which is always a plus. Those kinds of things work OK in the sidebars of comic books, but translated into film... Ugh... I often felt as though the viewer's intelligence was being insulted by the television serials, but never felt that way at any point in this more streamlined offering (though the music is often intensely silly). Kudos to the writers for growing up. Boo for Bandai's delays and choice of cover art--it's not 1988 anymore, kids. Put the airbrushes down.

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