Love Liza

Starring:Philip Seymour Hoffman, Kathy Bates, J.D. Walsh, Jimmy Raskin, Stephen Tobolowsky, Sarah Koskoff, Daniel Farber, Kelli Garner, Erika Alexander, Mark Hannibal, Jim Wise, Trace Turville, Wayne Duvall, Kevin Breznahan, Jennifer Keddy, David Lenthall, Jack Kehler, Pauline Boyd, Ernest Perry Jr., Cullen Douglas
Director: Todd Louiso
Studio: Sony Pictures
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com essential video

Winner of eight Academy Awards, including Best Director (Bob Fosse), Best Actress (Liza Minnelli), and Best Supporting Actor (Joel Grey), Cabaret would also have taken Best Picture if it hadn't been competing against The Godfather as the most acclaimed film of 1972. (Francis Ford Coppola would have to wait two years before winning Best Director, for The Godfather, Part II.) Brilliantly adapted from the acclaimed stage production, which was in turn inspired by Christopher Isherwood's Berlin Stories and the play and movie I Am a Camera, this remarkable musical turns the pre-war Berlin of 1931 into a sexually charged haven of decadence. Minnelli commands the screen as nightclub entertainer Sally Bowles, who radiantly goes on with the show as the Nazis rise to power, holding her many male admirers (including Michael York and Helmut Griem) at a distance that keeps her from having to bother with genuinely deep emotions. Joel Grey is the master of ceremonies at the Kit Kat Klub who will guarantee a great show night after night as a way of staving off the inevitable effects of war and dictatorship. They're all living in a morally ambiguous vacuum of desperate anxiety, determined to keep up appearances as the real world--the world outside the comfortable sanctuary of the cabaret--prepares for the nightmarish chaos of war. Director-choreographer Fosse achieves a finely tuned combination of devastating drama and ebullient entertainment, and the result is one of the most substantial screen musicals ever made. The dual-layered Special Edition widescreen DVD includes an exclusive 25th-anniversary documentary, Cabaret: A Legend in the Making, a 1972 promotional featurette, a photo gallery, production notes, the theatrical trailer, and more. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome to Cabaret. The winner of eight Academy Awards, it boasts a score by the legendary songwriting partnership behind another film that would energize the movie musical genre with equal razzle-dazzle 30 years later: Chicago's John Kander and Fred Ebb. Inside the Kit Kat Club of 1931 Berlin, starry-eyed singer Sally Bowles (Liza Minnelli) and an impish emcee (Joel Grey) sound the clarion call to decadent fun, while outside a certain political party grows into a brutal force. Cabaret caught lightning (and won Oscars) for Minnelli, Grey and director Bob Fosse, who shaped a triumph of style and substance. Come to this Cabaret, old chum. You'll never want to leave.

DVD Features:
Documentary:25th-Anniversary Documentary "Cabaret: A Legend in the Making"
Featurette:"The Recreation of An Era"
Interactive Menus
Interviews
Production Notes:"Kit Kat Klub Memory Gallery": The film's stars and creators reminisce about making movie musical history.
Scene Access
Theatrical Trailer

Customer Reviews:

I'm going like Elsie!!!.......2007-07-05

This movie shows Berlin at it's finest/Darkest hour. Even with a war going on people still managed to have a great time and forget about the dark cloud above their heads. Liza as Sally Bowles was pure genius. Whenever you have self doubt watch this movie and u will have a whole new look on how u live ur life....

Cabaret.......2007-07-03

Fosse's groundbreaking "Cabaret," a Broadway musical-turned-showstopping film event, was itself based on a novel by Christopher Isherwood. While the film considers Germany's dark, historic slide from Weimar decadence into fascism from an intriguing angle, it's the effusive, stylishly choreographed song-sequences that elevate the film to classic status. Minnelli was never better as the brash, electrifying Sally, especially belting out "Money" or the Dietrich-like "Tomorrow Belongs to Me." And who can forget Joel Grey, the Kit Kat's eccentric, ghastly master of ceremonies? Winner of eight Oscars, "Cabaret" is a flamboyant knockout.

A flashy but ultimately unmoving film.......2007-06-22

Cabaret contains some great musical numbers - but the accompanying story is less compelling.

Michael York plays a stiff Englishman Brian Roberts newly arrived in 1930s Germany just as the Nazis are coming to power. He meets dancer/prostitute Sally Bowles played by Liza Minelli who works at the seedy Kit Kat club. Many of the musical numbers are set at the club and counterpoint the story.

Both York's and Minelli's characters are hard to like. They are morally corrupt and at the end of the film they end up right where they started - without seemingly having learning anything.

Minelli copped an Oscar for her performance and there is little doubt that in the musical numbers she is a knockout - as an actress, however, she is somewhat limited. Joel Grey also won an Oscar as the grotesque "Master of Proceedings" at the Kit Kat club.

Despite the trappings the film provides little atmosphere of 1930s Germany, no doubt hampered by its low budget. "Cabaret" is flashy but somewhat empty.

The picture on the DVD transfer is grainy but the sound is OK.

Cabaret DVD.......2007-05-07

After recently seeing the stage show version, I bought the DVD ...and I liked it better than the stage show. It was easier to understand.

Enduring entertainment.......2007-03-08

I saw Cabaret many years ago and loved it. After watching it again on DVD the other evening, I realized it's just as entertaining now as it was then because it hasn't lost its freshness. Another realization was that the anti-intolerance message is just as pertinent today as it was then. In fact, it may be even more important today to realize the danger in mob psychology. A message with great music and a love story!!! What a deal.

Average customer rating:

Excellent!
Dudley Moore "Arthur"
CLASSIC COMEDY IS STILL GREAT
alert the media
It just doesn't get any better than this-

Arthur
Starring: Dudley Moore , Liza Minnelli , John Gielgud , Geraldine Fitzgerald , and Jill Eikenberry
Director: Steve Gordon
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 0790731886
Release Date: 1997-07-30

Amazon.com

When you get lost between the moon and New York City (ahem), chances are you'll find yourself taking another look at this hit comedy starring Oscar-nominated Dudley Moore as the charmingly witty, perpetually drunken millionaire Arthur Bach. Arthur falls in love with a waitress (Liza Minelli) who doesn't care about his money, but unfortunately Arthur's stern father wants him to marry a Waspy prima donna. The young lush turns to his wise and loyal butler (Oscar-winner John Gielgud) for assistance and advice. Arthur was a huge hit when released in 1981, as was its Oscar-winning theme song by Christopher Cross. Few remember that the movie was, sadly, the only one ever made by writer-director Steve Gordon, who died less than a year after the film's release. Consistently funny and heartwarming, Arthur was hailed as a tribute to the great romantic comedies of the 1930s. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Excellent!.......2007-04-11

Excellent price, speed of delivery, and quality. I am very happy with this purchase!

Dudley Moore "Arthur".......2007-03-28

Dudley Moore makes you just want to crawl up with a warm blanket, hot cocoa and think about what it would be like to have all this and then have it taken away. Great movie.

CLASSIC COMEDY IS STILL GREAT.......2007-03-25

I love this film! The cast's comic timing is so good, you'll be doubled over laughing! The DVD could use an upgrade though. As funny as this movie is, it is amazing how bad the sequel turned out! Lightning in a bottle the first time...I guess?

alert the media.......2007-03-11

I have a friend who looked for a year for this movie on dvd in brick and mortar stores, I ordered it for her and she had it in a week, and by the next week, she'd watched it ten times. Its a very good movie.

It just doesn't get any better than this-.......2007-01-02

This has been one of my favorite movies for a long time. Recently I was happy to see it on DVD which is a relief from watching the old, grainy VHS versions.

I hadn't seen it in years and watched it today to find myself amazed at how well the movie stands up to time. It's one of those rare, perfect storms of comedy where great writing (truly funny line after truly funny line) is paired with great direction and outstanding performances all at the same time.

Dudley Moore got an Oscar nomination for "Arthur" but lost (although John Gielgud won for best supporting actor). If Moore's performance in "Arthur" doesn't win a Best Actor Oscar -it's proof that no comedic actor could ever win the title (another example is Gene Wilder in "Young Frankenstein").

Steve Gordon crafts the film beautifully keeping true to each of the characters and the warm-hearted tone of the story. Quite simply, IMHO the movie is a rare gem. It's only sad that Steve Gordon passed away just a year after "Arthur" was released.

Regarding the DVD, it's so/so. Although the video quality is a leap over the old VHS copies, there is still no widescreen version available.

The DVD has a few extras that are nice but it's just not enough. One example is commentary from the Director stating how he greatly wished how certain deleted takes and scenes could have been included (because they were hysterical), but that he had to make tough choices for a final edit. The DVD, being the perfect format to include such material, certainly should have offered it as well.

This, the original "Arthur", is a classic comedy that is one for the books.

Average customer rating:

Muppets 3rd Outing
Can't get enough of the Muppets!
Great Family Movie
The Muppets on Broadway
The best film in the universe!

The Muppets Take Manhattan
Starring: Frances Bergen , Art Carney , James Coco , Dabney Coleman , and Juliana Donald
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005BCJR
Release Date: 2001-06-05

Customer Reviews:

Muppets 3rd Outing.......2007-05-08

I enjoyed the Muppets as a child and still get an occasional guilty pleasure out of watching them. This isn't their best movie, but it has its moments. Save yourself a few bucks and go buy it @ Wal-Mart for $5.00!!

Can't get enough of the Muppets!.......2007-05-06

What a wonderful movie that the whole family can enjoy. It was a good film filled with all of the Muppet characters that delighted us from so long ago! Good plot about getting their musical opened on Broadway. I think you will enjoy it too!!

Great Family Movie.......2006-03-30

Loved it in the theatrical release - looking forward to viewing it again and again!

The Muppets on Broadway .......2006-01-29

In this 3rd movie of the Muppet series, they are hitting the road, and going to New York, but while they are taking Manhattan, I sure hope they return it when they are doen with it. This is the last Muppet movie that the late Jim Henson did, the series returned after his death with the Muppet Christmas Carol. But also imange what would be like for the Muppets to disband, and well you have this movie, which may not be the best one they have done. The Muppet perfromers for this movie are Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Dave Goelz, Jerry Nelson, Steve Whitmire, and Richard Hunt. When the movie begins, the Muppets are perfoming in a colege theatre of thier show "Matthan Melodies" and they are just about to graudate for college. But while Kermit the Frog is onstage, when the show is over, the rest of the Muppets decide that thier show is good enough to take it to the next step, and that is broadway in case you have just joined us. But they then Kermit can't believe what they decided, but gets talked into it, so they head to broadway. Now they need is a producer, and looking through the ads, thier first one (Dabney Coleman) seems intersted, but wants the Muppets to pay him $300 each, I guess what he does get is they are just about flat broke, so how do they plan to get thier show on broadway? They keep trying with servel other producers, but one by one, they keep closing thier office door, which leads Kermit to get frusted, and he says that the Muppets depend on them to much. And with barely any money, they stop off at a restuarant, and while Kermit is placing an order, and having a chat with the owner/manger/etc (Louis Zorich), the rest of the Muppets decide to decide to stop depending on Kermit so much, so they they make a plan to go out and find jobs out of town, and of course Kermiet meets and becomes best friends with the owner's neiece Jenny (Juliana Donald). But before they go, they tell Kermit they have gotten better offers but out of town.

The best film in the universe!.......2005-11-06

This movie is da bomb! It's FUNNY! The songs are excellent! And the wedding was great! Here's the description on the back of the box:Broadway bound,the Muppets take Manhattan by storm in this magical musical about breaking into show business! Fresh out of college,Kermit,Fozzie and the entire cast of Kermit's musical "Manhattan Melodies" head for the Big Apple with plans to turn their small play into a big hit! All they need now is someone to produce their show! But when no one in town will even meet with them,it's up to Kermit to believe hard enough for all of his friends that the show WILL go on! Family entertainment has never been more fun than in this comedy marking Frank Oz's solo directorial debut. P.S. I didn't get this from Amazon,I got it on eBay for 7.50 with free tax. Sincerly,Richard G. from Connellsville P.A.

Average customer rating:

In the Good Old Summertime
FALL IN LOVE IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME
Like the formula, but not the execution.
GARLAND DOES IT ONCE AGAIN!
In the good old Summertime 1949

In the Good Old Summertime
Starring: Lillian Bronson , Spring Byington , Chester Clute , William Forrest , and Judy Garland
Director: Robert Z. Leonard
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0001DCYU0
Release Date: 2004-04-06

Description

Musical remake of "Shop Around the Corner" involving two feuding store employees who are unknowingly engaged in a romantic relationship as anonymous pen pals.

Customer Reviews:

In the Good Old Summertime.......2007-01-13

Cute old fashion movie; based on Little Shop Around the Corder

FALL IN LOVE IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME.......2007-01-11

I love this movie, I initially purchased simply because Buster Keaton is in it, and of course he is wonderful to see. Two bits of business especially are highlights to me, and both are Buster's material are the very beginning where Judy and Van meet and the violin scene.

But I have just fallen in love with In the Good Old Summertime. I love the art direction, the cast (although I'm not a huge Van Johnson fan and this movie does not make me believe that he was ever leading man material), the songs and of course the little extra touches that Buster was first brought in to advise on before being offered the part of the nephew(which is a much younger man in The Shop Around the Corner). Judy Garland is the star of this movie and I am always astonished and thankful that her insecurities and troubles off screen never seem to show up onscreen. She sings up a storm, I especially like the song she does with the quartet.

If you like movies that you can watch and feel happy afterwards then this is the movie for you.

Like the formula, but not the execution........2006-11-29

As has been noted, this formula has been filmed several times, most recently as "You've Got Mail", with Tom Hanks and Meg"Trout Pout" Ryan. Of the several versions, "In the Good Old Summertime" is my least favorite. The problem I think is that the studio coasted on the Stars charisma, which doesn't quite cut it here.
The chemistry betwixt the two leads never comes to a boil in this movie. There are no real sparks. Van Johnson and Judy Garland remind me of day old donuts, pleasant but stale. And when the leads are boring the rest of the movie can only follow. Judy in particular is disappointing. She looks like she has no neck! I don't know if she was having trouble with pain or something but she looks like a turtle trying to pull it's head into it's shell, all hunched up and everything. I couldn't figure out what Van Johnson was getting so hot about. I would have made a bee line for that cute violin player. And Van wasn't great either. I've always thought of him as a rather generic Hollywood leading man and he doesn't do anything to dispel that image here.
If you're a fan of the stars or the early 1900's then you might like this movie. But there are a lot more entertaining romantic comedies out there, and they offer you much more than a mouthful of stale confection.

GARLAND DOES IT ONCE AGAIN!.......2006-11-27

I've admired for many years now the artistry and genius of the magnificent Garland and always thought that, even after the years of chemical abuse and "hard knocks", she still retained a very fine, fragile physical beauty in her face and form. However, it always amazes me, whenever I re-view one of her Metro films, how absolutely gorgeous she was and had this sensual, quivering and almost ethereal beauty about her. Having just watched this film, after not viewing it for quite some time, I'm struck with the same impression about her physical qualities. Her talent and artistry never fail to amaze me, no matter how many times I've watched a particular performance, both non-musical or in song. But damn it if she's not sexy and beautiful in this film. She gives one of her finest performances, and one of the finest comedic performance in film of all time. We all know and enjoy the musical numbers, especially "Merry Christmas", "Put Your Arms Around Me Honey", and the outrageous "I Don't Care" (which, along with "Get Happy" from "Summer Stock", would showcase the Garland to be!), and her wonderful comedic interplay with the funny and handsome Van Johnson. However, it's the last moments in this film, when Johnson finally knows that she is in-love with him, that gets to me and I appreciate her incredible talent as if anew. That scene has to be one of the most sensual moments in American cinema...the way he brushes her cheeks with his finger..the way he plays with the collar of her blouse....the way he pulls her close to him, kissing her in such a way that, well ,we know what's on HIS mind at that moment....and her reactions..slightly caught off-guard....hessitant...vulnerable....but then takes control and reciprocates his advances. Can you believe all this in a 3 minutes scene in an MGM film from 1949????? When Johnson says to take "him" out of his "envelope", I mean, talk about subtlety and double entendre , which simply does not exist in today's overtly and vulgar "realistic"- in-our-face world.
Not one of the greatest musical films made but an absolutely entertaining, enjoyable, and sexy little flick is "Summertime", with a radiant and lovely Garland which makes us realize, once again, that she was simply one of the finest artists of the past century. Enjoy!
Luigi ~ NYC.

In the good old Summertime 1949.......2006-04-14

IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME -a tale of squabbling music shop clerk who dont know they are romantic pen pals -shares a celebrated movie lineage that includes many remakes . In betwheen those two Judy Garland (1922-1969) and Van Johnson (1916- ) , had mail plus gold old tunes evoking an era of strawboaters and silvery moons . Sparked by Garland?s comedic zest and musical appeal this confections is one of the sweetest , most unpretentious entertainment of 1949 . It?s also a nostalgic farawell and a sunny hallo . Buster Keaton (1895-1966) appears in his final film for the studios he first joined in 1928 and hi is enormoeus funny in this movie . Liza Minelli (1946-) , all of 18 months young makes her debut in the finale . A Superb M-G-M Musical from the biggest and best studio of that time , Transfer in Ultra-Resolution Quality . Recommended

Average customer rating:

Second Only to Arthur 1
Where's my fabricated half inch pipe?
Loved it!
UFFDA....
A sorry followup to a screen classic

Arthur 2 - On the Rocks
Starring: Dudley Moore , Liza Minnelli , John Gielgud , Geraldine Fitzgerald , and Stephen Elliott
Director: Bud Yorkin
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0006J28NW
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Description

The world's richest tipsy wit is living in grand style with former waitress Linda as his wife. The two are thinking of starting a family, but the father of his ex-fiancee hatches a plot to leave Arthur penniless. Now, will Arthur have to take a job?

Customer Reviews:

Second Only to Arthur 1.......2007-05-13

Dudley and Liza together again is amust see..
Very satisfied.

Where's my fabricated half inch pipe?.......2007-03-19

This movie is excellent, and probably much better than any subsequent work done by Moore. My kids love it, especially his lamentation in the bar after being fired. I have to admit that I never was a big Moore fan - his work done with Peter Cook was a bit offensive, and this movie proves that humour need not offend.

Mark Fredericks esq.

Loved it!.......2006-12-21

I'm not sure what everyone is talking about. I thought that this movie was great. For the one who gave a synopsis that Arthur and Linda weren't happily married didn't watch the movie. That was not the case at all.
This movie has all the same characters including Burt Johnson, Arthurs fiance from the original's father. Burt Johnson is still continually trying to get Arthur to marry Susan. He makes it so Arthur looses his all of his money. Arthur and Linda continually try to find an place to live..Burt gets them thrown out. Arthur tries to get a job...he gets fired because of Burt Johnson. Susan confronts Linda and Linda realizes that they are not going to give up, so Linda gives up fighting for her and Arthur.
I love this movie. Sometime I think that I like it more then the original because it's a more believable story then the original. Its more "down to earth"
I would recommend this to anyone.

UFFDA.... .......2006-05-16

That`s Norwegian for "Ooops"....

This is a tiresome "pastiche" in which Dudley Moore has lost the charms from 1981 and is just plain annoying. This happens with drunks in real life as well.... the charms and fun just escapes them when they reach the middleage and still refuses any kind of commitment...

This is a needless sequel. The only reason it was made must have been because the stars filmcareers had come to a halt... It`s like a tiresome homemovie...

Still, Liza Minnelli is a pleasure to see(though there is no depth in her charcter as well)...

They ALL should have known better....

A sorry followup to a screen classic.......2005-12-07

This is a truly unfunny followup to the classic Arthur. Arthur and Linda are married, unfortunately not happily married. They want to adopt a baby but first Arthur must sober up. Even a visit by Hobson's ghost (Gielguld) cannot bring life into this uninspired sequel.

The original writer and director Steve Gordon died shortly after the original was released and it is obvious that it is missing his touch.

Don't waste your time or money on this one. Watch the original!

Average customer rating:

another film ruined by shoddy DVD manufacturing
Sex Has Come Between Us! (3.5 Stars)
O as in Orgasm....even in Ohio .....
When Sex is All that Matters...
a light weight very bland and boring comedy

The OH in Ohio
Starring: Parker Posey , Danny DeVito , Winter Ave Zoli , Miranda Bailey , and Paul Rudd
Director: Billy Kent
Manufacturer: Hbo Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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( O ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000I2JDEO
Release Date: 2006-12-05

Amazon.com

On the surface, Priscilla Chase (Parker Posey, Superman Returns) has it all: good job, stable marriage, attractive Cleveland abode. In truth, the smartly dressed ad exec is sexually unsatisfied. In fact, she's never experienced the "oh" of the title. Husband Jack (a scruffy Paul Rudd, The 40-Year-Old Virgin), high school bio teacher, has problems of his own. He's so unhappy with their lackluster sex life he's taken to drinking on the job. Priscilla sets out to overcome her dysfunction. That means trips to a therapist, a self-help guru (a blonde Liza Minnelli), and an adult toy shop (staffed by an unbilled Heather Graham). Eventually she finds a possible solution. All the while, Jack solicits advice from a smooth-talking colleague (Keith David in hilarious form) and spends time with precocious student Kristen (Mischa Barton, more construct than character). Then there's local celeb Wayne the Pool Guy (a ponytailed Danny DeVito), who fills an unexpected role in this passion play. Billy Kent's debut is pitched somewhere between Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Sex and an episode of Sex and the City. (The dialogue may be unbridled, but there's only a hint of flesh.) The main reason to see the film is simply for the star. From start to, um, finish, Posey is thoroughly charming, never overplaying the kind of role that could've been painful to watch in the hands of a lesser actress. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Description

Priscilla Chase (Parker Posey) seems to have everything going for her - the perfect job, the perfect house, the perfect husband - except for in bed where sex has always left her a bit short of the finish line. When her husband leaves her to regain his manhood with a young student (Mischa Barton), Priscilla embarks on a wild journey that ultimately leads her to love in the most unlikely place.

DVD Features:
Deleted Scenes
Extended takes

Customer Reviews:

another film ruined by shoddy DVD manufacturing.......2007-03-22

This is a review of the OH IN OHIO DVD, rather than the film itself. It's also a warning.

I first rented OH IN OHIO from Netflix. The DVD kept skipping and stalling. I couldn't watch it all. I figured it was badly scratched. So I bought a new DVD from Amazon. It arrived looking pristine, still wrapped in celephone. I even played it on a different DVD player. Yet this DVD also SKIPPED AND STALLED!

My DVD player was even RUMBLING and GROANING when it tried to play this new DVD. And it's not the DVD player, because when I put in another DVD, it had no trouble.

Seems OH IN OHIO went through some pretty shoddy DVD manufacturing "quality control."

Why do SO MANY DVDs skip and stall? And if DVDs are so fragile, why don't CDs and CD-ROMs have this problem?

In the 1980s, VIDEO magazine published a theory that the studios were releasing poor quality VHS tapes because they didn't want consumers to build longterm libraries. That makes sense.

Remember, the studios never wanted to sell their movies, they only wanted to rent tapes to video stores. It was a series of court cases in the 1970s/80s concerning antitrust, restraint of trade, and fair use in copyright (such as the Sony Betamax case) that barred the studios from restricting the trade of independent video stores.

Yet the studios made a bundle when people built tape libraries. Another bundle now that people are replacing their fragile tapes with fragile DVDs.

I can see why the studios don't want to manufacture decent quality DVDs, lest consumers have permanent movies floating around for decades. Studios earn nothing on the sale of used DVDs. Better for them to manufacture fragile DVDs that won't last, so consumers will more easily replace their scratchy DVDs when the next format comes along.

I'm really tired of SO MANY DVDs skipping and stalling. I wish there was more consumer outrage against these crappy studio practices.

Based on what I could see of OH IN OHIO, Parkey Posey is pretty and delightful, although the film is fluffy and lightweight, unlike her darker 1990s comedies (i.e., HOUSE OF YES, CLOCKWATCHERS).

My one star is no slam on Posey, nor even on the film. It refers to the crappy DVD.

IMPORTANT: Google "DVD rot". You'll be surprised and disheartened by what you'll find.

Sex Has Come Between Us! (3.5 Stars).......2007-02-22

"The Oh in Ohio" is a self-assured slice of life that can touch viewers while disconcerting them all the while. Its comedic aspirations don't come to full fruition and its screenplay is a tad undercooked, but the actors overcome this with suave, easy charm.

Poking sly, understated fun at the overemphasis of sex in society, it is neither for the prudish nor for those who need slapstick to find humor. Sex may be the centrifugal force of the film, but this is no "40-Year Old Virgin," even though Paul Rudd plays similarly sympathetic characters in each.

Priscilla Chase, played by Parker Posey, is an ambitious, ditzy woman on the fast track to large-scale corporate success. However, to the dismay of her schoolteacher husband Jack, played by Rudd, she is the consummate cold fish. She may know the exact number of times they've had sex, but she has never had a single orgasm - ever - due to a "sexual dysfunction." Nor does she seem interested in doing so soon.

Things go up in smoke. She may have caused the problem, but Jack cannot get past the fact that the one woman he has not satisfied in bed is his wife of ten years. After moving to the garage and confiding in his friend and colleague Popovitch, played with cheeky delight by Keith David, he finally begins a full-fledged separation from Priscilla when she becomes overly addicted to a vaginal vibrator. He moves to the Manly Arms apartment complex - "Why settle for the mundane when you can be the king of your domain?" - and gives in to the advances of sophisticated 18-year old student Kristen, played perfectly by Mischa Barton, who lost her innocence long before he came along.

Priscilla is thus left to find her sexual identity. She pursues sex with random men, but she finds it unsatisfying. Sex with sex shop clerk Justine, played by Heather Graham, doesn't do the trick either. Wayne the Pool Guy, played with zest and warmth by Danny DeVito, however, puts an entirely new spin on things, awakening "parts of Cleveland" she never knew existed. In Wayne she finds

Liza Minelli is a hoot in her scene as an overzealous sex therapist, and Posey really brings it home when Jack finally gives Priscilla the satisfaction that was missing from their bedroom by merely calling her cell phone during, of all moments, an important board meeting. It's where the phone specifically is, of course, that matters.

"The Oh In Ohio" is equal parts raunchy and touching as it cloaks its characters in genuine humanity. Sex may come between them, but it's who they are, not what they are, that matters in the end.

O as in Orgasm....even in Ohio ............2007-02-12

You have to take this with a grain of salt. Full disclosure, I'm from Cleveland originally so I had a ball watching this satire. That's what it is -- don't take it for a comedy or a drama...it's a satire and a bit of a black comedy. Subtitled one woman's story is about to climax. About Parker Posey's sexual dysfunction, it's both naughty and nice. Danny DeVito is hilarious....the section of the movie where there's a slide into the pool is a good analogy for the theme which is about the quest for not only the big O but also personal fulfillment. Paul Rudd lets Parker take the lead, Mischa Barton is sweet and savvy and very sexy. And it proves that all is not perfect with the prettiest girl in Cleveland even when you marry her. Don't miss the hilarious and deleted scenes....completely mindless popcorn movie...for late night viewing instead of HSN....

When Sex is All that Matters..........2007-01-28

THE OH IN OHIO reminds us that late night suggestive sitcoms are still around only now they are becoming full length feature films: 20 minutes worth of idea becomes stretched beyond the elastic point in this silly and oh-so-pink little bit of fluff. First time director Billy Kent and writer Sarah Bird with assistance from Kent somehow managed to not only get producers to pay attention to their project but also attracted some good actors to try to pull it off. 'Money makes the world go around...'

The plot is minimal: Parker Posey plays successful business woman Priscilla Chase who is known for her beauty, is married to a Biology teacher Jack Chase (Paul Rudd) who is on the skids from depression over the fact that his machismo is daily challenged by the fact the Priscilla has never had an orgasm. This fact somehow demeans Jack who has always bragged about his triumphs in bed but his career and self-esteem are in a pit due to Priscilla's sexual dysfunction. Priscilla attends a sex therapy session for women hosted by none other than Liza Minnelli where she is encouraged to get to know her vagina. At the suggestion from Priscilla's friend Sherri (Miranda Bailey) concurrently with Jack's friend Coach Popovich (Keith David) and the counsel of a therapist, Priscilla buys a vibrator and the story from then on is how Priscilla's new-found satisfaction alters her life, pushes Jack into the arms of a student (Mischa Barton), and on and on with Priscilla finding outlets for her discovery with a sex toys salesgirl, a pool guy (Danny DeVito). Everything about Priscilla and Jack is changed and for the rest of what's left of the standup comedy routine viewers will have to decide if they care to watch the DVD.

About the only thing that pulls this together is Parker Posey, unafraid to take on a script that asks her to demean herself in the process. This is definitely one of those films to perhaps rent when the video store shelves are empty. Grady Harp, January 07

a light weight very bland and boring comedy.......2006-12-12

a quite regular movie, quite cliched screeplay and storyline. the problem of this movie is that you could see every turn's coming and know what's next. maybe a few half-hearted laughs and that' all, folks

Average customer rating:

A Haunting, Complex, Ultimately Rewarding Movie...with a Backstory
[3.5]--Trying to love and be loved with a broken heart.
Virgin Myth
Love the Hard Way - Is there any other way?
adrain brody: a good actor you don't hear much about

Love the Hard Way
Starring: Adrien Brody , Charlotte Ayanna , Jon Seda , August Diehl , and Pam Grier
Director: Peter Sehr
Manufacturer: Kino Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Neo-Noir | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

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Oxygen
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ASIN: B0000C2IVA
Release Date: 2003-10-28

Customer Reviews:

A Haunting, Complex, Ultimately Rewarding Movie...with a Backstory .......2006-10-05

A complex character study involving two primary characters. Adrian Brody portrays Jack, an intriguingly two-sided figure. One side is literate and sensitive, creating a secret little "office" in a tiny, rental cubicle in which he studiously labors on a novel based on his second side: a violent, risk-taking con man who sets up foreign businessmen with hookers, then masquerades as a vice cop to shake them down. To further complicate his life, he meets and becomes infatuated with a brilliant but virginal movie house concession stand clerk named Claire (Charlote Ayanna). Claire is intrigued by Jack's dangerous side and strongly attracted to his sensitive side, and as a result, falls so deeply in love with him that she is willing to do anything to preserve their increasingly difficult relationship. "Anything" in this case includes drugs, prostitution, and other self-destructive behaviors. As is always the case, gentle people such as Claire cannot venture into this realm without paying a huge price, including complete emotional breakdown and fully intended, not simply "attempted", suicide. How will it end? Apparently even director Peter Sehr could not completely resolve this issue, but it appears that they settled on a sweet but rather ambiguous and unlikely "happy ending".

Plot synopsis aside, there is an equally interesting and unbelievable side story involving Charlotte Ayanna, the virginal Claire. Born in Puerto Rico and originally named Lopez (Ayanna, a stage name, means "blessed), her mother had serious psychiatric problems and as a result, she and her brother and sister were put into foster care and endured an impoverished childhood. Charlotte was in the system for 16 years before being adopted by a family in Vermont. She entered the Miss Teen USA contest, won the title of "Miss Vermont" and ultimately was crowned Miss Teen USA in 1993 wearing a $37 evening gown.

The movie is extremely "gritty" and at times rather depressing, but overall it is definitely worth the viewing time. The DVD deleted scenes include a scene that makes the ending far less ambiguous....be sure to watch.

[3.5]--Trying to love and be loved with a broken heart........2006-10-02

I would have given this flick 4 star, but there were some plotting issues and areas where things didn't get developed as well as they should have. Claire is a grad student who gets straight A's, wanting to rebel she gets with Jack, the petty thief and secret writer, whose world is turned up upside-down by a combination of sex, true love, and loyalty. This film was very intense & leaves you thinking. Anyone, esp. women, who has fallen in love with a "dangerous/mysterious" type will surely relate to this because stories like hers are very common, although not everybody goes to such extremes.

Adrien Brody is an excellent actor and gives an interesting and subtle performance that he slowly let us in to the interior that lies under the criminal, streetwise exterior. The script doesn't actually explain how Jack Grace became the way he is. The sketchy details about his background he provides Claire could be a figment of his overactive imagination. So all we can do is watch Claire sink lower and lower, but eventually redeem herself. Charlotte Ayanna's performance as Claire was wonderful she has depicted this role without any annoying mannerisms and has pushed some realistic traits into her character. Pam Grier is also good in her "almost-cameo" role as the police officer who comes in and out of the lead characters' lives throughout the film as well as Jon Seda as Jack partner in crime and close friend.

`Love The Hard Way' is a bitter sweet love story that will make you think. It also provides some dark mysterious qualities. Peter Sehr is a great director. The cinematography and use of colors that he captures are wonderful. The plot is at once very unconventional, given that it isn't quite as linear as most...and yet has all the elements necessary for a successful drama. All around this movie is worth seeing.

Virgin Myth.......2006-03-21

Pam Grier steals this film and she's only on screen for five minutes total. She's a whole lot of woman! Just kidding. I liked Love the Hard Way. Here is an attempt at a modern romantic myth, namely the American Virgin. Sure men want their love chick to be pure, to raise sons and daughters that are yours and yours alone, but Adrien Brody is a young thief in a porno world he did not make. After all, he's slept with 200 women. So in between hotel sleaze capers, he beds innocent Columbia biology genius with the big chest, Charlotte Avanna, and our Lothario gets more than he bargained for as his virgin becomes promiscuous in the cause of thievery. Naturally, our hero is stunned, angry, and confused.

Charlottes' revenge or strategy to get her man is pretty far fetched, but the director has created an atmosphere of slimy New York thieves on the make with a rap film score and big Cadillac's squealing tires amidst the riff raff, so we sort of believe the unbelievable. It's a nice try in the same vein as Tarentino's script, True Romance, but LTHW is grittier.

Love the Hard Way - Is there any other way?.......2006-03-16

I absolutely loved this movie! I cried my eyes out the first time I saw it. I once fell HARD for a street-wise bad boy myself and could relate to this movie on so many levels. Like Claire & Jack, my bad boy and I came from completely opposite backgrounds, he was the son of a non-functioning drunk and I grew up a preacher's kid. The attraction between Claire & Jack made perfect sense to me although, to any sane person looking on, it didnt make any sense at all. Like Claire, I was irrisistably drawn to my bad boy, could NOT get enough of him and would have willingly followed him to hell and back if he'd asked. My friends (and his) tried to warn me off and, yes, I had my heart bludgeoned on several occasions, but I never gave up on him. There was just something about him, so much potential - I just KNEW he could be great if I could only make HIM realize it. Over the course of our crazy relationship, I left home, much to my parents' distress but, thankfully, I didnt completely lose my mind like Claire did - I never lost my self respect. In the end, it was a hard road and I lost alot of my innocence; I'd been sheltered so much in my life up 'til then. Teaching him how to love and give and be thankful toughened me up, made me stronger emotionally, but it was worth every moment of self doubt, worth every tear. And now, my REFORMED bad boy and I have been happily married for 16 years this month. He's a wonderful, patient father to our son and is a sucessful, respected business man in our town. I wish they'd make a sequel to this movie so we can find out if Claire & Jack are as lucky in love as we've been!!

adrain brody: a good actor you don't hear much about.......2005-12-26

this one was released fresh on the heels of his oscar win in " the pianist " he plays a small time hustler who has literary aspirations. adrian does his performance raw and street, making the most of a screenplay, which is very well done. jon seda as his sidekick is equally entertaining and charlotte ayanna is good as the straight a student who tries to do a " florence nightingale" on brody's character, but succumbs to the low-end kind of life. charlotte has a great body and she shows it quite a bit here. Pam Grier ( whatever happened to her ? ) is excellent as the vice cop who's on his case. she is a good character actress, who never seems to get enough work or enough credit.

Palais Des Congres Des Paris - Featuring Charles Aznavour & Liza Minnelli

Average customer rating:

IT COULD NOT BE BETTER! WHAT TALENT!
Palais Des Congres Des Paris - Featuring Charles Aznavour & Liza Minnelli
Good friends, Perfect match; Formitable !!
Liza at her best
The BesT Liza Live DVD!

Palais Des Congres Des Paris - Featuring Charles Aznavour & Liza Minnelli
Starring: Charles Aznavour
Manufacturer: EMI Int'l
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000897EM
Release Date: 2003-01-28

Description

1. The Sound Of Your Name
2. Mon Emouvant Amour
3. Les Comediens
4. Sa Jeunesse
5. Napoli Chante
6. Vous Et Tu
7. La Marguerite
8. Tu T'Laisses Aller
9. Non Je N'Ai Rien Oublie
10. Je Bois
11. Comme Ils Disent
12. Les Plaisirs Demodes
13. La Boheme
14. Je M'Voyais Deja
15. Pour Faire Une Jam
16. Bonjour Paris
17. God Bless The Child
18. Old Friend
19. Liza With A Z
20. Sailor Boys
21. Some People
22. J'Ai Deux Amours
23. Stepping Out
24. Losing My Mind
25. I Love A Piano
26. Cabaret
27. New York New York
28. Medley (14 Songs)

Customer Reviews:

IT COULD NOT BE BETTER! WHAT TALENT!.......2006-10-31

This concert could not get any better. Both artists are
pure perfection. This is one of the few concerts were
"Aznavour/Minnelli" are so "magical" that this is a DVD
worth owning and is MORE than just a film of the concert.
You can feel the excitement and magic and you even forget
you are watching a DVD! The only sad note is that I wish
this was "LIZA" today. But I only wish her the best of
continued success. This is a POSITIVE AND OVERWHELMING
EXPERIENCE FOR ALL...and at the end
you can feel the friendship and even the love between these
two actors/singers.

I simpy wish they would release ALL OF LIZA'S FILMED SHOWS, like the one on "FOX Studio" that has been butchered to
an hour and should be running 90 minutes. It was a special
many, many years ago either on "SHOWTIME" OR "HBO."

I think it is time, after "all the laughting" about "Ms.
Minnelli" for all interested in the arts to get to see
"Liza" at her very top and understand this is what made
her famous. There are at least two more concerts filmed
that need to be released. Write "FOX STUDIOS."After watcing this anyone will understand the meaning of true
"genius!"

Palais Des Congres Des Paris - Featuring Charles Aznavour & Liza Minnelli.......2005-10-18

We were very pleased with the quality of the video and the concert is just fabulous. A wonderful gift for any Aznavour-Minnelli fan.

Good friends, Perfect match; Formitable !!.......2005-02-23

Liza and Aznavour are long time friends. And it is very exciting to see them perform on a same stage !!
Aznavour's soothing and Parisien style with Liza's engergetic and NY feel, are a perfect match !!
Actually, Liza had just attend Aznavour's 80 anniversary concert last year, and they are still a hit !!

Liza at her best.......2004-12-01

Everything that is good about Minnelli is evidenced here. Her dance during Steppin' Out, though a bit clunky and less smooth than the movie version, is pulled off because of her remarkable charisma and showmanship, the sheer joy in performing that she conveys. A special delight is her bluesy, gut-wrenching version of I Love a Piano. She nails this number like nobody has, and does the whole thing reclining on an easy chair! This DVD captures the beauty and sex appeal that Minnelli radiates, despite her unconventional looks (dig her great legs!). Like her mother, the power of talent and personality transcends the form (though her mother was more conventionally attractive). Sadly, like her mother, she seems to be buckling under the pressures of life's circumstance. Fortunately, we have videos like this that capture the glory of her great moments--I hope there are more in the future of this uniquely gifted woman.

The BesT Liza Live DVD!.......2004-11-24

A treasure to have forever captured on film, Liza in her prime, great voice and great shape!! It's quite a moving experience to see and hear the two legendary perfomers sing a fantastic arrangement of some of the most beautiful and memorable love songs from the American songbook! You'll be glad you purchased this wonderful live concert experience on DVD!!! There is no other filmed concert that captures such a "relaxed" Liza, having such a great time on stage! She and Mr. Aznavour are both at the TOP of their game!

Average customer rating:

I'm going like Elsie!!!
Cabaret
A flashy but ultimately unmoving film
Cabaret DVD
Enduring entertainment

Cabaret (Special Edition)
Starring: Liza Minnelli , Michael York , Helmut Griem , Joel Grey , and Fritz Wepper
Director: Bob Fosse
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Ballet & Dance | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

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( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

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ASIN: 6304698542
Release Date: 1998-04-29

Amazon.com essential video

Description

DVD Features:
Documentary:15 minute documentary with new Liza Minnelli, Joel Gery, Michael York interviews
Featurette:Documentary Featurette 1973
Other:"Legend in the Making" 1997

Customer Reviews:

I'm going like Elsie!!!.......2007-07-05

Cabaret.......2007-07-03

A flashy but ultimately unmoving film.......2007-06-22

Cabaret DVD.......2007-05-07

After recently seeing the stage show version, I bought the DVD ...and I liked it better than the stage show. It was easier to understand.

Enduring entertainment.......2007-03-08

Average customer rating:

Need To See
Good
boo to the critics
Good core romantic comedy core dvd holding
ok

Kissing a Fool
Starring: Vanessa Angel , Mili Avital , Ron Beattie , Justine Bentley , and Liza Cruzat
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Comedy | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Drama | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

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( K ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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Fools Rush In

ASIN: 0783227418
Release Date: 1998-07-22

Amazon.com

This so-so romance is patently predictable. Will the good girl end up with the bad boy or the nice guy? The premise would have us believe that a sleazy, none-too-bright sportscaster (David Schwimmer) has fallen madly in love with a classy, intelligent book editor (Mili Avital). To test her loyalty, Schwimmer asks his best buddy (Jason Lee) to romance Avital.

The likable aspects of this tired triangle concern the wraparound narration, featuring the ever-humorous Bonnie Hunt. She relates this complicated romance to rapt guests at a wedding. The marriage in question is between Avital and a supposed mystery man. The problem is that there is never much of a mystery. Or much of a romance. --Rochelle O'Gorman

Customer Reviews:

Need To See.......2005-10-15

This movie didn't get a lot of press and your more inclined to see it at 3 am on HBO then you are on a Network's Primetime spot. If you like movies like "love stinks," "buying the cow," "two ninas," or "just write" then you'll like "kissing a fool." Jason Lee is a great actor as well.

Good.......2005-01-19

A fun movie to watch, and even a good chick flick, but not the greatest script. The three actors work very well together, and David Schwimmer has some of the best moments. If you enjoy these actors, then this is the movie for you.

boo to the critics.......2003-08-19

What's with the bl***dy critics?! They obviously don't know a good movie when they see one. "Kissing A Fool" is an excellent film. One of the best comedies I've seen in years. David Schwimmer, Jason Lee and Mili Avital play their roles well - they have very good chemistry. I never miss a Jason Lee film - even if it's something as lousy as "Heartbreakers". Because he never let's you down. I rented "Kissing A Fool" a couple of years ago and recently bought it on DVD so I could watch it a million times more.

Good core romantic comedy core dvd holding.......2003-05-02

This movie, hands down, is worth owning. You have a breakout performance by Jason Lee and an always solid second lead by Friends' David Schwimmer. Most importantly, this movie has very clever and well written dialogue regarding a circle of late 20 somethings in 1990's Chicago who are living the ups and downs of single dating life. You have humor, wit, unexpected lover drama and all around good cinema. This movie keeps your attention from the getgo, does not let go--based on its story telling style. I'm in my early 30's and love this film, my girlfriend is mid-20's and loves this film. And yes, even my 63 year old parents thought this film was particularly captivating over a recent family holiday weekend. Buy it. Watch it once a year. It gets better with each viewing.

ok.......2003-01-13

this movie is ok i wish david swimmer would play someone who was not i jurk but very well.

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