Robin and Marian

Starring:Connery, Hepburn, Shaw
Studio: Sony Pictures
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Every generation gets the Robin Hood it deserves. After a dashing adventure (The Adventures of Robin Hood), a ponderous retelling (Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves), spoofs (Mel Brooks' When Things Were Rotten and Robin Hood: Men in Tights), and even a cartoon (Disney's Robin Hood), this thoroughly modern 2006 BBC series brings cheeky wit, exuberant action, and fierce fencing and special effects-enhanced archery to the party. Scruffy Robin (Jonas Armstrong) returns home from the Crusades war-weary and "changed." But when he finds the countryside under the taxing grip of the brutal (he crushes birds with his bare hands!) Sheriff (Keith Allen) and his glowering lieutenant, Guy of Gisbourne (Richard Armitage), he takes up his bow and arrow against the injustice.

Series 1 depicts how Robin of Locksley becomes "Robin of the Wood" and then "Robin Hood," robbing from the rich and, well, you know the drill. "The peasants' hero," this Robin is a tad vainer than previous screen incarnations. As his former servant and wisecracking sidekick Much (Sam Troughton, who can be a bit much himself), observes, Robin likes to linger after his good deeds to see the looks of gratitude. Marian (Lucy Griffiths) is another revelation. The daughter of Nottingham's former sheriff, she doesn't exactly welcome Robin back with open arms. "Five years and you're still peddling the same drivel," she says after he spouts some romantic tripe. A formidable fighter and champion of justice herself, she has a surprising moonlighting gig best not revealed here. We also see the gathering of Robin's men (none call them "merry"), including hulking Little John (Gordon Kennedy), Allan-a-Dale (Joe Armstrong), and Will Scarlett (Harry Lloyd). Beautifully filmed in Hungary (what; England was booked?), Robin Hood is mostly grand escapist adventure, but there are unnerving scenes of violence that raise the stakes. In one episode, a peasant who won't reveal Robin's whereabouts has his tongue cut out, (mercifully offscreen). In another, a child is the victim of a sniper's arrow. . Robin Hood takes liberties with the oft-told story of the legendary folk hero, but it's so well played and rousingly entertaining, few should mind. --Donald Liebenson

Description

People's hero, war hero, romantic hero and leader of the world's most famous resistance group...Robin Hood is known and loved by millions around the world. His fight against a corrupt government and greedy officials is something we all can connect with. Fun, modern and intelligent, the BBC's Robin Hood is guaranteed to appeal to today's sophisticated viewers and is set to be as popular as the new Doctor Who. Sharp, witty scripts by Dominic Minghella and a striking new look set the tone as the BBC updates this popular legend for all the family.

DVD Features:
Audio Commentary
Audio Commentary
Featurette:Hood Academy Featurette
Other:Character profiles
Audio Commentary
Other:Character profiles
Audio Commentary
Other:Character profiles
Featurette:Robin Hood - The Making of Featurette Dressing Hood Featurette Designing the Hood Featurette

Customer Reviews:

This show is like watching an epic movie every week!.......2007-07-04

We have been hooked on this show from day one, it is only on the BBC here in America, I am 48 my daughter is 15 and we didn't miss one second and we were right there to pre-order it through Amazon, arrived right away and now we just can't wait for season 2 to start in October. The special effects on this show are amazing and let's face it who doesn't love Robin Hood who always saves the day and wins love in the end. I suggest buying the soundtrack at the same time as we did it's beautiful music, the many different actor's in this are so good at what they do, they really got the casting right on this, and even though I am 48, Jonas Armstrong who is 25 plays Robin is every girl's dream and Marion is stunning give yourself a gift you can't beat Amazon, and especially I order alot of out of this country items I am very happy.

Robin Hood Rules!.......2007-07-04

The Legend of Robin Hood is always redefined for every generation. The latest attempt is an action packed, fun filled weekly show and now it is compiled into one box set. Season one, episode one finds Robin and his man-servant, Much, returning from the Crusades and the action begins. The relationships that are built are believable and the audience truly becomes part of their lives. Much (Sam Troughton) is the goofy, but lovable side kick to Robin (Jonas Armstrong)and though he is a servant, he and Robin have been through a lot together and they are more like brothers. There is a lot of action, but yet it is a family show. Robin doesn't kill unless absolutely necessary. The kids can enjoy it! Mom's can enjoy the romance (Boy! Your heart bleeds for Marion and Robin!)And if you want bad guys you LOVE to hate meet Guy of Gisborne and The Sheriff of Nottingham (Richard Armitage and Keith Allen)The last episode was great. Season one ended perfectly, but yet left the viewer yearning for season two.This show is well acted, fun, romantic, action packed and funny! It is worth watching. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because I am expecting next season to be even better.

Excellent show for Family - Rare Star.......2007-07-03

This show is not a historical reenactment. It is not Errol Flynn nor Mel Brooks. It is not tighly scripted but it IS a good TELEVISION show. There are anachronisms - who cares - it makes the story make sense to modern audiences.

This is the best Robin Hood version I have seen. It gives you a feel for the times. Has wonderful references to historical cultural activities. The technology shown is very convincing. Who cares if it is from 1300s rather than 1100s - it is still good.

Robin is not a hero- he is a man trying to do the right thing given the circumstances. Guy is not a villian - he is a man trying to do what he thinks is expected. The Sherrif is a politician who is heartless and unethical. Marian is caught between her family obligations and her compassion. These are multidimensional characters with complex interplay between them.

The best thing about it is this show we can all watch together. The story line is complex enough for me and my husband but the plot is direct enough for my 9 year old son. The violence is downplayed and there is no gore. If a man gets shot with an arrow, he falls down. Anything disturbing occurs off screen. There is flirtation and romance but no sex.

This is the best show on Television for the family that I know of.

BBC America has a Smash HIt!.......2007-07-03

Earlier this spring I stumbled onto this series on BBC America and ever since I did, I just can't get enough of it. Wholesome, fun and great adventure. This series deserves an Emmy! This is what all television should be like! Hats off to BBC and the entire production staff! That's the way to go! I can't wait to see season 2.... and more

Anachronistic but amusing & excellent satire of modern politics/warfare.......2007-07-03

A little too anachronistic for my tastes.... but I love the political satire of current issues.

I decided to check it out because I liked Richard Armitage (Guy of Gisbon), I find that his character as evil henchmen does not disappoint. Robin Hood is also well cast, an attractive young man with sad eyes who pulls off the earnest character in a believable manner, not too cocky or otherwise too alienating.

I think my biggest disappointment is the casting of the Sheriff. I like the actor Keith Allen, in other stuff I've seen. However, for some reason I don't like him as the sheriff. He comes off too campy and it throws off the show for me since the rest of it is played rather seriously. You can't pit a serious hero against a skipping snickering dilettante who enjoys verbally sparring with irony and sarcasm. It just doesn't work. I'm not saying the Sheriff of Nottingham has to be totally butch and sadistically evil.... I don't mind showing him as merely capricious and selfish/self-involved... that is fine -- just something about his portrayal doesn't seem right for the time/setting. (especially the episode where he's at a public hanging with a shirt open most of the way down to display his chest hair or another where his Painting his Toenails!).

Speaking of time/setting.....it's supposed to be 1192 and to me some of the behaviors and dialogue are too jarringly anachronistic.

As a feminist I enjoyed seeing Marian as the "night-watchman" but is it really possible for those times? I know they're trying to make her more interesting for today's female viewers and I don't just want her as a passive observer - so I'm kind of torn. I know women were basically chattel in terms of English law - and I'm not fond of seeing that -- but ignoring that fact also bothers me.
Other anachronisms: her practicing Tai-Chi and her wearing of barely there nightgown in a drafty castle, a little yellow crop-top sweater that looks like this years fashion or her perfect makeup (I know they had some basic eyeliner, blush & lipstick at the time) seem to caste an unrealistic tone to the show. I'm also all for more diversity in television, but would an African really be able to rise to be Master of Arms or an Abbess of a nunnery in those times?

Finally, as an atheist I find it refreshing that a character would admit to not being religious (even if it is the bad guy). But I hardly doubt that you could admit to "godlessness" and hold public office - especially under a king bent on a religious crusade and wiping out the "infidels".

Anyway, over all it is amusing and pretty good, so I look forward to Season 2. I know it's not supposed to be a perfect period piece so I can forgive the modern sensibilities (Especially since the deviations are closer to my beliefs anyway).

but mostly I like the show for it's political satire. It explores issues pertinent to America and Britain's invasion of Iraq.

It's exploration of the effects of war not only on those who go to fight, but those who stay at home. The idea of forcing the population to pay for a war they do not believe in. The moral issue of torture. Ruling the population through fear and intimidation. The fear and hatred of Muslims - ignorance of their culture. I could go on.

Definitely worth a look, IMO.

Verdi - La Traviata / Gheorghiu, Lopardo, Nucci, Solti, Covent Garden (Special Edition with Highlights CD)

Average customer rating:

Brava Gheorghiu & cast!
A "Regular People" Review
Top-rank stage production
Unparalleled beauty
Unparalleled beauty

Verdi - La Traviata / Gheorghiu, Lopardo, Nucci, Solti, Covent Garden (Special Edition with Highlights CD)
Starring: Angela Gheorghiu , Frank Lopardo , Leo Nucci , Leah-Marian Jones , and Gillian Knight
Director: Humphrey Burton , and Peter Maniura
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Puccini - Tosca / Angela Gheorghiu, Roberto Alagna, Ruggero Raimondi, David Cangelosi, Antonio Pappano, Royal Opera
Verdi - Aida / Levine, Domingo, Millo, Metropolitan Opera
Puccini - Turandot / Franco Zeffirelli - Marton, Domingo, Mitchell, Plishka, Cuenod - James Levine, MET (1988)
Verdi - Rigoletto / Domingo, MacNeil, Cotrubas, Diaz, Levine, Metropolitan Opera
Leoncavallo - I Pagliacci / Mascagni - Cavalleria Rusticana / Domingo, Stratas, Pons, Bruson, Obraztsova, Pretre

ASIN: B0009AM5I6
Release Date: 2005-06-14

Amazon.com

Angela Gheorghiu is the definitive Violetta of her generation, the standard-setter against whom all other exponents of this role must be judged for the foreseeable future. Her affinity for Verdi's fragile, gentle-hearted courtesan is rooted in a fine balance of acting and singing skills. She looks right, her body language is eloquent without overstatement, and her voice is limpid, expressive, open to a variety of subtle shadings and used gracefully and intelligently. For this, her first Traviata, Covent Garden put together a production in 1994 that is solid and straightforward but otherwise unspectacular--a fairly subdued background against which her performance stands out all the more clearly. Though lacking the vocal splendor and personal magnetism of Placido Domingo, Frank Lopardo gives a sensitive performance as Alfredo, and Sir Georg Solti paces and accents this performance with a thoughtful subtlety that is relatively rare in his work. The result is deeply satisfying. --Joe McLellan

Customer Reviews:

Brava Gheorghiu & cast!.......2007-03-25

WOW!!! That's the only word I can say after watching this incredible live version of "La Traviata". So much so that I watched it twice in a row. There have been so many fabulous sopranos singing Violetta - my personal favorite is still Anna Moffo. Unfortunately, the film version starring Moffo is lip-synched and her "Sempre Libera" is untouchable except for Gheorghiu's. For a singer that had never sung this role before, Angela Gheorghiu is magnificent. I admit having heard so much negative press about her had prevented me from expressing an interest in Gheorghiu's musicianship. Her voice is spectacular and she has wonderful dramatic instincts. The costumes and scenery are perfect - ornate but not overdone. She's a beautiful lady too with ravishing black hair. Gheorghiu like Moffo really physically looks like Violetta. Gheorghiu is completely believable - radiant and vulnerable in the first 2 acts and close to death in Act 3. Matter of fact, I thought she looked absolutely horrible in the death scene. Sound quality and video are outstanding. Hard to believe, Decca was able to accomplish both from a live performance. Tenor Frank Lopardo has a wonderfully handsome voice and sensitive presence. Their voices blend well together and the chemistry between the leads is very strong. The scene in Act I when Alfredo nibbles Violetta on her lower lip as she attempts to resist his kiss is truly seductive. I do disagree with the prior reviewer's comments about Leo Nucci. Nucci is perfect as the disapproving and stern father. This is probably the best live version of "La Traviata" on dvd yet. See Angela Gheorghiu in "Tosca" dvd.

A "Regular People" Review.......2006-12-04

I'm new to the Opera, just getting into it over the last year. This is a great DVD and to make it even better you get the Highlights CD which sounds great. Any newcomer to the Opera will love the performance. But it would be good to also have the libretto handy for the viewing definitely worth it...and keep me updated!

Top-rank stage production.......2006-07-05

The only other DVD of the opera that I'm familiar with is Zeffirelli's movie version, which relies on cinematic effects as much as on the (heavily cut) score. There are no cinematic effects in this Solti version, but neither is it a "live" production -- clearly, it was taped without an audience and then shots of the Covent Garden crowd were spliced in. That's probably just as well, as we get a minimum of interruptions for applause, but be warned if you are expecting a truly spontaneous performance.

I can only echo what has already been said about Georghiu's performance. Unlike the vulnerable, barely-in-control Violetta of Teresa Stratas, she is a queen, commanding every scene she's in (which is most of them). She moves with graceful deliberation and sings with absolute authority. Lopardo is less persuasive as Alfredo -- maybe it's just that he squints too much to convince us that he's the ardent lover -- but the excellent overall direction masks any lack of acting skills. Indeed every bit of stage action in this performance seamlessly advances the story -- there is no sense, as there often is in opera, that the performers are being busy just for the sake of being busy.

It's a pleasure to be able to say that all this technical proficiency does not diminish the emotional impact of the production. Maybe it doesn't quite get the three-hankie rating of Zeffirelli's version, but it certainly gets two, and it perhaps earns them a little more honestly.

Unparalleled beauty.......2006-04-27

If there were to be a single performance of Verdi's masterpiece "La traviata" on one's dvd shelf, this is it.

Covent Garden rightly decided to downscale the sets to draw the focus on the main characters (with the exception of the third act, which accommodates for the large crowd). It is, as the editorial review dictates, unspectacular. There is no question that this production relies solely on the drama inherent in the music to drive the performance.

Angela Gheorghiu is easily this generation's most captivating soprano. She sings with a confidence and clarity in the upper register that few can boast, and a warm, luscious low register. Her phrasing is intelligent, always conscious of her place in the score. With superb acting skills to boot, she is a force to be reckoned with. Her Violetta is elegant, full of poise and strong integrity (odd, given the nature of the character's reputation as a courtesan), while at the same time vulnerable and sincere in her love for Alfredo. Her rendition of 'sempre libera' is so exhilirating, it will leave one gasping for air.

Frank Lopardo wouldn't be my first choice for Alfredo. He lacks the vocal splendor and prowess of his betters, tending to sound uncomfortably forced in the upper tessitura. Both he and Gheorghiu make a handsome couple, and his fiery denunciation of Violetta toward the end of act three is surprisingly cold and menacing. It's just a shame he doesn't have the voice to back it up. Leo Nucci is Leo Nucci. There are definitely better Germonts out there, but his Italianate sense of authority brings an authenticity to a mostly non-Italian cast (I think I'm quoting the leaflet here, but it's true!).

While Gheorghiu sparkles in this production, the true hero is undoubtedly Sir Georg Solti. The maestro conducts this piece with a delicate touch that is rare even for him. His London players give their all, achieving superb levels of nuance. By producing an eerily 'empty' sound, they brought a sense of unfulfillable longing in the prelude, echoing Violetta's ill-fated romance. While most of Verdi's works are typically laced with doom laden overtones, here it is absent. This is possibly the most intimate of his operas, and Solti's extensive operatic experience shines through with his probing and surprisingly revelatory reading of the score which wrenches the heart through to it's climactic end. When you take his theatrical, and often bombastic approach out of the equation, one is left with a rare, unparalleled beauty that is more than just noteworthy... it's miraculous.

Unparalleled beauty.......2006-04-27

If there were to be a single performance of Verdi's masterpiece "La traviata" on one's dvd shelf, this is it. Written at the height of his creative powers, it remains a staple in the repretoire of any respectable opera house.

Covent Garden rightly decided to downscale the sets to draw the focus on the main characters (with the exception of the third act, which accommodates for the large crowd). It is, as the editorial review dictates, unspectacular. There is no question that this production relies solely on the drama inherent in the music to drive the performance.

Angela Gheorghiu is easily this generation's most captivating soprano. She sings with a confidence and clarity in the upper register that few can boast, and a warm, luscious low register. Her phrasing is intelligent, always conscious of her place in the score. With superb acting skills to boot, she is a force to be reckoned with. Her Violetta is elegant, full of poise and strong integrity (odd, given the nature of the character's reputation as a courtesan), while at the same time vulnerable and sincere in her love for Alfredo. Her rendition of 'sempre libera' is so exhilirating, it will leave one gasping for air.

Frank Lopardo wouldn't be my first choice for Alfredo. He lacks the vocal splendor and prowess of his betters, tending to sound uncomfortably forced in the upper tessitura. Both he and Gheorghiu make a handsome couple, and his fiery denunciation of Violetta toward the end of act three is surprisingly cold and menacing. It's just a shame he doesn't have the voice to back it up. Leo Nucci is Leo Nucci. There are definitely better Germonts out there, but his Italianate sense of authority brings an authenticity to a mostly non-Italian cast (I think I'm quoting the leaflet here, but it's true!).

While Gheorghiu sparkles in this production, the true hero is undoubtedly Sir Georg Solti. The maestro conducts this piece with a delicate touch that is rare even for him. His London players give their all, achieving superb levels of nuance. By producing an eerily 'empty' sound, they brought a sense of unfulfillable longing in the prelude, echoing Violetta's ill-fated romance. While most of Verdi's works are typically laced with doom laden overtones, here it is absent. This is possibly the most intimate of his operas, and Solti's extensive operatic experience shines through with his probing and surprisingly revelatory reading of the score which wrenches the heart through to it's climactic end. When you take his theatrical, and often bombastic approach out of the equation, one is left with a rare, unparalleled beauty that is more than just noteworthy... it's miraculous.

Average customer rating:

AGE WITH DIGNITY.
Robin and Sean
love that is ment for all time
Audrey Hepburn's masterful performance is beyond amazing!
One of the latest classics in film history

Robin and Marian
Starring: Victoria Abril , Ron Barker , Peter Butterworth , Sean Connery , and Kenneth Cranham
Director: Richard Lester
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00005JL6M
Release Date: 2002-07-16

Amazon.com essential video

This underrated Richard Lester film is really a classic--and one of the most romantic movies ever made. Working from James Goldman's script, Lester casts Sean Connery as an aged Robin Hood, returned after years away at the Crusades with an increasingly mad King Richard (Richard Harris). Robin and Little John (a very funny Nicol Williamson) return to find that the sheriff of Nottingham (Robert Shaw) is up to his old nasty tricks--and that Maid Marian (Audrey Hepburn) is now a nun. Lester brings the same touch to this period film that he did to The Three Musketeers and The Four Musketeers, blending authenticity with a knowing wink at the conventions of period films. But the heart of this film is the very palpable emotion between Hepburn and Connery (and between Connery and Williamson). The ending is guaranteed three hankies, minimum. --Marshall Fine

Customer Reviews:

AGE WITH DIGNITY........2007-03-15

this is good but "older" and may be hard at first to "get." a good entry point for this movie would be THE AMERICANIZATION OF EMILY (james garner, julie andrews, paddy chayefsky).

same screenwriter as THE LION IN WINTER (itself outstanding).

Robin and Sean.......2007-01-11

Robin and Sean are an unbeatable combination. At last a down-to-earth view of the mature Robin Hood, devoid of Hollywood's frilles and glitz.
Audrey Hepburn and Robert Shaw's excellent characters add further to a movie and a tale very well told.
Most recommentable.

A Norwegian film buff.

love that is ment for all time.......2006-10-29

This film is in the great style of a classic old movie, with much dialog and emotional thought provoking scenes of two seemingly star crossed lovers who reconnect after many years only to be threatened again by the unyielding wonderlust ego of Robin. Marian put and end to his wondering in a most surprizing way so the two of them can be together for all time. it made my husband cry, a beautiful story of unending, enduring love that follows them into eturnity...

Audrey Hepburn's masterful performance is beyond amazing!.......2006-10-15

I watched this movie a long, long time ago. I recall the the movie being slow and somewhat tormented. What made this movie so memorable even after all these years is Audrey Hepburn's extraordinary performance at the end of the movie. Not only, IMHO, was this Audrey Hepburn's very best performance of her long and distinguished career, but perhaps the best performance by an actress ever! Even after all these years (decades) I still remember how she expresses her love to Robin "... I love you ... more than the morning prayers .....". Simply brilliant!

One of the latest classics in film history.......2006-09-11

Tremendous cast, work perfectly, the three of them. This may be a rare case where a mediocre director produces one great work of art out of the blue, way above his talents.

The story no need re-telling. Bottom-line, it is a love story, emphasized by the beauty of the (Spanish landscape, curiously enough) that pushes this movie beyond the ordinary Hollywood detritus.

There are probably more subjects entangled into the plot, say religion, social struggles, and what have you, but there's no need to even get into that (so secondary to the main story are they).

I say it's a modern classic because it's so hard to make a film so deep nowadays, about LOVE, without falling into ridicule and hyperbole, the kind of 'Romeo and Juliet' story on film, that being this a rare case, it deserves the honor full-heartedly. There are a couple of moments though that the scriptwriter is on the brink of becoming 'melodramatic/soap-operish', but (in my opinion) it saves itself from this ignominy.

There's an impromptu statement made by Marian, at the end of the film, where she declares to love Robin so much, and then she adds... 'more than God.' Which sentence, I believe, may have been introduced by the scriptwriter in order to summarize the anti-religious viewpoint of the film (and Marian being an ex-nun, more so). But I'd like to rescue this film from an apparently blasphemous impulse by way of quoting I John 4:7-8:

"and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love."

but also John 3:12 "If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things (Marian)?"

So, even though this film may have been intended to sow incredulity and narcisism among the viewers (surreptitiously), it can still be redeemed through God's grace, because in matters of love, no one knows better than God Himself.

It's a beautiful film, and it will make you cry more than think, which is fair enough for me.

Average customer rating:

lots of laughs
funny
What kind of man gives cigarettes to trees?
Killing us with laughter
Great movie

The Survivors
Starring: Walter Matthau , Robin Williams , Jerry Reed , James Wainwright , and Kristen Vigard
Director: Michael Ritchie
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000633R5
Release Date: 2002-04-23

Amazon.com

At the height of urban paranoia and the birth of survivalist movement in the 1980s, director Michael Ritchie decided to team Robin Williams and Walter Matthau. Talk about an odd couple; yet it actually might have worked, with Matthau's hang-dog deadpan and Williams's manic energy, were it not for a limp script by Michael Leeson. Williams and Matthau play two victims of Reaganomics, unemployed acquaintances who witness a robbery and identify one of the participants to the police, an act that turns them into targets for the robber in question, who comes looking for them. Williams's response: become a one-man arsenal and join a training camp for militant survivalists. But the comedy is neither sharp enough nor sufficiently smart to pull it off; Matthau is the calm center while Williams's comedy rockets all around him, to surprisingly little effect. --Marshall Fine

Customer Reviews:

lots of laughs.......2007-05-13

We really love this movie..It arrived on time and we have been laughing ever since. Thank you

funny.......2006-11-13

i thought that this movie was funny.It first started out when these two guys got fired then a robber comes into a resturant where they were and the guy played by robbin williams is shot by the robber and the robber escapes.the movie keep on getting better

What kind of man gives cigarettes to trees?.......2006-05-28

As I watched The Survivors, I couldn't help but wonder what was going through the mind of director Michael Ritchie when he was presented with the script. Outside of the enormous gaps in plot and development, he had to see some humor in it somewhere to cast two direct opposites of the comedy spectrum to helm this project. There had to be a mission or a reason in Ritchie's mind when he decided that Robin Williams, a fast-talking comedian that can sometimes be uncontrollable, and Walter Matthau, a slow-methodical comedian that appeals to the "every man", would be his key players. I wish I could have been a fly on the wall during this opening meeting because this little fly would have spoken up and mentioned that this pairing would doom the script, and possibly put a black mark on both of these actor's careers. I wouldn't just stop there, I would tear this film to pieces trying to get others to explain to me the subsequent ending and missing tone. The only element that I would be content with would be the casting of Jerry Reed, who honestly brought some humor and intelligence to this scarred film. The Survivors was not a film, but instead an attempt to allow two comedians the opportunity to express themselves coupled with heavy firepower. Nothing more, nothing less.

Could somebody, anybody, please help me out with the story surrounding The Survivors? From the zigzag opening centered around the parrot and Robin Williams' job to the incident at Matthau's gas station (a plot point never mentioned or concluded), Ritchie spends no time developing anything. His choice of direction is simply allow Williams to be as "zany" as possible and see how Matthau reacts to it. If it weren't for Jerry Reed this film would have been nearly an hour and a half of forced jokes, gunshots, and awkward moments. The story was pointless. In most instances I can find bits and pieces of a story which keeps my attention allowing me to be curious about how the ending will resolve itself. For there to be this resolution, there has to be a conflict. Even a senior in high school can figure that out, but oddly enough, there is no conflict in The Survivors. Ritchie attempts to create one with the entire "survival of the fittest" byline, but even that idea is never fully announced. I felt like a Ping-Pong ball in this film, constantly going back and forth between Williams and Matthau hoping that I would land on something that scored a point, but alas, this was the game that would never end. Ritchie even takes us into the wilderness in attempts to bring more laughs and eventually draw an ending, but again, nothing happens. Nothing is explained, nothing is developed, nothing is linear. Williams goes into the woods to be trained in survival, yet for the amount of time he was there it was as if he was unable to learn anything. Also, where did he get the funds to buy the house out in the woods? Then, without giving anything away, there was that pathetic ending. WHAT HAPPENED? I use big words there because there was not one iota of a conclusion. Enemies became friends, friends became enemies, and before words could be spoken the ending credits appeared. Ritchie obviously didn't have an ending and needed to quickly wrap it up, and it was very obvious.

I would like to announce this here, but I believe Michael Ritchie could not even handle the simplest of tasks with this film. The direction was horrible because Ritchie could not control his actors. It was obvious as you watched Williams and Matthau on screen that there were getting no advice or pointers from the man behind the camera. Ritchie didn't stop Williams during his rants (which at times were never relevant to the film) and did not help Matthau react to the insanity that Williams was bringing to the table. Even if you have a feeble story (such as this), you can possibly save the film with the actors. Ritchie could not save this film. What should have been the best part of this film was easily the most painful to watch. Williams and Matthau, in this critic's eye, possibly could be ranked as the WORST comic pairing in cinema. Matthau's form of comedy is completely, if not 100%, different to Williams' shenanigans. While in some film cases this would work to a movie's advantage, for The Survivors, it did not. There were no characters for these two comedians to enter into. I sat during the entire hour and a half watching Robin Williams be Robin Williams and the same for Walter Matthau. I could not see any semblance of a character between the two of them. Both seemed to jump from one trait to the next. Neither seemed to have a complete hold or knowledge of who they were attempting to portray. This is half due to the flimsy story, but mainly I place the blame on Ritchie. With Williams and Matthau at the helm, this had the beginnings of a hilarious possible gut-busting, laugh-out-loud comedy that would be a staple in the film community, but Ritchie, in my eyes, could not handle it. He relied to heavily on his actor's comic "personas" instead of actually building characters for them.

Overall, this was a very sad excuse for a film. I have read some other reviews that speak highly of the comedy in this film while do speak similarly of the lacking story, but for me everything was broken. There were no characters, there was no direction, there was obviously no story, and our two central actors didn't work for their money, but just read through their lines and gave a measly 30% to the final product. The only plus I give this film is the accomplishment of Jerry Reed. He was worth watching. The scene between his wife and I was nearly close to perfection. I think it was the only time that I found myself chuckling through this entire film. Ritchie could not handle this film and in the end The Survivors is probably a film that neither Williams or Matthau wants to remember. I know I am trying to forget it as we speak!

Grade: ** out of *****

Killing us with laughter.......2005-09-27

Both Robin Williams and Walter Matthau lose their jobs and then meet by chance in a restaurant; while there they become victims of a robbery attempt but scare the robber away. Williams goes crazy, arms himself to the teeth, and then joins a mercenary survival war school in the woods of Vermont. The robber wants to get rid of both Williams and Matthau for fear they can identify him, only Williams challenges him to a showdown in the snow in Vermont.

It's a wonderful romp, with the understated Matthau a perfect foil for Williams's off-the-wall zaniness. The movie falters somewhat in the woods of Vermont, with the anti-vigilante message becoming overly obtrusive, but there's enough hilarity to overlook it. A very funny movie. Definitely worth a watch.

Great movie.......2005-07-23

One of my all time favorite movies. You can like this movie if you are for or against guns.

Chuck Jones - Extremes and In-Betweens, a Life in Animation

Average customer rating:

Tribute to a master
Warner Brothers marketing of Chuck's Image(s) in one DVD
100 % pure inspiration!
Chuck Jones-Extremes and In-Betweens, A Life in Animation
Cliff Notes on Chuck Jones' cartoons

Chuck Jones - Extremes and In-Betweens, a Life in Animation
Starring: Joe Dante , Glen Keane , Robin Williams , Eric Goldberg , and Robert Givens
Director: Margaret Selby , and Chuck Jones
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Frank and Ollie (Special Edition)
Chuck Amuck: The Life and Times of an Animated Cartoonist
History of Animation - Origins of American Animation (1900-1921) (2-DVD Set)
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The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation

ASIN: B00006JDV4
Release Date: 2002-10-22

Amazon.com

There is more pure, unadulterated joy in just the opening montage of classic moments and characters from Chuck Jones cartoons than in most recent feature films. Jones is the best known of the Warner Bros. stable of legendary animators. He is certainly the most honored. After winning three Oscars, the Academy in 1996 bestowed upon him its Lifetime Achievement Award. With impeccable comic timing and design, Jones redefined "character animation," creating the definitive screen personas of Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, and Daffy Duck. He also unleashed on the world the Road Runner and amorous skunk Pepe Le Pew. This documentary--all-too-brief at 85 minutes--contains a generous sampling of clips that span Jones's career, from his early "aggressively cute" Disneyesque cartoons ("Sniffles Takes a Trip") to the masterpieces ("Duck Amuck," "One Froggy Evening"--hailed here by no less than Steven Spielberg as "the Citizen Kane of animated shorts") to the post-Warners book adaptations, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and the Oscar-winning "The Dot and the Line." But that's not all, folks. Jones reflects on his work and the method to his madness. There are also insightful appreciations by animators (Simpsons creator Matt Groening, Toy Story director John Lasseter), historians (Leonard Maltin), and some of Jones's biggest fans (Whoopi Goldberg, Robin Williams). This portrait of the man who would be Bugs (but who admits he is more akin to Daffy) was presented on the PBS series Great Performances, but perhaps American Masters would have been more fitting. "Chuck Jones is a given in our culture," Groening remarks. "You wake up in the morning and you know Bugs Bunny is out there doing something." --Donald Liebenson

Description

The most famous animated characters and the stars who love them unite to celebrate Chuck Jones, the living legend of animation. Showcases all of your favorite characters: Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote and more. Celebrity appearances by WHOOPI GOLDBERG, MATT GROENIG, RON HOWARD, JOHN LASSETER, LEONARD MALTIN, STEVEN SPIELBERG, ROBIN WILLIAMS and more! Year: 2000

Customer Reviews:

Tribute to a master.......2007-05-13

Great DVD, specially if youre into animation. Is really nice to see him talk about his work beacuse hes one of the greatest. Its also cool to watch the new animation masters like Glenn Keane and John Lasseter talking about the inspiration that Chuck Jones was for everyone...

Warner Brothers marketing of Chuck's Image(s) in one DVD.......2005-09-20

A definite "scrapvideo" for MOST Loony Tunes followers,"Chuck Jones - Extremes and In-Betweens, a Life in Animation" left me a taste of respect and motivation to Mr. Jones career through animation, fused with emptyness and frustration in some pointless interviews with Whoopy Golberg, Robin Williams, Matt Groening and Steven Spielberg (nothing outstanding, relevant, or even worth for the narrative context in this DVD).

Initially, the DVD structure looks quite ambitious through 21 of its 22 titles but, while watching the whole thing I got more and more convinced that most of the chapters were just too "light" to make a "one-of-a-kind" anything. That goes even to special features like the rush version of "Chuck Jones Tutorial: tricks of the cartoon trade" quite poorly edited and commented by some animators except Mr. Jones.

More like a Video Catalogue of Mr. Jones work at Warner Brothers, "Chuck Jones - Extremes and In-Betweens, a Life in Animation", pulls down Mr. Jones potential and appeal to a 90 minute commercial about shorts found in DVD collections and stories or books written by or about Mr. Jones (and...guess what? They are all for sale separately).

I also missed the complete versions of "High note" and "The Dot and the Line" (Even if this last one was done with MGM).

100 % pure inspiration!.......2005-08-29

Woow, what can I say? It is all about Chuck Jones!

Very inspiring DVD with a great interview and some commentaries from famous people. This stuff is totally inspiring for animators!

Chuck Jones-Extremes and In-Betweens, A Life in Animation.......2003-07-17

I was somewhat disappointed to find only a snippet of "The Dot and the Line" and "One Froggy Evening" instead of the entire feature. I have been searching for these cartoons, without success for years and thought I'd finally hit the jackpot. But it was great getting an insight into the genius of Chuck Jones and hearing what other big stars thought of his work. It's a must see for anyone interested in the process of animation.

Cliff Notes on Chuck Jones' cartoons.......2003-01-10

This documentary is basically a 90 minute condensation of the work of Chuck Jones. Comprised of neat interviews, clips for cartoons, and photographs, this is a surprise for many.

The quality of the video is excellent... it's non-anamorphic 1.85:1, but it was made that way. Upconverting the image wouldn't result in more resolution. You see 100% of the resolution for the video parts. All cartoons are presented at 1.33:1, windowboxed within the 1.85:1 frame.

The extras include a 15-minute "tutorial" which is a facinating look at the process of animation. It seems to be an outtake from the documentary. There are pencil tests for How The Grinch Stole Christmas and Mississippi Hare, as well. That's not all! Two complete Jones cartoons are provided: Feed The Kitty and Duck Dodgers in the 24 1/2 Century. Both are in perfect condition, with gorgeous Technicolor color.

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Brava Gheorghiu & cast!.......2007-03-25

A "Regular People" Review.......2006-12-04

Top-rank stage production.......2006-07-05

Unparalleled beauty.......2006-04-27

Average customer rating:

The Pay Off
Starring: Lita Chevret , William Janney , George F. Marion , Walter McGrail , and Robert McWade
Director: Lowell Sherman
Manufacturer: Alpha Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Royal Bed

ASIN: B0001DMXWO
Release Date: 2004-03-23

Average customer rating:

AGE WITH DIGNITY.
Robin and Sean
love that is ment for all time
Audrey Hepburn's masterful performance is beyond amazing!
One of the latest classics in film history

Robin and Marian [Region 2]
Starring: Sean Connery , Audrey Hepburn , Robert Shaw , Richard Harris , and Nicol Williamson
Director: Richard Lester
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

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Similar Items:

The Wind and the Lion
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ASIN: B000069JEZ

Amazon.com essential video

Customer Reviews:

AGE WITH DIGNITY........2007-03-15

Robin and Sean.......2007-01-11

love that is ment for all time.......2006-10-29

Audrey Hepburn's masterful performance is beyond amazing!.......2006-10-15

One of the latest classics in film history.......2006-09-11

Average customer rating:

lots of laughs
funny
What kind of man gives cigarettes to trees?
Killing us with laughter
Great movie

The Survivors [Region 2]
Starring: Walter Matthau , Robin Williams , Jerry Reed , James Wainwright , and Kristen Vigard
Director: Michael Ritchie
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video