Johns

Starring:Lukas Haas, David Arquette, Wilson Cruz, Keith David, Christopher Gartin, Elliott Gould, Terrence Howard, Joshua Schaefer, Nicky Katt, Richard Kind, Kurtis Kunzler, John C. McGinley, Richard T. Jones, Louis Mustillo, Harper Roisman, Alanna Ubach, Arliss Howard, Tony Epper, Sydney Lassick, Ruth Silver
Director: Scott Silver
Studio: Fox Lorber
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com essential video

There is only one word that comes close to accurately describing the enchanting Mary Poppins, and that term was coined by the movie itself: supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! Even at 2 hours and 20 minutes, Disney's pioneering mixture of live action and animation (based on the books by P.L. Travers) still holds kids spellbound. Julie Andrews won an Oscar as the world's most magically idealized nanny ("practically perfect in every way," and complete with lighter-than-air umbrella), and Dick Van Dyke is her clownishly charming beau, Bert the chimney sweep. The songs are also terrific, ranging from bright and cheery ("A Spoonful of Sugar") to dark and cheery (the Oscar-winning "Chim Chim Cher-ee") to touchingly melancholy ("Feed the Birds"). Many consider Mary Poppins to be the crowning achievement of Walt Disney's career--and it was the only one of his features to be nominated for a best picture Academy Award until Beauty and the Beast in 1991. --Jim Emerson

Description

Experience the extraordinary animation, dazzling special effects, and award-winning music of Walt Disney's MARY POPPINS in this fully restored and remastered 2-Disc 40th Anniversary Edition! Join the "practically perfect" Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews) for a "Jolly Holiday" as she magically turns every chore into a game and every day into a whimsical adventure. Along the way you'll be enchanted by unforgettable characters such as the multitalented chimney sweep Bert (Dick Van Dyke). Unpack Mary's magical carpetbag full of bonus features, including an all-new animated short, games, and a never-before-heard deleted song. You won't need "A Spoonful Of Sugar" to love every moment of this timeless Disney classic!

Customer Reviews:

Mary Poppins.......2007-06-28

Disney's triumph expertly blends live-action and animation, and boasts a delightful score by the Sherman Brothers, including "A Spoonful Of Sugar", "Chim-Chim-Cher-ee", and "Feed The Birds". Veteran troupers Ed Wynn, Reginald Owen and Arthur Treacher lend colorful support, and Van Dyke is an appealing song and dance man, though his Cockney accent fails him. The real draw of course is the irresistible Andrews, who won the Oscar in her first starring role. Best for younger children, and young-at-heart parents.

Wonderful!.......2007-05-11

We had a flawless transaction on this one. Plus, what a great classic. My wife loves Disney movies and this is one of her all time favorites, so it made a great gift.

SUPER..califragilisticexpialidocious :).......2007-05-10

Absolutely delightful for my just-turned 3 year old daughter. She knows all of the songs and we sometimes just watch the feature which allows you to just play the songs...
I loved this movie as a child and I now really enjoy the movie on a different level as an adult. A classic and must-have in a child's dvd library!

Mary Poppins.......2007-05-09

Wonderful movie, even better on DVD. Just a little bit of sugar helps the medicine go down.

Practically Perfect in Every Way. Until the Last Hour........2007-05-03

There's a stretch of Mary Poppins, from around "The Perfect Nanny" until "I Love to Laugh," that really is perfect. Pure magic. But then that ending just drags and drags. The beauty of the movie, during that enchanting middle section, is that it is spirited and breathtaking, and delivers a message without being preachy. But then, shortly after the gang find themselves laughing to the point that they float to the ceiling, the energy starts to leak out of the movie. I appreciate that attention spans were longer a generation ago. But, two hours and twenty minutes for a children's musical? Could anyone- even back then- have really wanted to watch more of the Banks father being emasculated? There is "Chim Chim Cher-ee" and "Step in Time" to break up the heavy handed morality, and then Mr. Banks' rebirth as a `quality-time' father is demonstrated briefly by his interest in kites. Don't get me wrong. I'm down with the messages: The pursuit of money and status doesn't guarantee happiness. Don't forget to appreciate and nurture your kids. You don't have to sacrifice limit-setting to be playful, and so on. But there's something annoying about having that message remastered, repackaged, and forcefully delivered by the encroaching, ubiquitous Disney colossus.

Mary Poppins does a tremendous piece of family therapy with the Banks. While one can find elements of structural family therapy in her work, she mainly uses a strategic approach, focusing less on insight and understanding and instead adopting a directive and authoritative stance to manipulate the elements of symptoms, metaphors, hierarchy, and power that form the secret language of the Banks family. In fact, there is no better illustration of a paradoxical intervention than when she sings the lullaby "Stay Awake." The late Jay Haley himself must have marveled at her technique. And it is a wonderful talent that allows Mary Poppins the character, as well as Julie Andrews the actress, to act in an authoritarian manner while projecting enough playfulness and charm to secure the alliance with not just the kids but the parents. Magic doesn't hurt the transference either.

Anyway, the stuff that's great is really priceless and well worth it. You should probably slog through the movie all the way at least once, perhaps in a few sittings, but then after that you can select to view just the musical numbers with the kids. Some of the behind-the-scenes bonuses are worth watching. It's always interesting to see how the creative process works, the little serendipitous moments that add up to brilliance.

I think I'm done. I managed to get through this review without saying "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." By the way, "dociousaliexpilisticfragicalirupus" is not strictly speaking the same word backwards. They throw in that "rupus" at the end to throw us off, but the rest of it is made up of roots, some of them multisyllabic, intact but in reverse order. Just wanted to mention that.

Average customer rating:

Side Splitter
Court Jester
Prep for Engineering Final Exam
Danny Kaye is the best!
The Court Jester

The Court Jester
Starring: Danny Kaye , Glynis Johns , Basil Rathbone , Angela Lansbury , and Cecil Parker
Director: Melvin Frank , and Norman Panama
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 079215519X
Release Date: 1999-03-30

Amazon.com

Danny Kaye spoofs Robin Hood and Scaramouche in this inventive slapstick swashbuckler. Portraying the clownish but good-hearted entertainer Hawkins, he infiltrates the court of the corrupt Basil Rathbone (up to his usual brand of cruel villainy) disguised as the legendary king of jesters, Giacomo. After a court sorceress hypnotizes Hawkins into believing he is also a legendary assassin, Hawkins has more identities than he can keep straight, and Kaye zips back and forth between them at, literally, a snap of the fingers. Comic highlights include a wonderful sword fight with Rathbone in which he constantly switches identities, and the classic "chalice from the palace/vessel with pestle" wordplay as Hawkins plays "hide the poison" and forgets where it is. With comely Glynis Johns as his spy-in-arms love interest, Angela Lansbury as the scheming princess, and Mildred Natwick as the dotty spellcaster, this is Danny Kaye at his comic best. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

Side Splitter.......2007-06-27

Absolutely one of Danny Kaye's best. I laughed so hard that there were tears. Truly an enjoyable movie. I just don't think they make them like this anymore.

Court Jester.......2007-06-11

Danny Kaye's ultimate best film. It is funny, romantic and empathic. He wants to be a hero type, but ends up hiding the baby King from the bad guy. He is enchanted by a court witch who convinces him he is a true hero with the snap of anyone's fingers. The most memorable line is "Get it? Got it? Good" -- Danny did his own sword fight, but the villian was in reality a great sword fighter and would not fight Danny when he was goofing off. --- A MUST SEE MOVIE

Prep for Engineering Final Exam.......2007-04-29

In 1958 I had to take an exam in Engineering Drawing from 2-5pm on a friday. I wanted to take my mind off of the exam in the morning so I went to the theatre to catch a matinee. It was the "Court Jester". It was the funniest movie I ever saw, and while taking the exam, the proctor was forced to move me into an adjacent room as I couldn't stop chuckling during the exam. I "aced" the test and was forever grateful to Danny Kay, Glynnis Johns (who was beautiful), Basil Rathbone ( the great) and Angela Lansbury who I forever after had a difficulty in seeing her in later films as a sweet lovable old lady.

Danny Kaye is the best!.......2007-04-10

This movie is just as great as I remember it from when I was a little kid!
My mom and I, every Saturday would watch old movies on tv, and my favorites were always Danny Kaye movies, this one is by far my favorite!
Danny plays the best part as the jester, his style is like no other!

I recommend this movie to anyone who wants a lighthearted laugh!

The Court Jester.......2007-03-28

Danny Kaye is brilliant in this movie. His "Vessel with the Pessle" routine is one of the best. Danny Kaye is at his best. The midgets in the
movie offset his humor.

Average customer rating:

Sandra and Bill...
sweet romantic comedy
Classic Comedy, Love Story and overall Family Fun.
Light and fun
Cute Romantic Comedy

While You Were Sleeping
Starring: Sandra Bullock , Bill Pullman , Peter Gallagher , Peter Boyle , and Jack Warden
Director: Jon Turteltaub
Manufacturer: Hollywood Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: 6304765266
Release Date: 1998-02-04

Amazon.com

If you don't mind a heavy dose of schmaltz and sentiment, this romantic comedy has a gentle way of seducing you with its charms. While You Were Sleeping was the first starring role for Sandra Bullock after her blockbuster success in Speed. In a role that nicely emphasizes her easygoing appeal, Bullock is the reason the movie works at all. She plays Lucy Eleanor Moderatz, a Chicago Transit tollbooth clerk who's hopelessly smitten with a daily commuter, Peter Callaghan (Peter Gallagher). She saves the object of her affection from certain death after he's mugged and falls onto the train tracks. While Peter is in a coma, she lets his family believe that she is his fiancée, and surprisingly finds herself drawn to his brother (Bill Pullman), for whom the attraction is definitely mutual. How Lucy gets out of this amorous predicament is what makes this pleasant movie less predictable than its familiar ingredients would initially indicate. It's feel-good fluff, with characters and performances that keep you smiling through the drippy plot mechanics. --Jeff Shannon

Description

You'll fall in love with WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING, the hit romantic comedy that woke everyone up to adorable Sandra Bullock (SPEED, A TIME TO KILL). As Lucy, a lonely subway worker, she becomes smitten with a handsome stranger (Peter Gallagher -- MALICE). But when she saves his life after he's been mugged and fallen into a coma, his hilariously offbeat family mistakes her for his fiancee! Soon, the mix-ups escalate as Lucy fabricates a life between herself and a man she's never met! And when Lucy falls for his charming brother (Bill Pullman -- INDEPENDENCE DAY) the situation really gets uproarious as she's forced to make a choice between the two!

Customer Reviews:

Sandra and Bill..........2007-06-16

...what a great pair and what a fabulous movie. This is one of my faves of all time. It's funny, fun, and touches your heart. I am a huge Sandra Bullock fan since first seeing her in Speed and this made me a Bill Pullman fan as well. Previous to this movie he was always the guy who lost the girl, so seeing him as the male lead was a pleasant surprise.
Great movie...get it!!

sweet romantic comedy.......2007-05-25

This is one of my favorite romantic comedies of all time. Sandra Bullock is perfect in her role, and she has great chemistry with Bill Pullman. All the supporting cast is fabulous, from Peter Gallagher (perfect in his role as the superficial one of the two brothers) to the late always-hilarious Peter Boyle and reliable Jack Warden. Strong casting, an original storyline, great script, and perfect execution make for a highly enjoyable romantic comedy.

Classic Comedy, Love Story and overall Family Fun........2007-05-13

This movie shows that you are NOT crazy & you are not alone. Everyone has felt as if they don't fit in and "is it always going to be like this?" This film has several Titles. CLassic Family Fun & Comedy for anytime.

Light and fun.......2007-03-10

This is one of my "watch again and again" movies. It always lifts my mood.

Cute Romantic Comedy.......2007-03-08

I really liked the movie--in fact--I liked it so much that I saw it numerous times. It is one of those treasures that you want to keep in your collection to watch whenever you want. I liked the chemistry between Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman in the movie. This movie is one of my favorites to see her in. It was funny and light. "While You Were Sleeping" was really enjoyable. It was not just Sandra who made this movie good and funny, it was the hillarious cast that kicked that humor up a bit more.

Average customer rating:

Great hit from Great Britain.
I, Claudius
An oldy but a definite goody
Save the best for first
So what's the problem here?

I, Claudius
Starring: Derek Jacobi , Siân Phillips , Brian Blessed , George Baker , and John Hurt
Director: Herbert Wise
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00004U12X
Release Date: 2000-08-15

Amazon.com essential video

This superbly acted, mordantly funny romp through 70 years or so of Roman history is one of the best-loved miniseries ever made, and deservedly so. Derek Jacobi plays Roman Emperor Claudius, who reflects in old age on his life and his remarkable family, giving us a history lesson that's unlike anything you learned in school.

The story begins in 24 B.C. during the reign of Augustus Caesar, Rome's first emperor, and ends in A.D. 54 with Nero on the throne. In between, I, Claudius details the scheming, murder, madness, and lust that passed for politics in the early years of the Pax Romana. The biggest worm in the Roman apple is Augustus's wife, Livia (the superb Siân Phillips), whose single-minded pursuit of power shapes the destiny of the Empire. With a carefully planted rumor here and a poisoned fig there, she gradually maneuvers her son, Tiberius, toward the throne, creating an atmosphere of suspicion and treachery that starts Rome on its helter-skelter slide into bloody chaos. Phillips somehow makes us understand this extraordinarily wicked woman. As she ages and her carefully wrought webs begin to unravel, it becomes clear that Livia has been as thoroughly poisoned by her own ambition as her victims were by her carefully prepared meals.

Further acting honors go to George Baker as Tiberius, who resists but eventually succumbs to the destiny forced upon him by his mother, and to John Hurt as a hilarious and absolutely terrifying Caligula. In one breathtakingly tense scene, the mad Emperor performs a dance in drag, then asks Claudius to critique it, perfectly capturing the horror of a world where one wrong word means death, or worse. Jacobi is the perfect Claudius, hiding his intelligence behind a crippling stammer and shuffling around the edges of events--until he finds himself pulled to the very center. His wry comments give shape to the tangled story of his family and help the audience make sense of a dauntingly complex cast of characters.

I, Claudius might seem a little studio-bound to viewers brought up on more recent big-budget costume dramas, but the topnotch cast and the incident-filled plot are more than enough to hold the attention through almost 11 hours of gripping, deliciously wicked Roman follies. This boxed set also includes a documentary entitled "The Epic That Never Was," about Alexander Korda's failed attempt to film I, Claudius in 1937. The film, directed by Josef von Sternberg and starring Charles Laughton as Claudius and Merle Oberon as Messalina, was abandoned unfinished, and it remains one of Hollywood's great lost movies. --Simon Leake

Description

Roman history comes alive in this magnificent 13-part series. "I, Claudius" (1976, 668 min.) ranks among the most acclaimed productions in BBC history. Tracing the lives of the last of the Roman emperors, it's an epic of ruthless ambition, shocking debauchery and murderous intrigue set in one of history's most fascinating eras. Bearing witness to the saga is Claudius, whose stutter and limp have marked him a fool--yet whom prophesies have foretold will one day rule Rome. This collector's edition set includes a unique documentary feature, "The Epic That Never Was" (1965, 71 min.), a remarkable behind-the-scenes look at Alexander Korda's ill-fated 1937 screen adaptation of "I, Claudius." Starring Merle Oberon and Charles Laughton, the chronicle of this uncompleted masterpieces is an unforgettable coda to one of the greatest stories ever told.

Customer Reviews:

Great hit from Great Britain........2007-06-27

If you are looking for a good Roman series that includes conspiracy,skullduggery,betrayal,mayhem, and murder THIS IS IT.

I, Claudius.......2007-05-27

A great BBC series that stands the test of time. Great characterization and great performances by a superb cast about the Roman empire. It doesn't have the slick, modern 'look' of the newer Rome series, but surpasses it with a quality that doesn't seem to be matched in today's productions.

An oldy but a definite goody.......2007-05-21

I bought this for my husband for his birthday. Thanks to Amazon, tracking it down was not nearly as hard as it would have been in the past. I agree with another reviewer, the first half is definitely more superior, whilst Augustus and Livia are still firmly in control (mostly Livia!).

The series has definitely dated and today's viewer has to exercise a little patience with this. I believe the financially beleagured BBC actually filmed this in stage form. Hence there are many 'Actors!!', with heavy makeup. Costumes were obviously not too taxing everyone is in a toga), and sets could be got round by confining the action to a couple of rooms and probably only one 'outdoor' fountained courtyard. As for the crowd scenes one would expect to see at the Coliseum forgeddaboudit!!! This is the Beeb! With all the budgetary restrictions a Beeb production involves (I cite Mr and Mrs Badger from the BBC production of 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' in support of this - they were giants draped with what looked like shagpile).

All this aside, this adaption of Robert Graves book is one of the greats. It is carried by the magnificent story and actually requires one to watch, listen and engage. It can be quite funny and horrific. Violence is everpresent, but in those days it wasn't necessary to rub the audiences' faces in it. I am transported back to my childhood when my parents watched the series as originally televised. We were not allowed to watch it, but I went and borrowed the book from the library anyway.

In the current cultural slump we are enduring, I Claudius is well worth a long weekend with wine and cheese and blankets and someone to giggle with. Expect to scramble frequently for the pause button while you consult the handy family tree and character guide that comes with this edition, and the ensuing arguments about who is currently banished to a miniscule island and who is related to whom by birth or adoption. Have fun!!

Save the best for first.......2007-05-13

Excellent performances, but I lost most interest after Livia and Augustus died. Later episodes more of the same with less appealing characters.

So what's the problem here?.......2007-05-10

I just received this in the mail. I was worried about the picture and sound quality, based on other people's review. It's great! I'd say it looks better than standard TV, although it doesn't compare to more modern DVDs. Maybe I just have a special setup in my entertainment system, without knowing it, but as I said, it looks better than COPS or a standard baseball broadcast or what have you.

The menus are archaic and the "big box" setup for the box set is disappointing (no slimline cases or folding cases to save shelf space)

As for the story, I haven't seen this in years but I remember it being great. Everyone else already agrees on that, so you don't need to hear from me. I just wanted to add my voice to the presentation debate.

Average customer rating:

The Paper Chase
Watch this before you go to law school
decent movie, but not real life
Paper Chase for training tutors
An Intelligent Family Film

The Paper Chase
Starring: Timothy Bottoms , Lindsay Wagner , John Houseman , Graham Beckel , and James Naughton
Director: James Bridges
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00008UALL
Release Date: 2003-06-03

Description

Expecting only the basic pressures of attending Harvard Law School, a serious, hard-working student (Timothy Bottoms) finds himself the fearful adversary of the school's most imperious, sarcastic professor (John Houseman). Their relationship grows even more complex when the boy discovers that the girl he's in love with is the professor's daughter (Lindsay Wagner). Edward Herrmann and James Naughton co-star in this moving, intelligent drama.

Customer Reviews:

The Paper Chase.......2007-07-05

At a time of heightened competitiveness in academia, James Bridges's "The Paper Chase" makes for relevant as well as highly pleasurable viewing. Set in one of the most demanding environments--Harvard Law School--the film portrays learning at its most intense, where the depth and breadth of the curriculum represents a marathon, testing the brain and body's endurance. Timothy Bottoms is wonderful as the student who may be in over his head, but John Houseman, as the remote, brilliant law professor who strikes terror in his charges, is the reason this film scores a solid A.

Watch this before you go to law school.......2007-06-07

There are plenty of movies with a little romance, a little drama, and a little comedy. This movie is special because it portrays law school is such an entertaining, and somewhat accurate manner. It also explores the themes that we all constantly wrestle with, our natural intelligence, hard work, or ultimate capabililties, and what we are willing to sacrifice to get ahead.

The feckless and overly orthodox law professors that pollute the halls and classrooms of our nation's institutes of higher legal learning won't teach you as much about law school as this film will. The professor who appears in this film acutally explains his teaching methodology, the antiquated Socratic Method, which inspires students to learn and read through fear, which amounts to pointless question and answer sessions, which baffles students who once believed themselves to be intelligent before they were humiliated in front of their class!

Professor Kingsfield's lectures and question and answer sessions in this film are frightening and are timeless displays of eloquence, much like Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Full Metal Jacket. This movie, like no other, explores the fear and stress that law school students feel as they try to chase the paper, as they try to chase the grade.

Our protaganist goes through the same struggles as real law students, as he must decide between personal and school. Will he chase the girl that he is falling in love with? Or will he spend the weekend studying? Will he become the silent law school student that hopes that he does not get called on, or will he burn the midnight oil and become part of the upper echelon of law school students that savor the spotlight and volunteer to be participants in the feared Socratic nightmare? Will he fall prey to the paper chase and sell his sould to get the grade? You'll see law students crack, you'll see friendships fail, you'll see betrayal and competition, and you'll see disappointment in the face of the student that just can't hack it.

You'll get a sense of the conflict that is played out in the minds of those students who have the natural ability, but are conflicted whether or not they want to put in the work and take the pain that is necessary to succeed in law school and be at the top of their class.

The movie is entertaining, humorous, and the best part of all are the interactions between students and the sharp, aggressive law professor.

decent movie, but not real life.......2007-05-08

This is a decent movie, but hardly depicts the way that law school is, either in the late 1970s or espically in 2007. Professors today actually try to get AWAY from the Kingsfield sterotype that this movie created. Of course there are exceptions, and professors still use socratic at times, but it is very "soft." People can pass all the time in class, say i dont know, and NOTHING happens to them, indeed nobody even cares or looks up from playing games on their laptops.

So watch the movie, but don't use it as some kind of window into law school life.

Paper Chase for training tutors.......2007-03-06

This is a fabulous movie that not only depicts excellent teaching techniques but is a prime example of the Socratic Method. We have a no-pen policy in our tutoring program; that is, the tutors do not do any writing. Rather, the student is to do the work and problem-solve while the tutor facilitates the process. I teach the tutors at my University to use the Socratic Method of tutoring; asking reflecting questions so that the student can teach themselves how to work the problems.

I highly recommend this movie as a teaching tool and as an example of andragogical approach to learning.

An Intelligent Family Film.......2007-02-11

A great film - superlative acting - wonderful sory line also powerful message on formal education and it's rewards --- Any member of the family age notwithstanding can enjoy this film ... hm dodd

Average customer rating:

Moby Dick my review
Haven't bought it yet...but was excited to see in on DVD
A classic movie - all kids should see
Moby Dick
Huston + Melville

Moby Dick
Starring: Gregory Peck , Richard Basehart , Leo Genn , James Robertson Justice , and Harry Andrews
Director: John Huston
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005AUKA
Release Date: 2001-06-19

Amazon.com essential video

There are so many things right about this 1956 production of Moby Dick, it's a shame it is remembered for the one (debatable) thing wrong with it. As Captain Ahab, the bearded, one-legged, insanely obsessed whaler, Gregory Peck has often been called miscast. The mild, level-headed Peck had many talents, but the volcanic eruptions of Ahab seemed beyond him--even Peck himself felt he was a bad fit for the part after he finished playing it. (Pauline Kael opined that Peck looked like "a stock-company Lincoln.") Yet Peck's quiet brooding works an intriguing variation on the fiery character. John Huston, a director with a taste for location shooting, had his hands full with the difficult open-water filming in Ireland and the Canary Islands ("The catalogue of misadventures was unbelievable," he later wrote). Since Ahab is chasing the rare white whale, three false whales had to be constructed, two of which were lost at sea. For all the miscues, the film is amazingly controlled, and especially beautiful to look at: Huston and cinematographer Oswald Morris developed an unusual color process meant to suggest old whaling engravings. The director wrote the script with the science fiction writer Ray Bradbury, an inspired choice to adapt Herman Melville's epic novel. Richard Basehart plays the narrator, Ishmael, and Orson Welles provides a wonderful single-scene role as Father Mapple, declaiming the mysteries of the sailor's life in a thundering sermon. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

Moby Dick my review.......2007-06-18

Moby Dick is a great book, The movie version is good. Gregory Peck may not have been right for Captain Ahab,but was good enough to show the revenge maddend whaler as the villan of the film. The cast does a good job, Ishmael and Quequeg were well played. The special effecects were good its easy topull for Moby Dick over Ahab. Moby Dick is great look at not only whaling but obsession, hate, and the grim stuggle whalers faced at sea.

Haven't bought it yet...but was excited to see in on DVD.......2007-03-22

I saw the original in the theater. I must have the DVD. It was great in the theater. When Capt is snagged in the harpoon lines on the side of the whale, the entire theater gasped. It was cinematic history!

The popcorn was better back then too.

A classic movie - all kids should see.......2007-01-09

I've read the book many times, have owned a VHS copy for years and finally decided to breakdown and but a DVD copy.
Got 2 teenage boys and managed to convince them this was worth watching. We watched it together and although compared to the production quality of today's flicks, they were glued to the plasma display.
And talked about for several days after.

Moby Dick.......2006-11-10

One of Gregory Pecks finest roles other then in To kill a Mockingbird.
He was captain Ahab. Great story line, very true to Melvilles novel.
I read Moby Dick in high school and as a college project, now I see even more clearly what melville was talking about.
"I'll get thee whale", you had better believe it!

Huston + Melville.......2006-09-27

The best recreation nowadays of Melville's immortal novel was put in images by John Huston who wrote too the script in inspirated collaboration with the great science-fiction story-teller Ray Bradbury. Although we're talking of a condensed adaptation ( the book is full of historical reviews, philosophical arguments and includes a list of book quotations concerning whales and numerous appendixes about cethology ) Huston touchs the essence and all the high moments of this tremendous story plenty of biblic's resonances about an obsessive man who has sold his soul in his anxiety of hunting the whale Moby Dick, a white Leviathan, probably a symbol of his irrational and obstinate hope of revenge or maybe a number of our indifferent and cruel universe. Orson Welles, who had told several times his wish of shooting this unforgettable story, appears brevely as the father Marple at the beginning of the film. The experimental colour treatment of its images collaborates to the haunted tone that cross over all the film.

This DVD edition respects the original aspect ratio ( 1.33: 1 )

Average customer rating:

Tales From the Crypt/Vault Of Horror
Starring: Dawn Addams , Tom Baker , Michael Craig , Denholm Elliott , and Glynis Johns
Director: Roy Ward Baker , and Freddie Francis
Manufacturer: Fox Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Witchfinder General
From Beyond (Special Edition)
Chosen Survivors / The Earth Dies Screaming
Devils Of Darkness / Witchcraft
The Food of the Gods

ASIN: B000RXVNCO
Release Date: 2007-09-11

Average customer rating:

A complete joke!
THE EXTENDED CUT IS A BETTER CUT....SO BUY IT!!!
REALLY DISAPPOINTING! ONE OF THE WORST MARVEL MOVIES
"I Can Hear What You're Thinkin'....." A Truer Vision Of Castle
2.5 stars this extended version doesn't make It better

The Punisher (Extended Cut)
Starring: Thomas Jane , John Travolta , Will Patton , Eddie Jemison , and Rebecca Romijn
Director: Jonathan Hensleigh
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Elektra - The Director's Cut (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)
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ASIN: B000I2KRZI
Release Date: 2006-11-21

Description

The Punisher walks through the world we all know, a world darkened by war, crime, cruelty and injustice. He has no superpowers to battle the evil he sees - only his fierce intelligence, his years of combat experience and, above all, his iron determination to avenge those wronged by society's villains.

Customer Reviews:

A complete joke!.......2007-06-26

When I saw the trailer for this movie it appeared to me to be just another hollywood product with an already over used formula. That was my first opinion of it. But one day I decided to at least give the movie a chance so I buy it on dvd and as soon as I pressed play I was immersed in what could have been the worst piece of crap I had seen in a long time. I mean there are movies that are ok but forgetable and then there are movies that are just plain ridiculous. The script was retarded, Thomas Jane tried to act, the supporting cast was retarded (neighbor's in Castle's apartment) and I'm sad to say that good old John Travolta was so unconvincing it made me sick. It is always a sad day when great characters are made into awful movies. In the end, the action scenes were weak, the story made no honest sense, the characters were idiots and the climax was just a little too predictable. If you want to see a real movie of The Punisher then watch the 1989 film with Dolph Lundgren, now THAT's action.

THE EXTENDED CUT IS A BETTER CUT....SO BUY IT!!!.......2007-06-22

Yes, the Punisher is a great movie and the extended cut brings more flavor to the story, it has an alternate beginning and scenes that couldn't be in the film due to time restrictions. And yes, I still have the Theatrical version because of the special features. Unfortunately, I went to www.punisher.com and got some sad news, Thomas Jane will not return for Punisher 2, due to reasons beyond his control, he wanted to give the fans what they wanted but apparently the producers were not willing the follow the Marvel tradition. Its' a shame to because Thomas Jane is the best Punisher in my book. So enjoy this while you can!!!

REALLY DISAPPOINTING! ONE OF THE WORST MARVEL MOVIES.......2007-06-17

remember buying the Amazing Spider-man issue that first features the Punisher. I was never a die hard fan,but certainly thought he was cool. I wanted to like this movie and thought it would be one of the better Marvel Comic films.......I was wrong! This movie was really bad and my 2 star rating is generous! I don't even know where to begin with what went wrong. They did not capture the dark,gritty essence of the comic book! The movie was almost laughable! I have not seen the director's cut yet,but I really don't think they can fix this one with some added scenes. If your a fan your gonna buy it any way,but I don't think it's worth the 1/2 inch space it takes on my DVD shelf!

"I Can Hear What You're Thinkin'....." A Truer Vision Of Castle.......2007-06-13

The two versions (yes, rerelease...blahblahblah...waste of our money to make more studio profit....blahblahblah...sorry, I HAD to say it in some form) of this particular adaptation do a great job in showing us the demons that haunt Frank Castle. They do an adiquite (sp?) job in showing us the ambiguous nature of his quest (which ranks right up there with Travis Bickle as who-do-you-root-for? characters), and they make Frank a sympathetic character. Someone you can almost (but not quite) excuse for his harsh brand of justice.

And herein lies the problem - the Punisher, as envisioned in recent Marvel series featuring him, isn't a hero. What he is is a sick man, a serial killer hell-bent on slaughtering as many humans as possible with only him being judge as to whether the victims were deserving of death. On a karmic scale, he only rates higher than aformentioned serial killers or blitz killers because he DOES target scum. As of right now (thanks to the firstly hilarious, now downright serious penning of Garth Ennis), the Punisher is one of the least heroic "heroes" in the Marvel pantheon, and instead of showing us THAT part of Castle's psyche, we get the homogenized, almost-justified version, a clear example of Hollywood not having guts enough to show us moral ambiguity for fear of cutting into mass profit.

Having said this, however, with the extended cut, as in "Daredevil," we get to see an excised plotpoint that would've given us another view, and not a very nice one, of poor deluded Frank. What we should've seen in the first cut of the movie, and we finally get to see here, is Frank forcing a man who'd been his best friend to commit suicide because the man had betrayed him. Does Willis deserve death? Maybe. But who made Frank the judge? A man so obviously, justifyably, addled by the slaughter of his family. THIS is what we should see of the Punisher character - a superskilled Travis Bickle quite able to do what he does well, but leaving us to wonder if he should?

Having said this, however, the movies - both cuts - deserve to be on any superhero movie collector's shelf because director-writer Hansleigh doesn't chicken out as much as the corporate puppetmasters did. He GETS the character, thus pushes the maximum out of Thomas Jane, who also gets it. They both do justice to this rather rich figure of the comic book world and do as much as they're allowed to do to show his ambiguity, his illness, and his tortured soul.

The movie also has a very gritty, real-world feel. This is important because the Punisher was never a man of the glittery super-hero world. His isn't the glamorus high-tech team existance, nor does he crave acceptance. In this film, as in the comic book, Frank knows he's outside what anyone normal considers moral and legal behavior. He doesn't love what he does. The only higher call he feels out of it is the satisfaction of one more bad guy off the streets forever. Jane's interpretation mirrors this - He no longer feels gentle emotions. He no longer ALLOWS himself to feel gentle emotions. He can never have a normal life again. He must do what he does simply because there's no one else to do it.

While I like John Travolta, and his Howard Saint harkens back to the interesting villain he played in "Pulp Fiction," his character simply isn't as interesting as Castle. He plays him as a whacked-out sadist pretending to live as normal, but there's no ambiguity from him beyond this. We KNOW he's evil, and we're quite glad when Frank kills him - his whole screwy family as well.

And maybe this is why the extended cut is the most fascinating. We're allowed to, at least a little, feel the uneasiness of Frank Castle. A once-good man, perhaps a good man still underneath his psycopathy, but one we know is destroyed a little more for doing what he must to the Howard Saints of the world.

By the way, I do recommend, if you're only going to buy one (and, if, *sigh*, like me, you buy both, either get one of 'em used or heavily discounted), to get the theatrical release. There's more behind-the-scenes goodness that shows how they were able to get such a slick movie for so relatively little budget. The extended cut, though, IS the story that should've been told the first time.

2.5 stars this extended version doesn't make It better.......2007-05-22

Well the title of my review says it all however as a completist in my Super-hero genre of films I would own this version over the original.

The Charles Dickens Collection, Vol. 2 (David Copperfield / The Pickwick Papers / The Old Curiosity Shop / Dombey and Son)

Average customer rating:

More pure enjoyment !
Excellence in Old England
Captures Dickens' time & place

The Charles Dickens Collection, Vol. 2 (David Copperfield / The Pickwick Papers / The Old Curiosity Shop / Dombey and Son)
Starring: Colin Douglas , John Woodnutt , Phil Daniels , Howard Lang (II) , and Shirley Cain
Director: Brian Lighthill , Rodney Bennett , and Simon Curtis
Manufacturer: BBC Warner
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000FQIRYK
Release Date: 2006-08-15

Amazon.com

For Dickens aficionados who own the first DVD Collection, but still want some more, this four-disc set collects four sterling BBC productions of some of the author's essential masterworks. The best of the lot is David Copperfield, starring a pre-Harry Potter Daniel Radcliffe as the tragically put-upon young Copperfield. Shot on film, this impeccable 1999 production is an embarrassment of riches, with a cast that includes Academy Award-winner Maggie Smith, who earned an Emmy nomination as the formidable Aunt Betsey, Oscar-nominee Ian McKellen (The Lord of the Rings) as the cruel and sadistic teacher Mr. Creakle, a wonderful Bob Hoskins as the debt-ridden Micawber, Trevor Eve as David's loathsome stepfather Mr. Murdstone, and Nicholas Lyndhurst as the dastardly clerk Uriah Heap. Holding his own with this formidable ensemble is Ciaran McMenamin as the adult David, whose ultimate triumph is particularly hard earned. Rich with incident and populated by some of literature's most memorable characters, this production does satisfying justice to one of Dickens's most beloved and oft-told sagas. When it comes to a series of unfortunate events, Lemony Snicket has nothing on Dickens.

The Old Curiosity Shop, from 1979, stars Sebastian Shaw as the grandfather determined to provide a better life for his beloved and beautiful granddaughter, Nell (the winning Natalie Ogle). But his gambling leaves them at the mercy to the bent and malignant Quilp (Trevor Peacock). The lesser known Dombey and Son, from 1983, is a tale of foolish pride, comeuppance, and redemption starring Julian Glover as Mr. Dombey, so determined that his son take over his business that he cruelly neglects his daughter, Florence (the heartbreaking Lysette Anthony). The Pickwick Papers, from 1985, is a welcome comic change of pace that follows the misadventures of "the immortal" (and comically rotund) Mr. Pickwick (Nigel Stock) and his three friends as they embark on the first expedition of "the corresponding society of the Pickwick Club." Shot on video, the latter three miniseries are somewhat stodgy in appearance. The adaptations are faithful to a fault, but Dickens' masterful tales provide inspiration enough for the casts who grandly rise to the occasion. --Donald Liebenson

Description

These four acclaimed adaptations bring to life the legendary characters, devastating drama, and coarse humor of one of the world's greatest novelists.

Customer Reviews:

More pure enjoyment !.......2007-01-17

With the second volume of immortal works of Charles Dickens, brought to the screen by BBC, the pleasure of watching the first volume gets an extention.
I am a big fan of the classics English literature and especially Dickens. He is simply the genius. In my humble opinion no other English writer can be even compared with him.
Any one of his books is worth reading.
And to watch this BBC dramatization is a great pleasure too - it is true Dickens - bright and sparkling on the screen as he does in every one of his books.
If you are the newcomer to the world of his books - watch the movies and be encouraged to go for reading then. You will never regret.

Excellence in Old England.......2007-01-11

A joyful depiction of one of Charles Dickens writings, the details of the English shops, homes and era dress were fascinating and so believable that it made watching the movie feel as though I was right there. This is on my "to watch often" list.

Captures Dickens' time & place.......2006-10-26

Part of Dickens' genius was the ability to enable the reader to FEEL
the time and place of the storyline unfolding, as well as the visualize
the gamut of intriguing characters.
The BBC has, again, done the same for the viewer. Selection of
locations, environments and characters is simply wonderful -- sure to
keep the viewer engrossed, even though the dialogue is uncompromisingly
British.
The only caveat is that the viewer must remember that these are
ADAPTATIONS of Dickens' novels -- and, therefore, there are omissions
and modifications to the originals.
The modifications make it very easy for teachers to determine whether
or not a student has actually read the novel or just enjoyed the DVD!

Average customer rating:

Francis of Assisi quite a boring spectacular
Wooden Francis
Poor quality!
Better than BROTHER SUN, SISTER MOON
Great Movie

Francis of Assisi
Starring: Bradford Dillman , Dolores Hart , Stuart Whitman , Cecil Kellaway , and Eduard Franz
Director: Michael Curtiz
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0006GANY6
Release Date: 2005-02-22

Description

Lavish Bio Of St. Francis, 13th-Century Monk Who Talked To Animals.

Customer Reviews:

Francis of Assisi quite a boring spectacular.......2007-05-19

Watching the film was quite disappointing. With so many wonderful old actors I expected much more. Extremely disappointing was the fact they did not really let us know how he has become so connected with the annimal world we associate him with.The movie would be a dismal box office failure if made for todays sophisticated viewers.

Wooden Francis.......2007-03-24

Earnest, yet so-so rendering bio reinactment, 'Francis of Assisi' doesn't give the troubadour saint the spark he deserves. The film is a product of its times, giving the movie a lot of ceremony, but not much substance. While actor Bradford Dillman musters enough passion at the end and in other, select scenes, he seems like a better fit for a fifties' TV series. The pomp and circumstance aims for the pre-Vatican II pew, and the subplot, a rivalry between Francis and Bernardo over Claire's love, is an accomodation for a general audience clueless about celebacy. Nevertheless, 'Francis...,' mostly accurate and reverent--despite its many flaws--invites a traditional audience.

Poor quality!.......2007-02-23

This movie includes many details not shown on Brother Sun Sister Moon, but it's a shame the quality of the graphics and poor performance on the actors. Saint Francis was a great master and hopefully someday a truly inspired director will come forward and will create a True Masterpiece, that will include all the details so necessary to inspire a soul.

Better than BROTHER SUN, SISTER MOON.......2007-02-20

I had seen Zefferelli's film, BROTHER SUN, SISTER MOON long ago and was greatly disappointed in it. When I saw this, I thought it was a more recent attempt to tell the story of the saint. I was wrong. It is an older film but it was much more watchable.

Francis was a young man of means from the Italian city of Assisi. He went away to war to seek his fortune but received instead a call from God to rebuild the church. At first, he took this as a specific command to rebuild a falling down local church and that he faithfully does, gathering a following of like minded people. In time, though, he realizes that the command was really to rebuild the institution of the church. This proves much more difficult. Francis is fought on all front by those who see him as a threat to their power. Ultimately, he is sabotaged by people within his own order. Even so, he stays faithful to his ideals.

Like any film of this period, the historicity has it's problems but it is still a fair film. It is in no way stunning or memorable but it is worth watching if you are interested in such topics.

Great Movie.......2007-01-16

This movie is a classic. Beautiful scenery and colors in movie. It is a good family movie. It is very inspiring to watch. Buy it and share it.

DVD:

DVD

DVD

DVD

Fulltime Killer - Special Edition

Haint

Jesse James at Bay

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Der kleine König 1 - Auf Drachejagd/Im Schloss..