Romeo & Juliet

Starring:Leonard Whiting, Olivia Hussey, John McEnery, Milo O'Shea, Pat Heywood (II), Robert Stephens, Michael York, Bruce Robinson, Paul Hardwick, Natasha Parry, Antonio Pierfederici, Esmeralda Ruspoli, Roberto Bisacco, Roy Holder, Keith Skinner, Dyson Lovell, Richard Warwick, Roberto Antonelli, Carlo Palmucci, Aldo Miranda
Director: Franco Zeffirelli
Studio: Paramount Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet was unique in its day for casting kids in the play's pivotal roles of, well, kids. Seventeen-year-old Leonard Whiting and 15-year-old Olivia Hussey play the titular pair, the Bard's star-crossed lovers who defy a running feud between their families in order to be together in love. Typically played on stage and in previous film productions by adult actors, the innocent look and rawness of Whiting and Hussey resonated at the time with a burgeoning youth movement from San Francisco to Prague. The tragic romance at the center of the story also clicked with anti-authority sentiments, but even without that, Zeffirelli scores points by validating the ideals and passions of strong-willed adolescents. Less successful are scenes requiring the actors to have a fuller grasp of the text, though the best thing going remains the unambiguous duel between Romeo and Tybalt (Michael York). Lavishly photographed by Pasquale de Santis on location in Italy, this Romeo and Juliet brought a different tone and dimension to a story that had become tiresome in reverential presentations. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Romeo and Juliet.......2007-06-28

My favorite version of this oft-filmed classic is Zeffirelli's Oscar-nominated version. Starring two unknowns in the title roles (17-year-old Whiting and 15-year-old Hussey), the movie remains true to Shakespeare, while making the language more accessible to modern audiences. Both Michael York (as Romeo's nemesis, Tybalt) and Milo O'Shea (as Mercutio) lend strong support, while Zeffirelli's unabashed romanticism is enhanced by magnificent period detail and a sweeping score from Nino Rota. The story of youthful rebellion also spoke to basic issues arising in the restive sixties. A top-notch rendering of an eternal classic.

Impression of Romeo & Juliet years after first seeing it........2007-06-16

I first saw the 1968 version of Romeo & Juliet the year it was released.
In our small town, we had only one theatre, and it showed the same movie
for about 5 days. I was studying Shakespeare in college and decided it
might be a good idea to see the film. The first viewing made such an
impression on me that I was left wanting more. I know I went the first
night it opened and then went every night again till it left the theatre.

In the period between 1968 & 2007, I didn't see the movie...even though
VHS & DVD releases made it possible. I'm not sure why I decided to see
it again...by accident, I guess. After so many years, I was surprised
to have the same emotions as I'd felt so long ago. Leonard Whiting &
Olivia Hussey are perfection in their title roles...both in appearance and delivery of the famous lines. If nither of them had never done anything else in their careers, they've left a lasting impression (as teenage actors) which will be ageless. Others may try to better this production of Shakespeare's famous play, but none will ever come even close to equalizing the 1968 production by Franco Zeffirelli. Do yourself a favor and buy the movie in DVD or VHS. You'll want to watch it again and again to see scenery you've missed and understand lines you've heard.

I've read some reviews indicating [...] aspects of the 1968 production.
These people need psychiatric help. Their repulsive suggestions toward
the acting/actors in this production couldn't be more off the mark.
There is nothing [...] or degrading about this movie.

A Great Love Story.......2007-06-08

I saw this movie when I was in High School. I have LOVEd it ever since. The Nurse charater just cracks me up. Olivia Hussy was really beautiful. For you kids out there that think nothing existed before 1980, this version is just as good as the Leonardo DiCaprio version.

The power of love. .......2007-05-25

I only have one thing to say. This movie shows what true love really is.

"For never was a story of more woe Than this of Juliet and her Romeo.".......2007-04-28

I've loved it since I saw it first time - I was 16 and for me, Romeo and Juliet were not the Shakespeare's characters, they were just a girl and a boy who loved each other and died together because they could not live without each other. I did not know the names behind the production but I remember that the costumes were gorgeous (I still remember the red and gold dress Juliet wore in her first scene), the score and song were sweet and tender, and the cinematography brought to life a very real Verona, colorful and violent. Only much later I learned that Nino Rota was the composer, Danilo Donati a costume designer, and Pasqualino De Santis a cinematographer. Both Donati and De Santis won very well deserved Oscars.)

I was absolutely charmed by Olivia Hussey - she could be the most beautiful (and sensual and youngest) Juliet ever on screen. The only other film I've seen her was "Death on the Nile" - and she was not lost among very famous costars (Peter Ustinov, Bette Davis, and Angela Lansbury among others). I also remember that even though I was in love with Leonard Whiting's Romeo, I realized that as an actor he was much less interesting than John McEnry (whimsical Mercucio), Milo O'Shea (Friar Laurence) and Pat Heywood (the Nurse). Zeffirelli came from a successful career as an international opera designer and director in London, New York, and Milan with a reputation for opulent spectacle. It may explain his ability to handle crowds on the screen so effortlessly and skillfully. He also at one point of his career worked as Luchino Visconti's assistant - perhaps he learned a lot from him. In "Romeo and Juliet" he was able to make a very dynamic film that did not feel at all as an adapted play and also was a great romance which made me feel incredibly close to its characters. Four hundreds years seemed to disappear and Shakespeare became my contemporary. I've seen "Romeo and Juliet" many times and I believe Zeffirelli's is the best adaptation of the play. Well, there is of course, the ballet with the Sergey Prokofiev's music - but it is a different story altogether.

Average customer rating:

Great dvd
Pochahontas
Pocahontas purchased from Amazon
Pass On the "Gold Collection" and get the "10th Anniversary"
Special Edition Nothing

Pocahontas (10th Anniversary Edition)
Starring: Irene Bedard , Judy Kuhn , Mel Gibson , David Ogden Stiers , and John Kassir
Director: Mike Gabriel , and Eric Goldberg
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
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ASIN: B0007KTBIU
Release Date: 2005-05-03

Amazon.com

Disney's take on this historical confrontation between European settlers and Native Americans follows the paths of two future lovers. One is British adventurer John Smith, who travels the Atlantic with the Virginia Company to establish Jamestown. On the shore is Pocahontas, a typical Disney heroine: bright, beautiful, mischievous, and motherless. The two meet in the untamed wilds of America (the first meeting is quite divine), fall in love, and try to ward off the warring factions. It's Disney's version of a Native American West Side Story. Two Disney trademarks do not quite muster up: the villain isn't hissable and the score's only high point is the Oscar-winning "Colors of the Wind." Calling it "historical" is a stretch, but Disney created a very natural look at the two cultures. The Native American characters are handled especially well, and kids should be intrigued by their world; the movie is a far different lesson from the one their parents and grandparents learned. Disney has discovered a few things, though: you don't have to kill to solve your problems, and you can end the film without a happily-ever-after, illustrated by a touching final visual. (Ages 5 and older) --Doug Thomas

Description

All the music, adventure, and colorful fun of Disney's POCAHONTAS come to life like never before in the 10th Anniversary Edition 2-Disc Set. Bursting with all the "Colors Of The Wind," POCAHONTAS tells the story of a free-spirited girl who wonders what adventures await "Just Around The Riverbend." Pocahontas -- along with her playful pals Meeko and Flit -- relies on the guidance of her loving and wise Grandmother Willow when English settlers arrive on the shores of their village. Her chance meeting with the courageous Captain John Smith leads to a beautiful friendship that bridges the gap between two cultures, and changes history. Now fully restored, POCAHONTAS includes the song "If I Never Knew You," and never-before-seen animation seamlessly integrated into the original film. This 2-Disc 10th Anniversary Edition is loaded with spectacular bonus features, all-new games, and soaring Academy Award(R)-winning music (1995 Best Original Musical Score, Best Original Song, "Colors Of The Wind"). Disney's POCAHONTAS is a fun-filled adventure your whole family will enjoy.

Customer Reviews:

Great dvd.......2007-03-11

My favorite Disney movie of ALL time and this is a wonderful DVD! It has extras on a second dvd and the scene of Pocahontas and John Smtih singing together was added back in! GREAT DVD!!

Pochahontas.......2007-03-07

great storyline - a bit of history in animation . teach the children while watching a great film. The music is very well done and a great film to watch.

Pocahontas purchased from Amazon.......2007-02-26

I was under the impression that the dvd would be enclosed in a cardboard cover like it was picture, because there was no indication that it wouldn't be. I was disappointed at this, but other than that I have no complaints, it was a rather speedy delivery and the product worked wonderfully.

Pass On the "Gold Collection" and get the "10th Anniversary".......2007-01-27

The Gold Collection disc is too flawed to seriously consider at this point with the "10th Anniversary{ two-disc set now out.

Gold Collection:
1. Worst DVD tranfer of a Disney film in recent memory
2. No "If I Never Knew You". Not even the rough cut.
3. Extras: a Trailer and some music videos. Not much going on here.
4. Not anamorphic

10th Anniversary:
1. Anamorphic 16:9
2. Great new transfer
3. "If I Never Knew You" in the movie and completely animated. Major addition to the last half of the movie.
4. Both versions of the film, the 1995 cut and the 2003 "Director's Cut".
5. Loads of extras including a documentary, updated audio commentary track, sections for each major character with art, concept drawings, deleted scenes, scenes that never made it past the concept stage......you get the idea.

Special Edition Nothing.......2007-01-08

Of course, Pocahontas is a beautiful film. It's a great story, pretty good animation, and some of the best Alan Menken songs. But the special Extras DVD is a joke. This DVD set is worth it just because of the added If I Never Knew You sequences, but was passed over for the special treatment other classic films got.

Shakespeare in Love (Miramax Collector's Series)

Average customer rating:

if you have any theater experience
Brilliant and So Clever
Bill's Great Works
Timeless Love
The best Shakespeare

Shakespeare in Love (Miramax Collector's Series)
Starring: Geoffrey Rush , Joseph Fiennes , Tom Wilkinson , Antony Sher , and Martin Clunes
Director: John Madden
Manufacturer: Miramax
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William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet (Special Edition)
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ASIN: B00001U0E1
Release Date: 1999-12-07

Amazon.com

One of the most endearing and intelligent romantic comedies of the '90s, the Oscar-winning Shakespeare in Love is filled with such good will, sunny romance, snappy one-liners, and devilish cleverness that it's absolutely irresistible. With tongue placed firmly in cheek, at its outset the film tracks young Will Shakespeare's overwrought battle with writer's block and the efforts of theater owner Philip Henslowe (Geoffrey Rush, in rare form) to stage Will's latest comedy, Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter. Jokey comedy, though, soon takes a backseat to ravishing romance when the beautiful Viola De Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow) disguises herself as a young man to wangle herself an audition in the all-male cast, and wins both the part of Romeo and, after much misunderstanding, the playwright's heart. Soon enough, Will's pirate comedy becomes the beautiful, tragic Romeo and Juliet, reflecting the agony and ecstasy of Will and Viola's romance--he's married and she's set to marry the slimy Lord Wessex (Colin Firth) in the near future.

The way that Oscar-winning screenwriters Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard enfold their story within the parameters of Romeo and Juliet (and even Twelfth Night) is nothing short of brilliant--it would take a Shakespearean scholar to dissect the innumerable parallels, oft-quoted lines, plot developments, and thematic borrowings. And most amazingly, Norman and Stoppard haven't forgotten to entertain their audience in addition to riding a Shakespearean roller coaster, with director John Madden (Mrs. Brown) reigning in his huge ensemble with rollicking energy. Along the way there are small gems to be found, including Judi Dench's eight-minute, Oscar-winning turn as a truly regal Queen Elizabeth, but the key element of Shakespeare in Love's success rests on the milky-white shoulders of its two stars. Fiennes, inexplicably overlooked at Oscar time, is a dashing, heartfelt Will, and as for Best Actress winner Paltrow, well, nothing she'd done before could have prepared viewers for how amazing she is here. Breathtakingly beautiful, fiercely intelligent, strong-willed, and lovestruck--it's a performance worthy of Shakespeare in more ways than one. By the film's end, you'll be thoroughly won over--and brushing up your Shakespeare with newfound ardor. --Mark Englehart

Description

Triumphant winner of 7 Academy Awards(R) -- including Best Picture -- this witty, sexy smash features Oscar(R)-winning Best Actress Gwyneth Paltrow (SLIDING DOORS, THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS) and an amazing cast that includes Academy Award-winners Judi Dench (Best Supporting Actress), Geoffrey Rush (Best Actor -- SHINE), and Ben Affleck (GOOD WILL HUNTING, PEARL HARBOR). When Will Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes -- ELIZABETH) needs passionate inspiration to break a bad case of writer's block, a secret romance with the beautiful Lady Viola (Paltrow) starts the words flowing like never before! There are just two things he'll have to learn about his new love: not only is she promised to marry someone else, but she's successfully impersonating a man in order to play the lead in Will's latest production! A truly can't-miss motion picture event with outstanding critical acclaim to match its impressive collection of major awards -- everyone will love this funny behind-the-scenes look at the writing of the greatest love story ever told!

Customer Reviews:

if you have any theater experience.......2007-06-27

It has a great pace and a great turn of phrase. If you have any theater experience at all you will be in on the jokes. It makes one appreciate good acting from great acting. Their perfomances pull you in even when they are acting at acting.

Brilliant and So Clever.......2007-05-16

This is my all time favorite movie. I have always adored Romeo and Juliet. I love Shakespeare's poetic language. This movie is both funny and moving and poignant. The first time I watched it I was thrilled. And it has gotten better every single time I have watched it. And by now, I have probably watched it 35 times. It still makes me laugh. It still makes me cry. It still makes me sigh. It still makes me put my hand over my heart and gently shake my head at it's brilliance.

Bill's Great Works.......2007-05-14

Although the history may incomplete, this film transports one back to the glory days of Elizabeth 1, who we owe so very much to; her father might also be in line for a little credit! On one hand, it is frightening to think of living back then, but the excitement of what was happening is amazing.
Since Bill's complete known works can be downloaded via the Guttenberg project, this movie can lead to an obsession with all things English. When we realize how much that small piece of real estate has contributed (Calculus, Physics, Chemistry......) it seems like a valid obsesssion.
There would also seem to be an important political lesson, which many need to go back and consider, if they can read...hint hint.

Timeless Love .......2007-04-28

I was extremely pleased with the outcome of this movie. The screenplay is very well written, incorporating mainly Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet into the movie while also adding other various works of Shakespeare's. The movie has a semi-historical basis to it and portrays vast romantic comedy throughout. One of my favorite feel good romantic comedies to watch! Joseph Fiennes and Gwyneth Paltrow have great chemistry on set!

The best Shakespeare.......2007-04-04

Well done, moving.
The music, the acting, the classic performances from Romeo and Juliet.
Loved it

William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet (Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

A surprisingly original idea
the gay romeo and juliet = a waste of time by !idee
English teacher gives this DVD an A-
The classic tale..
Incredible modern adaptation

William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet (Special Edition)
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio , Claire Danes , John Leguizamo , Harold Perrineau , and Pete Postlethwaite
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
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ASIN: B000060OFT
Release Date: 2002-03-12

Product Description

This brilliant and contemporary retelling of the world's most tragic love affair makes this wildly inventive "Romeo & Juliet" unforgettable. This special edition DVD contains audio commentary by Baz Luhrmann, early rehearsal scenes and an inside look at the making of the movie.

Baz Luhrmann's dazzling and unconventional adaptation of William Shakespeare's classic love story is spellbinding. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes portray Romeo and Juliet, the youthful star-crossed lovers of the past. But the setting has been moved from its Elizabethan origins to futuristic urban backdrop of Verona Beach.

System Requirements:
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Claire Danes, Brian Dennehy, John Leguizamo, Pete Postlethwaite, Paul Sorvino, Diane Venora.
Directed By: Baz Luhrmann.
Running Time: 120 Min., Color.
This film is presented in "Widescreen" format.
Copyright 2002 Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

Baz Luhrmann (Strictly Ballroom) takes a shot at reinventing Shakespeare's story of star-crossed lovers as a visual pastiche inspired by MTV imagery, Hong Kong action-picture clichés, and Luhrmann's own taste for deliberate, gaudy excess. The result is explosive chaos, both in terms of bullets and visual sensibility, which some may find impossible to stick with for more than a few minutes. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes play the leads, though not with much distinction, while Pete Postlethwaite makes a huge impression as this movie's version of Friar Laurence. The film is successful in spots, but overall its fever-dream game plan is difficult to ride out. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

A surprisingly original idea.......2007-06-09

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

In my personal opinion, I believe Shakespeare's writing is way too obscure and out there, and when hearing people say "Shakespeare wrote for the common people", I can only cringe in terror at what plays written for educated people must have sounded like.

This movie doesn't change the dialect or dialogue of the movie, and gives it a weird sort of artistic modern setting, which makes it not only a surprising and original twist, but makes it much more watchable to see a timeless tale truly tested with its claim to timelessness. Even if it took place in the year 3010 AD, it'd still be the same.

I love the way the adults on the newscasts and police speak, and the way the police officer at the end of the movie scolds the Capulets and Montagues, and the beginning scene, with the Montague nerds biting their thumbs at the Capulets was amusing.

Harold Perrineau as Mercutio is spellbinding, and John Leguizamo is equally spectacular in this movie.

What keeps this movie from being a great one in my opinion is the two lead characters played abysmally by Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. DiCaprio, normally a great actor, sounds like he's just memorized the lines and is reciting them like a schoolchild forced to read them aloud in class--lifeless, with little to no emotion, and an apparent lack of understanding as to what he is saying.

Claire Danes is even worse, delivering lines in such an awkward manner as to make me cringe. It sounds literally like a giggling, bubbly school girl reading from a script for the first time while distracted by something else.

Another thing which surprisingly irritated me was the SCREAMING. In many scenes, there was mindless screaming at the hands of Juliet's mother and maid, especially that scene where Romeo is at Juliet's window, and the maid calls for her, and Danes (awkwardly) says "By and by I come", the maid's line is literally a grating, irritating scream: JULIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET! for at the very least, 3-5 seconds long

There's a lot more screaming at the maid's hand and Juliet's mother, though thankfully it's limited just to that scene and scarcely any other. But it is SERIOUSLY annoying having her scream like that when Juliet is CLEARLY shouting back "By and by I come"

All in all, the show is all but stolen by John Leguizamo and Harold Perrineau as Tybalt and Mercutio (respectively), while the lead actors are weak in their roles.

3.5/5

the gay romeo and juliet = a waste of time by !idee.......2007-05-23

review

During the past week I saw the movie, Romeo and Juliet, directed by Baz Luhrmann and starting Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes.
The story is based on the play written by Shakespeare but there are many differences.
For on there are guns that are called swords in the movie which I find totally ridiculous. Another difference was the fact that it was set in modern times, which made the movie very hard to understand
Also I think that the actors and actresses were very flat. I think this is because of the setting and language doesn't really go together, and therefore it is really hard to get into the characters mind set.
Over all I think that the movie wasn't very good at all and it is definitely a waste of money and time.

English teacher gives this DVD an A-.......2007-05-23

Let me begin my review by addressing those who are undecided whether to purchase this version (Luhrman) or the Zeffirelli. There seems to be a bias amongst educators (bordering on the arrogant) that the Luhrman version is somehow less "authentic" than the Zeffirelli. Simply performing "Romeo and Juliet" in doublet and hose, however, does not make it any more "Shakespearean". In fact, I would argue that modern-dress is more in keeping with the spirit of the original as Elizabethan drama had no elaborate sets or costumes; doublet and hose WERE modern-dress in Shakespeare's time. If we discount "updating" as a reason to discount the Luhrman version (which in my experience is invariably the excuse), we have to judge the movies on how well they illuminate/connect/inspire Shakespeare's words for our students. In my opinion, the Luhrman version does a better job of this than the Zefferilli.

First, the updating works (for the most part). My students clearly understood gangs and rivalries; presenting the Montagues and Capulets as such, eliminated questions as why the two families hate each other or how the feud got started (answers which are outside the text). The guns and cars appealed to the boys; the love and romance appealed to the girls. My students could see themselves in the context Luhrman provided; they could relate to what was going on screen as present and relative, not merely events from 400 years ago.

Secondly, casting famous actors (DiCaprio and Danes) as the leads hooks many of my students at the beginning. They watch the movie BECAUSE Leonardo DiCaprio is in it, but soon the magic of the Bard's words (which they struggle to follow at first) keeps them interested. DiCaprio IMO is uneven; some scenes he performs better than others. Danes's performance (other than her fake crying in the Capulet vault) was generally strong and very believable; her words did not seem "acted" but rather natural. The supporting cast was also very good with Tybalt and Benvolio standing out.

There were some scenes that didn't work well for me. The Capulet ball in particular was strange. Mercutio came dressed in drag and this (unfounded) homosexual subtext was amplified by him prancing around on the stairs with some Chippendale dancers. Just plain strange. Also, the Queen Mab speech was weird and luckily cut short; Luhrman did try to tie it into the events as a sort-of intoxicated rambling at the "pre-party" (complete with Ecstasy) before Romeo crashes the ball. Another weak performance was Lady Capulet who played it for laughs (which again I couldn't see from the text), and it was an unconvincing performance played that way. The only time Lady Capulet seemed believable was when she played it serious (Tybalt's death, the argument with Juliet and Capulet). Some students also didn't care for all of the musical numbers, but most liked how Luhrman tried to include contemporary songs into the movie.

Some of the sequencing of scenes are a bit off, but this is a movie students definitely love and get into... which I think is how Shakespeare would want it.

The classic tale.........2007-05-09

..Re-done and beautified. Some parts are wacky but this is a very good story if you enjoy Romeo and Juliet. The dialogue is the same as the story, by the way.

Incredible modern adaptation.......2007-04-26

Truly an amazing cinematic experience, this flick totally flies out of the box by sticking to the original Old English dialogue while still maintaining the portrayal of a modern setting. Every actor gives an impressive performance and each shows their understanding of the Old English dialogue they use to express themselves. In fact, I gained a greater understanding of some of Shakespeare's terminology by the inflection and timing the actors used to speak the playwrite's words. Well worth the watch. An impressive piece of cinema.

Average customer rating:

THE REDUX
Remake, not a sequel.
The Snake Man Cometh.....
wrong.
Time waister

Escape From L.A.
Starring: Kurt Russell , A.J. Langer , Steve Buscemi , Georges Corraface , and Stacy Keach
Director: John Carpenter
Manufacturer: Paramount
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Mad Max (Special Edition)

ASIN: 6305222886
Release Date: 1998-12-15

Amazon.com essential video

Kurt Russell reprises his role as Snake Plissken, of the near-future thriller Escape from New York, in this reworking of that film's basic premise. Instead of New York being a maximum-security prison, this time it's L.A., which through the agency of earthquakes has become an island of the damned. This penal colony is where the film's future rulers, something very like the Moral Majority, send those deemed guilty of "moral crimes." But something has gone wrong in this new moral order, because the President's daughter has absconded to L.A. with a detonation device, and Snake is commandeered to retrieve it. The film's dark dystopia, with its satrical elements taking aim at our dwindling freedoms, and the eclipsing of democracy by narrow interests, are more the subject this time. As a result the action suffers, and the plot devices are sometimes weak and predictable. But just below the surface there is a coiled Snake ready to strike. Steve Buscemi's performance as a weasely hawker of L.A. tour maps is a standout, and the presence of Peter Fonda and Pam Grier adds to the fun. In fact, just the sight of Fonda surfing down the flooded corridor of Sunset Boulevard is reason enough to check this movie out. --Jim Gay

Customer Reviews:

THE REDUX.......2007-06-19

A REGRETTABLE FILM,WE NEED TO FORGET IT !AND PRETEND THIS ONE WAS A BAD DREAM.

Remake, not a sequel........2007-05-18

Although it was very entertaining seeing Russell reprise his Plissken character, the movie itself was a letdown. Same scenario: Snake captured, injected w/ life-threatening drug, forced to perform for the president, infiltrating former US metropolis that now houses the country's undesirables, escapes just in time, mission accomplished, gets last word, the end. The only thing that was different from its predecessor was the addition of cheesy special effects and campy scenes (Snake on a surfboard, anyone ? Gimme a break!) If this was meant to be some kind of parody of the first film (which is, obviously, farrrrr superior), then Carpenter and Russell succeeded. What were they thinking ??

The Snake Man Cometh............2007-01-08

Okay, the rating above is not going to be liked but I have to be truthful.

The only good thing going for this movie was the return of "Snake Plissken".

This film's plot was essentially a rehash of the original "Escape From New York"...A bit more special effects (which in fact, did not make this a better movie)...

When I go to a sequel I expect to get what I paid for a totally new adventure with the same character / characters.

Kurt Russell's character is older and even more in the know of what the rewards are before he is offered them.

Obviously the movie doesn't really know where it's going as it takes two scenes (15 minutes of the film) (1st scene - President, Commandant, and Lackey give Snake the mission) (2nd scene - Commandant and Lackey brief Snake before he leaves for the mission) to explan to the audience what's the basic conflict.

I guess either Carpenter or Russell are just getting too old to take a GREAT leap and recount either an earlier Snake Plissken adventure or an adventure well worth telling..

I also wish to comment that this disc has no special features besides a movie trailer...
"Carpenter....Russell! " Please don't tell me "money" caused you to revisit a "cult figure"!

Some redeeming qualities are the acting performances of Cliff Robertson, Stacy Keach, Steve Buscemi, and Pam Grier. Robertson, Keach, and Grier may be old but they can sure make you believe in their characters!

Sorry, Snake...."I don't love L.A."

The-Big-Green-Pointy-Eared-One!

wrong. .......2007-01-06

Peter Fonda and Kurt Russell surfing a wave down a Los Angeles reservoir is not cool, does not make this movie worth a look, good God, that scene stinks. P-U. Campy. This movie is a mess. A horribly made sequel. So bad it actually tarnishes the reputation of the original.

Time waister.......2006-07-28

Sufficient movie to waist a couple hours downtime here in Afghanistan. That's it though!

Average customer rating:

romeo must die
'Romeo + Juliet' with a happy ending...and Kung-Fu!
" The Urban rendition of Romeo and Juliet"
chemistry & charisma
certainly better than cradle 2 the grave but not as good as unleashed

Romeo Must Die
Starring: Jet Li , Delroy Lindo , Russell Wong , Isaiah Washington , and Edoardo Ballerini
Director: Andrzej Bartkowiak
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Kiss of the Dragon
Cradle 2 the Grave (Widescreen Edition)
The One (Special Edition)
Exit Wounds
Black Mask

ASIN: B00003CXGG
Release Date: 2000-08-01

Amazon.com

Cinematographer Andrzej Bartkowiak, the cameraman behind Speed, Lethal Weapon 4, and The Devil's Advocate, makes his directorial debut with a lively but by-the-numbers film that mixes Hong Kong action pyrotechnics with gritty urban gang drama. Jet Li stars as a jailed cop named Han who hightails it to Oakland, California, to seek revenge for the gang-related murder of his brother. What he finds, though, is a fierce war between his father's syndicate and that of Isaak O'Day (Delroy Lindo) for control of the city's precious waterfront land, as both groups are trying to make a deal with a corrupt football-team owner to build a new stadium. The political shenanigans are basically just a backdrop for the kick-ass action, and to give Li a number of enemies to lock limbs with. It also provides him with a love interest, Trish (hip-hop star Aaliyah), who's O'Day's daughter and like Han, the only straight arrow in a family of crooked mobsters. Li and Aaliyah have a teasing, gentle chemistry, and when they're onscreen together, the movie lights up and glides along smoothly. Li even finds a way to work Aaliyah into one of his action set pieces, using her arms and legs to fight a female adversary because "I can't hit a girl!" However, when these two aren't onscreen (and that's a fair amount of the time) the movie plods along, despite a stately turn by Lindo and Isaiah Washington and Russell Wong as two family allies who may not be as loyal as they seem. Li's action, though, is still phenomenal as ever, from his prison breakout (as he takes out a platoon of guards--strung upside down by one leg) to a knockdown-dragout fight with the agile and dangerously sexy Wong. And despite the Romeo and Juliet overtones, this is one mighty chaste romance, albeit one with a happy ending for the star-crossed lovers. --Mark Englehart

Description

They've got the guns. They've got the posse. But they've got no chance when a street-fighting ex-cop (Jet Li) takes on both sides of a fierce Oakland turf war, involving "the wildest action scenes since The Matrix!" (Bill Bregoli, Westwood One).

DVD Features:
Documentary:8 Short Documentaries (26:56)
Featurette:Making of Romeo Must Die (15:00) Behind the Scenes (14:03)
Music Video:Aaliyah's "Try Again" video (3:40) Making of Aaliyah's "Try Again" music video (4:11) Aaliyah/DMX "Come Back In One Piece" video (3:42)
Other:Inside the Visual Effects Process (3:52) "Diary of a (Legal) Mad Bomber" (5:07) "Anatomy of a Stunt" (7:12) "The Sound Stage" (1:00)
Theatrical Trailer:Sampler

Customer Reviews:

romeo must die .......2007-01-26

i remeber when this come in the 9th grade i got change to see jet li for the frist time and Isaiah washington i already know aaliyah i grew to her
i saw her talk about this movie on rosie show i herad from my friends in school while i was in class one day nobody talk about much aaliyah was here . aaliyah did ok the movie was fake i seen his HK MOVIES HE did butt kicking than the soundtarck is better aaliyah did well on try again. buy ounce time in china or fist of lenged jet li best.

'Romeo + Juliet' with a happy ending...and Kung-Fu!.......2007-01-08

`Romeo Must Die' may not be the most original or the most entertaining martial arts film, but it's one of those movies that will please most viewers and warrant repeat viewings. Jet Li is one of my favorite martial artists and here he showcases some of his great talent in a variety of scenes. One football scene in particular stands out in my mind. The film follows Han (Li) as he escapes prison and travels to Oakland in order to avenge the gang murder of his brother Po (Jonkit Lee). When Han arrives he finds that his family is rivaling another gang run by Isaak O'Day (Delroy Lindo).

In true `Romeo + Juliet' fashion, Han strives up a liking with Trish (Aaliyah), Isaak's daughter and problems (and fights) ensue. Li does a fine job commanding this film, but it's Aaliyah who really shines and steals the thunder. Anthony Anderson is also hilarious as Trish's bodyguard Maurice, and Delroy turns it yet another commanding performance. The fight scenes are highlights, and there are plenty of them here, but look for surprise chemistry between the two leads that makes this film that much more memorable. Like I said, this is `Romeo + Juliet' with a happy ending, but that never hurt anybody!

" The Urban rendition of Romeo and Juliet".......2006-06-06

There seems to be several films regarding this one. A story about corruption and property deals, a story about fathers and their children, a tentative Romeo and Juliet romance and of course martial arts and guns.

For those who like cross-culture, "Romeo Must Die", is for you! Jet Li who was fresh from "Lethal Weapon 4" really delivers in this action-packed movie. Playing Han was a big one for him. Aaliyah(1979-2001), the R&B sensation really got her acting chops in gear playing the alluring Trish O'Day, who is being shadowed by the bumbling Maurice, played by the funny, Anthony Anderson, but I personally would hoped for more of Michael Wong and less of Anthony Anderson (his constant 'Dim Sum' refrain being quite irritating) but the actors act, the plot moves and the film is enjoyable enough.

I'd enjoyed the X-ray effects of the movie whenever a fight was going to happen. I liked the part when Han refused to a fight a woman, he used Trish to fight her with. It looked more of a swing dance to me. Since Trish's words backed him up, the enemy was impaled through the heart. And after the final fight, Trish's father (Delroy Lindo), wanted to meet Han for himself, and I 'm glad he got that chance, I think it was silly for him to demand a handshake from him, but hey, he wanted to who the "cat" was, and make sure he did. Han never declined any offer only to know who the troublemaker behind the "war" was.

Before anyone remember seeing Aaliyah in "Queen of the Damned" (which I personal dislike), look into this film first. I Love Jet Li, but this film is not as good as 'Kiss of the Dragon' but better than 'The One' and 'Cradle 2 the Grave' but inferior to Jet Li's Hong Kong movies.

chemistry & charisma.......2006-05-12

I really enjoyed this movie. True, some of the fight scenes can get cheesy - with too many special effects and fancy camera shots (I'm a fan of just letting 'em duke it out), but in general Jet Li's superb martial arts ability gets fully showcased. There is a very fun scene of Russell Wong and Jet Li sparring that thankfully doesn't give way to gimmicks.

Aaliyah is great. She had very good chemistry with Jet Li and you can tell they enjoyed working together, plus her songs definitely add to the soundtrack and the movie instead of being distracting (AKA Beyonce's Check on It in the Pink Panther re-make)

Isaaiah Washington is great, and while I know he's had several interviews speaking out against playing the stereotypical 'gangsta' role, he does it well here, with a smoothness not often seen.

Russell Wong is Awesome. Enough said.

In summary, it's a good movie and well worth the time and money spent. I very much recommend it.

certainly better than cradle 2 the grave but not as good as unleashed.......2006-03-07

now certainly all the action kept me more entertained than unleashed did, but the long fight scenes were just better in unleashed. Overall I would givem the same rating, but unleashed gets the edge. For a movie that should have been cut by about 10 min, still entertaining. This certainly kicks the ass of the transpoter movies.

Shakespeare Collection (Hamlet 1996 / A Midsummer Night's Dream 1935 / Othello 1965 / Romeo & Juliet 1936)

Average customer rating:

Warners continues to go highbrow with this new boxed set

Shakespeare Collection (Hamlet 1996 / A Midsummer Night's Dream 1935 / Othello 1965 / Romeo & Juliet 1936)
Starring: Kenneth Branagh , and Laurence Olivier
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Film Noir Classic Collection, Vol. 4 (Act of Violence / Mystery Street / Crime Wave / Decoy / Illegal / The Big Steal / They Live By Night / Side Street / Where Danger Lives / Tension)
Becket
Myrna Loy and William Powell Collection (Manhattan Melodrama / Evelyn Prentice / Double Wedding / I Love You Again / Love Crazy)
Ace in the Hole - Criterion Collection
The First Films of Samuel Fuller - Eclipse Series 5 (The Baron of Arizona / I Shot Jesse James / The Steel Helmet) (Criterion Collection)

ASIN: B000QC6O98
Release Date: 2007-08-14

Customer Reviews:

Warners continues to go highbrow with this new boxed set.......2007-05-12

I was very pleased with my "Literary Classics Collection" and "Motion Picture Masterpieces Collection" that I purchased from Warner's, and it looks like the studio originally known for gritty urban dramas continues to go highbrow with this collection of four movies featuring interpretations of works by the Bard. The press release by Warner Home Video has the following extras listed for each movie:

A Midsummer Night's Dream (1935)
Cast includes James Cagney, Olivia de Havilland (in her screen debut), Joe E. Brown, and Mickey Rooney. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It won for Best Cinematography and Best Film Editing.
DVD Special Features:
Commentary by film historian Scott MacQueen
Olivia de Havilland screen test
Vintage featurette "A Dream Comes True" (8 minutes)
Presenting... Gallery of 6 teaser trailers showcasing cast members
Warner Bros. Studio Café teaser trailer
Musical short "Shake Mr. Shakespeare"
Theatrical trailer
Subtitles: English, French and Portuguese (feature film only)

Romeo and Juliet (1936)
This was actually an MGM production. George Cukor directs with Norma Shearer and Leslie Howard in the title roles. Nominated for four Academy Awards including Best Picture.
DVD Special Features:
Vintage short "Master Will Shakespeare"
Classic MGM cartoon "Little Cheeser"
Theatrical trailer
Subtitles: English (feature film only)

Othello (1965)
Lawrence Olivier in the title role, Maggie Smith as Desdemona, Joyce Redman as Emilia, and Frank Finlay as Iago. All four performers were nominated for Academy Awards for their performances.
DVD Special Features:
Vintage featurette "Olivier Talks About Othello"
Theatrical trailer
Subtitles: English (feature film only)

Hamlet 2-Disc Special Edition (1996)
Cast includes actor/director Kenneth Branagh, Kate Winslet, Derek Jacobi, Julie Christie, Robin Williams, Jack Lemmon, Billy Crystal and Charlton Heston. This rendition is set in the 19th century.
DVD Special Features:
Introduction by director/star Kenneth Branagh
Commentary by Kenneth Branagh and Shakespeare scholar Russell Jackson
New digital transfer from original 70mm elements
Soundtrack remastered in Dolby Digital 5.1
Featurette "To Be on Camera: A History with Hamlet"
1996 Cannes Film Festival promo
Shakespeare movies trailer gallery
Subtitles: English, French and Spanish subtitles. (feature film only)

Great Cars Collection - The Television Series (Corvette / Mustang, Cobra, GT-40 / Porsche / Mercedes-Benz / BMW / Ferrari , Alfa Romeo)

Average customer rating:

Too much talk.....

Great Cars Collection - The Television Series (Corvette / Mustang, Cobra, GT-40 / Porsche / Mercedes-Benz / BMW / Ferrari , Alfa Romeo)
Starring: Reg Abbiss
Director: Michael L. Rose
Manufacturer: Shout Factory Theatr
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Great Cars: Ferrari - Alfa Romeo
Clarkson - Heaven & Hell
Enzo Ferrari
Great Cars: Mercedes-Benz
Keith Martin on Collecting Ferrari

ASIN: B000LE1GXU
Release Date: 2007-02-27

Description

Thrilling Profiles Of Six Classic Autos In A 6-DVD Set

We are passionate about our cars. In the U.S. alone, there are 1.1 billion daily car trips and more cars per household than people to drive them. Our cars are not simply driven, they are worn. We slide into them as we admire their design, their sound and their feel. We value their efficiency, their power and their safety. They represent security away from home while simultaneously promising the adventure of the open road.

Great Cars gives viewers the sizzle and the steak as it rolls out fascinating stories of automotive history. It's a hands-on experience with some of the world's most exotic cars. Combining the factual retelling of these captivating automotive journeys with rare and exhilarating footage, each story is presented with passion and depth.

Each episode profiles an individual automobile or company's impact on the world. These are tales of money, power and speed. Enjoy the view as Great Cars takes you behind the wheel for a fast-paced ride through the exciting history of the automobile.

Great Cars is action, speed, drama, color, movement, nostalgia and intrigue.

Episodes:
Great Cars: Corvette
Great Cars: Mustang/Cobra/GT-40
Great Cars: Porsche
Great Cars: Mercedes-Benz
Great Cars: BMW
Great Cars: Ferrari/Alfa Romeo

Each disc is loaded with extras including:
* Rare archive footage pulled straight from the vaults of the world's top auto companies
* Vintage promotional films
* Original concept films of some of the most famous cars in the world
* Rare footage of Enzo Ferrari, James Dean, Carroll Shelby, Jay Leno and more!
* An exclusive look at million dollar Ferraris, Alfa Romeos, Cobras and Mercedes

Customer Reviews:

Too much talk............2007-05-28

I expected more from these DVDs. There is way too much talk and music during the presentations. I bought this DVD set to watch these great cars and hear how they sound, but it was mostly an old man (sounds like it) giving a history lesson.

The Thames Shakespeare Collection: MacBeth/King Lear/Romeo & Juliet/Twelfth Night

Average customer rating:

The Thames Shakespeare Collection: MacBeth/King Lear/Romeo & Juliet/Twelfth Night
Starring: Patrick Mower , Ann Lynn , Philip Brack , Beth Harris , and Patrick Magee
Director: Tony Davenall , Paul Kafno , and Philip Casson
Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Olivier's Shakespeare - Criterion Collection (Hamlet / Henry V / Richard III)
The Shakespeare Collection (Romeo + Juliet / Titus / A Midsummer Night's Dream)
King Lear
Othello
William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice

ASIN: B000G1R3ZS
Release Date: 2006-08-29

Product Description

This collection of televised adaptations includes some of Shakespeare's finest works, all produced for British television. Among them are interpretations of MACBETH (with Ian McKellen and Judi Dench), KING LEAR, ROMEO & JULIET, and TWELFTH NIGHT (directed by Kenneth Branagh).

System Requirements:

Running Time 600 Mins.

Format: DVD MOVIE

Average customer rating:

IGNORANT PEOPLE - RUS, not Russia!!!
Low quality DVD
Love the movie - Hate the DVD transfer
Shakespearean Overtones in this Forgotten Epic
Pleasant engaging Cossacks

Taras Bulba

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Quo Vadis
El Cid (1961) [Import]
The Vikings
SAMSON AND DELILAH/ DVD
Prince Valiant

ASIN: B000B6GE30

Product Description

PLOT SUMMARY: A "Romeo and Juliet" story that takes place in 18th century Ukraine. Taras (Yul Brenner) has settled into comfortable farm life after years of adventures and swashbuckling with his cossack companions. Though not wealthy, he is able to send his son Andrei (Tony Curtis) away to a Polish school. At this time the Poles are overlords of Ukraine and the origin of the cossacks is struggle of the Ukrainian serfs to free themselves and their land of Polish domination. Toward this end Taras hopes that his son will be educated in the ways of the enemy. Instead, Andrei falls in love with the daughter of a Polish nobleman, setting the stage for a clash between love, family honor, and a struggle for national identity. [IMDB]

Customer Reviews:

IGNORANT PEOPLE - RUS, not Russia!!!.......2007-06-20

let's get something straight

UKRAINIANS and their cossack ancestors are not RUSSIANS - they are RUSYNS, not to be confused with their so-called similiar northern kin and centuries old enemeies, the MUSCOVITE RUSSIANS. The latter would want you to believe that the Ukrainians are Russian so that they can keep the land that is wealthy of natural resources for themselves, for they usurped the title of KIYIV-RUS and called themselves RUSSIANS and tried many brutal campaigns of assimilation to destroy Ukrainian identity. Also, you do not place "THE" in front of UKRAINE - it's a country, not a region of Muscovy Russia. You do not say "THE BELOROSIA", "THE POLAND", "THE CROATIA", "THE ITALY", "THE ISRAEL", get the idea now?

Going back to the movie, it depicts Ukrainian cossack warriors in the 16th century, not the 18th century and is supposed to be parallel to the life and times of the famous Ukrainian Hetman BOHDAN KHMELNITSKIY.

It's a pretty decent depiction with a whole lot of drama and romance that also kind of blurred the historical narration of things.

Low quality DVD.......2006-02-20

While the movie is good, thanks to Yul Brynner, this DVD is very bad. It looks like it was transfered from a worn out VHS tape to DVD. My old VHs version of it plays better than this DVD. The jacket has a few mis spelling names! Yul is Yel and other typos. I am almost sure that it is not released by MGM.

Love the movie - Hate the DVD transfer.......2005-11-03

The other reviewers have already written about the movie - which gets my 4 stars. My comments here deal with the 1-star DVD transfer quality of the Kung Kuao "Best Movie Collection" edition from Taipei ... the one that lists YEL Brynner (sic) as the star of the film. First appearances are deceiving. This has nicely produced sleeve and disc artwork (despite the typos) but things go downhill when the disc goes into the player. The picture quality has deteriorated and it bears all the hallmarks of a second or third generation dub from tape. The menus are amateurish. It looks like it's been lifted from a TV broadcast or from a second-rate projection (track-marks across the screen from high contrast areas, weak colour and clearly visible texture and flaws in the projection screen). It's certainly watchable but a very far cry from the sort of quality we've all come to expect from DVD and DVD prices. It does run the full, uncut 122 minutes so if you're a collector and fan of the film then I'd recommend it to round out your catalogue. Copies are still to be had on e-Bay. If you're a videofile looking for a mint print then this one isn't for you. My old MGM VHS copy is far superior in both picture and sound but at least the DVD version provides a more stable copy that is less prone to damage. Be prepared to be disappointed. Roll on the studio-quality DVD release from MGM so we can really enjoy this great epic the way it deserves to be seen.

Shakespearean Overtones in this Forgotten Epic.......2005-10-24

Yul Brynner with his gypsy background and larger than life screen presence is the quintessential TARAS BULBA. Brynner plays the title character with great bravado accentuating his charisma with his unique and appealing mannerisms. Set in the sixteenth century, TARAS BULBA is an enticing, emotional and enjoyable action historical epic focusing on battles between Polish cavalry and Russian Cossack's for the control of the Ukraine. Composer Franz Waxman's score is both rousing and romantically haunting and along with Brynner's performance is truly the centerpiece of this intriguing film. Waxman's score beautifully captures the magnificence of the Cossacks as they ride with gathering momentum across the screen and equally captures the obsessive nature of the love affair between Tony Curtis and Christine Kaufmann. Tony Curtis, no stranger to this genre, gives a very credible performance as Taras Bulba's son torn between love and duty. Director J. Lee Thompson's flair for impressionistic storytelling is quite evident. There are many indelible images that the viewer can take away from this film. Norma Koch's costumes, Edward Carrere's art designs, Joseph MacDonald's cinematography and Franz Waxman's brilliant score again all contribute to the enduring nature of this underrated film.

Pleasant engaging Cossacks.......2005-10-20

While visiting Taiwan, I was lucky enough to spot a copy of this in a large bin of DVD's. Though apparently not well known here, DVD's of older American films can be found in Taiwan for about $3 a disc. The films are not usually high quality transfers and at that low price are obviously not intended to be. It is startling to see them resold in this country at regular DVD prices. Apparently some merchants trading on ignorance decide to make a handsome profit by reselling the DVD's at current American prices often 5 or 6 times the original retail price of the DVD. It is important to keep this in mind when reviewing the quality of the DVD. I saw this film when it was first released in theaters and thought it was very good. However, I have discovered over time that the film seems to have been loathed not only by critics but even by some of the people who made the film. Watching the film as an adult, I would say the film is neither loathsome nor a classic. Yul Brynner plays a cossack warlord who sends his sons to study the ways of the Europeans. The experiment fails but not before one of the sons falls in love with a Polish noblewoman. When the cossacks declare war on the Poles, things get ugly. The film seems to want to capture some of the boistrous feel of The Vikings with a bit of Romeo and Juliet for good measure. The cossacks sing and drink and kill each other in unpleasant sort of ways. The Poles treat them with the withering contempt that Ted Knight had for Rodney Dangerfield. If Caddyshack had involved swords and horses and large armies of Argentine extras, I am sure it would have turned out something like this. There is a bit of overacting but that is hardly a flaw in a film about cossack warriors. Yul Brynner is as much at home here as he was in Siam. Tony Curtis does get a bit cloying especially in his scenes with Christine Kaufmann. Kaufmann is a bit deferential as an actress but absolutely radiant in a way that transcends acting. The story has holes and leaves things hanging but there is enough going on to make this pleasant entertainment for those longing for this kind of historical adventure. It should be mentioned that composer Franz Waxman seems to have taken the film to heart and provided one of his most magical scores for it. If the score were a measure of a picture's success, this one would have won an Oscar. One note on the Taiwan print which is the one I think is most currently available on DVD. The print is badly faded. A quick glance at the publicity stills used to illustrate the back of the box will show you by just how much.

DVD:

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