The Craft

Starring:Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell, Rachel True, Skeet Ulrich, Christine Taylor, Breckin Meyer, Nathaniel Marston, Cliff De Young, Assumpta Serna, Helen Shaver, Jeanine Jackson, Brenda Strong, Elizabeth Guber, Jennifer Greenhut, Arthur Senzy, Endre Hules, Mark Conlon, Christine Louise Berry, William Newman
Director: Andrew Fleming
Studio: Sony Pictures
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
If Buffy the Vampire Slayer represents the lighter side of high school as a macabre experience, here's a movie that asks the burning question, "What happens when angst-ridden teenagers develop supernatural powers?" More to the point, how do four outcast teenaged witches handle their ability to cast wicked spells on the taunting classmates who've nicknamed them "The Bitches of Eastwick"? The answer, of course, is "don't get mad, get even." That's about all there is to this terminally silly movie, which makes up for its ludicrous plot by letting its young female cast have a field day as they indulge their dark fantasies. Fairuza Balk is enjoyable as the most wicked of the witches, and is therefore the focus of the film's most dazzling special effects. But it's Neve Campbell from television's Party of Five who made this film a modest box-office hit, just before she became her generation's fright-movie favorite in Scream and its popular sequel. --Jeff Shannon

Craft in America
Average customer rating:
Craft in America
Director: Dan Seeger
Manufacturer: Pbs (Direct)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000P7V6VA
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Description

This program explores the history and significance of the craft movement in the United States and its impact on the nation's cultural heritage. "Memory" focuses on the historical relevance of craft through the eyes of several contemporary pioneers in the field. "Landscape" examines the interdependent relationship of craft artists to their media and the natural world.

Average customer rating:

Jar
5/5. "I really wanted to like this film..."
not quite good
Worthwhile--YES, Slick Hollywood produciton--NO.
Don't waste your hard earn money

A Day Without a Mexican
Starring: Caroline Aaron , Tony Abatemarco , Melinda Allen , Frankie J. Allison , and Fernando Arau
Director: Sergio Arau
Manufacturer: Xenon
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0002VEZ3U
Release Date: 2004-11-09

Customer Reviews:

Jar.......2007-05-15

the movie was some how slow delivering the message. it could have been better. funny at times.. look out.

5/5. "I really wanted to like this film...".......2007-04-12

I really wanted to like this film...and I succeeded.
I came through with flying colours. others...FAILED.
I tagged this movie as a liberal leftist's tear-jerker, and for good reason. you see, I'm a cotton-pickin', head-in-the-clouds, overzealous, unrealistically over-idealistic, Yankee liberal-frickin'-leftist...
AND DARN WELL GRATEFUL THAT I CAN SAY SO WITH HONESTY, THANK-YOU-VERY-MUCH!
Attack me or my views if you wish. Infect me if you will. I am pacifist by nature, and do not fight others except for the honor of opportunity to interpose myself between a small child and a ruthless criminal who would seek to attack, as is their wont...the wont of most of those who are so very much unlike me in their way of thinking.
Incidentally, when I saw this film, I truly wept, and part of me died on the inside, falling away from the rest to join my creator. a film does NOT, in my opinion, need to be funny OR lighthearted to be good. Humour can be healing, even where terminal Cancer is involved, but I would NOT designate this as a comedy by any means, except perhaps from the perspective of those Americans who see Schindler's List as a "HILARIOUS MOCKUMENTARY" (I am related to more than a few of this sort, so do not doubt that they exist. There are actually quite a few, if you choose to see them. Be wary, however, as you glare into the eyes of the beast...)

not quite good.......2007-02-25

*A Day Without a Mexican* was an attempt to show what the U.S. or rather, California would be like without Hispanics. However, the attempt was futile.

A fog gradually surrounds the state of California, thus preventing any communication with the other states. One by one, Hispanics start to disappear until there is none left...except one, who is a reporter. There are mixed reactions to the disappearance of Hispanics. Some people "grieve" as they realize or rather, know how much Hispanics contribute to the nation's economy. Others celebrate the disappearance of Hispanics. Some gain awareness about Hispanics and their "value".

Initially, I thought it was a wonderful concept to show just how much how certain minority contribute to society. However, some of the vignettes were corny or pointless, such as the "L-Factor". I was like, what in the world are talking about? The other was whether or not there was an significance or correlation to Hispanics and extraterrestrials being called "aliens". I realized that some of these vignettes were trying to be funny but these vignettes failed to bring humor.

I believe that this could have been a fantastic movie that would have inspired intellectual dialogues after viewing. However, with corniness in the movie, you just could not wait for the movie to end. Ugh,...just almost a good thing....almost.

Worthwhile--YES, Slick Hollywood produciton--NO........2006-12-25

Watch this movie with some friends or family and have a discussion about the complex issues involved afterwards over tea or wine and chocolate.

I rate a movie based on whether it is a worthwhile use of my precious time as well as whether it achieved "suspension of disbelief". Suspension of disbelief is when you forget you are watching a movie and get really into the story.

A Day Without A Mexican gets 5 stars for worthwhile and 2.5 stars for suspension of disbelief. It is a low-budget first-time production but in terms of message and truth and story to be told, it is an important project.

Citizens on all sides of the immigration issue would be well served to watch the complete movie (don't turn it off after the first 5 minutes as one closed minded reviewer did). The additional material on the DVD "behind... a day without a mexican" is key to completing the experiance. We found that material very worthwhile.

Don't waste your hard earn money.......2006-11-06

I couldn't continue after 5 minutes of this movie. It portrayed Americans as incompetents and hopeless. The message is that we will all suffered if there are no mexicans in America because we won't know what to do. This movie really sucked big time. And most of all it wasn't even funny. I can't wait till they come up with a movie titled "A day without Mexican: no more law braking illegals, no more uninsured motorists, surpluses in governmental resouces, uncrowded ER, less crime, etc.

Average customer rating:

Come in for a Spell ...
Overall it's good.
Witchy Good Movie
The Craft Rules
5of5 for good reasons

The Craft (Special Edition)
Starring: Robin Tunney , Fairuza Balk , Neve Campbell , Rachel True , and Skeet Ulrich
Director: Andrew Fleming
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00004W4UD
Release Date: 2000-09-12

Amazon.com

If Buffy the Vampire Slayer represents the lighter side of high school as a macabre experience, here's a movie that asks the burning question, "What happens when angst-ridden teenagers develop supernatural powers?" More to the point, how do four outcast teenaged witches handle their ability to cast wicked spells on the taunting classmates who've nicknamed them "The Bitches of Eastwick"? The answer, of course, is "don't get mad, get even." That's about all there is to this terminally silly movie, which makes up for its ludicrous plot by letting its young female cast have a field day as they indulge their dark fantasies. Fairuza Balk is enjoyable as the most wicked of the witches, and is therefore the focus of the film's most dazzling special effects. But it's Neve Campbell from television's Party of Five who made this film a modest box-office hit, just before she became her generation's fright-movie favorite in Scream and its popular sequel. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Come in for a Spell ..........2007-06-13

This movie was alright, it's one of those USA network type movies that you watch on a Sunday afternoon when there's nothing else on but football, and of course, it's for women and girls. Pre Buffy and Charmed, this rose a year or two before. It's an old story, updated with Generation X / goth rocker imagry for the 90s.

Earth, Air, Fire and Water, the four elements, come together at a Catholic school in southern California. Sarah has moved from the north to start over, makes some new friends at her new school, and all seems well. Soon the three new friends reveil that they are witches, looking for the fourth to complete their coven circle, and they believe Sarah is the match. Sure enough, the four come together and create just that.

This movie is about the abuse of power. Neve Campbell wishes that her scars would be removed when all medical treatments have failed, and, like magic, they vanish and she gets hot. Another wishes that the mean girl would get what's coming to her. And, sure enough, after a spell, the evil blonde popular girl (why are the mean girls always blonde in the movies and real life?) is knocked down a few pegs when her hair starts falling out. And the head witch, Fairuza Baulk, wants all the powers of the universe. And gets it. They become as vain and self centered as the ones they were looking to get even with, fall off their pillars, and eat some humble pie.

It's not an original story by any means, it's just dressed up with special effects to make it witchy and supernatural. Just some light entertainment, have fun with it.

Overall it's good........2007-05-13

Came fast, and in good condition. I haven't seen it since i was young so i bought it. Good movies about witches or witchcraft are hard to come buy. It's set for a more young adult to teen audience.

Witchy Good Movie.......2007-01-14

I think every young woman in Generation X has seen "The Craft." Sarah moves to Los Angeles from San Francisco and meets three friends who teach her about the world of witchcraft. In a story somewhat similar to "Mean Girls," her three new friends end up turning on her. Mean witches can be bitches. Sarah discovers that her mother was a powerful white witch and that she has the gift of witchcraft herself. While this is a lite horror movie, it has a good message of not messing with black magic.

The Craft Rules.......2007-01-11

The craft is a new classic for me, it was cool when I watch in high school and now my little sister (too little to get interested at the time) is hardcore fan, so I bought it for her a b-day present, she loves it, it a great movie, full of fun and special effects (some of them not very good) and special features, you will definitely wont regret to add this to your collection.

5of5 for good reasons.......2006-11-13

I gave it 5 stars for several reasons. Real Wiccans that view this usually down it. But I have read interviews to why there are inaccuracies in it. If they actually performed the ritual correctly, it could have been devastating. So, with technical help from the Golden Dawn, it was "modified" for safety. Fairuza Balk is a Wiccan herself. I call her Ru for short.... She has captured hearts everywhere in this movie. It has lead many people to the teachings of Wicca, unfotunately in a fantasy way. I wsh they had posted a notice before or after the movie that teh Witchcraft used was modified from the real teachings to protect the actors and actresses from harming themselves or others.
I would love to see Ru do another Witchcraft movie in which she can be a part of the direction. This movie is an instant classic and will never fade away. I wish they would make a sequal.

Average customer rating:

Makes you think twice
Pretty good movie about baseball, and then some.
Not "Pride of the Yankees"
Fear Strikes Out
A Perfect Bookend to "Field of Dreams"

Fear Strikes Out
Starring: Anthony Perkins , Karl Malden , Norma Moore , Adam Williams , and Perry Wilson
Director: Robert Mulligan
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00007LP8L
Release Date: 2003-03-04

Amazon.com

From its early scenes of a young Jimmy Piersall literally suffering his father's abusive determination that the boy should play baseball, Robert Mulligan's 1957 Fear Strikes Out becomes more about mental health than love of the game. But this is a compelling drama about the real-life Piersall's gradual breakdown one season before a national audience, the legacy of his domineering dad's overbearing ways. (Karl Malden plays Piersall's father.) Mulligan (To Kill a Mockingbird) brings his usual, civilized mix of poignancy and dramatic urgency to the proceedings, keeping any viewer (sports fan or not) involved. Perkins looks out of place on the field and is meant to appear that way; his fragility and intensity underscore the sad tale of Piersall's woes. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Makes you think twice.......2007-04-01

Excellent movie for all parents with children playing
any sport to watch.

Pretty good movie about baseball, and then some........2006-10-13

Karl Malden and Anthony Perkins make a good pair for the father and son Piersall in this movie. Malden had a slew of movies like this where he played a heavy, in this flick the domineering dad that sends Perkins over the edge. And to say Perkins isn't Gary Cooper or Piersall not Gehrig. Well, duh! Not the point of this movie to make a warm loving character study as that of Gehrig in "Pride of the Yankees." And in that effort this movie is totally successful. Not all baseball stories end in warm touching moments, or the game winning walk-off home run that sends the fans a frenzy. Malden is excellent as Piersall's dad. And Perkins plays an edgy Piersall that can only garner the empathy of the viewing audience. I pesonally asked Jimmy Piersall if ths movie was an accurate depiction of how things actually occurred. He responded by saying that everything except for the scene where he climbed the backstop- the scene where he went over the edge and on his way to treatment- was pretty much on the money. And he said so with the humility that only Jimmy Piersall could respond with. He also chuckled when i asked if there was a deleted scene where Malden stopped him on his way out the door and said, "Jimmy. Here's your glove. Don't leave home without it." All that aside, this is a good movie, albeit an uncomfortable one to watch.

Not "Pride of the Yankees".......2006-07-05

Starring Tony Perkins perfectly miscast as a major league ballplayer. What can you say? The Red Sox have Jimmy Pirsall, Tony Perkins and "Fear Strikes OUT". The Yankees have Lou Gehrig, Gary Cooper and "Pride of the Yankees".

Fear Strikes Out.......2005-08-12

Perkins plays young Pearsall with just the right vulnerability, and Malden does a breathtaking turn as his driven Dad. An over-looked classic from young Mulligan, who'd go on to direct "To Kill A Mockingbird" five years later.

A Perfect Bookend to "Field of Dreams".......2003-05-11

For every person who has a warm fuzzy memory of playing catch with Dad, there is the ying-yang expereince of those abused by fathers living vicariously through their sons' little league experiences. Such is the essence of "Fear Strikes Out".
I first saw this movie on late night TV about 20 years ago. It scared the bejeezus out of me. Carl Malden gave a truly frightening performance. However, he was matched scene-for-scene by Anthony Perkins. I remember one early scene in the movie where young Jimmy Piersall is playing catch, rather poorly, with his father. Carl starts yelling. I was getting a pain in the pit of my stomach. Young Jimmy goes behind a shed, I think, to fish out the passed ball he just missed. Tony Perkins stops, his face contorted in angst. This scene stayed with me much like the Flying Monkees in the "Wizard of Oz" or the head-turning scene in "The Exorcist".

Amazon.com

The maturation and coming of age of a young woman is a difficult and often confusing journey for any young girl, but the road for Anne Shirley (Kim Braden), an orphan taken in as a child by Marilla Cuthbert (Barbara Hamilton) and her deceased brother Matthew, is littered with unique challenges that test her own beliefs, talents, dreams, and sense of self-worth. Based on the "Anne of Avonlea" and "Anne of the Island" children's books by L.M. Montgomery, this 6-episode, 5-hour 1975 BBC mini-series (not the popular PBS version directed by Kevin Sullivan and starring Megan Follows) opens with a bright and ambitious Anne as she prepares to begin teaching in the local school and actively serves as an advocate and secretary on the newly formed Village Improvement Society in Avonlea. A highly principled young woman, Anne's idealistic resolves are quickly tested as is her limited knowledge of small town politics. The death of a neighbor leads Anne and Marilla to welcome two young orphans into their household, resulting in Anne's selflessly setting aside her dreams of attending college. Formal schooling aside, Anne's education regarding marriage, politics, and human nature continues right there in Avonlea. Eventually, Anne's dreams of attending college are realized and she quickly discovers how much she still has to learn about friendship, love, and self-sufficiency. This BBC production features convincing talent and a sense of intimacy that is reinforced by a sparseness of set and music and a tendency toward up-close photography. (Ages 9 and older) --Tami Horiuchi

Description

Based on L.M. Montgomery's classic novels Anne of Avonlea and Anne of the Island, this acclaimed BBC mini-series continues the story of Anne Shirley (Kim Braden), the heroine of Anne of Green Gables as she begins her job as a schoolteacher.

New adventures lie in store for Anne as her life at Green Gables takes unexpected turns with the arrival of two new orphans and the realization that college is no longer a dream. Through marriage proposals from suitors, the sale of her first story and sharing a cottage with her friends, Anne holds on to her memories of Avonlea and discovers life and love on her own terms.

Customer Reviews:

fabulous .......2007-06-04

When I found that this thirty-year-old BBC mini-series was out on DVD, I couldn't believe it! I had such fond memories of the series all those years ago and never believed I would see be able to see it again. But such is the nature of modern technology, and we are so lucky for it. As another reviewer said, Kim Braden IS Anne - nobody can top her. And the story stays so much closer to the original story. I only wish the first part of the series, "Anne of Green Gables," was available too. Message to the BBC - please find it ... I want to buy it!!

ANNE OF AVONLEA.......2007-05-15

THAT WAR THE FIRST I SAW AND I LOVED I START ASKING FOR MORE MOVIES OF AVOLEA.

Anne of Avonea - BBC version features LLM's characters.......2007-03-19

I truly enjoyed viewing so many of Lucy Maud Montgomery's characters and storylines. Although I'm a huge fan of Kevin Sullivan's Anne movies, this version is closer to the plots from the books. The ending was a bit of a letdown but overall it was time well spent.

funny accents, but good mini-series.......2007-03-09

When I bought this DVD, I was surprised to find it was a British production with mostly British actors. The accents sounded quite strange, probably because they were trying to sound Canadian, but not really succeeding. The first two episodes were fairly dull and I was starting to regret buying this. However, the next four episodes were much more enjoyable and so overall, it was worth buying. It was much more like the books than the 1987 version was, which I was pleased by. Although it was mostly filmed in a studio and looked like it was cheaply made, it is less noticeable the more you get into the story. The story ends rather abruptly, but most people who watch this will know what's going to happen to the characters anyway. Kim Braden seemed to grow into the role of Anne as the mini-series went along and I liked what she brought to the role.

Anne of Avonlea.......2007-02-12

I loved the stories of Lucy M. Montgomery and was hoping for more from the BBC. I was emotionally disappointed in this version. Kim Braden was an adorable Anne but the screen play lacked emotion and substance where it was important. Anne and Gilbert scenes were short and flipant. You would never have known Gilbert and Anne had any feelings for each other by the scenes. I did like the inclusions of the real story line from Ms. Montgomerys books. They were true to the real story and that pleased me. The whole college years, the group gatherings of all the young people etc made the books come to life but then the rest of the story left you feeling unsatisfied and empty. The ending was the worst. I prefered the longer scene in the book and the other ending in the Megan Fallows version. It said more in silence than any writer could say.

StarCraft Widescreen DVD Movie Special Limited Edition

Average customer rating:

INFO...

StarCraft Widescreen DVD Movie Special Limited Edition

Manufacturer: Blizzard Entertainment
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ASIN: B000FULXII

Customer Reviews:

INFO..........2007-02-18

A galaxy on the brink of destruction. For the first time, the epic cinematics from StarCraft and StarCraft: Brood War have been collected onto one disc and digitally remastered for enhanced picture quality on your DVD player. Finally, you can witness the struggle for galactic domination in its full, uninterrupted glory! Features Points: 36 minutes of cinema-quality digital animation; Exclusive director's commentary. Original development artwork and never-before-seen storyboards from the Blizzard Film Department; Cinematic trailers for StarCraft, Brood War, Diablo II, the Diablo II Expansion Set, and Warcraft III.

Average customer rating:

Probably only for the die-hard fan.
The best screen adaptation of Charlotte Brontë's immortal novel, hands down!
If you are a Jane Eyre fan - a must see
The Definitive Version
Very Enjoyable Adaptation

Jane Eyre (BBC, 1973)
Starring: Sorcha Cusack , Michael Jayston , Susan Jameson , Jean Harvey (III) , and John Phillips (VI)
Director: Joan Craft
Manufacturer: Acorn Media
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Jane Eyre

ASIN: B000FS9FG2
Release Date: 2006-07-25

Description

After a childhood that would have broken weaker girls, Jane Eyre finds a respectable position as governess to the ward of the enigmatic Mr. Rochester. Twenty years her senior, brusque, and hardened by loss, Mr. Rochester finds his spirited new employee strangely bewitching. Despite the social chasm that divides them, they are drawn to each other as equals and contemplate true happiness at last. But there is an impediment to their love that tests Jane's integrity and strength almost beyond endurance.

Considered by many to be the best adaptation of Charlotte Brontë's romantic classic, this BBC miniseries is true to the original story, with dialogue taken directly from the novel. Best of all is the perfect casting and chemistry of the unlikely lovers, with Sorcha Cusack (Casualty) as Jane and Michael Jayston (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy) as Mr. Rochester.

Customer Reviews:

Probably only for the die-hard fan........2007-06-10

I watched this as a die-hard fan of Jane Eyre who is determined to watch and own every filmed version of the book. While I think experiencing this version was a worthwhile exercise in its own right, I don't think this version offers anything that hasn't been done better since. In fact, I would say everything was improved upon only 10 years later, in the 1983 BBC version. For example, this version's faithfulness to the novel was matched, if not superceded, in the equally faithful ( and I think more dynamic) 1983 BBC version. Also, while the best thing about this version for me is Michael Jayston as Mr. Rochester - he's attractive enough to be compelling and gruff enough to be Mr. Rochester - I believe Timothy Dalton is more compelling in the 1983 version. Similarly, Sorcha Cusack, for me, suffered in comparison to Zelah Clarke's understanding and portrayal of Jane's passion. The production values in both versions seem to be about the same; they're shot much like a play. They both include outdoor scenes, but no accompanying music. If you're looking for a film version so you don't have to read the book, go with the 1983 BBC version. If you just enjoy the story, as I do, you probably won't regret the 4 hours you spend watching it yet again.

The best screen adaptation of Charlotte Brontë's immortal novel, hands down!.......2007-06-04

I was just a lad of ten when I saw this 1973 BBC production of "Jane Eyre" for the first time. Michael Jaynston and, above all, Sorcha Cusack made an everlasting impression on me. After all these years, to be able to see her again as Jane is... all joy! I've seen this DVD release so many times since I bought it that I'm seeing it now in bits and parts - specially those witty ones with Jane and Rochester. What a cracker!...
Michael Jaynston is a great, really great Rochester; but Sorcha Cusack, with that beautiful round face, those lovely eyes and that velvet voice, is a Jane from the other world! I don't mean to be rude to those reviewers whom have written here criticizing her performance, but I'm afraid they simply don't grasp british humor - particularly, the "understatement", which is present in almost every line of many of the intimate dialogues between Jane and Rochester (both in the novel and in the TV production)...
To my mind, in a scale of 1 to 10, this production deserves 9.9. It would get a clear 10 out of me if it had (as it should) at least fifteen episodes. Nevertheless, a sublime piece of art. Don't miss it!...

If you are a Jane Eyre fan - a must see.......2007-06-01

I'm a huge fan of the recent BBC production of Jane Eyre with Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens. However, a friend who is involved with the Bronte Society here in the UK advised I have a look at this one. I enjoyed it very much and here are a few comments.

We all know the story of Jane Eyre. It's something deeply embedded in our collective literary psyche. Each film production is a little different and is, of course, someone's interpretation of this seminal novel. In this version, I thought Rochester was exceptionally well done by Michael Jayston. He is both tormented and light hearted as he falls deeper and deeper in love with Jane and because this version adheres pretty close to the book, we get large tranches of dialogue lifted straight from the author's pen. One tends to forget how erudite and clever Rochester is and how sparkling and teasing his conversations with Jane are. My husband, who watched this version with me, actually laughed out loud at some of Rochester's cracks to Jane.

I was not so keen on Sorcha Cusack although she does very well in this. I think I have been seduced by the more sexualised (in the nicest possible way!) version with Wilson and Stephens. Sometimes in this version the passion simmers a little too far below the surface.

One thing that annoyed was that in this version the physical acting was awkward and stilted - for example when Jane and Rochester kiss, it's abrupt and not very romantic - small complaint - but comparing it with the recent BBC version, you see how unnatural it is. However, the great dialogue, Jayston in particular, makes up for it.

I thought as I watched this that I could have listened to the whole thing as an audio book or radio play and perhaps this would have overcome the very bad hair-dos and the stiffness of some of the scenes.

I recommend this one. It's certainly number 2 on my list now after the recent BBC production and I have seen most of them. An oldie but goodie and worth the effort to watch.

The Definitive Version.......2007-05-30

I have seen the better adaptations of this story (i.e., Timothy Dalton/Zelah Clarke, Welles/Fontaine), but this Cusack/Jayston version is the best because of the superb casting, acting, and faithfulness to the novel. I concur absolutely with another reader who says Cusack is a better Jane Eyre than the excellent Zelah Clarke; both Clarke and Timothy Dalton are too stiff; they give stage, rather than screen, performances. Also, Timothy Dalton (as one of the world's best looking men) cannot be credited as Bronte's Vulcan-like Edward Rochester. (As a bit of trivia, the actress who plays the cruel Mrs. Reed in the Cusack/Jayston version later plays Mrs. Fairfax in the Clarke/Dalton version.)

Highly recommended.

Very Enjoyable Adaptation.......2007-05-21

I am glad I was not discouraged by some of the negative reviews here from watching this version of Jane Eyre. I found it very enjoyable in nearly all respects. This version most resembles the Timothy Dalton film, in many cases word for word as they both stick closely to the dialogue in the novel. This version has a little more of the dialogue, however. It sticks very closely to the book, though there are a few variations. For example in this movie Jane guesses immediately who the "gypsy" really is, and therefore Rochester doesn't have a chance to use the ruse to try to get Jane to make a confession.

As for some of the criticisms, I didn't find the voice over narration to be intrusive but rather illustrated Jane's interior monologue. I also didn't find the characters to be cold to each other. Much of the humor of the novel comes through.

Highly recommended to anyone looking for a faithful adaptation of the novel.

Verdi - Ernani / James Levine, The Metropolitan Opera

Average customer rating:

Four Great Voices in Verdi's Ernani
Pavarotti excites as Ernani in Met alternative Version
Ideal cast for this early verdi Opera
A must have for any opera lover
This is pretty close to top notch

Verdi - Ernani / James Levine, The Metropolitan Opera
Starring: Luciano Pavarotti , Leona Mitchell , Ruggero Raimondi , Sherrill Milnes , and Charles Anthony
Director: Kirk Browning
Manufacturer: Geneon [Pioneer]
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00000INHJ
Release Date: 2000-02-15

Description

No opera is more romantic than Giuseppe Verdi's Ernani. Three rivals risk everything for a hot-blooded woman, plotting abductions, hatching conspiracies, swearing fatal oaths. This 1983 Metropolitan Opera production brought together a superb cast of singers, well able to take on the challenge of Verdi's searing music. Stars: Luciano Pavarotti, Leona Mitchell, Sherrill Milnes, Ruggero Raimondi. Chorus, Ballet and Orchestra of the Metropolitan Opera. Conductor: James Levine

Customer Reviews:

Four Great Voices in Verdi's Ernani.......2007-01-13

I had the privilege to see this production in person and I must say that the DVD captures the essence of the production.
Lucianno brought his usual beauty of voice to this production as well as Leona Mitchell. We have not heard near enough from her. But what a singer she is. She scaled this piece with soaring beauty and bravura, scaling over orchestra and chorus with unusual beauty and technique.
Sherill is in magnificent voice and verile in his portrayal. Raimoindi rounds out these great voices as a robust and earthy Bass.
It was a delight to hear Verdi's music essayed in this way.
I beg to differ about Freni's portryal over Mitchell's. Mitchell
has the depth and expansiveness, not to mention the beauty that it takes to sing Verdi.

Pavarotti excites as Ernani in Met alternative Version.......2005-06-07

James Levine and his met forces offer us a performancer of 'Ernani' that includes revisions Verdi made to the score after its Venice premiere. He added a cabaletta to Silva's aria that was taken from an alternative aria he wrote for his first opera 'Oberto'. The bass part of Silva was considered a secondary role because his aria had no cabaletta. Consequently star basses used to have the baritone role of Don Carlo transposed to bass register. Verdi inserted the cabaletta into the opera to discourage the practice. Furthermore in Act II Verdi wrote a new aria to act as finale to the Act. This was done at the behest of Rossini who wanted a bravura aria to showcase the talent of his protege Nicolai Ivanov. Both Ruggero Raimondi as Silva and Luciano Pavarotti as Ernani justify their inclusion in this performance. Elsewhere in the performance Pavarotti sings with lovely melting tone and Raimondi strikes one as an utterly driven Silva. Leona Mitchell as Elvira sings securely as Elvira even if she is not as dramatically compelling as Mirella Freni for Riccardo Muti in La Scala. Similarly Sherrill Milnes yields dramatic points to the incomparable Renato Bruson, yet delights by his firm top notes and ease with which he sings his music. By virtue of the variants described above this performance should be seen as a supplement to instead of an alternative to the Muti performance

Ideal cast for this early verdi Opera.......2005-03-26

First I think It has to be said that Ernani is not an overly believable story. The sheer melodramatic unlikeliness of some of the action make it less of a sheer dramatic experience, unlike say, Rigoletto, Otello, La Traviata, or many of Verdi's later works. This is not a reflection on Verdi, who uses this mediocre Libretto to create some very moving music.
As I said in the title, this singers are nearly ideal. Pavarotti plays the bandit Ernani. He has rarely sounded better. His tone is Bright, attractive and ringing, This first act aria, despite a small rhymical mistake at the end, is fabulous. He takes an optional aria, that I had never heard before and sings it virtuosically. His acting is general, but he looks very good onstage. I was not dissapointed by his acting. I believe this is because the Liberetto does not make intricate dramatic demands on the singer, so general melodramatic emotion passes as appropriate.
Leona Mitchell is an excellent Elvira. It is a part that has alot of chest voice required, and Leona brings it. She sings Ernani Involami, with ardor and passion. The costumer might have mae a more intelligent choice so that the Diva's chest didnt heave out of her shirt with every breath, it wasnt exactly becoming.
Ruggero Raimondi was intense as Silva. He was believable as the cucolded old man. his voice was booming and edgy. While his voice isn't always focused perfectly, he is a perfect dramatist. His performance is wonderful.
Sherill Milnes is a great Charles the 5th. It is of interest that this performance was Milnes's comeback from vocal sugery after busting a cappilary in his vocal cord. He kept it a secret and cancelled many performance, including the Met centennial gala. His anxiety over this performance, by his own admission, approached hysteria. Miraculously, he sings very well here. Perhaps his voice is a bit under, but its still has the Milnes coloring. His aria comparing himself to Charlemagne, was a classic. Throwing caution to the wind, he muscles out a A flat, to the delight of the crowd.
Overall this is an excellent production of verdis opera. If you are an early verdi fan, this is a must have.

A must have for any opera lover.......2004-09-12

This is a historical performance. For the first time in over 100 years,the alternate finale of Act 2 is being played in a major opera house,Pavarotti receiving a well deserved ovation after the aria and cabaletta wrote by Verdi for his famous contemporary tenor, Ivanov. Mitchell and Raimondi are in superb voice, both very secure with the exposed high notes from the score. As it was only later known, this is the first performance of Milnes after his vocal chords surgery. Altough he takes a little time to warm up, he manages afterwards to bring down the house in style, with a fantastic A-flat at the end of his big aria. Levine conducts with style the orchestra and chorus,in a performance staged during the Met centenial celebrations.

This is pretty close to top notch.......2003-10-26

What more could anyone ask for? Pavarotti is brilliant as Ernani, no doubt this is one of his best roles. But he stares mostly at the prompter, and remains pretty much glued to this one spot on the stage. It would have been great if he had acted some more. Oh well.

Raimondi is one of the best singers I've ever heard - his Act One aria and cabaletta are one of the highlights of this performance; he is SO dramatic here, and also does a great job displaying anger, sadness, and an evil heart.

Levine and the orchestra once again prove that they're the best in the U.S.

Mitchell is completely miscast here. this role is not suited for her voice, and we constantly see her gasping for breath like a fish out of water; I find this incredibly distracting, and totally not in sync with the music.

Milnes has his vocal problems much in evident here (this being recorded in 1983, one of his worst years for singing), but he finally pulls it off in Act Three during his aria (where he concludes with a high A-flat), and he brings down the house in a way similar to that of L. Price's "O Patria Mia" in her Aida from the Met in 1985 (her final opera role).

Production, supporting roles, and the chorus are all very good.

so except for Mitchell, this is highly reccomended. I hope someday modern technology can provide Mirella Freni's Elvira from the La Scala version (also worth getting, especially because there's also Domingo in the title role and Muti in the pit). If you love Verdi, get both recordings.

Not Mozart (Letters, Riddles and Writs / M is for Man, Music, Mozart )

Average customer rating:

A good alternative to adulation

Not Mozart (Letters, Riddles and Writs / M is for Man, Music, Mozart )
Starring: Ute Lemper , David Thomas (XII) , Julian Glover , Tony Rohr , and Michael Nyman
Director: Jeremy Newson , and Peter Greenaway
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Draughtsman's Contract
The Pillow Book

ASIN: B00008RH11
Release Date: 2003-05-27

Description

This highly original celebration of the work of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart gives rein to the inventiveness of six distinguished contemporary composers who were each invited to collaborate with a top filmmaker of their choice to produce a tribute to the maestro. These partnerships let their imaginations run riot and produced a collection which ranges from the hilarious to the frankly baffling to the deeply moving. The films include: "M Is for Man, Music and Mozart," composed by Louis Andriessen and directed by Peter Greenaway (The Draughtsman's Contract), "Bring Me the Head of Amadeus," composed by H.K. Gruber and directed by Barrie Gavin, "Letters, Riddles and Writs," composed by Michael Nyman (The End of the Affair) and directed by Jeremy Newson and Pat Gavin, "N*t M*zart," composed by Mathias Ruegg and directed by Ernst Grandits, "Wam Ltd," composed by Misha Mengelberg and directed by Anthony Garner, "Scipio's Dream," composed by Judith Weir and directed by Margaret Williams.

Customer Reviews:

A good alternative to adulation.......2006-12-17

This series of programs, developed for the anniversary of Mozart's death, make a surprisingly apt way of celebrating his 250th birthday in 2006! The most noteworthy is probably the collaboration between Peter Greenaway and composer Louis Andriessen, "M is for Man, Music, Mozart." Like so many other Greenaway films, this one's replete with full-frontal nudity, endless video overlays, and lots of superimposed text. The result is total eye-candy, rendered tart by Andriessen's jazz-tinged score. I also enjoyed "Letters, Riddles & Writs," with a score by Michael Nyman and a remarkable performance by Ute Lemper as Mozart! And German avant-gardist H.K. Gruber & Barrie Gavin's "Bring Me the Head of Amadeus" is totally whacked! If you've found all the pious Mozartizing ths year tedious, this DVD will bring needed relief!

Average customer rating:

Uneven but worthwhile
Would recommend to fans of independent film
Made me a tad Weepy!
Part of me, part of the USA, part of all of us
A so-so movie with a powerful leading cast

The Year That Trembled
Starring: Jonathan Brandis , Charlie Finn , Jay R. Ferguson , Meredith Monroe , and Matt Salinger
Director: Jay Craven
Manufacturer: Allumination
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0000E6FNH
Release Date: 2003-12-09

Description

A flawless ensemble cast brings to life this powerful 1970s coming-of-age drama, war chronicle and unconventional love story set in the shadow of Kent State's turbulent events. Written and directed by Jay Craven and based on the novel by Scott Lax, this "intimate, subtly riveting, and richly reminiscent" (Portland Press Herald) masterpiece follows a group of young people caught up in events that will transform their lives in ways they cannot imagine. Punctuated by authentic period footage, a soundtrack that includes 17 songs from the era, "lush cinematography and stellar performances" (Cleveland Plain Dealer), The Year That Trembled is a haunting portrait of a time when passions ignited a nation and choices became a matter of life and death.

Customer Reviews:

Uneven but worthwhile.......2007-04-17

Films about the 1960s are always difficult -- some go no deeper than the familiar media images, others fail to capture the tone of that unique time. This one does something a little different by looking at the end of the 1960s, following the lives of several high school graduates sharing a house near Kent State after the 1970 shootings. They represent a cross-section of young America at the time, with the late Jonathan Brandis our point-of-view character, aspiring writer Casey Pederson: politically & culturally a bit left of center, but no hippie or radical. (His tragic death shortly after making this film lends it additional poignancy.)

Casey & his friends are waiting for the first draft lottery, which hangs over their summer like a black cloud of potential doom. Having endured the same horrible wait back then, I can attest that the ominous feeling is captured perfectly, as well as the sense that the optimism & ideals of the earlier 1960s were fading away. We all sensed that things were going to be very different in the 1970s, nothing like the golden future of peace & understanding we had envisioned -- and the film conveys this with precision.

The low budget gives it a sort of ramshackle feeling, and at times the quality veers into made-for-TV territory. The script & acting are a bit uneven, especially at first; but as the story continues, a certain emotional power builds up. Characters are forced into narrowing corners with fewer & fewer choices, and several make the wrong ones, both politically & personally. Casey's brooding & uncertainty, his unspoken but obvious need for something genuine, for fidelity & love & faith in the future, is superbly portrayed. It rings just as true today as it did then. And Marin Hinkle gives a warm, wonderful performance as the fired high school teacher who is both guiding mother figure & troubled woman.

Sometimes the necessary intensity or insight is lacking ... but on the whole, this film is a reminder of a time when teenagers thought about more than mass market fads, and considered their place in the world & their need to make something better of it. The cost of bearing that weight, which led to both self-betrayal & rising to idealistic heights, is depicted well. They were all so terribly young.... The film will leave you with a bittersweet afterglow, and a realization that its message is all too relevant again today. Recommended!

Would recommend to fans of independent film.......2006-03-22

Not a big fancy film, but very good for a small independent film. The cast as a whole gave a great performance; Jon Brandis, in one of his last projects, was excellent. I wish this film had been given the wider theatrical release it deserved.

Made me a tad Weepy!.......2006-03-18

I've been a Jonathan Brandis fan since the days his face adorned the cover of BOP and Tiger Beat magazines. I followed his career with glee and taped every episode of SeaQuest in order to see his baby blues peeking at me from the depts of my tv. And when I found out that he had ended his life I was both heart-broken and outraged.

So when I happened across this movie, I jumped at the chance to buy one of the last films he appeared in. And I wasn't disappointed in the least. I enjoyed seeing "Andy" from Dawson's Creek and "Knox" from Angel, as well.

The trials and tribulations of college-aged kids, trying to grow-up yet still being controlled by the adults around them was enough to make me thankful my childhood was spent without too much home threats of war.

I recommend this flick to any and all who :
1. Love Jonathan Brandis (a line in the movie will break your heart, though: "I could just die right now..." Cuz - ya know - he's not living...)
2. dig a love triangle as complicated as Bermuda's, and
3. oppose War and all it has to "offer."

Part of me, part of the USA, part of all of us.......2006-03-13

I was an extra in this movie and I must say the end product does not do justice to the experience. Being just down the road from the site of the Kent State shootings, I don't think it is possible to portray the reality of the feelings of that era on a television screen. The actors were wonderful to work with and my pride for them blends over into my viewing of their performances. My favorite, by far, is Jonathan Woodward who played "Charlie", the ill-fated all-American young man who accurately represents the situations of many of the drafted soldiers. I enjoyed the various perspectives as we see the citizen who so earnestly believes in his country only to be betrayed by it (Charlie); the draftdodger who escapes to Canada (Hairball); the protester thrown in jail (Judy); the teacher who lost her job over her opinions (Charlie's wife); and the various other character studies throughout the movie. The only sad part was that we spent four hours filming a five minute scene for a section of the movie and it was left on the cutting room floor! I wish there would have been a section on the DVD for extras such as history bites, cast interviews, and definitely those deleted scenes!

A so-so movie with a powerful leading cast.......2005-07-19

Although this movie gives a nice hint at what the atmosphere probably was in the early 70's, the directing is quite poor, and it's visually completely empty.
On the other hand, the writing is solid, and the dialogs sound real and above average (except for one of Jonathan Brandis' last lines - "Take care of that baby" - which is completely ridiculous. I mean, what normal mother wouldn't take care of her own child ???).
But the best is definitely the acting. Marin Hinkle gives an incredible performance, and Jonathan Brandis, although underused (again...), manages to show what a talented, smart and brilliant actor he was.
I'm warning all Brandis fans out there : The very last scene might steal one or two tears from you...

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