Sparks

Starring:Principal, Wass
Studio: Trinity Home Ent
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

Good, but not what I thought it would be
The sinner and the saint on stage together
I live for Leonard Cohen
Why not just "the man"?
Incomparable writer and musician

Leonard Cohen I'm Your Man
Starring: Leonard Cohen , Rufus Wainwright , Bono , Rennie Sparks , and Hal Willner
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man
Ladies and Gentlemen... Mr. Leonard Cohen
Book of Longing
Essential Leonard Cohen
The Tibetan Book of the Dead (A Way of Life / The Great Liberation)

ASIN: B000I2J62I
Release Date: 2006-11-14

Amazon.com

Leonard Cohen--songwriter, poet, former monk, ladies man, and sharp dresser--receives a near-hagiographical treatment in I'm Your Man, a part concert-part documentary in which his work is interpreted by an array of singers. Cohen tributes are nothing new, what with Jennifer Warnes' Famous Blue Raincoat and the multi-artist compilations Tower of Song and I'm Your Fan having preceded this one. But music producer Hal Willner, who has spearheaded similar projects focusing on Thelonious Monk, Kurt Weill, Harold Arlen, and Charles Mingus, is especially skilled at putting together rosters of diverse and unexpected artists, and he's done it again here, matching superstars U2 with the likes of Nick Cave, Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Kate's offspring Rufus and Martha Wainwright, Beth Orton, Antony Hegarty (of the group Antony and the Johnsons), Jarvis Cocker, and others. Whether all of this works or not will naturally depend on the viewer's point of view. Cohen is no one's idea of a great singer, but he's certainly a distinctive one, with his ocean-deep basso profundo and the slow insinuations of a guy who, having been a Zen monk, certainly understands the virtues of patience; his lyrics, too, are sui generis, personal but rarely mawkish, at once plain and cryptic. To these ears, performances by Orton ("Sisters of Mercy"), Teddy Thompson ("Tonight Will Be Fine"), and the Handsome Family with Linda Thompson ("A Thousand Kisses Deep") come closest to capturing Cohen's spirit without actually impersonating him. On the other hand, the overly mannered stylings of the McGarrigles and Wainwrights are an acquired taste, at best; Rufus' louche posing, affected vocal delivery, and cute, tango-esque arrangement of "Everybody Knows" pretty much overwhelm the song (he's much better on "Chelsea Hotel No. 2"), and Martha's "The Traitor" is scant improvement. Cohen himself appears on just one number ("Tower of Song," with U2), but interview segments are scattered throughout director Lian Lunson's film; now in his seventies, he seems to delight in perpetuating his own legend, serving up elusive comments like "I was alive in the horror" and "Things got easier when I stopped expecting to win." Bonus material includes deleted scenes and more. --Sam Graham

Description

Sure to please both die-hard Cohen fans and the newly initiated, this film is full of captivating music and offers an intimate portrait of a truly singular artist, poet, songwriter, cultural icon.

Customer Reviews:

Good, but not what I thought it would be.......2007-06-27

This is primarily footage of other artists covering Leonard Cohen songs. Not that they aren't good covers- Rufus and Martha Wainright are, in particular, excellent Cohen cover artists. I had simply hoped to see some actual Cohen performances. Between the covers are segments of an interview, and those are really interesting. Especially the revelation that one of his more graphic songs is about Janis Joplin. This is a good DVD, but it would have been better if it had included old and recent interviews, as well as more than one performance by Cohen himself. The song he does do was frankly disappointing. It's worth a rental, but not necessarily a purchase.

The sinner and the saint on stage together.......2007-06-01

This is a profound tribute to one of the masters of 20th century poetry and contemporary music. From Montreal to NYC, Cohen's legacy, poetry, and art are depicted in a series of old photos, movies and performances by Leonard Cohen. Contributing performers, including Rufus and Martha Wainright, Antony, Nick Cates, Perla Batalla, Julie Christensen, U-2, et.al., interpreted Cohen's songs so well that in some instances, they brought us to tears. The ubiquitous backdrop of the bawdy Slipper Room in NYC added an unexpected even self-deprecating contrast to a man who is an ordained Zen Buddhist monk possibly evoking the lessons in the story of Siddhartha. Nick Cates' Vagas lounge act rendition of "I'm Your Man" opening the piece contrasts to Leonard Cohens' "Tower of Song" with U-2 at the end underlining the duality of spirit prevalent throughout the documentary. Get the DVD and the soundtrack CD. It's that good.

I live for Leonard Cohen.......2007-05-25

This is a very personal and very intense dvd. It portrays Mr. Cohen very honestly.

Why not just "the man"?.......2007-05-24

I knew up front that this program consisted largely of Leonard Cohen admirers, with only one cut by the man himself. But I was, frankly, dismayed at the really poor quality of the non-Leonard performers. Really bad stuff, actually embarrassing to sit through! The numerous film clips of Leonard reflecting on his art and himself, plus his most-wonderful performance of "Tower of Song" made it all worthwhile. Still, considering the existence of many, many videos of Leonard Cohen singing his own extraordinary music over the years, I must wonder why such a second- (and lower) rate bunch of supposed performers was assembled and allowed to butcher that music. (One of these performers -- "Antony" -- warrants special mention. His rendition of "If it be thy will" was truly beautiful, befitting the song, providing one listened and didn't watch his goofy wiggling and gesturing -- plain-old weird.) A great chance to make a truly priceless program was, sadly, missed with "I'm Your Man."

Incomparable writer and musician.......2007-05-15

This DVD deserves the term, "classic." Leonard Cohen has devoted himself and his life to writing and music, and what a writer he is. This DVD presents a tribute to him by other fine musicians and singers, mostly Canadian, since he was born in Montreal. The performances resonate with meaning, and I find myself turning to them again and again to center my spirit. The songs soar with lyric beauty. The strenght of writing and depth of feeling shine through, majestically. Cohen is a treasure, a gift. He demonstrates what "the pursuit of excellence" means, in every song.

Average customer rating:

Addicting
3 stars
STOMP
Crazy Talent!!!!
Great Performance

Stomp Out Loud
Starring: Dashiell Eaves , Keith Middleton , Anthony Sparks , Raquel Horsford , and Mike Bove
Director: Luke Cresswell , and Steve McNicholas
Manufacturer: Hbo Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Blue Man Group - The Complex Rock Tour Live
Pulse: a Stomp Odyssey
Blast!: An Explosive Musical Celebration
Animusic 2 - A New Computer Animation Video Album
Kodo - One Earth Tour Special (Bonus CD)

ASIN: 0783113331
Release Date: 2004-06-01

Amazon.com

Stomp is a rhythmic, musical extravaganza that has stunned audiences across the globe. If you weren't lucky enough to catch them in your hometown (or you did and you crave more), now there's Stomp Out Loud, a special HBO performance that will bring the unusual musical feats right into your living room. You might just find yourself grabbing a broom or even your remote control to keep time. "It's comedy, it's theater, it's very physical, it's energetic, it's occasionally quite terrifying," says one performer. Taking their show from the theater to the streets, this astonishing troupe can make music out of just about anything and just about anywhere. The opening sequence shows them dangling by harnesses across the back of a Manhattan billboard drumming on hubcaps, pipes, street signs, and plastic garbage pails, all the while swaying and keeping in perfect time. You know how you like to groove along to the radio while driving? Stomp doesn't need a radio--they use their hands to make their own music while cruising the streets of New York. Using just basketballs in a steamy alleyway, the troop creates an incredibly intricate dance and sound with the street, brick walls, and Dumpsters. Included in the program are the push broom, garbage can, and pole dances, just a few of their best-known sequences. Stomp Out Loud showcases the performers in the theater, out about town, and in short humorous vignettes (love the recurring card game!). All in all, they amaze. This well-produced video also includes a trailer and a special behind-the-scenes look at the making of Stomp Out Loud. --Dana Van Nest

Customer Reviews:

Addicting.......2007-06-12

I bought this DVD to show my students at the end of the school year in my band class. Every year I enjoy watching it! It is just a lot of fun.

3 stars.......2007-05-21

if you've seen the real thing in NYC by yourself, this one is not even close, but it's good to keep something unique like this.

STOMP.......2007-04-04

This is a good rhythm dvd. Alot of effort went into making this 'OK' cd.
It's different. Had a good beat. It was easy to get into.
I would purchase it. . . . . . Oh yea . . . . . . I did!

Crazy Talent!!!!.......2007-03-23

I've watched this video many times and I never tire of hearing and seeing the beats these men and women make with common, everyday items. I have used it in my PE class and I have friends who have used it in music/band. It is a great classroom resource as well as an entertaining work of art.

Great Performance.......2007-03-16

This is a wonderfully talented group. And a very enjoyable show to watch. The only reason I gave it four instead of five stars is because I went to see them and it has much more of an effect in person. But the show also involves a great entertainment

Average customer rating:

Very funny and entertaining romantic comedy
good info
Great romantic comedy
A Blast to Watch!
A Clever Twist on Time Travel

Blast From the Past
Starring: Steve Bean , Dave Foley , Brendan Fraser , Richard Gilbert-Hill , and Ted Kairys
Manufacturer: New Line Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 0780626494
Release Date: 1999-07-27

Amazon.com

Coasting on the successes of Gods and Monsters and George of the Jungle, Brendan Fraser turns in yet another winning performance in this fish-out-of-water comedy in which Pleasantville meets modern-day Los Angeles, with predictably funny results. Fraser stars as Adam, who was born in the bomb shelter of his paranoid inventor dad (a less-manic-than-usual Christopher Walken), who spirited his pregnant wife (Sissy Spacek, in fine comic form) underground when he thought the Communists dropped the bomb (actually, it was a plane crash). Armed with enough supplies to last 35 years, the parents bring up Adam in Leave It to Beaver style with nary any exposure to the outside world. When the supplies run out, and dad suffers a heart attack, Fraser goes up to modern-day L.A. for some shopping and long-awaited culture shock. More of a cute premise with lots of clever ideas attached than a fully fleshed out story, Blast from the Past is also supposed to be part romantic comedy, as the hunky Adam hooks up with his jaded Eve (Alicia Silverstone) and tries to convince her to marry him and go underground. The sparks don't fly, though, because Silverstone is saddled with the triple whammy of being miscast, playing an underwritten character, and suffering a very bad hairdo. Fraser, however, carries the film lightly and easily on his broad, goofy shoulders, mixing Adam's gee-whiz innocence with genuine emotion and curiosity; only Fraser could pull off Adam's first glimpse of a sunrise or the ocean with both humor and pathos. Also winning is Dave Foley as Silverstone's gay best friend, who manages to make the most innocuous statements sound like comic gems. --Mark Englehart

Customer Reviews:

Very funny and entertaining romantic comedy .......2007-05-20

Perfect vehicle for Brenden Fraser. Good script, cast, comedic timing. I have watched it 3 times. I like more each time

good info.......2007-05-11

Lots of helpful info for everybody. You never know when you may be in this situation.

Great romantic comedy.......2007-03-28

The first time I saw this movie I watched because of the actors. Alicia Silverstone, and Brendon Fraiser. I have enjoyed both actors in other movies, and Blast from the Past is no different. I am a fan of Brendon Fraiser, he has such a great comedic sense, and in this movie gives a great performance. I particularly like the scene in the 40"s dance club. The swing dancing really captured my attention. All in all this is a great movie to add to your collection.

A Blast to Watch!.......2007-03-17

A paranoid scientist builds a full sized home in a large nuclear bomb shelter for his pregnant wife. A plane crash that he thinks is a bomb prompts him to whisk his wife down below, and they live in the shelter with enough supplies for 35 years.

But the father has an apparent cardiac episode in the early 1990s, and so they send their son (Adam) to the earth to buy supplies. He meets a beautiful girl named (surprise!) Eve, who befriends him and helps him to find his way in the world.

There are many funny and entertaining moments, and Brendan Fraser does a great job of playing the well educated, well behaved son. I lover it when he tells the guy at the memorabilia store to stop taking the Lord's name in vain. The store owner says "Why, do you have a problem with it?" Adam says "Yes, I have a BIG problem with it!"

Adam not only has a lot to learn from the world, but the world has a lot to learn from him. This was one of the most entertaining movies I've seen in a while.

A Clever Twist on Time Travel.......2007-02-21

This film, working within the genre of romantic comedy, is actually a knowing, clever take on your typical time traveler story. Here, of course, the twist is that no one has traveled in time, it just seems that way, given that Brendan Fraser's character has been locked in an elaborate bomb shelter with his parents, hilariously played by veterans Christopher Walken and Sissy Spacek.

Fraser brings a spot-on gleeful tone to his character, as he discovers for the first time the joys of looking at the sun, or jumping in the ocean, or falling in love. Casting is critical in a romantic comedy, and here the selections are superb -- in addition to Walken and Spacek, you have the very funny Dave Foley, and performing adequately in the romantic lead, Alicia Silverstone.

But this is Fraser's show, and as he learns about the mores of modern-day Los Angeles, his journey is our journey, a journey of suburban America and the differences over the last 40 years between our father's generation and our own.

This film is guaranteed to put you in a good mood. Sometimes there are happy endings.

Average customer rating:

The law they swore they'd get him, but the Devil got him first...
History Flick
never thought I would find it
Oldie but goodie
Excellent

Thunder Road
Starring: Robert Mitchum , Gene Barry , Jacques Aubuchon , Keely Smith , and Trevor Bardette
Director: Arthur Ripley
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Night of the Hunter
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Cape Fear
Dirty Mary Crazy Larry (Supercharger Edition)
Bullitt

ASIN: 0792844904
Release Date: 2000-04-25

Amazon.com essential video

The preeminent moonshine movie, the 1958 Thunder Road stars Robert Mitchum as a backwoods bootlegger in Tennessee, getting squeezed by both the federal government and organized crime. Mitchum had a big hand in creating this cult favorite (which reportedly played in drive-ins around America for years), writing the script, producing the movie, and even composing and singing the movie's theme song, which became a radio hit. Directed by longtime cinematographer Arthur Ripley, the film is strong on characters and action, the latter fulfilled by a memorable chase scene at the end. Mitchum was at an artistic peak at this point in his career, and this is really an indispensable movie for his fans. --Tom Keogh

Description

Transporting illegal alcohol over dark two-lane mountain highways, Lucas Doolin (Robert Mitchum) races wildly through the night, crashing road blocks and outrunning ambushes, defying anyone who triesto stop him. A man has a right to do anything, he says, including making whiskey, as long as he makes it on his own land. But when ruthless racketeers muscle in on Doolin's territoryand kill one of his men in the processthe Kentucky bootlegger declares war, fiercely determined to maintainhis hard-won business and independence...even if it costs him his life. Boasting breathtaking auto chase scenes (The Film Daily) and a superb performance from Robert Mitchum, Thunder Road is breathtaking excitementthe most exhilarating road thriller of them all.

Customer Reviews:

The law they swore they'd get him, but the Devil got him first..........2007-04-26

Thunder Road is something of a disappointment, but one that's not without interest. Practically creating a whole genre and with it laying the groundwork for Burt Reynolds' career, it stars Robert Mitchum as a moonshine runner facing the wrath of both the Revenuers and a crime syndicate trying to muscle in on the Good Ole Boys trade. Both moonshiners and revenuers have codes of honour and believe, not without justification, that they're both representatives of the American way: there's no real malice between them, more a balance of nature approach that is threatened on both sides by Jacques Aubuchon's mobster. Despite the setup and the car chases along mountain roads, the film is surprisingly low-key - even the great title song gets an incredibly laid back rendition that's nowhere near as much fun as Mitchum's record version - yet at times its weaknesses almost seem strengths. Mitchum's interest in independent productions at the height of his career resulted in a few films that were distinctly rough around the edges, and at times this borders on the amateurish, filmed on real locations with poor acoustics and variable performances and feeling more like an authentic drive-in movie aimed at them thrill-crazy kids complete with Hillbilly rock soundtrack than the fatalistic noirs that made his reputation. Yet it's hard to dislike even if it doesn't quite live up to its potential.

The DVD transfer is variable - acceptable but with a few scenes that look even more rough and ready than probably intended. The only extra is the theatrical trailer, albeit without the original captions and titles.

History Flick.......2007-04-01

I bought a copy of Thunder Road to enjoy a look at early twentieth century film and the legend of Kingston Pike in Tennessee. This is a good story line with interesting characters. I couldn't help wondering how long it would take a moonshiner to get his car repaired today compared to the overnight jobs that the Mitchum character got in the film. After Dukes of Hazard, this look at moonshiners with a more serious tone made for good balance.

never thought I would find it.......2007-03-08

Thunder Road starring Robert Mitchum was a movie that I had tried to find for many years without any luck. Amazon was there for me....great movie I can now enjoy at anytime.

Oldie but goodie.......2007-02-24

I saw this at the movies when I was young, and always enjoyed it. I got this for my husband because he loves the car racing in it. It was the original Nascar!

Excellent .......2007-02-23

Very fast shipping, and Product just as described
I will do business with again.

G Caudill in VA

Average customer rating:

Not for everyone
Disappointing
out-dated in filming
The best sci-fi can get!
Review - Silent Running

Silent Running
Starring: Bruce Dern , Cliff Potts , Ron Rifkin , Jesse Vint , and Roy Engel
Director: Douglas Trumbull
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000063UR1
Release Date: 2002-05-21

Amazon.com

After creating many of the innovative special effects for 2001: A Space Odyssey, Douglas Trumbull tried his hand at directing, and 1971's Silent Running marked an impressive debut. (In addition to creating the visual effects for Close Encounters of the Third Kind and directing 1983's Brainstorm, Trumbull later turned to the creation of high-tech cinematic amusement park rides.) One of the best science fiction films of the 1970s, Silent Running stars Bruce Dern as Freeman Lowell, a nature-loving crewmember aboard the Valley Forge, a gigantic spaceship in a small fleet that carries the last surviving forests of the Earth, which has fallen victim to overpopulation and ecological neglect.

Freeman's name reflects his nonconformist philosophy, which runs counter to the prevailing recklessness of his three ill-fated crewmates, who are eager to jettison their precious payload and return to the bleakness of Earth. Before they can sabotage the forests, Freeman does what he must, and spends the remainder of his mission with three robotic "drones" as his only companions, struggling to maintain his sanity in the vastness of space. Dern is superb in this memorable role, representing the lost soul of humankind as well as the back-to-nature youth movement of the 1960s and the pre-Watergate era. (Appropriately, Joan Baez sings the film's theme song.) A rare science fiction film that combines bold adventure with passionate social conscience, Silent Running will remain relevant as long as the Earth is threatened by the ravages of human carelessness. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Not for everyone.......2007-06-16

If you are one of those who are only looking for special effects, that think that oldies are outdated, this picture is not for you. Instead, go and watch Terminator and other void and empty films. If you are searching for a good script, you know what does "Waiting for Godott" mean, and you also feel good giving some water to a flower or a tree, you must see this picture.

Disappointing.......2007-06-12

I was intrigued by the title of this movie because one of my favorite songs has the same name and a science fiction based lyric. Unfortunately, that is all they have in common, and the song has a better storyline. I really had high expections for this film, it had so much potential, even for its time. Instead, Bruce Dern is given almost the entire length of the movie (with the help of some poignant Judy Collins songs) to monologue his way through his loneliness, his creative attempts to create companionship with the little robot drones at his disposal, and to keep the forest alive. It never occurs to anyone that Earth itself could not survive without the forests??? It's not as if a forest is an expendable luxury item! Sure, the bunny rabbits and squirrels were cute, but there is a lot more to the value of a forest than the beauty of the flowers and the sweetness of the fruit! Anyway, I was disappointed, and I did have a hard time maintaining interest in the long, drawn out story that really went no where. I wish I had felt differently.

The Emerald Forest

out-dated in filming.......2007-05-13

The movie could be considered good in 80s but special effect cannot be compared with todays space movie. It is not a worthy DVD collection.

The best sci-fi can get!.......2007-03-17

Although this film is over 30 years old it is still relavent today. It does not beat you over the head with a message but gently suggests what could happen. This is done with class and believability. You will laugh and cry and be left pondering. This is one of my all time favorite sci-fi films. The music is top notch and the special effects are great in that they are so believable. You'll love it and the end will leave you speachless.

Review - Silent Running.......2007-03-14

A truly classic cult sci-fi! So unusual - Joan Baez's music adds just the right wierd touch to this great movie - so fitting today, in its theme of ecology and save the planet - this is right up there with Blade Runner - the greatest sci-fi of all time.

Average customer rating:

Purple Rain In DVD
A musical Masterpiece.
More performances,,...Less documentary.
It's all about the music, man
Worth a look for some of the bonus disk features

Purple Rain (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Starring: Prince , Apollonia Kotero , Morris Day , Olga Karlatos , and Clarence Williams III
Director: Albert Magnoli
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0002CTSUY
Release Date: 2004-08-24

Amazon.com

The late Albert Magnoli directed this ragged but effective 1984 drama (with lots of musical interludes) starring (the artist formerly known as) Prince as a Minneapolis musician whose ego is his biggest obstacle to fame and love. In the backdrop is a strong story about the character's violent family life and a father made monstrous by broken dreams. Prince's film debut as an actor is not bad at all, and he is surrounded by a few people (Apollonia Kotero, Morris Day, and members of his own band) for whom he has served as a mentor in real life. The music is loud and good: "When Doves Cry," "Purple Rain," "Let's Go Crazy"--you remember the soundtrack. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Purple Rain In DVD.......2007-05-19

Saw the movie in theater when released, like having it in the player to listen to the music, watch again, view some songs. Parts of this movie music still send chills down my spine. Our Sharp LCD tv will zoom the letterbox to fill the screen, works good. Not sure about the subtitles of dialog, they get cut off then, couldn't find a way to turn them off, the player seems set right. No special stuff for extras. I like some Prince, this is one worth having. Have the VHS, DVD better than tape!

I enjoy having this, esp. to use as music video while I get tv time before what my wife wants to see comes on. Can stop, find my place again later or next night.

A musical Masterpiece........2007-04-19

Purple Rain is one of the iconic Black films of the 1980s. Forget about plot, story and acting, this unique movie is like Prince himself: It's is all about the music.

Prince is the Kid, a struggling Black Minneapolis rock musician. He's not thinking about getting big just trying to get by. He struggles to keep his band playing a local nightclub where he hasn't been packing them in lately. His band wants to break up and he's got stiff competition in rival band The Time and its charismatic bandleader Morris Day who is trying to persuade the club owner towards featuring his acts exclusively. In the quest to stay in the club, keep his band together and fight for the affections of Apollonia Kotero, the Kid suffers for his art. In between the inspired and original music videos we see his pain in every frame of this film.

In his personal life, the Kid is desperate not to turn into his father, an alcoholic musician who mercilessly beats his Mother. He doesn't want to repeat the violent behavior of his Father, but his frustrations about the direction of his career seem to be getting the better of him in his relationship with Apollonia. I don't want to give away any more, but in the end he overcomes his struggles, ends the cycle of violence, and gets the girl. The movie ends with the performance of "Purple Rain". Seeing this concert footage of this song alone is worth the purchase price of the DVD.

Purple Rain is a unique movie experience. Part autobiography, part rock video part documentary it comes together into a beautifully crafted film. Director Alberto Magnoli's camera takes the viewer into the world of Rock music in Minneapolis. Production values are sparse, but that works to Magnoli's advantage. It allows him to capture the grittiness of the mid 80's beautifully. Filming out of those homes, alleys, and city streets takes us back to that time before Prince became a worldwide superstar. And yes, people did wear clothes and hairstyles like that back then.

The music-without it, there wouldn't be a movie. I heard many of these songs way back when I was a kid in 1984 and all of them still stay with me. Princes' music is a one-of a kind experience. There's so much heart, passion and emotion in every song, in every beat of music. Watching this movie again twenty-three years later I now understand the pain behind his creative process. As a writer and artist myself I've come to appreciate this movie even more. Anyone who wants to be a musician, rapper, writer, or "artist" should have a copy of this movie and the soundtrack on hand.

There isn't much acting here, since everyone is just playing themselves, but the heart and passion of this production shows onscreen. Prince is Rock solid as the Kid. Appolonia Kotero is charming and engaging. The late Clarence Williams III is incredible to watch as the abusive father. Williams adds great depth to the character; It's the best performance of his career. Olga Karlatos is solid as the Kid's Mom. Morris Day steals a lot of scenes as Princes' rival.

Purple Rain is a Top Ten Five star essential Shawn James video. You have to have this movie in your collection!

More performances,,...Less documentary........2007-04-01

The 2 disc DVD was pretty good. Really could have done without the movie...and provided more of Prince's performances. Overall, enjoyed watching it though.:-) Got bored with the interviews and the documentary part of the movie.

It's all about the music, man.......2007-01-23

Yes, this is an iconic film...but it's strickly because of the music. Bad acting galore and a high school script at best. But the stars had aligned just perfectly for Prince in his first acting gig because this movie had transcended everything that was going on at the time. Even to this day you can't help but move with the music. It will still be a classic twenty more years from now. Jam on, Prince. Jam on. Highly recommended.

Worth a look for some of the bonus disk features.......2007-01-02

I agree with many Amazon reviewers who say PURPLE RAIN was, when no one was singing, a dud of a flick. But this anniversary two-disk release is worth seeing for some of the stuff on the bonus D.V.D.. In particular, the M.T.V. PURPLE RAIN premiere footage features appearances and interviews with Little Richard, John Mellencamp, Eddie Murphy, Weird Al Yankovic, Sheila E. and Pee-Wee Herman. The M.T.V. host asks Eddie Murphy his opinion of PURPLE RAIN but Murphy dodges the question, saying he is such a Prince fan he liked it. Diplomatic of you, Eddie.

The M.T.V. program also shows Prince Rogers Nelson for just a moment as he enters the party. Walking past the crowds and cameras, Prince says nothing. (One will note that "Personality" is a song Prince never sang.) But then, Prince may have chosen to say nothing rather than say we will like the movie.

Make sure you read the February 13, 2000, review of PURPLE RAIN for a comprehensive summary of the film's flaws.

Average customer rating:

Purple Rain In DVD
A musical Masterpiece.
More performances,,...Less documentary.
It's all about the music, man
Worth a look for some of the bonus disk features

Purple Rain
Starring: Prince , Apollonia Kotero , Morris Day , Olga Karlatos , and Clarence Williams III
Director: Albert Magnoli
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Under the Cherry Moon
Music from the Motion Picture "Purple Rain"
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Graffiti Bridge
Prince - The Hits Collection

ASIN: 0790731533
Release Date: 1997-06-25

Amazon.com

When Prince's dazzling and dynamic Purple Rain (movie and soundtrack album) and the hypnotic hit single "When Doves Cry" exploded onto the pop-culture scene in 1984, it seemed there was nothing the purple one couldn't do. The film is basically a feature-length music video, but no musician has ever had a better big-screen showcase for his many talents. The plot is really just a theme (about the son of an abusive father struggling not to continue the pattern) upon which to hang some of Prince's most dazzling songs (including "Let's Go Crazy" and the title tune), and some sizzling live-concert numbers. Apollonia Kotero is ravishing as the romantic interest, and Morris Day and the Time provide some terrific musical competition. Purple Rain is an essential artifact of the mid-'80s pop Zeitgeist. Prince took home an Oscar for the song score. --Jim Emerson

Customer Reviews:

Purple Rain In DVD.......2007-05-19

A musical Masterpiece........2007-04-19

More performances,,...Less documentary........2007-04-01

It's all about the music, man.......2007-01-23

Worth a look for some of the bonus disk features.......2007-01-02

Average customer rating:

It's In The Details
GREATEST PC HISTORY DOC! THUMBS UP!
Interesting and informative documentary for all history buffs
-5 stars
Gives real insight

Triumph of the Nerds
Starring: Robert X. Cringely , David Bunnell , Roger Melen , Vern Raburn , and Bob Taylor (III)
Manufacturer: Ambrose Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Pirates of Silicon Valley
Revolution OS
Hackers - Wizards of the Electronic Age
Biography - Bill Gates: Sultan of Software (A&E DVD Archives)
Modern Marvels - The Creation of the Computer (History Channel)

ASIN: B00006FXQO
Release Date: 2002-07-22

Description

It happened more or less by accident; the people who made it happen were amateurs; and for the most part they still are. From his own Silicon Valley garage, author Bob Cringley puts PC bigshots and nerds on the spot, and tells their incredible true stories. Like the industry itself, the series is informative, funny and brash. Some of the episode participants include: Bill Gates (Chairman of Microsoft, the richest man in the world), Steve Jobs (Hippie co-founder of Apple Computer; CEO of NeXT Computer; and the man who wanted to change the world), and Steve Wozniak (Co-founder of Apple Computer; engineering genius, practical joker).

Written and Presented by: Bob Cringely

All 3 volumes on 1 DVD:

*Impressing Their Friends

*Riding the Bear

*Great Artists Steal

DVD has English Sub-titles that can be turned on or off.

Customer Reviews:

It's In The Details.......2007-05-07

Triumph of the Nerds is an excellent accounting of our computer industry. The interviews with the top CEO's and founders of some of our greatest companies is an interesting insight into the growth of a modern industry. It is also interesting to see how luck played a role, as well as pirating.

The viewer will surely come to understand that we are just now in the infancy of computing and that the future is very bright and vast. Investors will also notice this fact and they will observe the market trends to decide where to invest their money to capture future growth.

I especially enjoyed the interviews and comments by Steve Wozniak. He contributed some of the most incisive work that allowed computers to come to our desktops. He is a very unassuming man who simply enjoyed his hobby and I got the feeling that he still does.

It makes you appreciate the strangers that you see everyday while sitting in a restaurant or driving down the road. Who amongst these strangers are the next Steve Wozniak, or Michael Gates? You come to understand that anyone you see can be a person who contributes the next advancement to mankind and gives one an appreciation of our fellow man.

Triumph of the Nerds illustrates beautifully that great minds are to be admired, as much if not more so than the best of our professional athlete's. We all would benefit if we would do more to celebrate our worlds great minds.

GREATEST PC HISTORY DOC! THUMBS UP!.......2007-03-27

Astonishing documentary including interviews with Bill Gates, Paul Allen, Steve Ballmer, Steve Jobs, Wozniak, IBM PC project director, the man who made ALTAIR, the man who made Visicalc, the man who made Q-DOS (eventually MS-DOS), the responsibles of PARC (and old footage of its creation: the first GUI)... and so, and so, creating a highly powerful narrative.

The so-long awaited documentary explaining of the birth and the explosive growing market of the PC from the mouth of its fathers.

The DVD release features all 3 parts in one disc and, at least, subtitles in english, very useful for international viewers like me.

Interesting and informative documentary for all history buffs.......2007-03-26

Triumph Of The Nerds is perfectly placed as a 1996 release, well documenting everything leading up to that point. Over three chaptors, Robert Cringely explains (with authority) how Apple made computing easy, how IBM made computing corporate, and how Microsoft made money from both these companies.

Although an entertaining and attention-holding series of documentaries, you will need to put yourself 'back in time' to really appreciate it. This is not a documentary that timelines the development of the personal computer. Instead, as is clearly stated by the title, this DVD shows us how a bunch of young nerds rose up to become major players in the industry. If you're looking for insights from the people themselves, including big-players like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, then watch this. If you're looking for something that explains how people felt when the CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, internet and mobile computing were released, then this show isn't for you.

What it needs is a fourth edition of the series. At the end of the third part, Bob Cringely says he'll see us in ten years, and if only we could have another edition that covers this time period. While the third documentary covers the release of Windows 95 (the period of time when this show was produced), it would do well with another edition covering Windows 98, XP and Vista, the return by Steve Jobs to Apple, a progress on Larry Ellison, and how the Internet has changed software development.

But, if you are just a fan of early computing history, like myself, then you'll be more than happy with this title.

-5 stars.......2007-03-19

When I finally received 1 of my two stuffs one month after my transaction, I had to pay 12,50 euros extra fee.

Actually I'm still waiting for my second stuff !!!!

It whas the most bad transaction I had with AMAZON !!!!
REALLY BAS OPINION

Gives real insight.......2007-01-04

This DVD gives really interesting informations on how personal computers got developed.In a light hearted way it makes one understand the relative importance of software and hardware. Also I find it fascinating to find out why and how Microsoft became such an important company.
Sure some people will complain about such and such aspect of the movie, but on the whole it is an absolute "must see it" DVD

Those Who Hunt Elves - The Complete Collection

Average customer rating:

Good Series
Elve stripping was never this funny.
Funny and very enjoyable shows
First Always
elves may be cute but I wouldn't hunt one

Those Who Hunt Elves - The Complete Collection
Starring: Kim Sevier , Kira Vincent-Davis , Joe Jaworski , Pam Lauer , and Kotono Mitsuishi
Director: Tristan MacAvery , and Kazuyoshi Katayama
Manufacturer: Adv Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Rune Soldier - Complete Collection
Legend of Himiko Complete Collection
Elfen Lied Complete Collection
Devil Hunter Yohko: The Complete Collection
Blue Gender - The Complete Collection

ASIN: B000AP31JW
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Description

WARNING! NAKED ELVES AHEAD! The elves of Middle Earth never faced a foe as terrifying, as determined, as down right demented as Those Who Hunt Elves. Strongman Junpei, Hollywood actress Airi, teenage Ritsuko and their T-74 tank have landed in a (different) world of elves, and the spell to send them home has run amuck and split into five pieces that appear as tattoos on the bodies of five young female elves. So they set out on a quest to strip evey elf they can lay their hands on until they find the missing spell pieces. Get ready for the wildest, craziest fantasy ever animated as Those Who Hunt Elves prove that elf stripping is more than just a job; it's an adventure!

Customer Reviews:

Good Series.......2007-03-18

The English dub is decent, but they make a lot of pop culture references. When some random elf starts talking about Celine Dion it kinda takes you out of the fantasy. Eventually I switched over to subtitles, which were truer to the original manga script.
Overall I'd say the series is pretty good. Not great, but on the whole it's a nice package. The animation is a little dated by todays standards, but really not noticeable once you get into it.

Elve stripping was never this funny........2007-01-24

Those who hunt elves is worth the buy, you won't regret it.

Funny and very enjoyable shows.......2006-05-11

Outline of the story:

Those who hunt elves, is a show that resolves around three people, from our time, who got `trapped' in a parallel universe. The reason is that a high priestess of the elves messed up a spell, during a confrontation with a demon and brought these three humans to their world. Thing is that the spell got divided into five parts and in order to reverse the spell - and return home - they have to find the five parts of the spell and put them together; which are presented, more or less, in the bodies of five elves. In order to see which elves have a piece of the spell on their bodies, they have to take their clothes off (well, basically strip). The issues that arise out of it are:
- The humans are: Junpei, a martial artist, Ritsuko, a sharp shooter and Airi, a movie star while the problem with these three is that they behave more in accordance with their own personal `ego-trip' instead of working together and solve the problem (something that they will eventually do). Something that turns out to be very funny and entertaining
- The elven high priestess has transformed into a dog and in order to reverse the transformation they have to bring all five pieces together
- They ride across the country on top of a tank that possesses a cat spirit and behaves accordingly
- They have to come up with so many excuses in order to convince the elves to get rid-off their clothes, something that is truly funny (referring to what they will come up in order to convince the elves); and if this fails, well they will strip them eventually one way or another :-P

As for the shows:

If you have watched Rune Soldier you will definitely like it. The reason is that the series are build on a similar pattern that `Rune Soldier' was build on. Meaning, although there is a central storyline, some shows are more like episodes.
As for the animation, obviously it is not as great as the animation of some other shows out there, but still a good one.
The character development is good.
The story is more like a combination of action and fun.
Contains little nudity and violence.
As for the ending it gives the impression that at least one sequel will follow the present show.

To sum up:
There are various kinds of anime shows out there. But if you would like to have a nice brake from some `serious kind' series, and have a relaxed and enjoyable time, than these shows are definitely for you. As I also have said about `Rune Soldier', these series most probably form a separate category on their own; which means that they are funny in their own unique way.

To the final question:
Are these shows worth buying?
The answer would be yes and I personally am recommending them.

I hope I could provide some help...

SPOILER:

A reviewer said that in the end they do not collect all the pieces. Well, I would suggest him or her to watch more carefully the two last episodes of the second season because they actually do collect all of them.

First Always.......2005-12-27

Those Who Hunt Elves was the first Anime I really ever watched and realized where it had come from. Sure, I think we've all seen "My Neighbor Totoro" or "Castle In The Sky" at some point, but I personally had never known they were made in Japan. Then when I found Those Who Hunt Elves, I realized they were from the same place and instantly fell in love with anime.

As for the story, I think it's one of the funniest around. A big macho guy stuck with 3 girls in another world. Plus poor Celcia, the bad things that happen to her, to me are just hilarius (pardon my spelling).

To anyone who has ever watched an anime and thought that all animes were like it, I recommend Those Who Hunt Elves. It's a one of a kind (that I've found).

I am a little disappointed that they never actually find all of the pieces at the end of season 2 (sorry for the spoiler), but the show overall I still rate 5 Stars.

elves may be cute but I wouldn't hunt one.......2005-10-24

Three warriors are stranded in a foreign land of a fantasy land or something and they must piece together the 5 parts of an ancient book so that they can return to Japan. The five parts of the book are written on the bodies of 5 elves that is funny.

Average customer rating:

And Then??
Dude...wheres my money?
A Good Movie that brings back Memories
See this you must dude
Very funny

Dude, Where's My Car?
Starring: John Toles-Bey , Mitzi Martin , Kristy Swanson , David Herman , and Marla Sokoloff
Director: Danny Leiner
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Just Married
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ASIN: B00003CXS7
Release Date: 2003-04-29

Product Description

Meet Jesse (Ashton Kutcher - TV's "That '70s Show") and Chester (Seann William Scott - American Pie, Road Trip), two dimwitted yet lovable party animals who wake up one morning with a burning question: Dude, Where's My Car? Their only clues are a matchbook cover from the Kitty Kat strip club and a year's supply of pudding in the fridge. As they retrace their steps, these dudes are in for the ride of their lives encountering hot alien chicks, dodging killer ostriches, and trying to score "special treats" from their ticked-off twin girlfriends. It's an outrageously sweeeeeet comedy adventure that's "totally entertaining all the way through...totally!" (iFilm)

System Requirements:
Starring: Ashton Kutcher, Seann William Scott, Jennifer Garner, Marla Sokoloff, and Kristy Swanson.
Directed By: Danny Leiner.
Running Time: 83 Min., Color.
This film is presented in "Widescreen" format.
Copyright 2001 Twentieth Century Fox.

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

Sometimes, stupidity is its own reward. Dude, Where's My Car? is one of the most ridiculous movies ever made--so ridiculous, and so thoroughly cheerful about being ridiculous, that it's thoroughly entertaining. Jesse and Chester (Ashton Kutcher and Seann William Scott) wake up one morning with absolutely no memory of the night before, but they're confident they must have had a good time. An irate phone call from their girlfriends quickly makes it clear that they may have had too much of a good time, and will be branded as sucky boyfriends unless they set things right. The boys set out to get the anniversary gifts they have for the girls in Jesse's car... only Jesse's car seems to be missing. Which of course leads our heroes on a quest, during which they encounter a pot-smoking dog, khaki-wearing cultists, hot chicks from outer space, a cameo by Fabio, and a herd of wild ostriches. Dude, Where's My Car? lacks the depth of character you might find in, say, a Bill & Ted movie, but the dialogue has an amazing spareness to it that gives it a kind of metaphysical splendor--if absurdist playwright Samuel Beckett had written ludicrous babe & stoner movies, he would have written Dude, Where's My Car? Also featuring a cameo by Andy Dick and more babes in bikinis than you can count. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

And Then??.......2007-02-04

This is a fun movie! Yes, there are a couple of spots where you might think it is over the top...but it has more than enough funnies to make it a worthwhile purchase. I especially like the drive-through chinese resturant part :) (see my title for this review!)

Dude...wheres my money?.......2007-01-10

Unless your obsessed with Ashton Kutcher then there is no reason to see this movie. Its retarded and has no intresting plot line. There is no substance in this movie. Basically... its sucks.

A Good Movie that brings back Memories.......2006-07-17

Remember those old movies like Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. Those were some good movies and this movie sorta brings back those old adventures with a new cast. Although this isn't any in way a sequel to Bill and Ted...obvisouly. Two stoners need to get their car back that contains gifts for their girlfriends embark on a journey to find it by retracing their steps from last night. Only problem is; they are stupid, they were wasted last night, and have constant people nagging their backs. They go through a lot to get their girlfriends back. The girlfriends are mad at them from trashing the place up and are convinced the two stoners don't even remember that today is their anniversery. While searching for their car, They find out that a transexual stripper gave them 200,000 dollars that was stolen for them to hold on to, and she wants it back and they have no clue where it is. They are chased down by super geeks who want to know where a device that controls the fate of the universe is and they once again...have no clue where it is and this time, how to even say it. It's a fun movie and often has you laughing. If you liked any of those Bill and Ted movies or just like stoner movies than this good for you. I'm sure you will like it. I sure did.

See this you must dude.......2006-05-12

This has got to be the funniest movie I've ever seen. Yes, I get all of the jokes in more traditional funny movies like Happy Gilmore and such, but this movie is just too funny. From Jesse punching a speaker box at a restaurant's drive thru, to the alien geeks worshiping Zultan, this movie will keep you laughing. The plot is pretty bad with two stoners named Jesse and Chester waking up unable to recall their wareabouts the night before due to how wasted they got at a party. They soon learn they accepted stolen money from a transexual stripper, bought two suits, cell phones, trashed their girlfriend's a sweet car, got tatoos, got a lifetime supply of pudding, lost their car and didn't deliver 30 pizzas that they were supposed to, and oh yeah, they were in possession of the continum transfunctioner that all of these alien geeks are after. Their girlfriends are also mad at them because they lost their gifts for their 1 year anniversary of going out together. Throughout the day, they uncover clues about what they did the night before while being questioned by several aliens about the continum transfunctioner. Some of the hot aliens offer them pleasure for it. They must find their car and find the continum transfunctioner to please everyone. Once again from the stoners' vocabulary (shibby, dude and sweet), and their friend who reconstructs all of his sentences (see the title) this movie is HILARIOUS!

Very funny.......2006-04-25

I really enjoyed this one. It does get a little bit long and slow, esp at the part when the Sci Fi kids kidnap our heros, and hold them for some kind of ransom. But it holds its own, and has several parts where its just halarious.

I give it four stars. Great extra features. I loved the commentary.

DVD:

DVD

DVD

DVD

Fists of Fury/Legend of Bruce Lee

Idle Hands

Mad Dog And Glory [1993]

DVD: Doctor Dolittle 2 (Widescreen Edition)

Bretagne und die Megalithkultur - Teil 2