The Swan

Starring:Frances Howard, Adolphe Menjou, Ricardo Cortez, Ida Waterman, Helen Lindroth, Helen Lee Worthing, Joseph Depew, George Walcott (II), Michael Visaroff, Michael Vavitch, Nicholas Soussanin, Arthur Donaldson, General Lodijensky, Clare Eames
Director: Dimitri Buchowetzki
Studio: Unknown Video
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Description
An imaginary European kingdom is the setting for this classic romance. Later re-done as a Grace Kelly vehicle, the original silent version is a lot more interesting, boasting a marvelous performance by Adolphe Menjou as a skirt-chasing prince, and superb cinematography by Alvin Wyckoff, DeMille's ace cameraman.

The splendid setting of this film would've been right up Erich von Stroheim's alley, but he was under contract to M-G-M at the time. Instead, Dimitri Buchowetzki took up the megaphone, and the result is a film with plenty of romance and wit to please American audiences, and just the right continental touch to give it a distinctive style. Nearly forgotten today, Buchowetzki died only a few years after directing this film, and it remains the only one of his works in circulation. If "The Swan" is any indication, he might've become another Lubitsch. We'll never know. Organ score by Bob Vaughn.

Amazon.com essential video

Arguably the greatest of American films, Orson Welles's 1941 masterpiece, made when he was only 26, still unfurls like a dream and carries the viewer along the mysterious currents of time and memory to reach a mature (if ambiguous) conclusion: people are the sum of their contradictions, and can't be known easily. Welles plays newspaper magnate Charles Foster Kane, taken from his mother as a boy and made the ward of a rich industrialist. The result is that every well-meaning or tyrannical or self-destructive move he makes for the rest of his life appears in some way to be a reaction to that deeply wounding event. Written by Welles and Herman J. Mankiewicz, and photographed by Gregg Toland, the film is the sum of Welles's awesome ambitions as an artist in Hollywood. He pushes the limits of then-available technology to create a true magic show, a visual and aural feast that almost seems to be rising up from a viewer's subconsciousness. As Kane, Welles even ushers in the influence of Bertolt Brecht on film acting. This is truly a one-of-a-kind work, and in many ways is still the most modern of modern films from the 20th century. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Citizen Kane.......2007-06-21

Perhaps the greatest debut in movie history, "Citizen Kane" remains one of the most influential American films of all time, thanks to the genius of Welles, who constructed this brilliant, elaborate puzzler at the tender age of 25. See it for Gregg Toland's lovely, pathbreaking deep-focus photography, Herman Mankiewicz's witty dialogue, and Welles's legendary performance as the enigmatic Kane. The film also marked the auspicious debut of several actors, including Cotten, Everett Sloane, Ruth Warrick, and Agnes Moorehead, superb as the mother who abandoned the future newspaper magnate as a boy. A peeved Hearst tried to block the film and nearly ruined Welles' career in the offing, but thankfully, art prevailed. "Citizen Kane" is a must-see.

no film snob here, but neither do I care for Star Wars.......2007-06-21

Am I the only one? I don't care about Kane, his life, or his sled. Get it? The character did not interest me. Period.

You want to call this "the greatest film ever made?" Go right ahead. Only it means zip to this viewer. I can think of a few other films that worked way better (for me.)

The best thing about this much hyped film..........2007-06-21

The best thing about this much hyped film is the "Kids in the Hall" skit it inspired...

You don't tneed hese reviews to tell you what to think.......2007-06-14

You don't need these reviews to tell you what to think.

Watch this movie and see for yourself -- not whether you think "it was the greatest movie of all time" whatever that means -- but rather whether you connected with Kane, a man with a life in search of meaning.

Born anonymous Kane's life was dramatically altered when his mother found herself in possession of great fortune. How would the existence of this fortune affect Kane? Would, could money buy him happiness?

Or was happiness something more elusive?

On the one hand this story is sort of the ultimate counter factual for all of us: that if given the money, our lives would not have any more meaning than they otherwise would have. On this hand Kane is like George Bailey from "It's a Wonderful Life" and we all come away realizing that money can't buy happiness and that all was, at the end of the day, for the best.

On the other hand, this story is the ultimate lie: Of course money can't buy happiness but it can secure possession of condos and cars and things and with it the kind of experiences that all too often accompany happiness. In this view, Kane's problem isn't the human condition but simply his lack of imagination.

What ever your views you certainly have a couple hours to sit and view this movie.

Yes, there are the officiandos who know the identity of the camera guy or how many hours it took Welles to prepare for filming or what they served each day for breakfast but those things don't make a film enjoyable.

Watch it for yourself and just see if you connect.

That's what matters.

A TRUE WORK OF FILM ART!.......2007-06-05

When wealthy media magnate Charles Foster Kane (Orson Welles) dies, he utters the enigmatic word "Rosebud". An obituary newsreel documents the events in his public life. The producer of the newsreel asks a reporter, Thompson (William Alland), to find out about Kane's private life and personality, in particular to discover the meaning behind his last word. The reporter interviews the great man's friends and associates, and Kane's story unfolds as a series of flashbacks.

First, Thompson approaches Kane's second wife, Susan Alexander (Dorothy Comingore), who refuses to tell him anything. Thompson then goes to the library of Mr. Thatcher (George Coulouris). It is there that Thompson learns about Kane's childhood. In the first flashback, Kane as a young child is abandoned by his mother (Agnes Moorehead) when he becomes suddenly wealthy, and sent to live with his banker, Mr Thatcher, despite the misgivings of Kane's father.

Other flashbacks show Kane's entry into the newspaper business and his profit-seeking with low-quality "yellow journalism". He takes control of the newspaper and hires all the best journalists (which he gets from the Inquirer's rival, The Chronicle). His attempted rise to power is documented, including his first marriage to a President's niece and his campaign for the office of governor. A "love nest" scandal ends both his marriage and his political aspirations. Kane remarries, but his domineering personality destroys his relationships and pushes away his loved ones.

Despite Thompson's numerous interviews with the people in Kane's life, he is unable to solve the mystery; he concludes that "Rosebud" will remain an enigma. However, the camera pans over workers burning some of Kane's many possessions. One throws an old sled, with the word "Rosebud" painted on it, into the fire, the same sled that Kane was riding as a child the day his mother sent him away. There is a shot of a chimney with black smoke coming out. After this twist ending, the film ends as it began, with the "No Trespassing" sign. The closing shot shows the "K" on top of the iron fence.

Susan with a symbolic jigsaw puzzleCitizen Kane has inspired myriad interpretations over the decades. In Orson Welles: Hello Americans, Simon Callow argued that Citizen Kane should not just be understood as a fictional work but also as a post-fictional piece: a piece where the audience is drawn in to view themselves in the process of watching the film. In a 1941 review, Jorge Luis Borges called Citizen Kane a "metaphysical detective story," in that "... [its] subject (both psychological and allegorical) is the investigation of a man's inner self, through the works he has wrought, the words he has spoken, the many lives he has ruined..." Borges noted that "Overwhelmingly, endlessly, Orson Welles shows fragments of the life of the man, Charles Foster Kane, and invites us to combine them and reconstruct him." As well, "Forms of multiplicity and incongruity abound in the film: the first scenes record the treasures amassed by Kane; in one of the last, a poor woman, luxuriant and suffering, plays with an enormous jigsaw puzzle on the floor of a palace that is also a museum." Borges points out that "... At the end we realize that the fragments are not governed by a secret unity: the detested Charles Foster Kane is a simulacrum, a chaos of appearances."

The film combines revolutionary cinematography (by Gregg Toland, with whom Welles shared a title card, which was a gesture of Welles' appreciation for Toland's overall contribution to the film, much like John Ford previously shared credit with Toland for The Long Voyage Home) with an Oscar-winning screenplay (by Welles and Herman J. Mankiewicz -- though most film history circles consider Mankiewicz's contribution to the screenplay to be far greater than that of Welles), and a lineup of first time film actors, associates of Mr. Welles from his stint at the Mercury Theatre, such as Joseph Cotten and Agnes Moorehead.This a true work of film art and many have tried to unsuccessfully emulate the camera angles and the methodology of the angles and pathos.

Noel Serrano
Gala Foundation

The Untouchables (Special Collector's Edition)

Average customer rating:

The Untouchables
Not the Real
Eliot Ness vs Al Capone in prohibition-era Chicago
FRANK NITTI'S FAMILY SHOULD SUE
My Review Of The Untouchables On DVD

The Untouchables (Special Collector's Edition)
Starring: Kevin Costner , Sean Connery , Charles Martin Smith , Andy Garcia , and Robert De Niro
Director: Brian De Palma
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
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Heat

ASIN: B00029NKU6
Release Date: 2004-10-05

Amazon.com essential video

As noted critic Pauline Kael wrote, the 1987 box-office hit The Untouchables is "like an attempt to visualize the public's collective dream of Chicago gangsters." In other words, this lavish reworking of the vintage TV series is a rousing potboiler from a bygone era, so beautifully designed and photographed--and so craftily directed by Brian De Palma--that the historical reality of Prohibition-era Chicago could only pale in comparison. From a script by David Mamet, the movie pits four underdog heroes (the maverick lawmen known as the Untouchables) against a singular villain in Al Capone, played by Robert De Niro as a dapper caesar holding court (and a baseball bat) against any and all challengers. Kevin Costner is the naive federal agent Eliot Ness, whose lack of experience is tempered by the streetwise alliance of a seasoned Chicago cop (Sean Connery, in an Oscar-winning performance), a rookie marksman (Andy Garcia), and an accountant (Charles Martin Smith) who holds the key to Capone's potential downfall. The movie approaches greatness on the strength of its set pieces, such as the siege near the Canadian border, the venal ambush at Connery's apartment, and the train-station shootout partially modeled after the "Odessa steps" sequences of the Russian classic Battleship Potemkin. It's thrilling stuff, fueled by Ennio Morricone's dynamic score, but it's also manipulative and obvious. If you're inclined to be critical, the movie gives you reason to complain. If you'd rather sit back and enjoy a first-rate production with an all-star cast, The Untouchables may very well strike you as a classic. --Jeff Shannon

Description

In THE UNTOUCHABLES, federal agent Elliot Ness leads a group of mob fighters with the intent of taking out the infamous Al Capone in 1930's Prohibition-era Chicago. Realizing that practical methods will not work in securing Capone's capture, Ness and his men resort to using even more force in order to take down the Chicago mob boss once and for all.

Customer Reviews:

The Untouchables.......2007-06-08

This movie has action,mystery and hope. The story line twists and turns and has a few surprises. Its not for children under 13 due to the violence.

Not the Real.......2007-06-07

I can't see how anyone can like this movie after seeing it. 1st off, Elliott Ness owes his success to Hollywood writers.Elliott did nothing to stop capone, Nitti, Paul (the waiter) Ricca or anyone else in the Chicago Outfit. Do your mafia history, The made up Character of Frank Nitti is just Disgusting. He was a respected, Feared mobster great in strategy although Paul Ricca directed them all. Capone was fared and very Brutal. Elliott Ness would never confront him like the movie showed. I watched this movie once and never opened it again, Please dont waste your money & time. For the real mafia lovers disreguard the people who left comments saying that they loved the movie.

Eliot Ness vs Al Capone in prohibition-era Chicago.......2007-06-04

"The Untouchables" tells the tale of crusading Federal Agent Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) bringing down the gang warlord Al Capone (Robert Di Niro) in prohibition-era gangland Chicago.

In these corrupt times no-one can be trusted - least of all the Chicago Police Force - so Ness recruits a disparate band of like-minded crimefighters - wise old Irish beat cop Malone (Sean Connery), young Italian-American hot-shot police recruit Stone (Andy Garcia) and an accountant (Charles Martin Smith) an accountant!? yes Capone was actually brought down for tax evasion!

Director Brian De Palma's over-the-top style works superbly in this film bringing these larger than life characters bursting to life, immeasurably enhanced by Ennio Morricone's superb score.

Connery is moving as the wise old cop, De Niro is spendidly evil as Capone, and Billy Drago is particularly memorable as Capone's oily henchman Frank Nitti - but the entire cast is excellent.

De Palma's finest achievement.

The picture and sound quality on the DVD is excellent.

DVD extras consist of interviews with the film-makers but sadly no commentary.

FRANK NITTI'S FAMILY SHOULD SUE.......2007-04-13

among all the five star reviews, it's funny nobody mentioned the blatant
misrepresentation of frank nitti in this movie.
he was not a rat-faced psychopath who was thrown off a building by elliot ness as portrayed in this movie. mr. nitti was second in command, and after capone was incarcerated, nitti ran the mob for 13 years.
his life ended when he allegedly committed suicide in 1943.
i don't mind movies blurring the facts in the name of dramatic license,
but in this case being completely blind to actual events will earn this film only one star from me.
btw, de palma also ruined "the black dahlia."
please mr. de palma, don't make anymore movies.

My Review Of The Untouchables On DVD.......2007-04-01

The Special Edition of the 1987 Brian DePalma classic is better than from the version I had seen on Cinemax years ago. The special features were also a delight with interviews by DePalma, Kevin Costner, Sean Connery and others. Now if only Paramount releases the 1993 Untouchables TV series on DVD, that would be cool.

Average customer rating:

"YOU NEVER HAD YOUR HANDS ON A TEET BEFORE"...."NOT ONE THIS BIG!" GREAT EDITION!
where he belongs
Timeless
Witness Protection Becomes Witness Perfection
havent seen it but.....

Witness (Special Collector's Edition)
Starring: Harrison Ford , Kelly McGillis , Josef Sommer , Lukas Haas , and Jan Rubes
Director: Peter Weir
Manufacturer: Paramount
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ASIN: B0009UC7R0
Release Date: 2005-08-23

Amazon.com essential video

When Samuel (Lukas Haas), a young Amish boy traveling with his mother Rachel (Kelly McGillis), witnesses the murder of a police officer in a public restroom, he and his mother become the temporary wards of John Book (Harrison Ford), a detective who's been assigned to solve the crime. After suspect lineups and mug-shot books yield nothing, Samuel, in the most memorable scene of the film, recognizes the murderer as a narcotics agent whose picture he sees in the precinct. Once Book realizes that the police chief is in on it, too, he whisks Samuel and Rachel back home to Amish country, where he himself goes into hiding as a plain Amish man. The juxtaposition between the life of the Amish and the violence of inner-city police corruption work surprisingly well for the story, and Kelly McGillis as the falling in love widow gives an almost perfect performance. Directed by Peter Weir, the film is extremely successful in drawing the viewer into its world and, accordingly, is immensely entertaining. The only thing that mars its polish is the one-dimensional, almost cartoonish handling of the upper-echelon police corruption--a subtler, more realistic treatment of this aspect of the story would have rendered the film near perfect. --James McGrath

Customer Reviews:

"YOU NEVER HAD YOUR HANDS ON A TEET BEFORE"...."NOT ONE THIS BIG!" GREAT EDITION!.......2007-07-04

Ford,McGillis,Haas and the entire cast shine in this classic romantic/thriller/fish out of water film! Now, we have a DVD treatment worthy of the movie. Interesting extras and a great transfer make this a must have in your collection.

where he belongs.......2007-05-27

Harrison Ford shines in this lingering over the close-quarter differences between Pennsylvania's Amish people and the 'English' life that by contrast seems so rude in this 1985 screen gem. Yet twenty-two years later, it is the young Kelly McGillis who nearly melts the screen with this early performance as Rachel, the Amish widow who takes in Harrison's 'John Book' and grows into love with a fugitive from 'the city' whose own heart grows entwined with the Amish way.

Although the Amish did not like this film (it *is* a film), it remains as a deeply moving tribute to their chosen, peaceful way. Perhaps it is the finest thing we 'English'--this reviewer grew up in Pennsylvania with the Amish as his neighbors--can offer them.

Not that they were asking for recognition.

Director Peter Weir caught them doing what they do best, going about the business of keeping peace and making the earth grow its greenest things. The occasional caricature that creeps in clumsily elevates the men and women it seeks to honor rather than reducing them to its dimensional poverty.

The Amish are not heroes and do not play that role particularly well on the wide screen (the actors of are course not Amish men and women). They are rather people who have from within community made a stark choice and chosen to celebrate both its limitations and the world it opens up to them.

Weir, Ford, McGinnis et al. did well to freeze-frame that choice as one that saved the life of a self-sufficient Baltimore policemen who stumbled upon corruption that made him a marked man in the city. It is a most moving still.

The film was uncanny in its capacity, in the end, to mark the Amish off in the most authentic way: not by sneering at their simplicity of style and rejection of 'fashion'. Rather, as recent history has provided grim occasion for us to observe, the Amish are distinguished by the grace that they do not kill. And, when bloodied, they say the damndest thing: 'We forgive'.

Witness indeed. And a superb movie.

Timeless.......2007-04-02

Witness is both a detective thriller, a love story, and a timeless view of our society. The acting is impeccable, the story both gripping and a deeply insightful take on our society. Set among the Amish of Lancaster County, Pennslvania we see the truly startling contrast between 21st Century America and the Eighteenth Century society preserved there. Detective John Book discovers corruption in the police department for which he works in Philadelphia and becomes a hunted man. He flees and is hidden by the Amish. The action and the human relationships that follow are completely absorbing.

Witness Protection Becomes Witness Perfection.......2007-03-02

This film defies being placed in any genre and is as near to perfection on screen as you will likely find. Harrison Ford gives his absolutely best performance in this film and he should have won the Oscar that year along with this film's great director, Peter Wier, who seems to be always a bride's maid and never the bride with his numerous nominations. Wier gets perfect performances from everyone involved in this landmark film on inner city crime and the ways of the simple Amish in Lancaster, Pennsylvania (where I live). Many actors in this film got their break here such as Jan Rubes, Lukas Hass, Kelly McGillis, Alexander Gundenoff, and Viggio Mortensen (in a quick scene).

The life of Det. John Book, Ford, is brilliantly juxtaposed to the simple life the Amish live only a mere 50 miles or so out of Philadelphia. It is carefully presented as not being a utopian society with its restrictions. Book risks his life to protect the witness and his mother and is nearly killed himself in the process. They nursed him to good health while he was also protecting them. He ends up falling in love with his caretaker and the simple life and ponders giving up everything for this simple life. Book must decide when the dust settles on the case that brought him out to Amish Country which life he wants: the simple, quiet life of the Amish or his busy, violent life where he also saves lives. Its not as an easy decision and we sympathize with his difficult choice.

If for some reason you missed this movie when it was out or have never heard of it, reward yourself by purchasing or at least renting this outstanding film. You will find it facinating and riveting.

havent seen it but............2007-02-27

this was Viggo Mortensens first movie, he plays Moses-somethin'-or-other, thanks in advance for clicking the not helpful button

Average customer rating:

Great film, transfer not up to other Fox classics
Johnny Depp...eat your heart out...
The Black Swan
Maureen O'Hara and Tyrone Power - who could want more?
Great adaptation of the Sabatini novel

The Black Swan
Starring: Tyrone Power , Maureen O'Hara , Laird Cregar , Thomas Mitchell , and George Sanders
Director: Henry King
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
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ASIN: B000FFJ83A
Release Date: 2006-07-11

Description

With a clanging of swords, thundering cannons and lots of bravado, TYRONE POWER stars in this swashbuckling classic that won an Oscar for its color cinematography.

Customer Reviews:

Great film, transfer not up to other Fox classics.......2007-05-31

Irresistible hogwash from the golden days of these swashbuckler films. In many ways, more satisfying than "Pirates of the Carribean" since this film is slightly more grounded in a recognizable reality, and is therefore somehow more accessible. The Technicolor photography, which was one of the film's many asstes, receives much attention on this DVD, with Maureen O'Hara's commentary discussing the technique and the film's use of it. But the transfer here isn't up to snuff: some scenes are soft, and the color is subdued and muddy ocassionally. It's not a bad transfer, but certainly not as sharp as Fox's "Leave Her to Heaven," or "Blood and Sand". Still, for fans of Power, O'Hara, or the underrated Laird Cregar, an entertaining and physically lavish production worth more than one viewing. Old Hollywood the way it used to be, when opulent production values and sincere casts made such nonsense a real treat.

Johnny Depp...eat your heart out..........2007-05-29

Old school pirate movie...just as good as newer Pirates of the Caribbean...Tyrone Power swashbuckling his way throughout...if you like pirates and old films...this is a movie for you.

The Black Swan.......2007-05-20

Ecxelent Adventure. Tyron Power at his best with the gratest Maureen Ohara. Full of ecxitement, great for kids.

Maureen O'Hara and Tyrone Power - who could want more?.......2007-05-15

I mainly purchased this because Maureen O'Hara did a commentary track for this picture. Since she is a favorite of mine, I wanted to hear some of her stories and insight in working with Tyrone Power and on this particular film. I only wish that the other commenter would have had more information about the film (or 20th Century Fox) to speed up the dialog between them or to prompt Maureen O'Hara to say more than she did. As for the film, it's a classic tale of pirates and adventure. A good addition to any collection.

Great adaptation of the Sabatini novel.......2007-04-14

An excellent movie. Lest we forget, it was based on the classic swashbuckler written by Rafael Sabatini.

Average customer rating:

Excellent
A great movie
Good basketball movie
A true Indiana tale
America Needs This Film

Hoosiers
Starring: Gene Hackman , Barbara Hershey , Dennis Hopper , Sheb Wooley , and Fern Persons
Director: David Anspaugh
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
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ASIN: 0792843592
Release Date: 2000-02-29

Amazon.com

One of the most rousingly enjoyable sports movies ever made, this small-town drama tells the story of the Hickory Huskers, an underdog basketball team from a tiny Indiana high school that makes it all the way to the state championship tournament. It's a familiar story, but sensitive direction and a splendid screenplay helped make this one of the best films of 1986, highlighted by the superb performances of Gene Hackman as the Huskers' coach, and Oscar nominee Dennis Hopper as the alcoholic father of one of the team's key players. As the drama unfolds we come to realize that many of the characters (including Barbara Hershey as a schoolteacher with whom Hackman falls in love) are recovering from disappointing setbacks, and this depth of character is what makes the otherwise conventional basketball story so richly rewarding. Like Rocky, Rudy, and Breaking Away, this is a quintessentially American movie about beating the odds and rising above one's own limitations. Just try to watch it without cheering! --Jeff Shannon

Description

Nominated* for two OscarsÂ(r) and hailed by Sports Illustrated and ESPN as one of the best sports movies of all time, this triumphant tale of a high school basketball team's long-shot attempt to win the state championship is filled with edge-of-your-seat suspense and breathless excitement! Featuring "fast-break cinematography that catches the pace of the game.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2007-06-13

First on the DVD... The score sounded magnificent. The sound in 5.1 is well distributed and rounded. It sounds clear and awesome. The image is just as good. Bright and vivid colors, makes the movie look a lot less older than it is. The extras are all right including the Indiana State Championship game of 1953 (might be 52? don't remember).
On the movie... Well this is one of the best sport movies ever is just perfect. Hackman delivers a perfect performance, truly belivable, as well as most of the cast. The movie is based on a true story wich makes it twice as good.
A very good movie to remeber the importance of discipline and how team work can make ordinary people have extraordinary results. Something we have been missing in pro-athletes this days...

A great movie.......2007-04-05

I love this show.Gene Hackman probably did his finest performance in this show as did Dennis Hopper.A great basketball story that will just make you feel good.I highly recommend this to everyone.

Good basketball movie.......2007-02-06

This is a good basketball movie and if you are a basketball fan, you definitely should see it. Also, it is a good movie to show teams. It shows team unity and the results that can happen when you trust your team and coach. Even if you are not a basketball fan and just like good movies, this is a good movie to watch. For example, it also shows an alcoholic father rebuild his relationship with his son by getting treatment.

A true Indiana tale.......2007-01-28

It's based on the 1954 "Miracle of Milan" (and if you think that name has anything to do with either Italy or the Catholic Church, you're obviously not a Hoosier!) Even though I've heard a few fellow Hoosiers gripe about the film not being more true to the actual facts, to me, it's one of the top three or four movies I've ever seen, and captures perfectly the atmosphere of our state, circa 1950s.
For instance, the scenes in the Hickory gym are just how it was in those crackerboxes where we had Hoosier Hysteria in those days. The screenplay captures the Hoosier way of talking well, too. Not the accents, so much, as the fact that people from Indiana tend to be a little laconic -- to not waste too many words. Our next door neighbors in Kentucky, on the other hand, are famous as gabbers and storytellers.
Look at some of the family names, also: Fleenor, Chitwood, and the like. I've known real Hoosiers by those names.
The kids who portray the Huskers are the best basketball players I've ever seen acting in a movie. They've actually "played the game" before -- you can tell.
Usually not mentioned, but a key element, is the musical score. It fits the theme so well -- especially at the end. Notice that after Coach Norman Dale says, "OK, let's go," just before Chitwood's winning basket, the only spoken words for the rest of the movie come from the disembodied voice of Dale, much later, as a lone kid shoots hoops in the Hickory gym. As the camera shows the photo of the state championship Huskers, Dale can be heard repeating what he said in the locker room before the big game: "I love you guys."
The music filled in on the sound track in place of dialogue during the last seconds before victory -- and it was perfect.

America Needs This Film.......2007-01-12

HOOSIERS is one of a handful of movies that make a statement about who we are and what makes our country great. Hoosiers characters are a collection of beaten down and worn out souls who have been dealt a lifetime of seemingly hopelessness and mediocrity. Individually they will remain destined to this fate for eternity. As a group they can rise beyond all hope and make a statement from which their lives will become enriched from what they are able to accomplish given that initial spark and making the commitment to give it their all. Composer Jerry Goldsmith must have seen greatness at the core of this film because he gave us one of the most inspiring scores ever composed for a film. All the actors give us so much more than we have ever seen as well. Each one contributed their best piece to the pie and that is what our country is truly all about.

Average customer rating:

Rudy ( Special Edition)
It's just about Heart......
A Heartwarming football movie
My favorite movie of altime
"My Boy's goin' to Notre Dame!!"

Rudy (Special Edition)
Starring: Sean Astin , Jon Favreau , Ned Beatty , Greta Lind , and Scott Benjaminson
Director: David Anspaugh
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00004W221
Release Date: 2000-09-26

Amazon.com

This 1993 film by David Anspaugh (Hoosiers) is slowly building a reputation as a minor highlight of '90s movies. Based on a true story, Rudy stars Sean Astin as Rudy Ruettiger, a blue-collar kid whose father (Ned Beatty) worships Notre Dame football but who would never dare to dream that any of his sons could be a part of the team. The film is entirely about Ruettiger's ceaseless if sometimes wavering commitment toward that goal, despite tremendous obstacles in physical stature, education requirements, the dismissiveness of coaches, poverty, his father's envy, and endless delays of one kind or another. This is the sort of film that looks back on a life and says the battle was its own reward, not the glory. Astin is very moving as a boy who becomes a man and watches his world change, often in unexpected ways, through painful determination. Great support from Beatty, Lili Taylor as a hometown girl, and Robert Prosky and Charles S. Dutton as two valuable mentors. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Rudy ( Special Edition).......2007-05-13

Excellent movie and the quality was excellent. I would recommend this movie to any sports fan.

It's just about Heart.............2007-04-27

I think is one of the most dramatical/educational kind of movies I've ever seen. Once Paul Brown said, "You can learn a line of a win, You can learn a book of a defeat". Could we understand the whole things that Rudy learned because of his defeats, hits and pain?. So, we can learn a lot from people that has reached their goals in life based on serious work, effort, honesty and pure heart.

A Heartwarming football movie.......2007-03-11

We purchased this for someone for a gift--we have seen this movie many times-aside from the "cursing" from one fella in the movie(not Rudy), it is a heartwarming and soul touching movie about how a person can achieve their dreams when you try, trust GOD, and also how things can come together! Don't want to say too much- a MUST SEE movie!

Also, another great football movie is "Facing the Giants"...

My favorite movie of altime.......2007-02-19

This is the best movie in the world It tells you that you can do anything you put your mind to it.My favorite part is when he helps that guy.Then he starts yelling on the stool. at the end it makes me cry because it is so tuching.

"My Boy's goin' to Notre Dame!!".......2007-02-10

"Rudy" is one of those rare films that no matter how many times you have seen it, you just can't change the channel if you come across it on the television.

I'm sure most are aware of the story of Rudy Ruettiger, a Notre Dame student, whose sole dream was to play football for the Fighting Irish, but who had always been told he was too small to play and too dumb to attend Notre Dame. He wouldn't be denied and through hard work and vicious effort, his dreams come true.

This movie has great acting(Sean Austin, Warren Beatty and Jon Favreau.) The soundtrack is excellent and the flow of the story keeps the movie moving at a great viewer-friendly pace. I'm hoping that it's understood that any movie based on actual events is just that....It BASED on those facts. It is not dictating them word for word and often parts are either left out or fabricated, as is the case here. It's annoying to find reviewers knock a movie for not telling every detail of every story exactly as is. Truth is, it just wouldn't keep our attention if that were to be done.

Watch the movie, appreciate it for the great film it is and lighten up!

ENJOY!!!!

Average customer rating:

a Classic
Mixed Reviews; though that's somewhat of an improvement compared to the sequels
This could have been so good....
This is just weird
Fox and the Hound 2

The Fox and the Hound 2
Starring: Rob Paulsen , April Winchell , Vicki Lawrence , Jeff Bennett , and Reba McEntire
Director: Jim Kammerud , and Dick Huemer
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000HWZ4Q6
Release Date: 2006-12-12

Amazon.com

Developing close friendships and nurturing a positive self esteem are two major challenges along the road to growing up. In this Disney sequel to The Fox and the Hound, Tod (a young fox voiced by Jonah Bobo) and Copper (a bloodhound voiced by Harrison Fahn) are the best of friends. When Copper bemoans the fact that he can't seem to do anything right, Tod reassures him that eventually he'll find something at which he excels and invites him to the fair. Opportunity knocks when a vocal dog group called "The Singing Strays" looses its lead singer Dixie (voiced by Reba McEntire) and Copper discovers that he's a really good singer. Unfortunately, Copper's newly discovered fame leaves Tod feeling jealous and abandoned and threatens to destroy the pair's close friendship. Will a close examination of what's really important in life be enough to set things right between Tod and Copper? This engaging, 69-minute animated Disney movie features original music performed by Grammy-winning country music star Reba McEntire as well as the voice talents of Patrick Swayze and Jeff Foxworthy. (Ages 3 and older) --Tami Horiuchi

Description

Get ready to go a little bit country with Disney's all-new motion picture THE FOX AND THE HOUND 2. The music of today's hottest stars is center stage in this classic tale of friendship and loyalty. Tod and Copper still go together like an itch and a scratch, but when Copper gets a shot at the big time with a nutty group of hound dog howlers, their purebred friendship is put to the test. Experience an irresistible adventure featuring the stellar voice talent of Reba McEntire, Patrick Swayze, and Jeff Foxworthy and bursting with original music by Trisha Yearwood, Lucas Grabeel, and many more. THE FOX AND THE HOUND 2 combines music and comedy in perfect harmony.

Customer Reviews:

a Classic.......2007-06-08

The fox and the hound two is a delightfull movie. it's about to friends who put thier freindship to a test. and to find out who your real freind is. This movie is really good and the whole Family will enjoy it.

Mixed Reviews; though that's somewhat of an improvement compared to the sequels.......2007-05-03

I'm (guess:P), just using the kid's review because it's so much easier.

Here we go again, another midquel. Yet this time it's to one of disney's more unpopular films, The Fox and the Hound. Needless to say, TFATH's fans aren't as numorous and sensitive as those of more popular classic disney films, so disney naturally thought that a sequel to such might be better recieved. Why? Honestly, how many sets of pajamas do you see with Tod and Copper on them? Disney was apparently hoping that most viewers of The Fox and the Hound 2 had either never seen or did not remember the original. In fact, the "sequel" depends on this to fuel it.

It is easy to imagine this as a seperate ordeal. Continuity with the original TFATH is zilch in this midquel, but that shouldn't come as a surprise. Disney's midquels after all rarely pay any heed to their predeccessors. The story anchors on Copper's wish to find his own talent, which he soon discovers to be singing. He and Tod then take off to the carnival, soon meeting the "Singin' Strays", giving Copper his big opportunity: he takes the place of a previous singer (Dixie) and joins the band. Tod feels left out now that his best friend rarely has time for him, but soon joins forces with Dixie to return things as they were.

The Adventures of Tod and Copper (oops! I mean the Fox and the Hound 2) are slapstick and cartoony when compared to the classic, or any other animated film, disney or not, for all that. Not to mention that I'm no fan of country music, which tends to dominate TFATH 2. Cash and Dixie DO tend to steal the movie a lot of the time, in fact on such a time I was inclined to wonder if The Fox and the Hound 2 was properly named, because a lot of the movie felt like "Cash and Dixie" rather than the other. Still, the characters evoke empathy and their dilemmas are relatable.

The Animation is "Disney DTV Sequel Style", aka apsolutely gorgeous. The backgrounds are fluid and believable. DisneyToon Studios at least are improving their animation. But pretty is as pretty does, correct?

It is likely that many will buy TFATH 2 and enjoy it due to the not-so-high expectations of disney DTV follow-ups, but true fans who grew up on and enjoyed the original The Fox and the Hound are even more likely to be infuriated and dissapointed with TFATH 2. I know that I was.

This could have been so good...........2007-05-03

But it wasn't. Tod and Copper have lost all of their original spark. The story is apsolutely pointless. My [...] brother wouldn't sit through 5 minutes of it. Cash and Dixie REALLY stole the show and got on my freaking nurves. The movie just ended with Tod and Copper being friends again. We were back where we started. The Fox and the Hound 2 has no true conclusion and it doesn't add anything to thhe Fox and the Hound legacy. I'm a little embearassed of buying this, because I'm [..]and I thought that this would be a cute movie for us all. But it wasn't. This could have been a great movie if only Disney had taken the time to find better writers.

This is just weird.......2007-04-27

Am I the only one here who's weirded out by disney's new in-betweener stories? Also I agree with a reviewer below that this isn't a real sequel. It's just about baby Tod and Copper all over. Yawn.... Please, save your money. Buy the classic movies or a real disney sequel instead.

Fox and the Hound 2.......2007-04-10

Great DVD from Disney. Great quality and sharp clear picture.

Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake / American Ballet Theatre, Murphy, Corella

Average customer rating:

Very American
Amazing!
Marcelo Gomes steals the show
Virtuoso
Another Swan

Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake / American Ballet Theatre, Murphy, Corella
Starring: Marcelo Gomes , Gillian Murphy , and Angel Corella
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Balanchine - Jewels / Aurelie Dupont, Alessio Carbone, Marie-Agnes Gillot, Agnes Letestu, Jean-Guillaume Bart, Clairemarie Osta, Kader Belarbi, Paris Opera Ballet
The Kirov Celebrates Nijinsky / Sheherazade, La Spectre de la Rose, The Polovtsian Dances, The Firebird
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ASIN: B000AYEI9A
Release Date: 2005-10-04

Product Description

Like all the best tales of enchantment, Swan Lake involves a beautiful princess, a passionate prince and a really major obstacle to their happiness. That obstacle is the wicked sorcerer von Rothbart (a dual role, danced by Marcelo Gomes and Isaac Stappas), who, in the prologue to Kevin McKenzie's adaptation, captures the Princess Odette and turns her into a swan by night. Only if a young man pledges his love and marries her, can the evil spell be broken. But should he betray her, she will remain a swan forever. Beloved by audiences for its exquisite performances and striking visuals, Kevin McKenzie's lavish new rendition of the timeless classic starring the exquisite young ballerina, Gillian Murphy, and the extraordinary Angel Corella now comes to DVD in all its enchanting glory. "The blockbuster production of the dance season" -The New York Times "A spectacle of shimmering light." -The Washington Post 5.1/DTS gi1.78:1 gi16x9 gi113 mins. "ABT returns the love story to Swan Lake?fast-moving splendidly detailed and delightfully entertaining!" -The Chicago Tribune

System Requirements:

Running Time 112 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

Very American.......2007-04-24

Technically, it is amazing, all dancers are very energetic. Artistically, it is ...... . Murphy seems to be trying very hard, but obviously she does not fit the role. Corella is still like a boy. They all good dancers but not so good actors. It is more or less like a gymnastic show, watchable and maybe a bit exciting.

Amazing!.......2007-04-23

This production was one of the best ballets I have ever seen! The sets and costumes were beautiful and very elaborate adding to the dazzle of this performance. Gillian Murphy's Odette/Odile is stunning to watch.

Marcelo Gomes steals the show.......2007-04-20

While I love Angel Corella, this was not his best role. Gillian Murphy is undeniably a great technician but she has not earned the title of "Artist" in my opinion. She basically has 2 facial expressions throughout the whole performance. She has her sad Odette face and her scarey Odile snarl. While Corella and Murphy both dance the roles well, there is zero chemistry between them, almost to the point of awkwardness.

Marcelo Gomes as "Rothbart" however, steals the show with his beautiful technique and a commanding stage presence.

The DVD is beautifully shot and the staging is very well done but the performances themselves do not rank among my favorite Swan Lake performances.

Virtuoso.......2007-04-11

Loved it loved it loved it! ABT remains to be my favorite company simply because of the level of artistry and flawless technique. And all of these 2 qualities are displayed from the opening and definately into the white swan variation and black swan pas de deux.

Another Swan.......2007-02-25

I have many different versions of this ballet - each one has its own characteristics and charm. This one is not the best I have seen but it does has certain points that make it slightly different from others, and makes it interesting. It also is slightly American as it worries about rights of the individual and in ways being "politically correct". It is disappointing that a large chunk of act III is missing, but overall the dancing is good, costumes beautiful and presentation innovative and enthralling.

Average customer rating:

Backdraft review
Great when alight but far too watered-down between infernos
Backdraft with Kirt Russell
Over exaggerated action for a dangerous profession
a flawed but admirable effort

Backdraft (2 Disc Anniversary Edition)
Starring: Kurt Russell , William Baldwin , Robert De Niro , Donald Sutherland , and Jennifer Jason Leigh
Director: Ron Howard
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000FQISVC
Release Date: 2006-09-19

Amazon.com

A somewhat contrived screenplay doesn't stop this thriller from serving up some of the most spectacular fire sequences ever committed to film. Like any Ron Howard production Backdraft is impressively slick and boasts a stellar cast, including Kurt Russell and William Baldwin. The actors play sibling rivals who have been at odds since the death of their firefighter father years earlier. Robert De Niro is the veteran fire inspector who is tracking a series of mysterious and deadly arsons, and Donald Sutherland is effectively creepy as the former arsonist who understands the criminal psychology of pyromaniacs. Rebecca De Mornay, Scott Glenn, and Jennifer Jason Leigh are featured in supporting roles. Backdraft is a triumph of stunt work and flaming special effects. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Backdraft review.......2007-06-27

The fire scenes are way ahead of there time. The plot is figured in a few minutes time but I bought it for the fire effects anyway. ( New HD DVD, player and new 37 in LCD TV.

Great when alight but far too watered-down between infernos.......2007-06-18

Backdraft has some of the most impressive fire scenes ever shot and some daring stunt work (three of the leads, Kurt Russell, Scott Glenn and William Baldwin, are actually billed as stuntmen), but unfortunately it's wrapped up in a trite two-brothers-at-each-other's-throats plot that keeps it from being anything more than a high-priced soap opera with burning buildings. And, it has to be said, it looks a lot less impressive on the small screen than it did on the big one. Despite the ostensibly impressive ensemble cast, some of the supporting performances are weak, with Jennifer Jason Leigh proving big time that she really can't play `normal' while Donald Sutherland's Hannibal Firelighter is too Looney Tunes to convince even in his brief screen time, while Baldwin is a considerably less compelling leading man than Russell but gets the lion's share of the screen time anyway. The result is a modestly entertaining but entirely predictable studio picture that plays everything but the conflagrations safe.

While many of the plethora of deleted scenes on the two-disc special edition DVD are trims or purely redundant, it seems that a lot of the murder mystery plot and much of Robert De Niro's lazy turn as an arson investigator also hit the cutting room floor, alongside a couple of good fraternal confrontations, but there's little to imply that a better film was left on the cutting room floor. There's a good selection of featurettes as well to make up for the original bare-bones release, though it's disappointing that the two good theatrical trailers aren't included in the set.

Backdraft with Kirt Russell.......2007-04-01

This movie of Backdraft was given to my firefighter granddaughter. She had seen it before but was happy to have a copy to own. J. Hall

Over exaggerated action for a dangerous profession.......2007-01-03

I'm going to try to make this short and sweet,and although for the most part I am a fan of many of Ron Howard's films,this one is a bit of a dud.True,the special effects and fire scenes give this film some pizzaz,but not enough to warrent it a 3,4 or 5 star rating.I am in the fire profession myself and I can tell all of you that the action scenes are almost 100% unrealistic and phoney.If any of the things were attempted in real life as seen on screen,Kurt Russel and his crew would have died early on in the begining of the film.The acting was mediocre at best(mostly due to the poorly written script)and really...the best and most interesting characters and parts in the film were portrayed by Robert Deniro as the Fire Inspector and Donald Sutherland as the convicted pyromaniac.Not nearly enough time was spent on them or in the film for that matter.It in fact was probably the most realistic part of the movie at all.All in all,if you want some medioce entertainment and a "macho" portral of Firefighters this one does deliver.Personally,of all the Ron Howard films made,this is my least favorite and is at the bottom of my list.I pretty much hated this film.Not only for its inaccurate portral of the firefighter profession,but because when it came out,every macheesemo guy out there who had something to proove wanted to be a firefighter and the job market was flooded with recruits that had the wrong idea about what being a firefighter is really all about.Its not about rushing into a burning building to be the hero.Most firefighter who are heros are "dead" heros.Firefighting is ranked amongst the most dangerous professions and is for a very good reason.Backdraft is full of hot air and allot of blow hard B.S.To date,there has been no good or accurate depiction of a Firefighter put to film.Maybe one day?

a flawed but admirable effort.......2006-10-12

At the time of its release, Backdraft was regarded by some critics as an admirable if not flawed homage to the profession of firefighting. Of course, compared to the recent Ladder 49 it seems downright gritty and hard-hitting but still doesn't hold a candle in terms of realism to television's Rescue Me. Still, Ron Howard's film has its heart in the right place and does boast an impressive cast. Looking back at it now, Backdraft was one of Howard's early attempts to be taken seriously as a dramatic filmmaker and an initial bid at Oscar glory - something that would elude him until A Beautiful Mind.

Howard's film dutifully trots out the stereotypical characters: the long-suffering ex-wife (DeMornay), the gorgeous but otherwise unimportant love interest (Jason Leigh), the crazy killer (Sutherland), the gung-ho recruit (Gedrick) who is punished for his inexperience, the feuding brothers and so on. What Backdraft does have going for it is how it shows the camaraderie of the men in the firehouse: the good-natured hazing of the new guys, the communal meals and how they watch each other's backs in and out of fires. It is very much a brotherhood and this film brings this out very well.

Speaking of which, the firefighting scenes are well-staged and executed, done before the proliferation of CGI and this gives these scenes a real, visceral quality. It is like the fire is another character, a living, breathing organism with a life of its own and the ability to take one as well. Howard's camera is able to get into the thick of these fires so that there is no safe distance in which to remove oneself from the action. You're right in there with the firefighters.

The best scene in the movie isn't the impressively staged fires but the one between Donald Sutherland's twitchy, crazed arsonist and De Niro's investigator. It lasts only a few minutes but every moment between these two brilliant actors is mesmerizing and truly brings the film to life proving yet again that good acting trumps SFX and stunts every damn time. In fact, Backdraft should have focused on De Niro's intriguing character and his intuitive knowledge of how fires work and what causes them. The screenplay hints at an interesting backstory for him and his relationship with Sutherland's firebug. Instead, it amounts to nothing more than a subplot and a red herring of sorts.

The first disc features an introduction by Ron Howard as he briefly talks about how proud he is of the movie and what else is available on this 2-disc set.

There is 43 minutes worth of deleted scenes that sheds light on Brian's backstory -- his nomadic existence, how he dropped out of the academy years ago and how he talks his way back in. There is also more footage of the mysterious arsonist plying his trade that reveals a little too much a little too early in the movie. We also get more of De Niro and Sutherland which is always a treat.

The second disc starts off with "Igniting the Story," a featurette that traces the origins of the project as Howard and his producer Brian Grazer talk about what drew them to it. The screenwriters talk about the genesis of the screenplay while the term "backdraft" is also explained.

"Bringing Them Together: The Team" examines the casting process. Howard knew Kurt Russell from back when they were child actors and had always wanted to cast him in one of his movies. Baldwin, Glenn, Gedrick and, surprisingly, Jason Leigh (who never seemed too enthused about this project) talk about how they got involved in new interviews for this DVD.

"The Explosive Stunts" takes a look at how they pulled off the realistically rendered firefighting scenes. The highlight of this extra is Scott Glenn recounting a particularly dangerous stunt where he came very close to getting seriously burned.

"Creating the Villain: The Fire." After computer effects tests failed, the special effects guys ran all kinds of practical tests to see the various ways they could manipulate fire. Everything was planned out beforehand.

Finally, there is "Real-Life Firemen, Real-Life Stories" with actual firefighters from Station 73 in Santa Clarita, California recounting some of their own personal anecdotes and what they think of the movie. These guys really love what they do and speak passionately about it.

Average customer rating:

Great kid movie!
Great movie for kids!
Love it!
A Wonderful Children's Movie
Not bad...Shaky, but not bad

The Swan Princess (Special Edition)
Starring: Jack Palance , Howard McGillin , Michelle Nicastro , John Cleese , and Steven Wright
Director: Richard Rich
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0001AVZGC
Release Date: 2004-03-30

Amazon.com

This excellent theatrical feature is loosely based on the Swan Lake story. Princess Odette, having been turned into a swan by a sorcerer's spell, is held captive at the enchanted lake with friends Jean-Bob the frog, Speed the turtle, and Puffin the bird. Along comes Prince Derek, who becomes involved in liberating her by taking on the villain. The movie has been criticized for being too similar to Sleeping Beauty, but once you're watching it--with its strong characters, entertaining vocal performances (John Cleese and Steven Wright are particularly funny), fine artwork, and action--such complaints are negligible. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Great kid movie!.......2007-06-14

The Swan Princess is a nice movie! Your kids probably will enjoy it!

Great movie for kids!.......2007-06-12

I fell in love with this movie when I was a kid, now I've passed the buck to our little girl, and she loved it!! Great family fun!

Love it!.......2007-05-12

I just have to say that this movie is awesome. I watched it when I was younger and sang along with all the songs and quoted lines from it. My family is really into quoting movies. And that's one of the reasons I love this film. It is so quotable! Just like Emperors New Groove. Some of the lines make me laugh while just thinking about them. Who cares if it's a little cheesy in some parts or has a few plot wholes. It's a CHILDRENS movie!! Hello! And if you look at almost any film out there you will find plot wholes abounding. Try it sometime. It doesn't make them bad movies. they are ENTERTAINING. ok, that's all I have to say.

A Wonderful Children's Movie.......2007-01-03

I bought this movie remembering it from my childhood. I used to love it, and watch it over and over again.

Now, as an adult, I view it differently as I did years ago, yet I still find it delightful. It has a nice mix of love and danger, but nothing too violent or mature.

I would suggest this movie to anyone looking for a sweet movie for girls and boys.

Not bad...Shaky, but not bad.......2006-12-21

Honestly, this movie is better than it should be. It's obvious that everyone working on the feature had the best of intentions and worked as hard as they could. The movie just falls short of my standards of quality.

The first thing that is, to me, glaringly bad is the music. The score as well as the songs. They don't fit the mood of what is happening, with very few exceptions. Lex Deazavedo has never appealed to me, and the addition of these ripped-off-Broadway tunes does NOT enhance a mood of fantasy.

Other than the unbefitting music, the rest of the movie is actually fairly good.

The story comes together well, with only a few plot holes or loose ends, and these, though a bit obvious, are forgivable. (ex: Why didn't King William and Uberta simply marry one another? And if he couldn't because he already had a wife, how is it that she is never seen or mentioned?)

The animation, although somewhat rough throughout, is more or less decent.

The other main flaw of the film, however, cannot be ignored. The title character is below par, in my view. Most gripe that she does nothing through the course of the film. MY gripe is that she does nothing FOR ANYONE ELSE throughout the film. There are the obligatory niceties to animal sidekicks, but other than that, she is self-absorbed. Though it is good to ask if more than beauty matters, her actions in the film seem to demonstrate--to me, at any rate--that there really ISN'T anything worthwhile about her besides her pretty looks. Her real moment of panic is when she herself is in danger, not when her friends or loved ones are. Derek is far more self-sacrificing and determined than she is.

All in all, better than some Disney films--it's just not GREAT.

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