Family Pictures

Starring:Huston, Neill, Sedgwick
Studio: Tango Entertainment
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

The Patriot (Extended Cut) [Blu-ray]
Starring: René Auberjonois , Adam Baldwin , Chris Cooper , Jason Isaacs , and Tchéky Karyo
Director: Roland Emmerich
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

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ASIN: B000PAAJVA
Release Date: 2007-07-03

Amazon.com

Aimed directly at a mainstream audience, The Patriot qualifies as respectable entertainment, but anyone expecting a definitive drama about the American Revolution should look elsewhere. Rising above the blatant crowd pleasing of Stargate, Independence Day, and Godzilla, director Roland Emmerich crafts a marvelous re-creation of South Carolina in the late 1770s (aided immeasurably by cinematographer Caleb Deschanel), and Robert Rodat's screenplay offers the same balance of epic scale and emotional urgency that elevated his earlier script for Saving Private Ryan. Unfortunately, Emmerich embraces clichés and hackneyed melodrama that a more gifted director would have avoided. Instead of attempting a truly great film about the most pivotal years of American history, Emmerich settles for a standard revenge plot with the Revolutionary War as an incidental backdrop.

On those terms, the film is engrossing and sufficiently intelligent, especially when militia leader Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson) cagily negotiates with British General Cornwallis (Tom Wilkinson) in one of the most rewarding scenes. For the most part, the story concerns Martin's anguished quest for revenge against ruthless redcoat Colonel Tavington (played with snide relish by Jason Isaacs), and the rise to manhood of Martin's eldest son, Gabriel (Heath Ledger), whose battlefield honor exceeds even that of his brutally volatile father. At its best, The Patriot conveys the horror of war among innocent civilians, and the epic battle scenes, while by no means masterful, are graphically intense and impressive. And although Ledger's love interest (Lisa Brenner) is too bland to register much emotion, the focus on family (which frequently relegates the war to background history) provides a suitable vehicle for Gibson, who matches his achievement in Braveheart with an effectively brooding performance. --Jeff Shannon

Product Description

In 1776 South Carolina, widower and legendary war hero Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson) finds himself thrust into the midst of the American Revolutionary War as he helplessly watches his family torn apart by the savage forces of the British Redcoats. Unable to remain silent, he recruits a band of reluctant volunteers, including his idealistic patriot son, Gabriel (Heath Ledger), to take up arms against the British. Fighting to protect his family's freedom and his country's independence, Martin discovers the pain of betrayal, the redemption of revenge and the passion of love.

Average customer rating:

Ripe, Fulfilling Romantic Classic
One of my top ten most romantic movies ever made!
Not Persuaded by the film
Didn't like at first .. but then I did.
Excellent film!

Persuasion (1995)
Starring: Amanda Root , Ciarán Hinds , Susan Fleetwood , Corin Redgrave , and Fiona Shaw
Director: Roger Michell
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00003JRCQ
Release Date: 2000-02-01

Amazon.com

Movie adaptations of Jane Austen's classic novels were all the rage (relatively speaking) in the mid-1990s. Clueless updated Austen's Emma, which was more conventionally adapted in another version (Emma) starring Gwyneth Paltrow. Emma was produced yet again, this time for British television, as were a celebrated miniseries of Pride and Prejudice and this splendid film of Austen's Persuasion. Persuasion is the story of a love that survives eight years of dormancy and the frustrating obstacles of class prejudice in 19th century England. Anne (Amanda Root) is captivated when she meets the dignified naval officer Capt. Wentworth (Ciarán Hinds), but she is advised to discourage his romantic overtures because he has no fortune. They meet again eight years later, but now Capt. Wentworth has become wealthy while Anne's father is in reduced circumstances in the wake of reckless extravagance. A series of circumstances ensue which prevent Anne and Wentworth from expressing their mutual and inevitable love. The film's success depends entirely on the subtle, superb performances of Root and Hinds. The film builds slowly, occasionally leaving you wondering if anything at all is going to happen. When it does, you realize how carefully crafted a film this is, and the final result is grandly rewarding. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Ripe, Fulfilling Romantic Classic.......2007-07-05

Ripe, Fulfilling Romantic Classic

Anne Elliot and Frederick Wentworth's romance came to a sudden halt in 1806. Anne, the daughter of a conceited and spendthrift baronet, loved Wentworth but was advised by her family's confidant, Lady Russell, that the match was inappropriate, as Wentworth had no connections or money. Now 8 years later, Anne's family is forced from their estate because of her father's mounting financial debts. The family retreats to Bath, where, to the delight of Anne's father, they can maintain their privileged lifestyle on a much smaller budget. The family's home, Kellynch Hall, is to be let by an Admiral and his wife, who, coincidentally, are related to Wentworth. This liaison throws Anne back into the society of Wentworth, now a Captain in the Royal Navy who amassed quite a fortune in privateering. The Captain has now caught the attention of Louisa Musgrove, whose brother married Anne's sister, Mary. Meanwhile Anne, now in her late 20's and showing signs of physical and emotional stress, is surprisingly courted by the heir to Kellynch Hall. The question remains as to whether Anne and the Captain can reconcile to the point of being friends, or perhaps even put aside their past afflictions and possibly rekindle their lost romance.

No one can weave a romantic tale like Jane Austen did in her prime. This movie is a wonderful afternoon retreat. The acting is superb, and the dialogue gives us many wonderful moments to ponder long after the DVD is finished. Fans of period pieces will NOT be disappointed. This one is not to be missed.

Cris Cunningham for Amazon.com

One of my top ten most romantic movies ever made!.......2007-06-22

This less-than-2-hour movie aired on PBS with a great intro by host Russell Baker. I still enjoy that VHS tape I made at the time, but its colors are dark and sometimes the dialog is hard to understand. Not having it on dvd is NOT an option for me. Luckily, it had been over a year since I last viewed this one, and it was better than ever, even better than the 1st time I saw it. Sometimes I see Captain Wentworth as mildly retarded, that he cannot see that Anne obviously has feelings for him. Then I remember he was thoroughly snubbed by her family as well as refused by her, so his hesitancy is understandable. In the 8 years that have elapsed since refusing him, Anne has found herself & her own voice, & is finally able to tell her well-meaning but patronizing friend, "That is not a thing that I want!" I am always so proud of her for going after what she does want, finally. The last few minutes of the film are some of the most romantic ever made.

My top ten: Pride & Prejudice (mini series with Colin Firth), 2)Persuasion, 3)Room With a View, 4)Casablanca, 5)Emma (Kate Beckinsale version), 6)My Foolish Heart, 7)The Terminator, 8)Doctor Zhivago ('65 version), 9)Best Years of Our Lives, 10)Will Penny. Ok, those last 5 shift around a bit sometimes, depending on which old movies I come across. Some of the traditionally favorite ones like GWTW, or Love Story -- there's more anguish than romance there, to me. What are your favorites? Always on the lookout for romantic moments on film. Hey, that could be another top ten, of your Top Ten Romantic Moments on film, which could be altogether a different list!

Not Persuaded by the film.......2007-05-30

Glad I read the book before watching the film. There were scenes from the book that could have been included to make the film story line flow better. The actors/actresses were not as believable and didn't seem to fit the descriptions in the book as well. This adaptation of "Persuasion" was not as good as Ang Lee's "Sense and Sensibility" (with Emma Thompson) nor Andrew Davies' "Pride and Prejudice" (with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle).
If you're not keen on owning this DVD, I'd borrow it from the local library, a friend, or NetFlix before spending money to buy it.

Didn't like at first .. but then I did........2007-05-04

I am a big Austin fan and have seen just about all of her movie adaptatons. At first I found this movie slow and pointless but about 1/2 way through I got excited to see how it would end. The ending makes good sense but could have been more detailed. The movie builds up antisipation and then ends ubruptly and leaves you saying what just happened. All and all this movie is worth seeing if you enjoy other Austin movies.

Excellent film!.......2007-04-26

This is one of my favorite movies. I saw it at the theater when it first came out and then I bought the book. The characters seem like real people that a person could meet.

Average customer rating:

Best version of Sense and Sensibility
Darcy has got nothing on Edward Ferrars...
The best of Jane Austen
Very endearing movie!
Chick Flick

Sense & Sensibility (Special Edition)
Starring: James Fleet , Tom Wilkinson , Harriet Walter , Kate Winslet , and Emma Thompson
Director: Ang Lee
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
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ASIN: 0800141660
Release Date: 1999-08-24

Amazon.com essential video

Emma Thompson scores a double bull's-eye with this marvelous adaptation of Jane Austen's novel. Not only does Thompson turn in a strong (and gently humorous) performance as one of the Dashwood sisters--the one with "sense"--she also wrote the witty, wise screenplay. Austen's tale of 19th-century manners and morals provides a large cast with a feast of possibilities, notably Kate Winslet, in her pre-Titanic flowering, as Thompson's deeply romantic sister. Winslet attracts the wooing of shy Alan Rickman (a nice change of pace from his bad-guy roles) and dashing Greg Wise, while Thompson must endure an incredibly roundabout courtship with Hugh Grant, here in fine and funny form. All of this is doled out with the usual eye-filling English countryside and handsome costumes, yet the film always seems to be about the careful interior lives of its characters. The director, an inspired choice, is Taiwan-born Ang Lee, who brings the same exquisite taste and discreet touch he displayed in his previous Asian films (such as Eat Drink Man Woman). Thompson's script won an Oscar, and 1995 was a fine year for Jane Austen all around: Persuasion was made into an excellent picture, and Emma became the spritzy high school comedy Clueless. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

Best version of Sense and Sensibility.......2007-07-06

Very enjoyable movie - true to the language
but it comes across natural and easy to follow.
Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman are great.

Darcy has got nothing on Edward Ferrars..........2007-07-03

Yes, yes, if you are an Austen fan Mr. Darcy is dashing and bold to be sure, but the quiet gentleness and honorable love of Edward Ferrars for Elinor Dashwood is a delight to partake in, in this adaptation of Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility." This film was quite faithful to the book, and the actors and actresses were suberbly chosen, as were the costumes, setting, and dialogue. It's such a lovely story with very good lessons to take to heart, as Emma Thompson (Elinor Dashwood) learns to hope that what is lost, is not lost forever, and Kate Winslet (Marianne Dashwood) learns how sensibility can prevent a broken heart. So, if you are craving the delightful romance, agony, humour, and hope of love in Jane Austen's England, this film will not disappoint.

The best of Jane Austen.......2007-06-30

Anyone watching this show can determine how hard it was for a woman to survive in the pre-industrial England.

I have a preference for 19th century movies and books. This movie did not disappoint me. The actors and actresses all fit so perfectly into their roles. It was like magic to see them perform.

The Dashwood women, Elinor, Marianne and Margaret with along with their mother are forced to leave a life of luxury when Mr. Dashwood dies and they move into a cottage in the country. (Women have no rights to inherit when a man dies.) The money usually is given to the eldest sons in the family. The women must find another means to survive unless the one who inherits is generous enough to allow them to stay on. In this case, the greed of the son's wife overrules the son and the women are pressed upon to leave very quickly.

The oldest daughter develops a romantic interest in her half brother's wife's brother-in-law, but the sister-in-law makes certain that they are separated so that nothing more can develop.

The younger of the two oldest daughters abandons sensible conduct and rushes headlong into folly with a rake.

The two sisters are then taken into London for a season, and the truth is known about both men on their lives. One is already secretly engaged (entrapped is more like it)and the other has proposed to a wealthy woman because of his own bad debts.

Everything works out for the best and everyone gets what they deserve in the end. Life doesn't always look like it works that way, but it probably does. At least this movie inspires me to believe it.

The music in it is outstanding along with all of the beautiful panoramic scenery of England's countryside.

Very endearing movie!.......2007-06-30

I have a preference for 19th century movies and books. This movie did not disappoint me. The actors and actresses all fit so perfectly into their roles. It was like magic to see them perform.

The Dashwood women, Elinor, Marianne and Margaret with along with their mother are forced to leave a life of luxury when Mr. Dashwood dies and they move into a cottage in the country. (Women have no rights to inherit when a man dies.) The money usually is given to the eldest sons in the family. The women must find another means to survive unless the one who inherits is generous enough to allow them to stay on. In this case, the greed of the son's wife overrules the son and the women are pressed upon to leave very quickly.

The oldest daughter develops a romantic interest in her half brother's wife's brother-in-law, but the sister-in-law makes certain that they are separated so that nothing more can develop.

The younger of the two oldest daughters abandons sensible conduct and rushes headlong into folly with a rake.

The two sisters are then taken into London for a season, and the truth is known about both men on their lives. One is already secretly engaged (entrapped is more like it)and the other has proposed to a wealthy woman because of his own bad debts.

Everything works out for the best and everyone gets what they deserve in the end. Life doesn't always look like it works that way, but it probably does. At least this movie inspires me to believe it.

The music in it is outstanding along with all of the beautiful panoramic scenery of England's countryside.

Chick Flick.......2007-06-08

This adaptation of Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility was an exceptional one. With the starring cast who could hardly go wrong. Enjoy!!

Average customer rating:

Family Fantasy Classic
Labyrinth ~ David Bowie
Came in perfect condition
David Bowie Fans
Kid friendly w/ a dash of adventure.

Labyrinth
Starring: David Bowie , Jennifer Connelly , Toby Froud , Shelley Thompson , and Christopher Malcolm
Director: Jim Henson
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00000K3D4
Release Date: 1999-10-12

Amazon.com essential video

Sarah (a teenage Jennifer Connelly) rehearses the role of a fairy-tale queen, performing for her stuffed animals. She is about to discover that the time has come to leave her childhood behind. In real life she has to baby-sit her brother and contend with parents who don't understand her at all. Her petulance leads her to call the goblins to take the baby away, but when they actually do, she realizes her responsibility to rescue him. Sarah negotiates the Labyrinth to reach the City of the Goblins and the castle of their king. The king is the only other human in the film and is played by a glam-rocking David Bowie, who performs five of his songs. The rest of the cast are puppets, a wonderful array of Jim Henson's imaginative masterpieces. Henson gives credit to children's author and illustrator Maurice Sendak, and the creatures in the movie will remind Sendak fans of his drawings. The castle of the king is a living M.C. Escher set that adults will enjoy. The film combines the highest standards of art, costume, and set decoration. Like executive producer George Lucas's other fantasies, Labyrinth mixes adventure with lessons about growing up. --Lloyd Chesley

Customer Reviews:

Family Fantasy Classic.......2007-07-05

We love this movie! The Jim Henson's Muppets and David Bowie's charm make this a wonderful movie for the entire family, totally entertaining in many ways. I grew up on it, and now our children are!

Labyrinth ~ David Bowie.......2007-07-03

This is a great movie specially for the kids. It also has a great soundtrack as well and excellent graphics. Also a Must own for any David Bowie Works Collecter. Also not bad for those capturing that era of time and those young at heart. thumbs up.

Came in perfect condition.......2007-06-27

I have always loved this movie since I was a kid. It's a bit cheesy for an older crowd but it's a good time and has a lot of good songs in it.

David Bowie Fans.......2007-06-27

If you love magic and fairytales this is the movie for you! Granted it is a bit older, but David Bowie plays a great role and sings you into this magical world. I had never seen it and bought it because he was in it. My stepmother loves him too so of course I bought her a copy. If you have young ones or are just young at heart this is the movie for you!!!

Kid friendly w/ a dash of adventure. .......2007-06-27

I think the title say's it all. I remember seeing this movie when I was a kid, it was a big thing in my home as I grew up listening to Bowie right down from his Ziggy days. I had forgotten how that felt until my daughter came home one afternoon telling me about this movie her teacher showed the class during the last week of school... I can't remember exactly how she explained her view of the movie, but I knew exactly what she was talking about and began singing some of the songs in it... "You remind me of the babe.. The Babe? The babe with the power....." And she beamed a brilliant smile as she said "Yes! that one..." To this day, that movie gets more play then any disney movie my kids have.. They adore watching that movie.. often going round singing the very same somes... I was glad of the reminder my daughter brought hoem of a childhood long since gone. Even more that I found the movie..

Average customer rating:

A new look on werwolf movies
Bucharest and Special Effects Soften this Werewolf Film
Excellent Film. Better Than Chocolate.
Blood and Chocolate
Book and Movie Don't Mesh

Blood & Chocolate
Starring: Agnes Bruckner , Hugh Dancy , Olivier Martinez , Katja Riemann , and Bryan Dick
Director: Katja von Garnier
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
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ASIN: B000OCY7TY
Release Date: 2007-06-12

Amazon.com

When graphic novelist Aiden (Hugh Dancy) travels to Bucharest to research the loup garou legend, he nearly gets devoured in the latest female werewolf film, Blood and Chocolate. In the tradition of Werewolf Woman and Ginger Snaps, Blood and Chocolate stars Vivian Gandillon (Agnes Bruckner), a girl who's forced to face her lupine tendencies in order to discover how capable of loving Aiden she really is. Based on a book by Annette Curtis Clause, the film chronicles the lives of the remaining loup garou who are an extended Romanian family waiting for their pack leader, Gabriel, to select his new mate. His desire for Vivian means trouble when her wish to be with Aiden results in her revealing too much about the clan's secretive lifestyle. In this film, werewolves look fully human until their eyes glow with colored contact lenses while they fly through the air to then land as full-fledged wolves. Gone are the days, apparently, of films showing the transformation in all its hairy, explosive detail. A lack of scenes describing the werewolf metamorphosis make this film more a love story than a monster tale, though two forest gatherings in which the loup garou hunt human sacrifices offer some grizzly satisfaction. Unlike the aforementioned femme werewolf films, Blood and Chocolate features a girl fighting her urge to kill in a bid to unite humans with her brethren, making this movie the most peaceful in its genre. With a tame wolf as protagonist, the potential nightmare is really just a pleasant dream to unite the two disparate worlds. The question is: Do we want that to happen? --Trinie Dalton

Product Description

As a young girl living in the remote mountains of Colorado, Vivian (Bruckner) watched helplessly as her family was murdered by a pack of angry men for the secret they carried in their blood. Vivian survived the attack by running into the woods and changing into a wolf. Ten years later, Vivian is living a relatively safe and normal life in Bucharest, Romania. Vivian spends her days working in a chocolate shop and nights trawling the city's underground clubs, fending off the reckless antics of her cousin Rafe, and his gang of delinquents he refers to as "The Five."

Vivian's life begins to unravel when she has a chance encounter with Aiden (Dancy), an artist researching Bucharest' ancient art and relics for his next graphic novel. Aiden pursues Vivian until she relents and begins to see him, but she can't bring herself to tell him the truth - and lives in fear of showing him who she really is. Even though Vivian has sworn never to kill, she is as much an animal as she is human, and her love for Aiden threatens to cast him to the very wolves who saved her life and who are waiting for their chance to hunt him as prey.

Stills from Blood & Chocolate (click for larger image)

Beyond Blood & Chocolate at Amazon.com

Gothic Horror on DVDs
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DVDs of "Things That Go Bump"

Customer Reviews:

A new look on werwolf movies.......2007-07-03

Blood & Chocolate is a very good movie it takes a new look on werewolf movies and this movie is awesome.

Bucharest and Special Effects Soften this Werewolf Film.......2007-07-01

BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE (a misnomer at best!) is another in the seemingly endless appetite-for-horror-flicks appeasers. Freely adapted from the Annette Curtis Klause's novel by screenwriters Ehren Kruger and Christopher Landon and directed by Katja von Garnier, this version of the loup-garou legend takes place in Bucharest, Romania and while the corps group of 'night creatures' carrying the mantle of the clan appears small, the group seems more updated in its views of survival in the world of 'normal man' than most: the werewolves are a normal appearing bunch who change into rather elegant wolves through computer generated magic in a manner that removes much of the gruesome element form the film. It helps.

Loup-garou child Vivian (Agnes Bruckner) witnessed the death of her parents at the hands of men in Colorado and escaped to Bucharest where 10 years later she is the next in line to be the 'bride' of pack leader Gabriel (a gaunt appearing Olivier Martinez). Her aunt Astrid (Katja Riemann) with whom she lives had been the first love of Gabriel and a tension is set early in the film about the plight of the pack versus the desire to be a normal human, a tension that will help the resolution of the film's love story. The mysterious, questioning Vivian meets young artist Aiden (Hugh Dancy) who himself has escaped America and his own demons. An obvious infatuation cum attraction occurs and though Vivian admits to warm feelings for Aiden, she knows her affair is doomed: her cousin Rafe (Bryan Dick) and his pack of five discover her tragic near crossover the line of human desire, and the crisis of the story proceeds along the lines of victim and pursuer.

The unfortunate title for the film is clumsily drawn from the negligently important job Vivian has working in a chocolate factory, hardly a comparison for the importance blood plays in the hunt and kill formula that the title supposedly represents. But then it does set up the dichotomy of choice Vivian must make, whether to obey her loup-garou destiny or enter the realm of normal human motivations and desires. Yes, it all gets pretty corny, but in many ways this 'netherworld of monster types' film rises above others in its management of the transformation scenes (actually quite beautiful) and in the acting of Hugh Dancy. In the end it is the chance to see how truly Bucharest as a city really is that makes the movie worth watching. The cast does the best it can with the weak material. Grady Harp, July 07

Excellent Film. Better Than Chocolate........2007-06-28

I watched this film with a modicum of hesitation because it is not really my genre. I was more than pleasantly surprised to enjoy what I consider the best cinematic offering for the year to date. It is a beautiful combination of a "Werewolf in London", the "Bourne Identity" and "Before Sunrise", with Romania providing an exquisite location for what essentially is a very poignant love story, and very tastefully executed, with finesse and class and Romance. The soundtrack is simply first rate, the acting is very capable, with the two very memorable and commanding leads, and the violence is the antithesis to gratuitous. An Avid and very astute reader stated that the film followed the book very well. However, you need not have read the book in order to find this film a truly well done film, with virtually nothing lacking, with the exception of more special features. As of late June, this is the best film of the year, in any genre. After seeing this film, Lace, Chocolate, Romania, the Colorado Rockies, not so much blood, will be all that more appreciated.

Blood and Chocolate.......2007-06-24

Blood & Chocolate [Region 99]

This movie sucked. If you read the book, please save yourself the trauma of watching this!!! The only thing that it did have from the book was the title and the names of characters. It truly traumatized me. My friend said that I sat for 2 1/2 hours saying "what the hell happened? They had the book...what the hell happened?" Needless to say I liked the book and wish I had saved the $9 it cost to watch it in theatre. I should have asked for my money back, but I was too traumatized to think straight.

Book and Movie Don't Mesh.......2007-06-23

Have you ever read a book that you LOVE and then they turn it into a movie that just doesn't seem to match? That's what they did with Blood and Chocolate.
The movie ruined the book, and that's all there is to it.
I LOVED the book, and I had read it more than one time before I had heard that it was being turned into a movie. I was really excited, but then tonight I actually saw the movie.
At the end, for the last 5 minutes, my eyes were open REALLY wide and my mouth was wide open because I couldn't believe what was happening. The ending was almost the complete opposite of the ending in the book...which I happened to like.
If you like the book, don't see the movie.
If you've seen the movie, read the book and then yell at the movie for being so different.

Average customer rating:

Annie
Better on Broadway
Loved it!
Annie!
a very entertaining dvd

Annie (Special Anniversary Edition)
Starring: Albert Finney , Carol Burnett , Ann Reinking , Tim Curry , and Bernadette Peters
Director: John Huston
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0000VCZKM
Release Date: 2004-01-13

Amazon.com

Charmless and dull, this adaptation of the Broadway hit stars Aileen Quinn as the depression-era moppet, Albert Finney as Daddy Warbucks, Carol Burnett as the cruel headmistress at an orphanage, and Tim Curry as a villain. The film never gets its legs, and there is no sense of setting; it's almost as if the whole thing is happening in a void. John Huston nominally directed--no doubt to make money between his smaller, cheaper masterpieces--but one would have thought he would invest something of himself in here. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Annie.......2007-06-13

This version of Annie is wonderful. Carol Burnett creates such a wonderful character, and the orphans are extremely talented. This film is a step above the rest of the "Annie" movies.

Better on Broadway.......2007-06-13

Having been lucky enough to see the original on Broadway I was looking forward to the transition to the silver screen. Unfortunately most of the magic of the musical was left in New York and never made it to Hollywood. The songs are, of course, very good, though they did drop one of my favorites, "NYC", from the score and added the, in my opinion inferior, "Let's Go To The Movies". Aileen Quinn does a very credible job in the title role. Albert Finney, as Daddy Warbucks, and Carol Burnett, as Miss Hannigan, also do a good job. Ann Reinking, as Daddy Warbucks' secretary, proves to be one of the best dancers around. Many of the things that are done in the movie, such as the rescue of Annie on the railroad bridge, could not have done on the stage. For all its shortcomings, "Annie" is still well worth the watch.

Loved it!.......2007-05-22

Honestly, who doesn't know the movie Annie? But this special anniversary dvd has some nice bonus features. You can sing karaoke with or without voice with some of the more popular songs, you can "act" with Annie in some of the scenes, you can take a quiz about Annie and the 1930's and there is a very nice bonus feature with the lovely woman whom played Annie when she was a child. I do wish there were a few more features, maybe some other cast interviews; but all in all, this is a real treat!

Annie!.......2007-05-18

I love this musical! So happy to have it on DVD! Rich in color and clarity.

a very entertaining dvd.......2007-05-16

a fun movie to watch for the whole family especially for little girls!

Average customer rating:

Oldies
The Dark Crystal
Mom loves this movie!
good quality. good price
Fantasy-children

The Dark Crystal
Starring: Jean-Pierre Amiel , Robbie Barnett , Peter Burroughs , Malcolm Dixon , and Mike Edmonds
Director: Jim Henson , and Frank Oz
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

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Adventure | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

3-6 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

7-9 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

10-12 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B00000JPH6
Release Date: 1999-10-05

Amazon.com

Jim Henson's fantasy epic The Dark Crystal doesn't take place a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, but like Star Wars it takes the audience to a place that exists only in the imagination and, for an hour and a half, on the screen. Recalling the worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien, Henson tells the story of a race of grotesque birdlike lizards called the Skeksis, gnomish dragons who rule their fantastic planet with an iron claw. A prophecy tells of a Gelfling (a small elfin being) who will topple their empire, so in their reign of terror they have exterminated the race, or so they think. The orphan Jen, raised in solitude by a race of peace-loving wizards called the Mystics, embarks on a quest to find the missing shard of the Dark Crystal (which gives the Skeksis their power) and restore the balance of the universe. Henson and codirector Frank Oz have pushed puppetry into a new direction: traditional puppets, marionettes, giant bodysuits, and mechanical constructions are mixed seamlessly in a fantasy world of towering castles, simple huts, dank caves, a giant clockwork observatory, and a magnificent landscape that seem to have leaped off the pages of a storybook. Muppet fans will recognize many of the voice actors--a few characters sound awfully close to familiar comic creations--but otherwise it's a completely alien world made familiar by a mythic quest that resonates through stories over the ages. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

Oldies.......2007-06-27

This movie I bought because I had never seen it. If you don't mind squaking bird sounds and nails on a chalkboard- than go for it. I had a headache half way through. This movie has more noise than dialogue.

The Dark Crystal.......2007-06-15

There are 10 Skekses left in the world. This cruel, violent species's emporer is dying. There are 10 Mystics left in the world. The wisest Mysitc is dying. When the Mystic leader (the dying one) was younger he rescued a Gelfling from a Skekses raid (there were more of each species back then) and dubbed him Jem. The Mystics taught him everything - except the prophecy (IF YOU TRY TO STOP A PROPHECY IN A MOVIE YOU WILL FAIL, PERIOD.) The prophecy said that if a Gelfling does not repair the Crystal, located in the Crystal Castle, before the 3 suns lined up the world will be plunged into a time of evil forever. Skekses send bug-monsters to catch and kill Jem. Jem goes to the ugly witch Olgra to get the shard which came off. As he turns to leave, the bug-monster things attack Olgra's dome-house. Then they carry off Olgra, but she turns out not to be a Gelfling, let alone Jem. Jem is running for dear life. Then this puffball dog thing growls at him. A girl Gelfling comes out and says something to the puffball, who shuts up. It turns out that the Pod People had saved HER from the SAME raid. Love love lovie dovie. Jem goes to the Pod People with Kira, but then the bugs attack again, and carry off the Pod People, who also turn out not to be Gelflings. Then the bugs actually almost get them, but Kira grabs Jem and flies down a handy cliff. Jem says that he doen't have wings, but Kira replies that, of course not, he's a BOY! Then a Skekse gets banished, and says NOT to repair the Crystal, because they didn't need to, no, they could just live out here forever. Jem thwacks him, and Skekse gets cut.

Although the characters are Muppets, there are no real jokes. Plenty of adventure. So good, my critical-of-every-detail dad watched it twice a day for who knows how long. Also, in 2008, a sequel called the Power of the Dark Crystal will come out, but with (ugh) ANAMATRONIC PUPPETS. I will watch both, personally.

Mom loves this movie!.......2007-05-18

This is a pretty good movie, it was better to me when I was little though :) Since technology has come so far along now. I couldn't get over the price though, it was $6.99 so I couldn't resist adding it to my collection.

An all time favorite!

good quality. good price.......2007-05-17

my boyfriend loves this movie, cheesey story, thin plot, good animation

Fantasy-children.......2007-05-14

I buy these type of movies for my grandkids,they seem to enjoy these over cartoons and I don't mind watching them with them.

Average customer rating:

A courageous movie
Truly romantic
A Beautiful Film
Times Sure Have Changed!
Least favorite movie

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
Starring: Spencer Tracy , Sidney Poitier , Katharine Hepburn , Katharine Houghton , and Cecil Kellaway
Director: Stanley Kramer
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: 0767821483
Release Date: 1999-02-02

Amazon.com essential video

Spencer Tracy's last performance was in this well-meaning, handsome film by Stanley Kramer about a pair of white parents (Tracy and Katharine Hepburn) trying to make sense of their daughter's impending marriage to an African American doctor (Sidney Poitier). The film has been knocked over the years for padding conflict and stoking easy liberalism by making Poitier's character in every socioeconomic sense a good catch: But what if Kramer had made this stranger a factory worker? Would the audience still find it as easy to accept a mixed-race relationship? But there's no denying the drawing power of this movie, which gets most of its integrity from the stirring performances of Tracy and Hepburn. When the former (who had been so ill that the production could not get completion insurance) gives a speech toward the end about race, love, and much else, it's impossible not to be affected by the last great moment in a great actor's life and career. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

A courageous movie.......2007-06-30

In the context of the times in which it was made, this movie is even more amazing than it first appears--and it is very courageous on first appearances, so that is saying a lot!

Marriage between ethically diverse people was still illegal in quite a number of states, racism and all the terrible crimes it fosters was rampant. Into this maelstrom came a movie about two well-educated and very intelligent people who wish to get married. They deliberately made the doctor (Sidney Poitier) a paragon, so that it would be clear that any hesitation on her parents' part would be solely because he was Black.

My favorite parts are the beginning, when they arrive in California and go to her home and meet her mother (Kate Hepburn), and the end, when her father (Spencer Tracey) does his amazing speech, which earned him an Oscar (and rightly so).

The prejudice of the art gallery "lady" (note the quote marks) was accurate for the times (and, sadly, is still accurate at times) and well done by the actress in that role.

"Those who do not learn from history..." Let us keep watching this movie, so that we can learn, remember, and avoid sinking into the same mire again. And let us applaud the unknown people of courage, who did what was portrayed in this movie--trailblazers and pioneers in a wilderness no less challenging because it was subtle.

Truly romantic.......2007-06-10

Sidney Poiter is magnificent and always awe-inspiring, but the real draw of the movie is watching the interaction between Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn. When their real-life romance and difficult relationship is taken into account, their characters are given an extra dimension of honesty. This is particularly true of Tracy's speech at the end of the movie about what it means to love someone regardless of the circumstances. Very touching, brought tears to my eyes.

A Beautiful Film.......2007-05-07

I recently read a biography of Sidney Poitier which emphasized his role as "The Black Actor" of his time, and what this meant culturally and politicaly during the conservative 1950's and the turbulent 1960's. Poitier's mere presence in a film during this time assured black audiences that "Yes, there were roles of merit for blacks in Hollywood" while simultaneously letting white people know that all blacks were not dangerous, sex-craved animals, or buffoonish syncophants, but upstanding citizens like you and me. It seemed at times that Sidney Poitier, The Icon, overshadowed many of his screen endeavors, pushing the film's plotline into the background (with the exception of "In The Heat Of The Night") Which brings me to "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner". Released in 1967 (it was the THIRD box-office hit for Poitier in a single year. A feat no other actor since, with the exception of Tom Cruise in 1996, has accomplished) an extremely tumultous year when the nation grappled with civil rights and Vietnam, "Guess Who" provided a fresh breath of air. Its the story of a prominent black doctor, John Prentice, who falls in love with a younger white girl,Joanna. He is 37, she is 23. The couple arrive at the girls' parents' house to announce to her parents their marriage plans. But the good doctor has a secret that he is keeping from his fiance: He has promised himself that if the father (Spencer Tracy) disagrees he will not marry her. He has come to this conclusion because he knows full well the problems the two of them will face as an interracial couple, and if they have disapproving in-laws to contend with as well, the marriage might not survive. This particular aspect of Poitier's character is what nailed it for me. What a strong statement to make, and the reserve to back it! How many of us who have been fitfully in love would EVER make a proposal like this?! Most people would say to Hell with the in laws, but this is what seperated Poitier from most stars of his day and which contributed to his overall popularity. Upon its release, the film was not a CRITICAL favorite, but it was certainly a box-office fav. The problem most critics had with the film was the preposterous love story itself. "What would an accomplished doctor who had been married once want with a young, naive girl 14 years his junior? " asked many critics (as if you really had to ponder THAT one!)I have never discovered why the director Stanley Kramer put this age difference into the film in the first place, the only answer I have is that Katherine Houghton was the niece of the Great Hepburn. Nepotism strikes again, right? But that was not the most gnawing question in the film. Most critics simply missed the point. A point that the movie-going public got: It is a FANTASY. Kramer over emphasized everything, from the techni-color skies to the immaculate skin complexions of his stars, to let the public know just how ridiculous skin color prejudices (and prejudices in general) are. Poitier's character is so PERFECT, that the ONLY problem Tracy and Hepburn have with him is his skin color. Brilliant. Yes the film is dated a little, but unfortunately it is still a timely and beautiful film.

Times Sure Have Changed!.......2007-04-23

I remember watching this movie for the first time with my mother. We were shocked, but tried to keep an open mind. Today it is not shocking at all. Times have really changed for the better. We still have a long way to go. I thought about showing this movie to my students, however, they wouldn't understand what the big deal was as we did the first time. Still, it's a good movie and it has a powerful message.

Least favorite movie.......2007-04-12

by this duo. I just didn't like it. All the actors were great. I love Sidney Poitier. But I just couldn't like the movie. I hated the speech in the end. I felt like he was lechuring me!

Average customer rating:

What can I say? A fun movie is a fun movie...
Suprising for Disney
Great Family Movie!!!
Love it!
Perfect for sisters!

Wish Upon a Star
Starring: Katherine Heigl , Danielle Harris , Don Jeffcoat , Scott Wilkinson , and Mary Parker Williams
Director: Blair Treu
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B00005M2C3
Release Date: 2001-08-21

Customer Reviews:

What can I say? A fun movie is a fun movie..........2007-07-05

The comments of a previous user mirror mine; I'm never one to like movies aimed at a teenage demographic, and in fact, consider a number of more gruesome films to be among my favorites. However, there's just no denying "Wish Upon a Star." Like most people, I first encountered this movie on the Disney Channel when I was younger, and managed to see it a large number of times due to the fact that it was constantly on. It's been some seven-odd years since I last saw it, and after viewing it again today, I'm amazed to proclaim that I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sure, there's definitely the nostalgia factor; it really captured the feel of the 90s, especially with the classic 90s alt-rock/pop sound of Moonpools and Caterpillars on the film's soundtrack (look for the band "performing" live in the closing scene). It was also interesting to watch it from an adult perspective (now I understand what the characters meant when they discussed virginity), as well as seeing all of the little bits that Disney trimmed to make it more palatable for younger audiences. Nostalgia notwithstanding, however, "Wish Upon a Star" is simply a fun, enjoyable film. Sit back, relax, and throw out your inhibitions about watching a teenage-geared movie, and you're guaranteed to have a blast.

Suprising for Disney.......2007-06-27

This is one of a kind Disney movie that is different and better than a typical Disney movie. I really recommend this movie to anyone, whether you are or are not a Disney fan.

Great Family Movie!!!.......2007-06-18

A fun family movie!

The performaces are fun, and these leading actresses are really good at their jobs.

The story is simple and fun, and revolves around sibling rivality and high school experiences. Personally, I find this to be a very nice family movie to watch. It's got a nice story line, good writing, great acting, nice music and clothing style, and lot of laughs.

If you want to just sit and watch a nice high school disney movie this is the movie for you. don't expect an Oscar, you will be disappointed, but it's defiantly not a bad movie at all. This movie use to be shown on Disney Channel a lot back in the days, but now it's been taken out completely for a while now. It's safe to buy it, it's not expensive at all and it's worth the few dollars that it's going for.

The DVD and cover looks very girly and you might think it's just another high school girly movie, but I think it has much more than that. Personally I'm a guy and I enjoyed this movie. Beautiful young leading ladies, and lots of laughs to keep me entertained. The parents are very funny, yet clueless as well but their fun to watch.

I highly recommend these good family value movies, their defiantly worth watching and they teach you how to live your life to the fullest, appose to stay in the shadows and wish you were someone else.

Good movie, good price, good acting.

Love it!.......2007-05-22

My sister and I used to watch this movie over and over when we were younger. I'm so glad it's on DVD now!

Perfect for sisters!.......2007-05-21

"Wish Upon a Star" is an adorable movie that my sister and I loved to watch when they used to show it on the Disney Channel in the 90's. 10 years later, I finally broke down and bought it. I'm so glad I did. Its still charming and the slightly dated elements add character and provide some extra laughs. Its a fun "girl" movie to watch especially with your sister.

Average customer rating:

Matilda
Wonderful Movie!!
classic "must have" for your dvd collection
I love this movie ***** Fun Filled
Creepy and cute at the same time.

Matilda (Special Edition)
Starring: Kiami Davael , Embeth Davidtz , Pam Ferris , Gregory R. Goliath , and Leor Livneh Hackel
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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Comedy | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

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( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B0000VCZKW
Release Date: 2005-06-07

Description

See the world from a kid's-eye view with Matilda, a modern fairytale that mixes hilarious humor with the magical message of love. Mrs. Doubtfire's Mara Wilson stars as Matilda, a super-smart little girl who's woefully misunderstood by her parents (Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman), her brother, and an evil school principal. But with the help of a brave best friend and a wonderful teacher, Matilda discovers she doesn't have to get mad to get even.

Customer Reviews:

Matilda.......2007-07-05

I was very pleased with the time frame and the condition of the movie. Thank you very much.

Wonderful Movie!!.......2007-05-07

We have had this movie on VHS for years and we finally wore it out and ordered the DVD version. My children and their friends have watched it over and over through the years. Fun,family movie.

classic "must have" for your dvd collection.......2007-04-29

my kids LOVE this movie. full of fun and imagination. matilda is among the best children's classics.

I love this movie ***** Fun Filled.......2007-04-19

I have yet to get this movie on DVD, but I have it on VHS. This is one of my favorite movies of all time. I actually know most if not all the lines in the movie.

Bruce Bugtrotter was one of my favorite characters in the film. I love the cake scene in the audutoriam(sp). I love when he told trunchbull that his moms cake was better. "How can you be sure, unless you have another bite." Lol it's a laughable feelgood fun movie.
This is a movie for all ages.
Danny Devito and his wife Rhea Pearlman are really funny this movie. they work well together.

Creepy and cute at the same time........2007-04-14

The plot is highly entertaining, the little girl is darling...and a must see if you are a Danny Divito fan!

DVD:

DVD

DVD

DVD

Wheel Time Express

Lipstick Camera : DVD

Ghost Hunters: Legends of the Legionnaires/Spirits of the Ci

DVD: Blood Tide/Malcomx:Death of a

High Fidelity