Lea

Starring:Lenka VlasÃ¡kovÃ¡, Christian Redl, Hanna Schygulla, Miroslav Donutil, Tereza VetrovskÃ¡, KlÃ¡ra JirsÃ¡kovÃ¡, Zuzana KronerovÃ¡, Sona ValentovÃ¡, Udo Kier, Gerd Lohmeyer, Herman Van Ulzen, Mojmir Kucera, JÃ¡n Melkovic, Stano Danciak, Ivan GogÃ¡l, Oliver Stritzel
Director: Ivan FÃla
Studio: Facets
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com essential video

Disney's 1992 animated feature is a triumph of wit and skill. The high-tech artwork and graphics look great, the characters are strong, the familiar story is nicely augmented with an interesting villain (Jafar, voiced by Jonathan Freeman), and there's an incredible hook atop the whole thing: Robin Williams's frantically hilarious vocal performance as Aladdin's genie. Even if one isn't particularly moved by the love story between the title character (Scott Weinger) and his girlfriend Jasmine (Linda Larkin), you can easily get lost in Williams's improvisational energy and the equally entertaining performances of Freeman and Gilbert Gottfried (as Jafar's parrot). --Tom Keogh

Description

Soar away on a magic carpet ride of nonstop thrills and fun in the most spectacular adventure of all time! Now meticulously restored and enhanced -- experience the wonders of ALADDIN like never before, from the Academy Award(R)-winning music (Best Original Song, Best Original Score, 1992) to the unforgettable moments of sidesplitting comedy and soaring adventure. In the heart of an enchanted city, a commoner named Aladdin and his mischievous monkey, Abu, battle to save the free-spirited Princess Jasmine. Aladdin's whole life changes with one rub of a magic lamp as a fun-loving, shape-shifting Genie appears and grants him three wishes, setting him on an incredible journey of discovery. Through his adventures, Aladdin proves that he is a prince where it truly matters most -- on the inside!

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2007-06-29

One of Disney's best movies! Very funny. Robin Williams does an outstanding job.

Aladdin.......2007-05-16

It is the best and only Arabian movie that I watched when I was younger and I still enjoy to this day. It has great action,

Aladdin.......2007-05-06

I feel lucky to count myself among those who grew up watching modern masterpieces such as "Aladdin", "The Little Mermaid", "Beauty and the Beast" and the like. Nowadays they just don't make 'em like that anymore. Sad but true. (I'm not keen on the Pixar flicks, sorry). I vividly remember going to see each and one of them (starting with "Mermaid" in the spring of 1990) on the big screen. Those were scarce moments of true childhood innocence. Times that you take with you forever, and Disney has done just that to almost every kid in the world during the last 70 years. "Aladdin" came out at the peak of Disney's third golden age that started in 1989. The company released a number of films which broke new ground in animation and were huge artistic and commercial successes as well. Although it broke a few records when it came out on video in 1993, for some odd reason, this DVD release sold a meager amount of copies, catching everyone at the studio by surprise. Nevertheless, "Aladdin" remains as enjoyable as ever and much better than most of its successors.

Perfect Disney DVD for just about anyone..........2007-05-01

I got this as a gift for my niece and she adores the DVD every time she puts it on. Story is told well with great songs/music to sing along to. Production work is A+. Makes a very nice gift for kids or the kid in the adult.

A Fun Children's Story Inspired by One Thousand and One Nights.......2007-04-28

The story of Aladdin, from a collection of stories dating back more than a millennium, has been filmed dozens of times in dozens of variations. However, none was ever filmed as creatively, humorously and family friendly as Disney Studios did in 1992. The success of the movie owes much to the talents of Robin Williams, whose manic impersonations and characterizations propel this movie along at a frantic pace. Disney also kept the story of Aladdin and Princess Jasmine simple, helping the appeal of the movie.

This story is relatively simple, cutting out much of the detail from the original story. Aladdin (voiced by Scott Weinger), is a teenager trying to find enough to eat in Baghdad. Though Aladdin steals food and is a bit of a rogue, he also has a sense of fairness, honor and innocence, a "diamond in the rough" that evil Grand Vizier Jafar (voiced by Jonathan Freeman) needs to enter the Cave of Wonders to steal the magic lamp.

Aladdin enters the cave and finds the lamp, but uses the lamp to escape and become Prince Ali in an attempt to win the heart and hand of Princess Jasmine (voiced by Linda Larkin). As we learn early in the movie, Princess Jasmine wants nothing to do with phonies and princes; she is looking for someone to whom she can give her heart, someone who will understand and love her. Prince Ali is not that person.

Jafar wants the power of being the Sultan of Baghdad. His plan is simple, get the lamp, gain absolute power, marry Jasmine, and take over the world; not necessarily in that order. I would be remiss if I failed to mention Jafar's trusty adviser Iago the Parrot, voiced by the always obnoxious and, certainly in the case of this movie, funny Gilbert Gottfried. Perhaps if Jafar had not had a parrot as an advisor, things might have turned out different for him.

The animation in this edition of the movie is marvelous. The colors are bright and images are quite clear. This movie is excellent to watch on your big screen television.

Another wonderful feature of this movie is the music. The standout song is "A Whole New World," but I also liked "Prince Ali" and "One Jump Ahead." Alan Menken's score and Tim Rice's music garnered an Oscar for Menken and an Oscar for Menken and Rice. In fact, this movie won 22 significant awards and was nominated for another 15.

Aladdin is a good guy trying to survive in a tough world. Princess Jasmine is naïve and innocent. Aladdin's love for Jasmine is pure and teenage and children and teenagers everywhere will identify with Aladdin's angst. The song and dance routines of the Robin Williams' Genie keep the overall tone of this movie light, which is necessary to help balance the evil of Grand Vizier Jafar (voiced by Jonathan Freeman).

I recommend this movie for all members of the family except for the very youngest members, who may be frightened by the images of Jafar and the Genie is a couple of the scenes. Most children ages 4 and above should be able to watch this movie with little difficulty.

Enjoy!

Cult Camp Classics 4 - Historical Epics (The Colossus of Rhodes / Land of the Pharaohs / The Prodigal)

Average customer rating:

Some films are less campy than others in this trio of historical epics including one by Hawks and another by Sergio Leone

Cult Camp Classics 4 - Historical Epics (The Colossus of Rhodes / Land of the Pharaohs / The Prodigal)
Starring: Rory Calhoun , Lea Massari , Georges Marchal , Conrado San Martín , and Ángel Aranda
Director: Sergio Leone , Howard Hawks , and Richard Thorpe
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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Cult Camp Classics 1 - Sci-Fi Thrillers (Attack of the 50 Ft. Woman 1958 / Giant Behemoth / Queen of Outer Space)
Cult Camp Classics 2 - Women in Peril (The Big Cube / Caged / Trog)
Cult Camp Classics 3 - Terrorized Travelers (Hot Rods to Hell / Skyjacked / Zero Hour!)
Tyrone Power: The Swashbuckler Box Set (Blood and Sand / Son of Fury / The Black Rose / Prince of Foxes / The Captain from Castile)
Pirates of the Golden Age Movie Collection (Against All Flags / Buccaneer's Girl / Yankee Buccaneer / Double Crossbones)

ASIN: B000OHZJI2
Release Date: 2007-06-26

Amazon.com

Who says history has to be boring? Warner Bros.' series of "cult classics" is a cheese-popcorn fiesta just waiting to pop. This set includes three "historical" epics long on action and cleavage and proudly short on those dull pesky facts. The Colossus of Rhodes (1961), a splashy toga party starring Rory Calhoun, marks Sergio Leone's credited directorial debut. As sword-and-sandal films go, it's a rollicking tale with excellent special effects, especially the earthquake and its resulting devastation.

Howard Hawks took time in between Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Rio Bravo to direct Land of the Pharoahs (1955), with a cast of thousands, led by the heaving bosoms of Joan Collins. No expense was spared, with nearly 10,000 extras "and 1600 camels in the production!" as the marketing materials of the time proclaim. William Faulkner co-wrote the screenplay, which features delicious turns of events like a lying, scheming so-and-so getting comeuppance by, yes, being sealed alive in a pyramid: "A structure to house one man--and the greatest treasure of all time."

And The Prodigal (1955), directed by Richard Thorpe, tells the ancient biblical tale of two toiling brothers, but ups the ante for the wandering son with a decidedly ungodly pagan temptress in the form of Lana Turner (it's a wonder he ever made it back to his father's farm!). Originally an MGM release, The Prodigal hearkens to the mid-'50s era of the great biblical epic (which many fans believe is due for a renaissance), though it takes extreme liberties with Jesus's parable. Then again, if Lana Turner's figure doesn't signify "debauchery" and "riotous living," what does?

The boxed set also includes some very instructional extras, like vintage interviews with Hawks and contemporary interviews with Peter Bogdanovich and film historians. Let the catapulting begin! --A.T. Hurley

Customer Reviews:

Some films are less campy than others in this trio of historical epics including one by Hawks and another by Sergio Leone.......2007-06-30

There was a time where camp classics weren't exactly intentional but were every bit as enjoyable as the camp films we have now. "Historical Epics" is the fourth in Warner Home Video's "Cult Camp Classics" and at least two of these three films are actually quite good outside of the classification.

The first "The Colossus of Rhodes" was the first film that Sergio Leone took credit on as a director. Set during during the Hellenistic era before the rise of Rome, this film features cowboy b-movie star Rory Calhoun as a Greek(!) hero vacationing in Rhodes who gets pulled into an attempt to overthrow the Emperor. The centerpiece of this film a 180 foot high statue that stood astride the waterways of Rhodes and could be used as a weapon to defend the city by dumping hot molten lead on invaders or would be revolutionaries.

Featuring risable dialogue, great action sequences and impressive production design, this international production (featuring actors from Italy, Spain, America and France)features a number of stunning set pieces that hint at Leone's great Italian Westerns such as "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" and "Once Upon a Time in the West". The film looks quite good with an excellent commentary track by Leone biographer and film historian Christopher Frayling who covers everything from the historical context of the film (the real statue of Rhodes was believed to be about 38 feet high and overlooked the city)and the original theatrical trailer. Frayling points out the good (Leone's stunning use of the camera), the bad (often the dialogue is quite ripe)and the ugly (the overwrought performances of some of the actors)but still finds merit in the film.

Leone does a hommage to Hitchcock's "North by Northwest" and "Sabteour" particularly during the end sequence on top of the Colossus of Rhodes where there is a fight sequence. Fans of cinema will see other references to other films that Leone sneaks in to this historical epic which is still quite enjoyable both as a memorable peek into what would come later from Leone's classic films as well as the silly plot devices and dialogue.

"Land of the Pharaohs" was directed by Howard Hawks and co-written by William Faulkner(!)so how could one go wrong with this historical epic about the building of the pyramids? Joan Collins plays a Nellifer in this epic production while Jack Hawkins is the Pharaoh Cheops putting thousands to work to build is massive tomb. It's interesting because the structure of this film echoes Hawks' great western "Red River". "Pharoahs" is an excellent minor Hawks classic with an epic scale and of the three here is the least camp best film of the bunch. Collins brings the camp element to the forefront with her performance as the scheming Nellifer.

The film features Peter Bogdanovich providing a commentary. Bogdanovich doesn't think much of the film (nor did Hawks as is evident in the interview excerpts included here)but it's a pretty good historical epic with the massive spectacle and production design that one expects from the genre. If it fails to live up to Hawks best films, that could be because he was working in a genre that he wasn't totally comfortable with.

The last film included here "The Prodigal" featuring Lana Turner fits into the camp camp quie well. It apes the Cecil B. DeMille Biblical and historical epics quite well. Basically this tells the story of the prodigal son (Edmund Purdom) who falls for a pagan priestess (Turner).

Dr. Drew Casper gives a frentic and interesting commentary track that makes more of this film than is there. Casper mentions in his commentary that he feels this is a remake of Raoul Walsh's "The Wanderer" from 1926 which I've never seen. He also provides interesting biographical information on many of the actors in the film.

All the films included here look extremely good with some looking much better than others depending on the source print and its condition. Warner does an excellent job of putting this together much as they did with some of the other "Cult Camp Classics" sets in the series (the other two I purchased I haven't watched yet--I wanted to go for the set that had the Hawks and Leone films first). Some of these sets have no or minimal extras (such as a trailer only)but most have commentary tracks and all the ones here even when they aren't perfect provide background on the films. Frayling is always entertaining and does an outstanding job adding humor and has a relaxed conversational style that makes his informative commentary the best of the bunch here.

Three stars for the films with an extra star for the commentary tracks.

Back to the Future - The Complete Trilogy (Widescreen Edition)

Average customer rating:

Back to the Future
Back To The Future
Excellent movie for all family
The Source of Oedipal Complexes Throughout the 80s
Back to the future trilogy

Back to the Future - The Complete Trilogy (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Michael J. Fox , Christopher Lloyd , Lea Thompson , Crispin Glover , and Thomas F. Wilson
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
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The Adventures of Indiana Jones - The Complete DVD Movie Collection (Widescreen Edition)
Ghostbusters 1 & 2 (Double Feature Gift Set)
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DIE HARD - THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION (DVD MOVIE)
Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

ASIN: B00006AL1E
Release Date: 2005-01-25

Product Description

Experience theiComplete Trilogy!

Presented by Steven Spielberg, directed by Oscar® winner Robert Zemeckis and starring time travelers Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, the phenomenally popular Back To The Future films literally changed the future of the adventure movie genre. Now, this unprecedented Back To The Future DVD Trilogy immerses you in all the breathtaking action, outrageous comedy and sheer moviemaking magic of one of the most brilliantly inventive, wildly entertaining motion picture triumphs in Hollywood history!

System Requirements:
Starring: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Crispin Glover, Elisabeth Shue, and Lea Thompson.
Directed By: Robert Zemeckis.
Running Time: 344 Min. (Total), Color.
These films are presented in "Widescreen" format.
Copyright 2002 Universal.

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com essential video

Filmmaker Robert Zemeckis topped his breakaway hit Romancing the Stone with Back to the Future, a joyous comedy with a dazzling hook: what would it be like to meet your parents in their youth? Billed as a special-effects comedy, the imaginative film (the top box-office smash of 1985) has staying power because of the heart behind Zemeckis and Bob Gale's script. High schooler Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox, during the height of his TV success) is catapulted back to the '50s where he sees his parents in their teens, and accidentally changes the history of how Mom and Dad met. Filled with the humorous ideology of the '50s, filtered through the knowledge of the '80s (actor Ronald Reagan is president, ha!), the film comes off as a Twilight Zone episode written by Preston Sturges. Filled with memorable effects and two wonderfully off-key, perfectly cast performances: Christopher Lloyd as the crazy scientist who builds the time machine (a DeLorean luxury car) and Crispin Glover as Marty's geeky dad. --Doug Thomas

Critics and audiences didn't seem too happy with Back to the Future, Part II, the inventive, perhaps too clever sequel. Director Zemeckis and cast bent over backwards to add layers of time-travel complication, and while it surely exercises the brain it isn't necessarily funny in the same way that its predecessor was. It's well worth a visit, though, just to appreciate the imagination that went into it, particularly in a finale that has Marty watching his own actions from the first film. --Tom Keogh

Shot back-to-back with the second chapter in the trilogy, Back to the Future, Part III is less hectic than that film and has the same sweet spirit of the first, albeit in a whole new setting. This time, Marty ends up in the Old West of 1885, trying to prevent the death of mad scientist Christopher Lloyd at the hands of gunman Buford "Mad Dog" Tannen (Thomas F. Wilson, who had a recurring role as the bully Biff). Director Zemeckis successfully blends exciting special effects with the traditions of a Western and comes up with something original and fun. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Back to the Future.......2007-07-05

I bought it as a gift for my son. He watches it all the time. It's great to find bundle packs for good movies.

Back To The Future.......2007-06-14

The product was received sooner than the promised date, and came in exactly as expected based on the description.

The packaging and items were received in excellent condition.

I would recommend a purchase of this type to others.

Excellent movie for all family.......2007-06-08

I've watched all films when they where first released more than one time.

They depict the adventures of michael j. fox's character in a light and (nowadays) naive way.

The effects are good even tough pretty simplistic for today's standards.

The extras worth the price!

The Source of Oedipal Complexes Throughout the 80s.......2007-06-07

This was Hollywood magic all the way. With the direction of Zemeckis, the handling of Spielberg, and the comedic talents of Fox, how could you go wrong? Yes, parts 2 and 3 lost a bit of the luster of the series, but part 1 was genius. Who wouldn't want to have known what their parents were like at their age? Original storytelling with heart, Hollywood could do some refresher courses on how to make movies by reviewing this one. I fear the day Spielberg retires.

Back to the future trilogy.......2007-05-30

I gave the movie 3 stars because the third part was scratched. BUt I give Amazon 5 stars for their cutomer satisfaction, they sent me a brand new trilogy.

Average customer rating:

WOW
So funny!
Always a great movie!
Good, could have been great
An underrated Disney film

Mulan (Special Edition)
Starring: Miguel Ferrer , Harvey Fierstein , Freda Foh Shen , June Foray , and James Hong
Director: Barry Cook , and Tony Bancroft
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
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Aladdin (Disney Special Platinum Edition)
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Mulan II

ASIN: B00024I2Z4
Release Date: 2004-10-26

Amazon.com

Solid entertainment from a new group of Disney animators. The story source is a Chinese fable about a young girl who disguises herself as a man to help her family and her country. When the Huns attack China, a call to arms goes out to every village, and Mulan's father, being the only man in the family, accepts the call. Mulan (voiced by Ming-Na Wen, sung by Lea Salonga) has just made a disastrous appearance at the Matchmaker and decides to challenge society's expectations (being a bride). She steals her father's conscription notice, cuts her hair, and impersonates a man to join the army. She goes to boot camp, learning to fit in with the other soldiers with some help from her sidekick, Mushu, a wise-cracking dragon (voiced by Eddie Murphy). She trains, and soon faces the Huns eye-to-eye to protect her Emperor.

The film is gorgeous to look at, with a superior blend of classic and computer-generated animation. Directors Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook make the best of it: a battle in the snowy mountains is as thrilling as the best Hollywood action films. The menacing Huns are not cute but simple and bad. The wickedness is subtle, not disturbing. The film is not a full-fledged musical, as it has only five songs (the best, "Be a Man," is sung during boot camp). Eddie Murphy is an inspired choice for the comic-relief dragon, but his lines are not as clever as Robin Williams's in Aladdin. These are minor quibbles, though. The story is strong, and Mulan goes right to the top of Disney animated heroines; she has the right stuff. --Doug Thomas

Description

1. "An impressive achievement ranking with BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and THE LION KING!" -- Roger Ebert 2. Deleted Scenes -- Never-Before-Heard Song; Alternate Openings 3. Songs of MULAN 4. Music Videos Featuring Jackie Chan, Raven, And Christina Aguilera 5. "Discovering MULAN" -- Embark On A Behind-The-Scenes Adventure With The Filmmakers 6. Early Presentation Reels 7. Progression Reels 8. DisneyPedia: "Mulan's World" -- Explore The Fascinating World Of Ancient China With Your Host, Mushu 9. MULAN Fun Facts 10. Audio Commentary 11. Storyboard-To-Film Comparisons

Customer Reviews:

WOW.......2007-06-27

This is probabily the second best film in the world-next to Pocahontas that is. The songs are all really catchy and the animation is spectacular.

So funny! .......2007-05-23

This is probably one of my favorite Disney movies. (This and Emperor's New Groove). I love when Disney has a sense of humor and you can clearly see it in this one.

Always a great movie!.......2007-05-13

I loved this movie when I was a kid. Even now, when I watch it again, it still is just as great. Perfect for the entire family!

Good, could have been great.......2007-03-19

Being Chinese, I really wanted to love this movie, but it lacks a few key story elements that set "Masterpiece" animated features such as 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Aladdin' apart from the rest. The animation and sound are fine as they should be and the mountain pass scenes are really cool, especially the part where the huge Mongol hoard comes charging down towards the protagonists in an endless wave of cavalry. The main musical theme "Reflections" is also well written and expresses Mulan's feelings and desires with emotion.

My issues with the movie:

1) The bad guy is certainly bad. He looks bad and he acts bad. However, there isn't really any clear logic or motivation to why he is doing what he's doing. In Beauty and the Beast, Gaston is driven by his egomaniacal desire to have Belle, the one woman in the village who shows no interest in him at all. In Mulan, the bad guy rapes and pillages China because... well... just because. There doesn't appear to be any goal or motivation for him. He destroys simply because he can, which is certainly possible, but makes for a rather flat character. Gaston, Jafar, and Ursula are much more interesting villains.

2) Mulan's romantic partner is kind of a "himbo". He's a pretty boy who doesn't really do much and isn't all that bright. It's not clear to me why Mulan would really want to get together with him other than the fact that he's a good looking dude. Besides that, he doesn't add much to the story. Which leads to my next issue:

3) In the other great Disney features, the lead and their romantic interest share in the resolution of their conflicts and defeat the villian as part of the resolution of the conflict in their romance. In Aladdin, Jasmine and Aladdin battle Jafar together as part of the resolution of the problem where Aladdin lied about being a poor street kid because Jasmine is the Sultan's daughter. Ariel and Eric battle Ursula as part of the romantic conflict brought on by the fact that he is human and she is a mermaid. Eric sees that Ariel is a mermaid in the end and doesn't care. He still risks his life fighting Ursula together with Ariel. In Mulan, it's pretty much just her and the romantic part of the story is an afterthought and they never really get into the issue of resolving that she is "doing a man's job" and shouldn't be in the Chinese army as part of their romantic conflict. It just gets OK'd in the end because she saves the emperor. They don't resolve it between themselves as individuals. Actually, up until the end he still does not accept her until the emperor accepts her. Not very romantic.

4) Finally, the supporting characters don't add much to the story either. The dragon and cricket add a little comedy here and there, but not much else. Some of the soldiers in Mulan's unit had potential, but don't really fully get there.

So, overall I liked the movie, but I didn't love it. This could have been one of their classics if they spent a bit more time developing the story and characters. It looks great, but needed some more under the hood of the story.

An underrated Disney film.......2007-02-21

Released after Pocahontas, when the Disney animated renaissance was coming to a close, this movie did not get much attention; this is unfortunate. While some of the comic relief is pained, Mulan herself is so lovingly rendered that she compensates for the groans.

Mulan, the character, is animated by Mark Henn, one of the main animators behind the beautiful and timeless Disney heroines of the 90s. Like Jasmine, Mulan's movements are feminine, lively, and nuanced, and show how much love he put into his work. Her facial expressions are subtle but clear, showing both her intelligence and her girlish immaturity. It is obvious why he was assigned to the animation of women over and over again; he is a master and considering how popular his Princesses are, I don't understand why he gets less love than Glen Keane.

Equal to Henn's animation is Ming-Na's voice acting. Her voice acting in Final Fantasy is too good; it only shows off the mediocrity of that animation. Here, though, she brings sympathy and depth to the character. Mulan to me is the perfect heroine. Her goal was not true love, she would take it, yes, but her heart seeks respect and honor first.

The plot is almost cloying but stops short at tender. Songs like A Girl Worth Fighting For are forgettable at best, but both Reflection and I'll Make a Man Out of You, the song where Mulan climbs the pole and proves herself, are classics. While sometimes irritating, Eddie Murphy's Mushu gets a few belly laughs. Still, it is the character of Mulan that makes this movie a favorite.

The Royal Tenenbaums (The Criterion Collection)

Average customer rating:

What is it with these movies?
oh criterion
Too Sad To Be Funny, Too Funny To Be Sad
Hillarious, Intelligent, Quirky
Straight to the point

The Royal Tenenbaums (The Criterion Collection)
Starring: Aram Aslanian-Persico , Alec Baldwin , Seymour Cassel , James Fitzgerald (II) , and Danny Glover
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
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ASIN: B0000640VJ
Release Date: 2002-07-09

Amazon.com

In a fitting follow-up to Rushmore, writer-director Wes Anderson and cowriter-actor Owen Wilson have crafted another comedic masterwork that ripples with inventive, richly emotional substance. Because of the all-star cast, hilarious dialogue, and oddball characters existing in their own, wholly original universe, it's easy to miss the depth and complexity of Anderson's brand of comedy. Here, it revolves around Royal Tenenbaum (Gene Hackman), the errant patriarch of a dysfunctional family of geniuses, including precocious playwright Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow), boyish financier and grieving widower Chas (Ben Stiller), and has-been tennis pro Richie (Luke Wilson). All were raised with supportive detachment by mother Etheline (Anjelica Huston), and all ache profoundly for a togetherness they never really had. The Tenenbaums reconcile somehow, but only after Anderson and Wilson (who costars as a loopy literary celebrity) put them through a compassionate series of quirky confrontations and rekindled affections. Not for every taste, but this is brilliant work from any perspective. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Royal Tenenbaum (Gene Hackman) and his wife Etheline (Anjelica Huston) had three children-Chas, Margot, and Richie-and then they separated. Chas (Ben Stiller) started buying real estate in his early teens and seemed to have an almost preternatural understanding of international finance. Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow) was a playwright and received a Braverman Grant of $50,000 in the ninth grade. Richie (Luke Wilson) was a junior champion tennis player and won the U.S. Nationals three years in a row. Virtually all memory of the brilliance of the young Tenenbaums was subsequently erased by two decades of betrayal, failure, and disaster. The Criterion Collection is proud to present Wes Anderson's hilarious, touching, and brilliantly stylized study of melancholy and redemption.

Customer Reviews:

What is it with these movies?.......2007-06-17

These should be a new genre for all the wierd movies popping up like this...I bought this movie a few years ago, and could not even sell it in a garage sale, so I am still stuck with it. I HATE this movie. It has such an all-star cast- but it's awful.
What is with these movies? I mean, do people honestly find these dry, awkward, pointless, trite comdies (with no funny parts) any good?
It's a waste of film.....and nothing special.

oh criterion.......2007-06-10

i dont understand the criterion collection aside from being overpriced, but i must say, i love wes anderson

he is not a director that all can watch though - slow and lengthy films = if you love him you love him, but there is no gray

if you have never seen one of his films, i would suggest rushmore as a first dip into the movies of anderson

Too Sad To Be Funny, Too Funny To Be Sad.......2007-04-08

This is a comedy remake of The Godfather Part lll. No, really. You have the father who tries to reconcile with his broken family, only to fall back into his old conniving ways and discover that it was too late anyway. Oh, and you have the incestuous subplot. It's all there!

I was seriously dissapointed in this movie after Rushmore. But the more I think about it, the more I want to see it again. Ultimately, I think this is a movie about a guy who has spent his life running from his family thinking there was something better in life. He finally realizes there is nothing better. But he's been scamming his way through life for so long that he can't ever communicate his remorse and loneliness sincerely.

But this is a comedy, not a tragedy--even if it often borders on tragedy. I think the comedy comes from the fact that the characters have an instinct to do the right thing but they just don't know how. But knowing they are trying is good enough. Almost.

Hillarious, Intelligent, Quirky.......2007-03-09

The Royal Tenenbaums is a very rare film, the perfect blend of Wes Anderson's unique style with some of the best talent in Hollywood. While the movie is definitely open to criticism, I find the family dynamics to be scarily reminiscent to my own--minus the adopted Margot thread. A film about my family is sure to have a limited audience, since most people don't care about the same things we care about. However, if you're willing to look about some of Anderson's randomness, the heart of his film is very powerful and had me laughing more than any other film of recent memory.

Straight to the point.......2007-02-26

I'll skip the plot breakdown and try to explain what it is about this movie that I love so much. First is the characters, who are all messed up and highly unique. Their personalities are breifly described in the beggining of the movie, and their characters develop from then on. Second is the setting of the movie. The house, the gym, the city, everything has a certain retro feel. The next thing I love about this movie is the dark humor, I never thought suicide could be funny, but I was wrong! The story, the writing, the music, everything is so wonderfully integrated, another Wes classic.

Finally, Bill Murray... enough said.

Some Kind of Wonderful (Special Collector's Edition)

Average customer rating:

Excellent piece of work by John Hughes
Review of Some Kind of Wonderful
Some Kind of Good Movie
Some Kind of Wonderful
One of my all time favorite's!

Some Kind of Wonderful (Special Collector's Edition)
Starring: Eric Stoltz , Mary Stuart Masterson , Lea Thompson , Craig Sheffer , and John Ashton
Director: Howard Deutch
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000FZETKC
Release Date: 2006-08-29

Amazon.com essential video

After dominating the teen-movie genre for the bulk of the 1980s, writer-producer (and sometimes director) John Hughes proved that he had at least one good movie left in him before squandering his talent on lame comedies throughout the 1990s. Like The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink, Some Kind of Wonderful treated its teenaged characters like real people with real feelings, hopes, fears, and desire. Mary Stuart Masterson gives a great performance as a tomboy drummer named Watts who's secretly in love with her best friend, Keith (Eric Stoltz), an aspiring artist who is oblivious to her affection because he's got a crush on Amanda (Lea Thompson), the popular high school beauty. Watts will even go so far as to chauffeur a date for Keith and Amanda, if only to prove--after a lot of patient, emotional anguish--that she's better for Keith than Amanda could ever be. The movie's drama comes from Keith's gradual realization that there's more to love than surface attraction, and Hughes gets extra mileage out of the romantic confusion by allowing Thompson's character to be more than a shallow campus cutie. All three of the leads are good fits in their roles, and this was one of the few teen films of the '80s to add genuine depth to its mainstream appeal. It's one of the few John Hughes movies to stand the test of time. --Jeff Shannon

Description

A young tomboy, Watts (Mary Stuart Masterson), finds her feelings for her best friend, Keith (Eric Stoltz), run deeper than just friendship when he gets a date with the most popular girl in school, Amanda, (Lea Thompson). Unfortunately, the girl's old boyfriend, Hardy (Craig Scheffer), who is from the rich section of town, is unable to let go of her, and plans to get back at Keith.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent piece of work by John Hughes.......2007-06-28

This is a movie that didn't get the attention of others movies in the 80's (Weird Science, Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club) but it sits right up there with them, this film has one of the best soundtracks of the 80's but is missing to songs Beats so Lonely from Charlie Sexton and Catch my Fall of Billy Idol.

In some parts is like Pretty in Pink but with a more real feel to it, all the young actors are in the top of there game (Eric Stolz, Lea Thompson, Mary Stuart Masterson and the always good Craig Sheffer) here but Candace Cameron and Elias Koteas steal this film with there portrait of Keith Sister and the School Badie, vintage John Hughes for the people that where in High School that time this is a must have DVD in your collection of great eighties films about High School crowd.

Review of Some Kind of Wonderful.......2007-06-27

This is a well-acted film about young love and all its ups and downs. The three main characters are excellent in their roles, and there's a good supporting cast. If you want a happy ending, you'll get it with this movie!

Some Kind of Good Movie.......2007-06-27

I have been a big fan of the 80's movies and this one is one of my favorites! The story flows well with the characters, and the cast works very well together and they seem very believable. My favorite character was the typical bad boy who became friends with Eric Stolz and the party scene towards the end was the real highlight of the movie for me. It was somewhat predictable but has a great ending. I can watch this movie over and over again and not get sick of it. Enjoy!!

Some Kind of Wonderful.......2007-06-20

Wonderful movie. One of John Hughes best efforts.

One of my all time favorite's!.......2007-06-12

This movie is soooo AWESOME! I grew up a tomboy, had several guy friends and one I had a crush on. I've loved this movie since it came out all those years ago. Mary Stewart Masterson just ROCKS in this movie! And Eric Stoltz is the perfect person for the lead guy. Wonderful movie, a must have! (singing***)Miss Amanda Jones! Round and round and round.....

Average customer rating:

Simply Amazing (no matter your sexual orientation)
strange...
girls in school
Saved by the cast
Intriguing

Lost and Delirious
Starring: Piper Perabo , Jessica Paré , Mischa Barton , Jackie Burroughs , and Mimi Kuzyk
Director: Léa Pool
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
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Better Than Chocolate
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ASIN: B00005QW5T
Release Date: 2001-12-11

Customer Reviews:

Simply Amazing (no matter your sexual orientation).......2007-06-17

As a straight married man I found this movie to be so moving as to be heart-rendingly painful. I fully understand Paulie's frustration and rejection. I experienced something similar when I was twenty. My best friend(a girl)and I started to become a lot closer so I told her how I truly felt. Big mistake! The entire relationship unravelled instantly and I made an absolute fool of myself for the next six months trying to "win" her love. I was a neurotic wreck for two years afterwards not letting another woman get that close to me until I eventually met the woman that became my wife (and I thank God for her everyday!).

As a father of two daughters I realize that I can't control who they love,that's up to them. This movie has shown me not to be too judgmental about sexual issues. Like Paulie said - love just is.

I highly recommend this movie as an average straight joe because anyone with a heart that has ever been broken into a million pieces will fully understand this movie and have flashbacks during every heart-tugging scene between Paulie and Tori. Yes,I'm man enough to admit I cried at the end! It hit me that hard and profoundly.

This is not a purely lesbian love story/film by any means. This is a story about love and being loved. It's very powerful to say the least. There have been very few films to ever leave a mark on me, this is definitely one of them.

What an amazing piece of film!

strange..........2007-06-12

Sometimes there's a movie that gives you a feeling that no other movie has ever made you feel. This movie did that for me. I don't know if it was having felt a similar situation, but I felt more empathy towards these characters than I ever have for any in a film.
This movie was beautiful and painful to watch, not because it was bad, but because it made me feel so much for the girls.
I got this feeling that I can't quite name, but this movie struck me as unique and moving, a beautiful piece that I completely recommend.

girls in school.......2007-06-03

I wish Misha Barton had a more active part in the affair. Piper is yummy

Saved by the cast.......2007-04-25

This film about various forms of rejection is strange even by Canadian standards. It begins to fall apart about the time the boarding-school lesbian relationship falls apart. By then the writer(s) has resorted to melodramatic use of Shakespeare to demonstrate the crazed intensity of lost love -- a sign that the writer had exhausted her own resources.

There is a nude scene with the pretty and very-well-endowed Jessica Paré to recommend it to guys, and the school has a bucolic setting. However, the best thing about the film for me are the sightings of some amazing American and Candian actresses early in their careers. Besides Piper Perabo (American) and Jessica Paré (Canadian), the story's central character is played by a very young Mischa Barton -- already a willowy beauty. Also in the cast in a few scenes each are Canadian actresses Emily Van Camp and Caroline Dhavernas (she is especially pretty here, and is already speaking English without an accent).

Intriguing.......2007-03-13

The story is a bit far-fetched at best, but Piper Perabo delivers a solid performance following up Coyote Ugly. She is believable as the lovesick heroine in this film, and I found myself really feeling sorry for her as I watched her unravel emotionally and physically.

Average customer rating:

One of my all time favorite movies.
Over 50 and still love this little flick
A Great Family Picture
Space Camp
Shoot For The Stars

Space Camp
Starring: Kate Capshaw , Lea Thompson , Kelly Preston , Larry B. Scott , and Joaquin Phoenix
Director: Harry Winer
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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*Batteries Not Included

ASIN: B00015HVM4
Release Date: 2004-03-02

Amazom.com

SpaceCamp shares a striking similarity to Ron Howard's Apollo 13--it's about NASA trying to bring some people down from outer space, except in this case 13 represents the median age of those in danger. Kate Capshaw plays Andie, who throws off the curve by being on the high end of that age scale. She's always a bridesmaid, but never a bride in the shuttle program, an astronaut doomed to play wet nurse to a gaggle of kids enrolled in NASA's summer program. Of course, out of all these teeming hordes of children (there don't appear to be any particular qualifying standards to attend the camp), the film focuses on five. Kathryn (Lea Thompson) is a hopeful pilot who wants to be at the controls of the shuttle one day. Tate Donovan plays Kevin, a daft young carouser who is supposed to be so incorrigible he's winning (he's not). Kelly Preston is Tish, a valley girl with a photographic memory, and Larry B. Scott is Rudy. Rudy's there to meet the Hollywood quota for capsule diversification, but neither he nor Trish does much. Most oddly, Joaquin Phoenix is Max, the young Star Wars nut whose brain and fast friendship with a NASA robot get them all sent into orbit. It's unfortunate that a lot of topical swear words are peppered throughout SpaceCamp, as it could operate as a diverting night's watch for the young astro-nut in your house. Director Harry Winer, who rose from television and sank back to television after this film stiffed over the summer of 1986, directs in 20-minute blocks like he's pacing himself for a commercial break. Once the embarrassing, extremely '80s, opening 40 minutes are dispensed with, however, and the crew accidentally gets blasted into space, the effort to return home is involving, even if it is pretty silly. SpaceCamp won't win any merit badges for script writing, acting, or direction but it's got the right li'l Camp NASA spirit. --Keith Simanton

Description

Zero gravity meets zero fear in this cosmic comedy-adventure about a summer camp where regular kidscheck in and real astronauts check out! Starring Kate Capshaw, Lea Thompson, Kelly Preston, Larry B. Scott, Leaf Phoenix and Tate Donovan, SpaceCamp is a wild and wonderful thrill-ride packed with 'special effects'spectacular moments (Film Journal) and a gripping climax (Time Out) that's out of this world! For five typical teens, NASA's space camp promises to be a fun wayto blow off the summer. But when a space shuttle exercise misfires, they find themselves launched into orbit, facing the adventure of a lifetime. Now, the only way back to Earth is to take command ofthe ship and control of their destinies, before timeand oxygenrun out!

Customer Reviews:

One of my all time favorite movies........2007-07-05

The acting is not great, but if you have kids that are into space I highly recommend this book, their imaginations will go wild.

Over 50 and still love this little flick.......2007-02-04

Okay, so maybe it's dorky of me, but I really do love this movie. It combines everything I like best in my favorite genres -- fun and funny sci fi; happy ending adventure; heart-warming family entertainment -- with a splash of factual space program documentary. I've seen it about five times! LOL

A Great Family Picture.......2007-01-22

I remember when this movie came out. I saw two different reviews of this picture. One liked it and gave the reasons why. The other did not, and gave his reasons why. And the reasons were the same!!! What one reviewer liked the other hated!

This is an excellent family picture. It shows how people can step up to meet challenges. Of course, watch this movie with your children. Then, you can use it as a tool to encourage them!

One last note: This movie features one of my favorite actors (Skerritt) and one of my favorite actresses (Capshaw).

Space Camp.......2007-01-09

This is a great FAMILY movie to watch. It teaches a great lesson in how very important team work really is and how each person is vitally important to accomplish any goal at hand, otherwise, all would be lost.

Shoot For The Stars.......2007-01-09

This movie may be a bit older - but it is still a good one! It is based around a bunch of kids going to Space Camp who actually end up in space. The movie is clean other than one or two "dam's" that make it in. For adults it may be a little corny - but really I would give it 5 stars for a "B" movie!

Back to the Future - The Complete Trilogy (Full Screen Edition)

Average customer rating:

Back to the Future
Back To The Future
Excellent movie for all family
The Source of Oedipal Complexes Throughout the 80s
Back to the future trilogy

Back to the Future - The Complete Trilogy (Full Screen Edition)
Starring: Michael J. Fox , Christopher Lloyd , Lea Thompson , Crispin Glover , and Thomas F. Wilson
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00006AL1D
Release Date: 2002-12-17

Product Description

Presented by filmmaking legend Steven Spielberg, directed by Oscar winning Robert Zemeckis, and starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, the phenomenally popular Back to the Future films literally changed the future of the adventure movie genre.
Now, this unprecedented Back to the Future DVD Trilogy immerses you in all the breathtaking action, groundbreaking comedy and sheer movie-making magic of one of the most brilliantly inventive, wildly entertaining motion picture triumphs in Hollywood history!

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com essential video

Customer Reviews:

Back to the Future.......2007-07-05

I bought it as a gift for my son. He watches it all the time. It's great to find bundle packs for good movies.

Back To The Future.......2007-06-14

Excellent movie for all family.......2007-06-08

The Source of Oedipal Complexes Throughout the 80s.......2007-06-07

Back to the future trilogy.......2007-05-30

I gave the movie 3 stars because the third part was scratched. BUt I give Amazon 5 stars for their cutomer satisfaction, they sent me a brand new trilogy.

Average customer rating:

The best PG-13 movie ever made
Guerilla Youths Fend Off Soviet Communist Invasion.
First movie with a Pg-13 rating. . Ive listed what special features the new version has below.
WOLVERINES !!
Red Dawn Revisited

Red Dawn
Starring: Patrick Swayze , C. Thomas Howell , Lea Thompson , Charlie Sheen , and Darren Dalton
Director: John Milius
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: 0792838041
Release Date: 1998-02-04

Amazon.com

The Ronald Reagan 1980s were all about going back to the future--rewriting the past to better suit Reagan's upbeat vision of the present. So, Sylvester Stallone's John Rambo (a psychotic, shell-shocked Vietnam vet in the original film, transformed into a flag-waving hero in the sequel) was able to go back to Southeast Asia and "correct" history by decisively (and single-handedly) winning that messy ol' war on behalf of America. Red Dawn is a paranoid cold-war cautionary tale that presents us not with a rosy alternative past, but with an ominous vision of the future, metaphorically plopping a piece of Russian-occupied Afghanistan into America's back yard. In this celebration of the Second Amendment, storm troopers from the Evil Empire descend upon the inadequately defended United States and hold America hostage. Stealthily avoiding the invaders, a motley group of red-blooded, small-town, gun-toting teenagers go underground to form the Wolverines, a guerilla resistance squad dedicated to making those Russkies rue the day they parachuted onto U.S. soil. It's a darn good thing those kids had the right to keep and bear arms, huh! Written and directed by macho filmmaker John Milius, the self-described "Zen fascist" who also cowrote Apocalypse Now, as well as the horrifying shark story Robert Shaw tells in Jaws. The cast includes Patrick Swayze, C. Thomas Howell, Lea Thompson, Jennifer Grey (a few years before she and Swayze took up Dirty Dancing), Charlie Sheen, Powers Boothe, Harry Dean Stanton, and Ben Johnson. Red Dawn was a commercial success, although audiences invariably split into two camps, finding it either patriotic or appalling. Whatever your verdict, the film remains a telling reflection of its era. --Jim Emerson

Description

Red Dawn opens with one of the most shocking scenes ever filmed; on a peaceful morning, through the windows of a high school classroom, students see paratroopers land on the varsity football field: the invasion of the United States has begun! As their town is overrun by foreign nationals, eight teenagers escape to the mountains. Taking the name of their high school football team, the Wolverines, they wage unremitting guerrilla warfare in defense of their parents, their friends and their country. Powerful, chilling and absolutely gripping, this outstanding film features some of today's most popular stars, including Patrick Swayze (Ghost), Charlie Sheen (Platoon), C. Thomas Howell (The Hitcher), Lea Thompson ("Caroline in the City"), Jennifer Grey (Dirty Dancing) and veteran actor Harry Dean Stanton (Alien). When it comes to thrilling entertainment, Red Dawn wins the war with a vengeance!

Customer Reviews:

The best PG-13 movie ever made.......2007-07-04

I first watched "Red Dawn" on HBO as a kid. The patriotism that it instilled drove me to join the US Army. The scenery is amazing, the plot line sufficient, and the characters are amazing. Rarely will you find a movie that commands the presence of so many key characters. From the mayor's patriotically weak son, the first generation Mexican-immigrant boy with the will to fight for the country he loves, to the stereotypical "good 'ol boys" who ultimately instill the futility of war in an enemy commanding general, you're forced to realize all that America has to offer to a potential occupational force.

This is a must watch for anyone who displays a yellow ribbon, believes in the American way or is just up for a movie that spans the gambit of American values and determination.

Guerilla Youths Fend Off Soviet Communist Invasion........2007-06-30

_Red Dawn_ (1984) is an excellent film by John Milius (also famous for _Apocalypse Now_ (1979) and as an anti-gun control law advocate) which came out in 1984 when Ronald Reagan was president during the height of much Cold War hysteria. The movie is about a joint Soviet and Cuban invasion of the United States. The movie asks us to imagine the following scenario: "The Soviet Union suffers worst wheat harvest in 55 years. Labor and food riots in Poland, Soviet troops invade. Cuba and Nicaragua reach troop strength goals of 500,000. El Salvador and Honduras fall. Greens party gains control of West German parliament. Demands withdrawal of nuclear weapons from European soil. Mexico plunged into revolution. NATO dissolves. United States stands alone." Following this scenario the Soviet communists invade the United States, crossing the Bering Strait, while Latin America rises up from the South and attacks. The movie takes place in a small Colorado town where a band of high school students (calling themselves the Wolverines) must work together to fight off the Soviet threat. As guerilla forces these students move up into the mountains where they continually wage war against the Soviet invaders. Their hometown becomes compromised and they must fend off the Red Menace. The movie is interesting in that it shows how the people and in particular the youth must rise up and fend off tyranny. It is to be noted that the brave bands who form together are not members of the army but are ordinary citizens. In this respect, the movie is to be commended.

The movie begins with an ordinary day at high school. While their history teacher is discussing the ancient military tactics of the Mongol hordes (eerily foreshadowing things to immediately come), who repeatedly invaded Europe in ancient times and thus forced the people to fend off their menace, a group of Soviet paratroopers suddenly land on the school grounds. The teacher goes out to meet them but is quickly gunned down. Thus, begins the ensuing struggle, which we later learn is merely a part of World War III, the invasion of the United States by communists. A band of students must join together to fight them off, while their parents remain in the town. The students head for the mountains where they live, periodically returning to the town for supplies. Later, we are to learn that many of their parents (particularly the ones who were viewed as trouble-makers) were sent off to re-education camps. As with the Soviets in Russia, these euphemistically named camps are nothing more than torture and death camps. The students must hunt for food, relying on ancient Indian lore and making use of the Indian rite of drinking the blood of a slaughtered deer to attain its powers. Throughout the year the students begin to fight off the Soviets using guerilla tactics against them. The students call themselves "the Wolverines", which one Soviet notes are "small vicious animals". Thus, begins the war with the imperialist Soviet menace. It should also be noted that the mayor of the town collaborates with the Soviet invaders and gives over the names of dissidents in exchange for his life and security. Thus is the way with all politicians. One of the extraordinary facts about this film is that the people involved can no longer rely on the government to fend off tyrants for them. Thus, it is necessary to take up arms and fight for their homeland themselves. In this spirit, the original frontier tradition of the American revolutionaries lives on in these brave bands of freedom fighters. To see how the movie resolves and how freedom is won back from would-be tyrants you must watch it for yourself.

Of course, this movie has been greeted with the usual chorus of detractors and naysayers who claim that it is "right wing propaganda". Such latter-day Soviet apologists simply fail to see the horrors innate within Soviet power. It is unfortunate that today many would gladly witness the ideals upon which America was founded perish rather than to stand up and fight for them. However, this is the situation in which many Americans exist today.

This movie is highly recommended and is certain to entertain. While it does feature fighting and bloodshed which may horrify the squeamish (it was the first movie to receive a PG-13 rating), the message from it is a positive one. Freedom does come with a price, and that price must often by won by standing up to tyranny.

First movie with a Pg-13 rating. . Ive listed what special features the new version has below........2007-06-22

Red dawn is a classic 80s movie from writer director John Milius. Milius also co wrote the screenplay for the brilliant Apocalypse Now which he shared an oscar nomination with Frances Ford Coppola.
I also learned this was the first movie to get a Pg-13 rating from the mpaa after public outcry of the violence in pg rated movies such as Indiana Jones and the temple of doom, and Gremlins.(movieweb)
I own about 1200 dvds and i actually do not have this one, so i will splurge and get this new collectors edition. I've listed some info below about the new version i found on the internet hopefully it helps. Thanks for reading.

Collectors Edition DVD

Release Date: July 17th, 2007
Edition: Co