Two Friends

Starring:Kris Bidenko, Emma Coles, Kris McQuade, Peter Hehir, Kerry Dwyer, Stephen Leeder, Debra May, John Sheerin, Sean Travers, Emily Stocker, Lynne Murphy, Giovanni Marangoni, Benny Ulizzi, Rory Delaney, Lisa Rogers (III), Amanda Frederickson, Martin Armiger, Jim Madias, Lorna King, Arthur Faynes
Director: Jane Campion
Studio: Image Entertainment
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com essential video

Paul Newman shines as cocky poolroom hustler "Fast" Eddie Felson in Robert Rossen's atmospheric adaptation of the Walter Tevis novel. Newman's Felson is a swaggering pool shark punk who takes on the king of the poolroom, Minnesota Fats (a cool, assured Jackie Gleason in his most understated performance). After losing big and crashing into a void of self-pity, Eddie meets down-and-out Sarah (Piper Laurie in a delicate performance), an alcoholic blue blood who's dropped into Eddie's world of dingy bars and seedy poolrooms. Eddie regains his confidence and attracts the attention of a shifty, calculating promoter, Bert Gordon (George C. Scott at his most heartless), who offers to bring Eddie into the big money--but at what cost? Rossen brings his film to life with the easy pace of a pool game, giving his actors room to explore their characters and develop into a razor-sharp ensemble. Eugen Schüfftan earned an Academy Award for his shadowing black-and-white cinematography, as did art directors Harry Horner and Gene Callahan for their deceivingly simple set designs. Even in the daylight this film seems to be smothered by night, lit by the dim glow of a bar lamp or the overhead glare of a pool-table light, an appropriate environment for this tale of one man's struggle with his soul and his self-esteem. Newman returned as an older, wiser, cagier Felson 25 years later in Martin Scorsese's Color of Money. --Sean Axmaker

Description

Paul Newman heads a superb cast featuring Jackie Gleason, George C. Scott and Piper Laurie in the riveting film that received an Academy Award(r) nomination as Best Picture of 1961 and brought all four of its Oscar(r) nomination. Newman (Best Actor nominee) is electrifying as Fast Eddie Felson, an arrogant, amoral hustler who haunts backstreet pool rooms fleecing anyone who'll pick up a cue. Determined to be acclaimed as the best, Eddie seeks out the legendary Minnesota Fats (Gleason, Supporting Actor nominee), who's backed by Bert Gordon (Scott, Supporting Actor nominee), a predatory gambler. Eddie can beat the champ, but virtually defeats himself with his low self-image. The love of a lonely woman (Laurie, Best Actress nominee) could turn Eddie's life around, but he won't rest until he beats Minnesota Fats, no matter what price he must pay. Voted one of the year's ten best by "The New York Times" and "Time," and distinguished by 2 Academy Awards- Cinematography, Art Direction-Set Decoration (B&W), The Hustler is a dazzling cinematic triumph.

Customer Reviews:

The Hustler.......2007-06-28

A gritty, atmospheric picture about the tense world of high-stakes pool, Rossen's "The Hustler" features some of Newman's best work-to-date. "Fast Eddie" may be a young virtuoso with a pool cue, but his maturity hasn't caught up with his moves, and he learns some hard lessons in pool and life from Minnesota Fats, played to cool perfection by the late, great Gleason. Scott also stands out as a ruthless backer, and Piper Laurie does a sad, sensitive turn as a lonely woman on the fringes who falls under Eddie's spell. Though Newman was Oscar-nominated, he'd have to reprise the role twenty-five years later (in "The Color Of Money") to win the statuette. I prefer this, his original outing.

Fast Eddie Delivers..........2007-06-14

The Hustler is a crucial film in Paul Newman's career. It launched him into the Hollywood stratosphere and marked the beginning of an incredible run in the 1960s, with movies like Hud, Cool Hand Luke and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Newman became a movie star but acted like a character actor, creating one memorable character after another. Arguably, The Hustler is where he really came into his own, delivering a powerful performance as small-time pool hustler Fast Eddie Felson.

The first disc includes an audio commentary by actor Paul Newman, daughter of director Robert Rossen, Carol Rossen, editor Dede Allen, actor Stefan Gierasch (who played Preacher), assistant director Ulu Grosbard, film critic Richard Schickel, and writer/producer Jeff Young. Allen says that they shot and edited the film in New York City which the studio did not like because they wanted to keep closer tabs on the production. Rossen says that before her father optioned the book, Frank Sinatra wanted to adapt it but couldn't figure out a way to do it. Gierasch and Newman talk about how they were cast and recall filming anecdotes. Each participant is interviewed separately and then edited together in this decent track.

"Trick Shot Analysis" allows you to watch the film with pool expert Mike Massey analyzing five pool sequences or on their own. He tends to describe what we're watching but does explain some of the tactics on display in the movie.

New to this edition are three retrospective featurettes. "Life in the Fast Lane: Fast Eddie Felson and the Search for Greatness" includes new interviews with Newman, Laurie, Dede Allen and others. Newman speaks passionately about the film and tells an amusing story about researching his role.

"Milestones in Cinema History: The Hustler" examines the film's legacy. Newman admired Rossen for allowing them to experiment in the moment. He also recounts a story about how he got hustled by Gleason.

"Swimming with Sharks: The Art of the Hustle" explores the gambling aspect as well as the con aspect of the film. A pool champ demonstrates some impressive trick shots and defines some key lingo of the sport.

Carried over from the previous DVD edition is "The Hustler: The Inside Story," a retrospective featurette that provides a historical context and how Rossen wanted to comment on society with this film. It also explores the film's origins, casting and various aspects.

"Paul Newman: Hollywood's Cool Hand" is an A&E biography episode on the actor that examines his life and career with many of his contemporaries talking about him.

"How to Make a Shot" repeats the "Trick Shot Analysis" extra on the first disc.

Also included are trailers for eight of Newman's films and two trailers for The Hustler.

Finally, there is a "Still Gallery" with a collection of behind-the-scene photographs, promotional stills and ad campaign material.

Packaging looks like a Larry Flynt mag.......2007-06-12

Seriously, do you think they could have chosen a different title font?

'The Hustler': Dark, hip, classic.......2007-06-11

Paul Newman has been around so long and is so extended as a personality -- we see him most frequently on salad dressing labels -- that there's a danger of forgetting his genius.

Anyone in need of a refresher should cue up for Fox's double-disc rerelease of "The Hustler." This was Newman's breakthrough film, a startling piece of lowlife lit built around the fictional pool-shooting punk Fast Eddy Felson. George C. Scott, Jackie Gleason and Piper Laurie turned this 1961 drama into an actors showcase. Every other line found its way into the nation's pool halls and stayed there for decades.

Robert Rossen directed with style, daring and street smarts, in striking black and white.

This DVD appears to have the same video and audio as the last Fox release, in 2002. No big deal -- there is almost no apparent wear and the widescreen images look handsome overall, a little pale here or murky there. The DVD also ports over the extras from '02, including a group commentary in which Newman participates.

New to the set are three featurettes about the movie, actors and pool shots. Newman is interviewed on camera, sharp but hunched over and hoarsely whispering a lot. The heavy lifting is done by Piper Laurie, who has excellent recall of the New York production. (Newman and Laurie both were in their mid-30s. Rossen called them "kids.")

Fox deserves credit for upgrading the title at a fair price, but owners of the previous disc probably should wait for rerack on the A/V. There is a fair amount of repetition in the shotgun marriage of old and new extras.

Do The Hustle: Newman Makes Fast Eddie Felson A Hollywood Legend.......2007-04-06

Let's face it, what can I possibly say about Robert Rossen's exquisitely hard-edged classic that hasn't been said before? "The Hustler" is an astounding and uncompromising drama that seems as fresh today as it did 45 years ago. So often we'll look back at the classics--and, as is appropriate, they might seem dated. Times change and that is reflected in cinema. "The Hustler," though, is one of the rare films that was so sophisticated, so intelligent, and so honestly raw--that its power has not been diminished by the years. Set in a very unglamorous world of pool halls and back rooms, "The Hustler" is a testosterone fueled excursion into the life and pursuits of one of Hollywood's most notorious anti-heroes--Fast Eddie Felson. Nominated for eight Oscars, this refreshingly adult film cemented Paul Newman's status as one of our greatest actors.

The story of "The Hustler" is surprisingly simplistic. A brash young pool shark sets his sights on defeating one of the game's greatest players--Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason, at his best). But getting up on Fats isn't enough--no, he wants to crush his opponent. Eddie's naked and uncompromising drive eventually becomes his undoing as his winning streak turns to defeat. Despondent and broke, Eddie aligns with an equally desperate love interest. Sarah, played by Piper Laurie (never better), is a bitter alcoholic who has given up on life. But her complicated romance with Eddie seems to hint at the possibility of new hope. Eddie, however, can't change his spots overnight and an encounter with an unscrupulous manager (George C. Scott) just might get Eddie a second chance at Fats. For good or for bad, it seems Eddie is destined to go down that road again.

Paul Newman imbues Eddie with much cockiness, bravado, arrogance, ambition, and even desperation. In my opinion, it is Newman's best and most multi-layered performance. This (along with "Hud") celebrated Newman as a new type of leading man--someone you could like and despise at once. Morally questionable, perhaps even amoral at times, Newman was not afraid to be despicable. While only Oscar nominated for this film, ironically he won roughly 25 years later for reprising Eddie for "The Color of Money." Laurie, Scott, and Gleason all picked up Oscar nods as well. The film is impeccably acted and beautifully filmed. Not just for those with an interest in pool, "The Hustler" is a searing drama that stands as a deft character study of a man figuring out what is important after all.

While the Collector's Edition seems to be handsomely packaged as a two disc set, whether or not it's worth the upgrade from the Special Edition seems a bit suspect. Both have widescreen presentation, commentary from Newman and "Time" film critic Richard Schickel (among others), and features on "How to Make The Shot" and "The Hustler: The Inside Story." This new addition adds four featurettes--"Life in the Fast Lane: Fast Eddie Felson and The Search for Greatness," "Milestones in Cinema History: The Making of The Hustler," "Swimming with Sharks: The Art of the Hustle," and "Paul Newman: Hollywood's Cool Hand." So it's a judgment call whether or not you feel these extra shorts will add to your viewing experience. If you don't own the film, then it's a no-brainer! Either way, "The Hustler" is a true classic. One of Newman's best (if not best) performances make this gritty and timeless drama a must own DVD. KGHarris, 04/07.

Fight Club (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

Average customer rating:

I dislike violent films, and I love this movie
Bad
This movie kicks....
Anarchy anyone?
If you are ready to wake up and do more than just behave ...

Fight Club (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)
Starring: Edward Norton , Brad Pitt , Meat Loaf , Helena Bonham Carter , and Zach Grenier
Director: David Fincher
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00003W8NM
Release Date: 2000-06-06

Amazon.com essential video

All films take a certain suspension of disbelief. Fight Club takes perhaps more than others, but if you're willing to let yourself get caught up in the anarchy, this film, based on the novel by Chuck Palahniuk, is a modern-day morality play warning of the decay of society. Edward Norton is the unnamed protagonist, a man going through life on cruise control, feeling nothing. To fill his hours, he begins attending support groups and 12-step meetings. True, he isn't actually afflicted with the problems, but he finds solace in the groups. This is destroyed, however, when he meets Marla (Helena Bonham Carter), also faking her way through groups. Spiraling back into insomnia, Norton finds his life is changed once again, by a chance encounter with Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt), whose forthright style and no-nonsense way of taking what he wants appeal to our narrator. Tyler and the protagonist find a new way to feel release: they fight. They fight each other, and then as others are attracted to their ways, they fight the men who come to join their newly formed Fight Club. Marla begins a destructive affair with Tyler, and things fly out of control, as Fight Club grows into a nationwide fascist group that escapes the protagonist's control.

Fight Club, directed by David Fincher (Seven), is not for the faint of heart; the violence is no holds barred. But the film is captivating and beautifully shot, with some thought-provoking ideas. Pitt and Norton are an unbeatable duo, and the film has some surprisingly humorous moments. The film leaves you with a sense of profound discomfort and a desire to see it again, if for no other reason than to just to take it all in. --Jenny Brown

Product Description

2-Disc set is loaded with Extra Punch!

Bonus Features

Four audio commentaries by the cast and crew, including David Fincher, Brad Pitt, Edward Norton and Helena Bonham Carter.
Five deleted scenes and outtakes.
Original sketches, oil paintings, storyboards, publicity stills and lobby cards.
17 behind-the-scenes vignettes.
Anamorphic widescreen format
Languages:English 5.1 surround; English and French Dolby Surround

And much more!

System Requirements:
Starring: Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Helena Bonham Carter, Meat Loaf, Jared Leto, Van Quattro, Markus Redmond, Michael Girardin, and Rachel Singer. Directed By: David Fincher. Running Time: 139 Min., Color. This film is presented in "Widescreen" format. Copyright 2000 Twentieth Century Fox.

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

I dislike violent films, and I love this movie.......2007-06-25

Fight Club MUST be seen twice to be truly understood. Can't say more than that, it would ruin the fun.
This film was way ahead of its time in its devastatingly exact portrayal of the emptiness of its time. Give this puppy a few decades and it will be seen as perhaps the finest celluloid expression of millenial ennui/nihilism. The violence is entirely necessary to the experience, and this isn't the standard defense-industry-sponsored Hollywood Gun Porn; it's straight-up bare-knuckle brawling, and its visceral point hits home hard. In the anesthetized homogenized consumerist vacuum of a culture that we call home, it takes at least a few solid shots to the jaw to begin to wake up from our American Dream/Nightmare.
Fight Club was widely panned upon release, and no wonder. This is one of the most subversive major studio films of all time, intelligently deconstructing modern film and the entertainment/distraction industry in general. Fight Club's heroes blow up the headquarters of credit card companies (!) in a decidedly unapologetic way...not really the message our Feudal Lords wish us to ponder while being entertained. Why not buy a copy on your Mastercard just for kicks, but whatever you do don't burn it for everyone you know just because the message of this film is more important than making money for the system this flick slams at every turn.
So many hidden details, so much black humor (the Ikea lifestyle catalog scene is brilliant), three excellent lead performances, tremendous writing (Palahniuk must have been thrilled with the adaptation), a wild score, state of the art editing, sets, and direction, and so much more.
But, and this can not be overstated, you absolutely have to see it twice; the second viewing is a completely different animal, and will make you realize how thoroughly manipulated we are by modern culture, no matter how above and beyond it we think we may be.
For a culture constantly and adoringly staring up its own ahole, Fight Club is a satisfyingly violent enema.

Bad.......2007-06-24

I was like ok, everyone talked about fight club likes its the greatest movie of all time plus I am a huge Brad Pitt fan so let me just buy it without ever seeing it. Big mistake. The only interesting aspect of this movie is the ending revelation of the relationship between Brad Pitt and Edward Norton. Other than that, it was a waste of a lot of time. This movie was no short. But, than again, I am hard to entertain but I suggest that before you buy it, bit torrent it first!

This movie kicks...........2007-06-17

Fight Club....so fresh when it came out, and still so. Man, the action, the comedy, the drama.....and so so so so well put together. Ed Norton has a very controlled, boringly normal, compulsively square life. Then he joins a fight club, and Brad Pitt (smokin hot in this movie...it had to be said) steps into his life. I don't want to give away any twists or turns, but I will just say that while a little violent, the movie is amazing to watch. It's so well acted, and adventerous, and like nothing else you'll see.

Anarchy anyone?.......2007-06-15

Fight Club is a crude raunchy slugfest that knocks the wind out of you like an unsuspecting kick to the balls. Edward Norton a mealy mouthed insurance inspector runs into his antihero, a wise smart mouth punk, who knows what ails today's men. They have lost their animal instinct, the bloodlust, and their will to survive. The two start up a clandestine bare knuckle fight club. Surprisingly clubs spring up everywhere. The members begin to worship Pitt and Norton like gods. Things take a turn for the worse as the fight clubs turn its energy on society. Norton slowly but surely begins to realize that there is something really familiar about Pitt. This is really a great film if you're planning to be part of the new revolution; of course we all know the first rule.

If you are ready to wake up and do more than just behave ..........2007-06-14

I loved this movie. It give a much needed message while providing excellent, though dark, entertainment. I highly recommend it for anyone who needs to grow a pair!

Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels (Widescreen Edition)

Average customer rating:

One of the Best British Comedies Ever
Madcap British crime caper
The only film that makes me proud to say I'm British
Celluloid Fiction
"A minute ago this was the safest job in the world. Now it's turning into a bad day in Bosnia."

Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Jason Flemyng , Dexter Fletcher , Nick Moran , Jason Statham , and Steven Mackintosh
Director: Guy Ritchie
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00007ELEP
Release Date: 2002-11-05

Amazon.com

Cockney boys Tom, Soap, Eddie, and Bacon are in a bind; they owe seedy criminal and porn king "Hatchet" Harry a sizable amount of cash after Eddie loses half a million in a rigged game of poker. Hot on their tails is a thug named Big Chris who intends to send them all to the hospital if they don't come up with the cash in the allotted time. Add into the mix an incompetent set of ganja cultivators, two dimwitted robbers, a "madman" with an afro, and a ruthless band of drug dealers and you have an astonishing movie called Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Before the boys can blink, they are caught up in a labyrinth of double-crosses that lead to a multitude of dead bodies, copious amounts of drugs, and two antique rifles.

Written and directed by talented newcomer Guy Ritchie, this is one of those movies that was destined to become an instant cult classic à la Reservoir Dogs. Although some comparisons were drawn between Ritchie and Quentin Tarantino, it would be unfair to discount the brilliant wit of the story and the innovative camerawork that the director brings to his debut feature. Not since The Krays has there been such an accurate depiction of the East End and its more colorful characters. Indicative of the social stratosphere in London, Ritchie's movie is a hilarious and at times touching account of friendships and loyalty. The director and his mates (who make up most of the cast) clearly are enjoying themselves here. This comes across in some shining performances, in particular from ex-footballer Vinnie Jones (Big Chris) and an over-the-top Vas Blackwood (as Rory Breaker), who very nearly steals the show. Full of quirky vernacular and clever tension-packed action sequences, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is a triumph--a perfect blend of intelligence, humor, and suspense. --Jeremy Storey

Product Description

Streetwise charmer and cardshark Eddy (Nick Moran) walks into the biggest card game of his life carrying a stake backed by the life-savings of his three best mates, Tom (Jason Flemyng), Bacon (Jason Statham) and Soap (Dexter Fletcher). Eddy is the sharpest player on the circuit but the game is a set-up, and Eddy leaves owing the underworld boss Hatchet Harry (P.H. Moriarty) half a million. Harry gives Eddy a week to come up with the money before he starts taking fingers as collateral. Eddy s dad, JD (Sting) can cancel the debt by handing over his bar, lock, stock and barrel to his old adversary, Harry. JD refuses to give in, feeling his street-tough son can get himself out of his own messes. So, while Harry sends a couple of petty crooks to steal a pair of antique shotguns to add to his collection, Eddy and his mates plan a caper that will enable them to pay off Harry and make out like bandits! In a comedy of errors, and a helter-skelter ride through London s gangland, the guns, cash, drugs and identities become all mixed up as a full complement of London s lowlife get involved in a melee which even all their menace can t handle. Full of energy and surprising twists at every turn, it s a rollicking comedy that has it all, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

One of the Best British Comedies Ever.......2007-06-25

If you've seen "Snatch" you have to watch this film (since it is the pre-sequel to "Snatch".) It is a very funny and yet full of action that you won't get bored. I am a big fan of Jason Statham so I purchased this film and I am hooked. Everyone who I recommended this film to has purchased it to add on to his/her collections. This film is idea at get-togethers.

Madcap British crime caper.......2007-04-16

Director Guy Ritchie expertly concocted an amusing crime thriller replete with crosses and double crosses among various criminal groups in London's underworld. The plot surrounds a group of 4 low level criminals played by Jason Statham, Nick Moran, Jason Flemyng and Dexter Fletcher who pool their resources to sit in at a high stakes card game with a 100,000 pound admission. Nick Moran playing Eddie is a card shark but the game run by porn king Harry "Hatchet" Lonsdale played by P.J. Moriarty is fixed. He loses the 100,000 and an aditional 500,000 which must be paid within a week or else.

The band of 4 friends contrive to recoup the stolen funds by ripping off a marijuana growing cartel that conveniently live next door. That group had already been targeted by other group of robbers and things as a result get predictably muddled.

Meanwhile The "Hatchet" has commissioned the theft of a pair of antique shotguns worth a small fortune that bizarrely wind up in the hands of Moran and his friends. The various groups begin exchanging both the money and the shotguns among them leaving behind a trail of bloodied corpses in this farcical romp.

Ritchie concludes this well contrived comedic thriller, which includes a plethora of tough looking British thugs, with a touch of irony that effectively caps this winning film.

The only film that makes me proud to say I'm British.......2007-04-01

This is the best british comedy EVER....well in my opinion ;-)

It has a pulp fiction vibe, following a group of wheelers and dealers (hustlers) who get into a sticky situation with an East End gangster.

Original plot, clever dialogue and great cinematography. I'm sure Americans will struggle with the dialogue but give it a try!

Celluloid Fiction.......2007-02-08

A friend of mine suggested that I watch 1998's Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels..."It's the British version of Pulp Fiction," he proclaimed.

There is the similarity that characters unaware of each other's presence are ultimately all connected by the closing credits in both Pulp Fiction (1994) and Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels. There is a lot of shooting. But otherwise, there were not a lot of plot similarities. And Pulp Fiction is much more of a violence R-rated film than the mainly language R-rating slapped on Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

So, I'm glad that my friend recommended Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels to me, but I'd mostly disagree about his summation of the film. This movie absolutely stands on it's own as a good, suspenseful action flick with some terrific twists. It's funny when it wants to be. It's serious. It's thrilling...a thoroughly enjoyable movie from the late 90s.

I don't know why I'd never taken the time before yesterday to watch Director Guy Ritchie's story of 4 guys that get themselves in deep with a local kingpin. But I can tell you that Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels was sure good enough to have me add Ritchie's 2000 follow-on Snatch (aka Lock, Stock and Six Stolen Diamonds) to my Ready-to-View queue; I understand that several of the actors are back, but all playing unrelated characters along side Brad Pitt. But that's another review entirely.

Check out Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

"A minute ago this was the safest job in the world. Now it's turning into a bad day in Bosnia.".......2007-01-11

I've owned Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) on DVD for a few years now and I've watched it about three or four times so far mainly due to the fact it's extremely entertaining and engaging, but also because it's one of those films that actually gets a little better each time it's viewed, in my opinion. Written and directed by Guy Ritchie (Snatch, Swept Away), the film features Jason Flemyng (The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen), Dexter Fletcher (Tristan + Isolde), Nick Moran (The Rules of Engagement), and Jason Statham (Snatch, The Transporter, Crank), in his first, feature film. Also appearing is P.H. Moriarty (Jaws 3-D), Vinnie Jones (Snatch), Lenny McLean (The Fifth Element), Frank Harper (Bend It Like Beckham), Steven Mackintosh (Underworld: Evolution), Nicholas Rowe (Young Sherlock Holmes), Stephen Marcus (Quills), Vas Blackwood (Mean Machine), and Sting (Dune) aka Gordon Sumner, former frontman of the band The Police.

The story, set in London's seedy East End, involves four friends named Eddie (Moran), Bacon (Statham), Tom (Flemyng), and Soap (Fletcher) who find themselves in deep with a local criminal boss after Eddie loses big during a poker game. Here's the deal...a scary fellow named 'Hatchet' Harry Lonsdale (Moriarty), who operates an adult novelty shop as a front, has a running card game, one in which the buy in is 100 thousand pounds. Seems Eddie's specialty is not so much in cards, but the ability to read his opponents, so Eddie and his friends come up with the dough in the hopes of turning around a quick profit. Thing is, Harry cheats, so subsequently Eddie loses, and loses big, to the point where he's a half million in the hole to Harry. Harry knows Eddie's buy in money came from a collective pool, so he now holds them all responsible for the debt, and has given them approximately a week to pony up, or else he'll have his collector, a seriously scary individual named Big Chris (Jones), come around to start removing body parts. The situation seems bleak but hope does arrive in the form of a plan, one in which involves Eddie and his friends putting it to Eddie's neighbor, a man named Dog (Harper), who, along with his crew, are planning to rip off a group of local weed dealers. As the various plans come together (along with various comical complications tied to each), Eddie and crew successfully heist Dog's score, but even more complications arise as various players get involved, resulting in an extraordinary amount twists and turns, so much so you just may need a scorecard to keep track of all the action...

One should know I barely scratched the surface of the story above, as there's a great many interesting characters running about this film, along with a large number of varied plot elements which don't seem all that related at first, but eventually do tie together well as the film careens towards its conclusion. The story is very complicated, but I think Ritchie does an excellent job in keeping things orderly and moving along at a solid pace. Ritchie uses a decent amount of techniques to forward the story, including voice overs, slow motion, still frames, flashbacks, odd shooting angles, etc., all of which are utilized in such a way to enhance the story. All the performances are solid, bolstered by a lot of great dialog awash with cockney slang. At first some of the language may seem odd, but after awhile the viewer doesn't notice it as much as they're engrossed in the activity on the screen and certain things not understood through dialog alone become apparent from the inflection of speech and the action of the characters. The first quarter or so of the film sets up most of the characters, while the second quarter presents the dilemma, and then the rest involves Eddie and friends trying to extricate themselves from a very deep hole. As I mentioned earlier, there's a large number of characters introduced throughout, but know each has a specific role in the overall scheme of things, and is presented with the appropriate amount of screen time in terms of their importance to the story. Given this was Ritchie's first film, I was amazed at how well he managed to present as much as he did with the ease in which he did it, as everything clicked her for me. I should also mention the eclectic choice of tunes used throughout worked very well, as there's songs by The Stooges, James Brown, Dusty Springfield, Robbie Williams, The Stone Roses, among others. My favorite character in the film was Big Chris, a no nonsense enforcer/collector played by Vinnie Jones (he was `Big' Chris, as his young son, who could often be found at his side, was `Little' Chris). There's a great scene near the end where Big Chris deals with a threat to his son by utilizing a car door on the head on the one who made the threat. There is a copious amount of violence throughout this comical crime caper, but most of it, in terms of the actual visceral displays, isn't shown. An example of this is you'll see someone shooting a gun at someone else, but you don't necessarily see the person being shot at during impact. The trick here is what you don't see you fill in with your mind, given the detailed events just prior, so there's a perception of violence, rather than the actual depiction, which can be just as effective. All in all this is a highly entertaining film, capped off by a great ending. If you've seen this film and are interested in others like it, I'd highly recommend Ritchie's next film entitled Snatch (2000), as they're very similar, the main difference being the latter has a larger budget and features a slew of recognizable faces such as Brad Pitt (Mr. & Mrs. Smith), Dennis Farina ("Law & Order"), and Benicio Del Toro (Traffic), along with a number of performers from this film.

The DVD I own is the initial release, and not the `Lock N' Loaded' director's cut which was released later. In terms of the version I own, the picture, available in both widescreen anamorphic (1.85:1) and fullscreen format (1.33:1), looks clean, and the Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround audio comes across very well. In terms of extras there are production notes, cast and crew biographies, a production featurette, trailers for both the U.S. and U.K. release, an informative cockney rhyming slang dictionary, and subtitles in English, French, and Spanish.

Cookieman108

Average customer rating:

Bought it for my class but can't show it.
It ain't Welles, but it'll do.
In a word: horrid.
Interesting
Poor Shakespeare

O (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Starring: Mekhi Phifer , Josh Hartnett , Andrew Keegan , Julia Stiles , and Rain Phoenix
Director: Tim Blake Nelson
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Othello
Hamlet
10 Things I Hate About You
Othello
William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet (Special Edition)

ASIN: B00005U8EL
Release Date: 2002-02-19

Amazon.com

When you compare O to William Shakespeare's Othello, you'll realize just how well this modern adaptation really works. Shakespeare's tragedy transfers nicely to the film's contemporary private school setting, where Othello is now Odin (Mekhi Phifer), star of the basketball team and the school's only African American student. Desdemona is Desi (Julia Stiles), the dean's daughter and Odin's girlfriend, and Iago is Hugo (Josh Hartnett), the coach's steroid-shooting son, who jealously plants seeds of doubt that fester in Odin's mind, leading them all to a tragically violent fate. As directed by Tim Blake Nelson (who played the dimwit Delmar in O Brother, Where Art Thou?), this is a clever and serious interpretation of Shakespeare that, sadly, was shelved for two years when its distributor balked at potential comparisons to the Columbine massacre. Such fears were pointless; this well-acted film delivers an anti-violence message that younger viewers will readily appreciate. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Bought it for my class but can't show it. .......2007-06-26

I thought about teaching it as a modern interpretation of Othello, but there's this long, uncomfortable, sex scene that turns into a borderline rape scene in the middle of it. I'm sure some think it's profound, but frankly, it's pretty heavy handed. I'm teaching at the college level so *can* show it, but it's uncomfortable enough that I don't. Well performed, but aside from that, it relies on and perpetuates stereotypes of black sexuality, violence, drug use, etc. much more than the original without anywhere near the character development that makes the original interesting. From a pedagogical standpoint, I can use it as an excuse for a discussion on constructions of minoritized identity, which is fine and dandy, but then it's not doing its job as a companion piece for Othello to help them deepen their knowledge, except in the most superficial ways. If I wanted to do that, I could assign the old black-face Orson Wells version. As well, I'd rather just assign some James Baldwin if I wanted to discuss constructions of minoritized identity.

As a film, it's a good way to waste an evening. I'd suggest renting it, though I did buy it because I'm also a Mekhi Phifer fan. His acting in the role is much better than the material he is given.

It ain't Welles, but it'll do........2007-02-28

O (Tim Blake Nelson, 2001)

It seems as if everyone's taken a tip from Kenneth Branagh and decided to do a Shakespeare adaptation recently Tim Blake Nelson tackles Othello, updating the setting to an exclusive high school. Odin James (Mekhi Phifer), the school's star basketball player, spends most of his time in the limelight, and the time he's not he spends in a secret relationship with Desi Brable (Julia Stiles). Odin's best friend, Hugo Goulding (Josh Hartnett), who also happens to be the coach's (Martin Sheen) son, is tired of seeing Odin in the spotlight all the time-- and, of course, also wants to be the guy dating the school's resident goddess. Thus, in true Shakespearean fashion, he contrives an impossibly complex plot to make Odin think Desi's scoring on the side while Odin's off scoring baskets. And, in true Shakespearean fashion, everything that can go wrong does. This is a tragedy. You know that things will not end well.

Now, given the updated setting and abbreviated running time, you know that this isn't Baranagh or Olivier, and O shouldn't necessarily be compared to Olivier (or, for that matter, Welles, who got a tan to play the title role a dozen years before Olivier did). And taken on its own merits, this is a pretty good stand-alone flick. Phifer is on fire in the title role. Hartnett could have probably been a bit more consistent, but when it comes to the climax, he rises to the occasion. Stiles is the weak link in this triangle; she's upstaged by Rain Phoenix, who plays her roommate, in every scene the two share. Still, despite that, it's worth watching. *** ½

In a word: horrid........2006-11-21

It pained me to sit through this movie and I would have turned it off after the first ten minutes if I didn't have to write a comparative analysis between it and Shakespeare's "Othello." The writing is terrible, the acting is so-so, the music is the pits, there is WAY too much emphasis on race, and the relationship between Odin and Desi is a joke. I'm supposed to believe he went stark-raving mad over a girl he had been dating for four months? Give me a break--I ended up laughing through the majority of this movie simply because it was so bad. This is teenaged melodrama at its worst.

Interesting.......2005-12-30

As someone who has read and watched Othello many times on stage, I thought this modern take on Shakespeare's most relevent-for-today tragedy was a great example of how Shakespeare can truly translate into the problems of our day: racism, bi-racial sterotypes and fears, jealousy, class, race, etc. The acting was superb, as always, Julie Stiles glows in every role she plays. However, at times I couldn't help but feel as if the movie was either trying too hard to follow the exact plot of Othello, or was confused along the way and added other events and scenes to cover what they lost. But overwall, not a bad modern version of Othello (near the end was well-acted and quite bone chilling...). But it's not really worth buying, probably best to rent this one.

Poor Shakespeare.......2005-02-11

If Shakespeare could come back to life and see what they made with his play "Othello", he would remove Heaven and Earth crying out for justice. Be an actor in a play of Shakespeare it's difficult and only the best ones can do it, not mediocre actors with face of children. What's Martin Sheen doing here? He should be in better movies and in this trash, if you want a good "Othello" adaptation, get the movie with Kenneth Brannag and Laurence Fishburne, are good actors and a better movie.

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (Locked 'N Loaded Director's Cut)

Average customer rating:

Guy Richie At his Best
A triumph of attitude and style
Unique but Great.
A Classic
Lock Stock and 2 Smoking Barrels

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (Locked 'N Loaded Director's Cut)
Starring: Jason Flemyng , Dexter Fletcher , Nick Moran , Jason Statham , and Steven Mackintosh
Director: Guy Ritchie
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Snatch (Special Edition)
The Departed (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Boondock Saints (Unrated Special Edition)
Layer Cake (Widescreen Special Edition)
Reservoir Dogs (15th Anniversary 2-Disc Special Edition)

ASIN: B000GGSMC6
Release Date: 2006-10-03

Customer Reviews:

Guy Richie At his Best.......2007-05-30

I already own his movie "Snatch" and that brings me to tears laughing, this movie is no exception. The way way he draws you into the storyline and the characters reactions are hilarious. Absolutly love this movie.
CHEERS

A triumph of attitude and style.......2007-05-26

Looking back on "Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels," it's not hard to see why Director Guy Ritchie became one of the hottest directors around. It's a rollicking joyride of a film that delivers non-stop action, head-spinning plot twists and plenty of laughs.

The movie centers around four young punks who chip in some money so Eddy (Nick Moran), the master card player of the group, can enter a high-stakes card game with Hatchet Harry (P.H. Moriarity), a local gang boss whose specialties include gambling and porn. Unfortunately for Eddy, he's in way over his head, and ends up owing Harry a cool 500,000 pounds. His penalty if he doesn't come up with the money in a week? Having his fingers cut off one by one by Harry's mammoth enforcer, Barry the Baptist (Lenny McLean).

Eddy and his friends Soap, Tom and Bacon are understandably distraught at this turn of events. As they rack their brains to come up with a plan to scratch together the money, they overhear their neighbors discussing plans to rob a wealthy group of drug dealers. A plan is quickly hatched to ambush the theives and steal the drug money that they stole. And did I mention that a seemingly unrelated pair of antique shotguns manages to work its way into the picture?

Needless to say, when Eddy & Co. put their plan into action, glorious mayhem ensues. The cast, which includes European soccer star Vinnie Jones as Harry's collector Big Chris, is a likeable bunch all around. But the film's real star is director Ritchie, who pulls out all the stops to command our attention, from freeze frames to slo-mo to speed-up and everything in between.

Naysayers call the plot ridiculous and lament the film's lack of substance. Come to think of it, the police do seem conspicuously absent considering all the gunplay, drug dealing and theivery that's going on. And even diehard fans of "Lock" will likely admit that it's ultimately a triumph of attitude & style over substance.

In spite of its shortcomings, though, "Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels" feels blisteringly alive from start to finish, a thrilling rollercoaster of a movie that's well worth the price of admission.

Unique but Great........2007-03-29

This movie has a more advanced story line portrayed through a heavy dialog, with highly developed fun characters that drive the movie. Typical Guy Ritchie film.
Directors Cut is worth the extra money.

A Classic.......2007-03-14

I forgot how much I enjoyed this movie. Good characters, good story line and a good mix of humor and drama. If you haven't seen it - see it now.

Lock Stock and 2 Smoking Barrels.......2007-03-08

If you're a fan of Guy Ritchie's movie SNATCH, then I highly recommend adding Lock Stock to your DVD collection. The director's cut adds some funny special features.

Average customer rating:

Just the Two of Us (Vintage Collection)
Starring: John Aprea , Marland Proctor , Luanne Roberts , and Elizabeth Plumb
Director: Jacque Deerson , and Barbara Peeters
Manufacturer: WOLFE VIDEO
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Gay & Lesbian | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Drama | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

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That Tender Touch (Vintage Collection)
Desert Hearts (Two-Disc Vintage Collection)
Big Dreams in Little Hope
Puccini for Beginners
Gray Matters

ASIN: B000PMFRTM
Release Date: 2007-07-03

Product Description

This wildly entertaining vintage lesbian exploitation film rarity tells the story of a pair of lonely housewives who fall into bed together after seeing a lesbian couple holding hands at a restaurant on Sunset Boulevard.

While their husbands travel for their government jobs, Denise (Elizabeth Plumb) falls big-time for her pal Adria (Alisa Courtney). Life is all peaches and cream for the lovebirds: They go horseback riding together, play mini golf and go to the carousel on the Santa Monica Pier.

But when man-loving Adria falls for swarthy hack actor, Jim (John Aprea, who you ll recognize from The Godfather), Denise is left out in the cold easy prey for the British seductress Mona (Elizabeth Knowles) who gets her stoned before trying to defile her on a pool table. Jim eventually dumps Adria and the film manages to end on what, for 1975, is a definite up-note: The two women walk into the sunset together.

This vintage melodrama has it all: Contrived dialogue and hilarious early 70s fashion design and sets to die for (avocado shag carpet, anyone?). The original posters trumpeted the film as The Tragedy of Today s Lonely Housewife, and touted it for its Insights into a young woman s deep sexual desires!

JUST THE TWO OF US was directed by Roger Corman acolyte/feminist exploitation film pioneer Barbara Peeters with Jaque Beerson.

Strangers on a Train (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

Stranger things have happened! Another Hitchock classic!
Never talk to a stranger
Beware of Friendly Well-Dressed Strangers
Strangers on a Train
strangers on a train

Strangers on a Train (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Starring: Alfred Hitchcock , John Brown , Leo G. Carroll , John Doucette , and Roy Engel
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Dial M for Murder
Shadow of a Doubt
Rope
North By Northwest
Rear Window (Collector's Edition)

ASIN: B0002HOERG
Release Date: 2004-09-07

Amazon.com essential video

From its cleverly choreographed opening sequence to its heart-stopping climax on a rampant carousel, this 1951 Hitchcock classic readily earns its reputation as one of the director's finest examples of timeless cinematic suspense. It's not just a ripping-good thriller but a film student's delight and a perversely enjoyable battle of wits between tennis pro Guy (Farley Granger) and his mysterious, sycophantic admirer, Bruno (Robert Walker), who proposes a "criss-cross" scheme of traded murders. Bruno agrees to kill Guy's unfaithful wife, in return for which Guy will (or so it seems) kill Bruno's spiteful father. With an emphasis on narrative and visual strategy, Hitchcock controls the escalating tension with a master's flair for cinematic design, and the plot (coscripted by Raymond Chandler) is so tightly constructed that you'll be white-knuckled even after multiple viewings. Strangers on a Train remains one of Hitchcock's crowning achievements and a suspenseful classic that never loses its capacity to thrill and delight. --Jeff Shannon

Description

En route from Washington, D.C., champion tennis player Guy Haines (Farley Granger) meets pushy playboy Bruno Anthony (Robert Walker). What begins as a chance encounter turns into a series of morbid confrontations, as Bruno manipulates his way into Guy's life. Bruno is eager to kill his father and knows Guy wants to marry a senator's daughter (Ruth Roman) but can't get a divorce from his wife. So Bruno suggests the men swap murders, which would leave no traceable clues or possible motives. Though Guy refuses, it won't be easy to rid himself of the psychopathic Bruno. Hitchcock's daughter Patricia appears in this film. The extra features included on the DVD are: Alternate 'preview' version of the film; Commentary by director Peter Bogdanovich, Psycho screenwriter Joseph Stephano, Strangers on a Train author Patricia Highsmith and biographer Andrew Wilson; New making-of documentary Strangers on a Train: A Hitchcock Classic, with Farley Granger, film historian Richard Schickel, Patricia Hitchcock O'Connell and other Hitchcock family members and colleagues recalling the making of this suspense landmark; Three intriguing featurettes: The Hitchcocks on Hitch, Strangers on a Train: The Victim's P.O.V., Strangers on a Train by M. Night Shyamalan; Alfred Hitchcock's Historical Meeting, a vintage newsreel.

Customer Reviews:

Stranger things have happened! Another Hitchock classic!.......2007-05-14

This is one of my most favorite movies and wow, Granger stole the movie from Walker. Walker died soon after making this movie, but it was a true classic. This movie is reasonably priced on Amazon, so buy it with true faith in how great it will be. The movie lasts for generations. I enjoy it every time I see it.

Never talk to a stranger.......2007-04-04

In Alfred Hitchcock's "Strangers on a train" (1951), Robert Walker gave a remarkable and disturbing performance as Bruno, a spoiled playboy - psychopath who came up with a brilliant idea of committing a perfect murder - find a stranger who hates someone strong enough to wish them dead and swap murders with him - he kills yours, you kill his. While on a train, Bruno introduces himself to a handsome rising tennis star, Guy (Farley Granger) who is going through a rather nasty public divorce with his unfaithful wife Miriam in order to marry the woman he loves, Anne Morton. Guy hates his wife but would he kill Bruno's dominating father if Bruno murders his wife?

One of the most discussed and analyzed Hitchcock's films, "Strangers on a train" is considered one of the most satisfying thrillers ever. It is based on the early novel by the master of the psychological crime thrillers, Patricia Highsmith and it is a great artistic achievement in the thriller genre due to the masterful and creating Hitchcock's directing. Many scenes stand out and some are simply carved in the viewer's memory like the head turning tennis match with only one head never turned and the eyes fixed on Guy's's face and these are Bruno's eyes.

Beware of Friendly Well-Dressed Strangers.......2007-03-24

Two cabs drop off two men at a train station in Washington DC for long distance travel. Bruno Antony makes his acquaintance with Guy Haines, the tennis star. Their characters are quickly established. Bruno is a too-friendly stranger (a bad sign?), a ne'er-do-well rich man's son. Bruno has the idea of committing the perfect murder: no motive to point to the killer. Guy humors Bruno instead of telling him where to get off (not a New Yorker). Guy's wife, pregnant with another man's child, no longer wants the divorce. Guy is so angry he threatens to strangle her. We see Bruno described as a "naughty boy". Bruno's father threatens to get medical treatment for him. [Does the apple fall far from the tree?] So Bruno goes ahead with this imagined contract, He stalks Miriam, Guy's wife, who goes to an amusement park with two men. [This shows popular entertainment before television.] And Bruno carries out his self-appointed mission.

Guy returns on another train. Bruno is lurking in the shadows of night to see him. The police drop by Guy's home. Guy visits Ann Morton, a Senator's daughter, and hears of Miriam's murder. There is humor in the Senator's remarks. The professor on the train remembers little. Now Bruno begins to stalk Guy. [The police don't notice this?] There is a funny scene at the tennis club where people's heads move mechanically, except for one man. Bruno's conversation with the Senator shows his increasing insanity, and so does his trick with the old lady. He is so weird it can create a scandal in Washington! Ann Morton figures out what happened: her sister Barbara resembles the late Miriam Haines! The watching detectives also see that "something funny is going on".

Guy calls Bruno to tell him his plan will be followed. [We see a watchdog that doesn't bark as a stranger?] There is a surprise here! The police learn of Guy's absence from home. Ann visits Bruno's mother, but little is accomplished. Bruno plans his revenge. Luck upsets Bruno's plan when the lighter slips from his hands. A crowd watches its retrieval. Once again Bruno visits the amusement park [remember them?] waiting for the darkness to cover him so he can plant Guy's lighter at the crime scene. The merry-go-round plays "Ain't We Got Fun". Guy shows up to follow Bruno, a fight on the carousel while "The Band Played On". There is a dramatic finish to the ride, and the truth is discovered at last when it slips from Bruno's hand.

You can pick out some faults in this story, but it seems quite good with its mixture of drama, suspense, and humor. Raymond Chandler wrote the screenplay.

Strangers on a Train.......2007-03-19

I'm not a real Hitchcock fan, but this movie by far is my favorite of anything he's done. The story line, suspense and drama is absolutely first rate. If you want to try a Hitchcock film, this one is it.

strangers on a train.......2007-03-09

This Albert Hitchcock film based on a Patricia Highsmith novel was not successful by normal standards when released. long undervalued as one of Hitch's suspense movies, it is now being given the credit it deserves. This movie is both sudtle and startling in revealing the underbelly of those attractive people who walk among us harboring malice and death. Like Highsmith's Ripley character, Walker plays a composed neurotic as he convinces a stranger on a train to swap murders with him. Problem is only one of them was serious. Grand fun, and the ending will blow you away.

Average customer rating:

More Garfield?! HORRAY!!!!
Kung Fu Creatures on the Rampage !
Always fun!
Too Much Garfield is Never Enough
Another great season of Garfield and Friends

Garfield and Friends, Volume Two
Starring: Lorenzo Music , Thom Huge , Gregg Berger , Howard Morris , and Frank Welker
Director: Tom Ray , Tom Tataranowicz , John Walker (III) , Jeff Hall , and John Sparey
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Animation | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

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General | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

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Similar Items:

Garfield and Friends, Volume One
Garfield and Friends, Volume Three
Garfield and Friends, Volume Four
Garfield and Friends, Volume Five
Garfield: Holiday Celebrations (Garfield in Disguise / Garfield's Thanksgiving / A Garfield Christmas)

ASIN: B0002XVQSK
Release Date: 2004-12-07

Customer Reviews:

More Garfield?! HORRAY!!!!.......2005-06-03

WHOOOHOOO! Season 2!
Garfield returns to DVD for the complete 2nd season!
Ran from 1989 to 1990.
Amoung the classic storylines one of them is when Binky the clown gets accused of robbing a store.
It is worth getting!!!!!!

Kung Fu Creatures on the Rampage !.......2005-04-16

"You're not Sylvia! You're one of the KUNG FU CREATURES ON THE RAMPAGE!"

This line to GARFIELD fans and lovers of great television animation is what WHO'S ON FIRST is to lovers of classic slapstick!

In either case, it's here on this set. The MOTHER of Garfield episodes, "Video Airlines AKA Kung Fu Creatures on the Rampage 2". If you're a harcore GARFIELD fan, you know the deal. If not, let me just warn you that you're in for some throat-clearing laughter, holding on to your belly, slapping your knees, and pounding your palms on the floor in hysteria while everyone else doubts your sanity!

There are some other equally precious perks of tom-foolery in this set. Jon buys a horrible used "car" from a shifty salesman and you have to see the results of this! The panty-waisted, Quiche-eating, sissified "Care Bears" created by the simpering do-gooder children's television killjoy watchdog types who nearly destroyed Saturday morning cartoons in the 80s are deservedly lampooned in "The Buddy bears" (Interesting to see what garfield would have done that disgusting Barney the dinosaur). Check out the Orson's Farm (later US Acres) parodies "Hamelot," (where the barnyard crew search for the "Holy Pail)" "Hog Noon," (where Orson the pig faces a childhood bully), and "Ben Hog" (must be seen to be beleived).

Hardcore Garfield fans will also be pleased to note that midway through the episodes, the bizarre and freakish original theme song for GAF "Friends are There" gives way to the classic "We're ready to party we're ready/I hope you bring lots of spaghetti" that is known and loved by fans of this show.

Garfield's class in comedy is also a must-see on this disc. The only thing I'm waiting for now (probabaly on disc 3) are GREAT MOMENTS IN STUPIDITY (where Jon stays on a broken escelator for 19 hours waiting for it to move) and the US ACRES segment in rhyme that parodies Poe's "The Raven."

If you come home from a hard day of work or are under unpleasant stress of any kind, this DVD will be just what the doctor ordered. The only thing you will suffer from after watchign this will be from laughing too hard!

Always fun!.......2005-02-28

Im still on CD1 however I had the season 1 discs and well, I LOVED it. Finally got season 2 and im enjoying it again! Classic childhood memories and well.. just glad I can relive them again with this fat cat. =D

All though this still doesnt have the new theme song where they are "Were ready to party" intro. So wonder if thats season 3?

However if your buying this, its well worth it, and its always a nice 20 mins to kill if your eating something and want to do something. But as always a great buy! =)

Too Much Garfield is Never Enough.......2005-01-28

The early 'eighties were arguably an all-time low for cartoons. Then in 1983, four stars appeared to light the way. Alvin and the Chipmunks marked the recording rodents' return to TV, (absent since The Alvin Show in the 'sixties). Mickey Mouse, last seen in 1953's "The Simple Things," re-entered the spotlight in Mickey's Christmas Carol. The Peanuts Gang got their own weekly slot on "The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show." And Jim Davis' fat cat made his first TV appearance in Here Comes Garfield. These four classic characters were in the vanguard of an animation revolution.

The undebated high point came five years later when Fox syndicated the wonderful weekly series, Garfield and Friends. It was everything other cartoon fare wasn't. Like Peanuts, it was paced to the comic. Long before Animaniacs, there were subtle send-ups of the state of the tube: the Buddy Bears parodying early attempts at "educational" cartoons, prompting Joe Barbara to proclaim he was in favor of cartoons that were "mindlessly funny" instead of "mindlessly preachy." It stands up now as a cartoon with high production values, and the series compares favorably with Film Roman's Garfield specials. Disney would bring the same high standard with its re-entry into weekday cartoons, beginning with Ducktales.

Then there was Lorenzo Music's inimitable voicing of Garfield. Characters frequently broke into song and dance numbers, but always stopping to wink at the audience, "hey, you know it's a cartoon." Running through the endlessly repeating set of a haunted house, Garfield would note that either monsters were afoot or the producers had been buying old Scooby Doo scripts. Orson Pig would read books, not to be educational, but always with pratfalls, slapstick and pure imagination. As other reviewers have noted, the early theme song is annoying. The better-known and far wittier "We're ready to party, we're ready" with "surprises and pies of all sizes" takes over two thirds of the way into the second season. It's almost too great to watch an episode a day instead of once a week, as they originally aired, but as any fan of the lasagna-loving feline knows, too much Garfield is never enough.

Another great season of Garfield and Friends.......2004-12-24

I watched this show every Saturday morning growing up. It's a classic in my opinion. This season has some great episodes on it, such as robo-odie, Kung-Foo creatures on the Rampage 2, Mystic Manor, Fit for a king, Ben Hog, and Dessert in the Desert. A must have!

Super Friends, Volume Two (DC Comics Classic Collection)

Average customer rating:

If you're over 30....
it's a good series...
BEWARE: these Super Friends DVD releases are a complete mess..
my boys like this set and so do i
Incorrect Description

Super Friends, Volume Two (DC Comics Classic Collection)
Starring: Danny Dark , Olan Soule , Casey Kasem , Shannon Farnon , and Norman Alden
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Animation | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Challenge of the Super Friends - The First Season (DC Comics Classic Collection)
Justice League - Season One (DC Comics Classic Collection)
Justice League - Season Two (DC Comics Classic Collection)
Superman - The Animated Series, Volume Two (DC Comics Classic Collection)
Superman - The Animated Series, Volume Three (DC Comics Classic Collection)

ASIN: B0007XFZMS
Release Date: 2005-05-24

Description

Only the combined superpowers of Earth?s greatest heroes can stop the unthinkable dangers that jeopardize humanity in these 16 episodes from the beloved animated TV series! Superman, Batman and Robin, Aquaman, Wonder Woman and Zan and Jayna battle villains from the darkest regions of outer space to the depths of the ocean in their fight for truth and justice. They face extraordinary perils at the core of the Earth and defy the laws of nature to shrink to microscopic size to defeat a radioactive monster. Even Dracula returns from the grave to challenge the Super Friends to a showdown! And with this exciting compilation that boasts cool extras, you can join the Super Friends for the ultimate victory celebration!

DVD Features: Featurette:"Pajama-Rama: Super Friends Retrospective" [A group of pop culture enthusiasts and fun celebrities share their memories of the world's greatest team of '70's super-heroes, The Super Friends !] Music Video:"The Ballad of Zan & Jayna"- [ A wild and wacky music video celebrating the Wonder Twins, and of course, their pet primate Gleek !]

Customer Reviews:

If you're over 30...........2007-06-09

These are the original 1980's episodes that I loved so much as a kid! And now my twin 4-year-olds are watching them and loving every minute of it! If only I could find Volume One...

it's a good series..........2007-06-02

First off, everyone has an opinion on the entire SUPERFRIENDS series. Sticking with the episodes at hand on this DVD i liked them all. Before i read any reviews on here, i watched the DVD and i actually liked the story of the Anti-Matter Monster. The little, subtle things like Aquaman for example being taken to Atlantis in "World Beneath the Ice" is a good use of character history. I have my favorite episodes from the DVD, however. The favorites for me are "Rokan: Enemy from Space", "Battle at Earth's Core", "Terror from the Phantom Zone" which features Superman aging after being exposed to red Kryptonite and his having to travel to the asteroids of the blown up Krypton and recover blue Kryptonite to reverse the aging process, and "Attack of the Vampire" on DVD #1 and "Anti-Matter Monster", "World Beneath the Ice", and episodes #13 through #16 on DVD #2: "Batman: Dead or Alive", "Battle of the Gods" which makes good use of Wonder Woman's nemesis, Hara, and other mythical Gods more specifically Medusa. "Journey Through Inner Space" is just a knock-out episode...giving Aquaman center stage and using radiation and an underwater disaster to transform Aquaman into...well...i won't give the plot away. The last episode on DVD #2 is another good one. It involves an actual comic book villain, Superman's foe, Mr Myxlpltk. I know i have the name spelled wrong...it's pronounced "mixel plick". All in all, the DVD isn't as bad as it is being let on to be...plus, in my opinion, the Wonder Twins are what created the hype when these episodes were first being aired. Like them or not, they did bring in the viewers...keeping the show a success in re-runs and in first-run syndication for a few years. If i were to have a complaint it would be the use of Flash and Hawkman and Apache Chief on the DVD fold-out cover...scenes that took place on CHALLENGE OF THE SUPERFRIENDS are shown on the fold-out cover. Those characters are NOT on this DVD. Oh, of course, scenes from the actual episodes on this DVD are also shown in small thumbnail pictures on the fold-out cover, too.

BEWARE: these Super Friends DVD releases are a complete mess.........2007-05-29

I loved this series as a kid, but these DVD releases are a complete disaster. Firstly this is not Super Friends (1973 to 1974) as the DVD title might have some of you think, it is actually The All New Superfriends Hour (1977 to 1978) which was Season 2 of the whole Superfriends series. Secondly it's incomplete & doesn't contain all the episodes for this season & what's more they aren't even in order. This season should contain 26 episodes not including the 40 shorts from 1977, instead all you get is 16 episodes. I payed only $42 AUD (less in $USD) for the entire 65 episodes of Defenders Of The Earth & yet WB expects us to fork out around the same price for one fourth of the content & an incomplete series of episodes that aren't even in order. Lastly i am completely baffled by the logic behind WB choosing not to release each season in order from season 1 to 6 or correctly labeling each box set. This makes things all the more confusing since they released Challenge Of The Superfriends on DVD first (which is actually season 3) & labeled the DVD as Superfriends: The First Season??? In protest i suggest you just download the series instead if you can find it, you might not get DVD quality & special features, but at least you'll be able to have all the episodes & in order. The only reason this gets even 2 stars is because the cartoon series itself is great, it's just these DVDs themselves that are an absolute mess. Save your money unless you're not bothered by any of the things i've mentioned. Hope this review is helpful to others out there who are like myself & like things complete & in order.

my boys like this set and so do i.......2006-05-25

my boys got this one at christmas from santa and have worn out the disc if thats possible. the only thing i never liked about this show were the tag along kids. first the earth kids then the space twins(even my boys don't like the twins). some great shows here and they are all great for the superhero in all of us!!

Incorrect Description.......2006-05-03

Unfortunately, my kids were disappointed upon receiving this dvd. They were expecting the series that contain the characters of Wendy and Marvin and Wonderdog. Instead, it has Jayna and Zan.
Please correct your description of this item, so people buy what they are really looking for.

Average customer rating:

One of the Best British Comedies Ever
Madcap British crime caper
The only film that makes me proud to say I'm British
Celluloid Fiction
"A minute ago this was the safest job in the world. Now it's turning into a bad day in Bosnia."

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
Starring: Jason Flemyng , Dexter Fletcher , Nick Moran , Jason Statham , and Steven Mackintosh
Director: Guy Ritchie
Manufacturer: Polygram USA Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Art House & International | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Comic Criminals | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Foreign & International | Stores | DVD | Video

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ASIN: 630549228X
Release Date: 1999-08-31

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