The Sisters

Starring:Sisters
Studio: Tokyo Shock
Product Type: DVD

Description

Enter the complex world of the Walkers, and explore what it means to be an American family in the 21st century. Though they live very different and conflicting lives, the Walkers find unity under the family roof. Relationships bend but never break as they strive to find their own identities and embrace each other's differences. It's "an encounter to look forward to," says The Wall Street Journal. Get caught up in one of television's most reflective and sophisticated dramas. Calista Flockhart, Sally Field, Rachel Griffiths, Ron Rifkin, Balthazar Getty and Patricia Wettig lead a stellar cast in ABC's critically acclaimed hit Brothers & Sisters. Experience every episode of Season One, including exclusive, in-depth bonus material, in this six-disc DVD set.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Show. . ........2007-07-04

I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical when I saw the first episode. I decided to give it a shot, though since it came on right after DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES and boy was I glad I did. This show is pretty good. It started off slow, but as the storylines progressed, you couldn't help but fall in love with those idiosyncratic Walkers.

(**SPOILERS**)
The first episode where William (Tom Skerritt) dies kicks off the story so beautifully. Although, it is quite becoming cliche that a murder or a death kicks of a story, but the way this played out throughout the season was very effective. His death resonated and caused several reactions from everyone on the canvas and gave Nora (Sally Field) great range. From anger to frustration to deep love and memories. The show played her gambit of emotions throughout and in a special scene, we see her get the closure that she needed to move on, but I won't give that away. Let's just say something sentimental was let go and it was a long time coming after all the things she found out about her dearly departed husband.

The siblings are quirky and interesting characters. They aren't one dimensional. They actually serve a purpose and have their own little quirks that make them likeable. Particularly, Kevin (who I would rank as the best sibling and played by Welsh actor Matthew Rhys) chews up every scene he is in and he's outstanding. Justin and Sarah are great as well (played by Dave Annable and Rachel Griffiths, respectively). Their character's issues were the most real and relatable. Tommy and his wife Julia had a touching storyline that will tug at your heartstrings and the climax played out beautifully.

What really made this show, in my opinion, was the writing. None of these scenes seemed rushed and the writers took their time to weave a tale that had every little thing happen for a reason. There is a lot of symbolism and a lot of imagery that takes place during the season that immediately pulls you in.

Overall, this show is amazing and the acting is wonderful. It's a definite keeper and am excited about seeing Season 2. If you've not seen any of the seasons, by all means pick this one up, you won't be disappointed.

Great new show.......2007-06-21

I think this is a great show. Season 1 was fascinating and had many twists and turns, like most families. If the rest of the seasons are as good this will be one of my all time favourites

Fantastic, Fabulous and a Failure - all wrapped up into one...........2007-06-18

What a breath of fresh air - a blast from the past with the Thirtysomething vibe yet a bit of MTV mockery and nonsense at the same time. Let me begin - you fall in love with an enviable, admirable, desirable family...yet quickly your imagery is shattered. It's not so much the "family secrets" that is troublesome with the deterioration of the family - it is the overall acceptances of these flaws. For a family to live in perfection for umpteen years and suddenly be okay to SPOILER WARNING - infidelity, children out of wedlock, adultery...it just becomes daunting. Most series drag this out over years - but to see this in the very first season and to see all the characters so "okay" with it - makes me shudder to think - does even the American dream of perfection come with its codicils and expectations of cracks in the foundation? It is a quick crumbling from the first episode to mid season that strikes me as disturbing - and it is the embracing of the dramas that makes me wonder how the writes every portrayed such perfection in the beginning. I truly do love each and everyone of the characters - and I find it shocking that in the first season, there were so many new introductions and departures. I think the writers shoved three years of script into the first season -and now it is a bit lost and discombobulated. It is hard to feel for any solo player in particular, or to have cheerleading emotions towards any one person or couple - everyone is laden with drama, and every scene seems rushed and hurried. There were a great deal of missteps in this first season and to write Justin off to war was a grave mistake - as well as I think writing the "offspring" into the mix was a mistake as well. There is enough ill intended drama with the mistress as it is ....why add a child to the mix? I give it high marks - a five!0 for banter, for casting (FANTASTIC) and a "fabulous" for set design, story telling and musical score...but I find it failing in the sense that some of the storylines could have been played out quite a bit..I wish there wasn't an offspring in season one - too rushed...I wish the rewards of the mistress wasn't quite so exorbanant and her role was not so "accepting"...she was a mistress and that should not be downplayed. This is America - let's stand up for values and not dismiss them because a man could not make a decision. How reducing is that for women across the board? It says that we are conventional to fit certain parameters and maybe two will equate to what a man is seeking in total. Unfair and insulting that it was so accepted in the first season of this show. Sally Field's character should have never been so accepting - as if the fact that he provided a nice lifestyle justified 20 years of adultery. No one is expecting "all the answers in 60 minutes'...so please don't give them to us...allow these characters to feel - to be angry, spiteful, remorseful, hateful. Their American Dream was shattered and within the first year they are welcoming what we consider fodder for talk shows into their homes...please don't tell me the sanctuary of marriage is lost - and the solidarity of family is dependant upon what the "man" though was okay and acceptable. The Walkers should represent strength in family values. There aren't elongated storylines therefore it doesn't make any sense to watch the next week - what makes a great story is the anticipation, the heartbeat pause - the wondering of "what will happen next"...and unfortunately, each episode is wrapped up nicely in a blue package and white bow...classic, yet expected.

really brilliant or really dumb.......2007-06-07

This show is strange as it reels back and forth from superlative to the most abysmal writing/acting on television. We have some brilliant actors, especially Sally Field, Matthew Rhys (a Welshman) and Rachel Griffiths (an Aussie). We have some so-so actors, including the formerly wonderful Patricia Wettig, who is at sea here, and the one-note (anyone for Ally McBeal?) Calista Flockhart. Truly the worst story-line of the season has been devoted to her returning to the Walker abode, her career, her love life. Good actors are better when playing up against better actors; bad actors only advertise how bad they are when in a scene with actors who truly shine. We definitely have some bad actors attached to this show, and the unevenness lowers the calibre all on its own, separate from the writing issues. Also, we had sharply written characters in the first episodes, then the series declined in quality, even becoming burlesque (that ridiculous nonsensical McCallister extended family at the engagement party) towards the end. In-between some true highlights, such as the infamous GAME NIGHT episode: Especially memorable is the cut-throat fury of the Walkers competing against their foes; the dinosaur impression by "Kevin"; and "Kevin's" introduction earlier that day to "Jason McCallister" - supposedly the new love interest. Not enough time given to "Kevin" and "Jason," surprisingly, considering how important the relationship is supposed to be, but time spent on a ridiculous "Kitty" kissing the senator in front of the rival family - not even worthy of an old hollywood grade Z film. In the meantime, you have a boring married couple (the eldest Walker son); a couple whose marriage is collapsing (the eldest Walker sibling); the youngest Walker sibling going thru dependency issues and then being sent off to Iraq. This would be more effective if a good actor were playing the part. Actually, the joke on one on-line community is the actor playing "Justin" makes Rob Lowe "the senator" look good in comparison. The show doesn't seem to have a clear direction; whether to be profound or over-the-top like DYNASTY. It might be better - unless you're in love with one of the characters/actors - to consider skipping the boxed set in favor of individual episodes to add to your collection. At this point, the box set isn't released, so I have no idea what the extras will be on the box set, if any.

Can I marry into this family? ~_~.......2007-06-05

I cannot tell you how much I love this show! The entire cast is exemplary. The writing sharp, incisive, poignant, and ultimately real. This is a true family (flaws and all) that mirrors all families on many levels from terminally dysfunctional to unconditionally loving and supportive. You want to spend time with the Walkers. It might be exhausting but never dull, and in the end ... uplifting!

The Backyardigans - The Legend of the Volcano Sisters

Average customer rating:

A CHILD'S EYES WILL LIGHT UP!
Disappointed
WORST OF THE BACKYARDIGANS
Never Grow Tired
Another Great Backyardigans DVD!

The Backyardigans - The Legend of the Volcano Sisters
Starring: Naelee Rae , Thomas Sharkey (III) , Kristin Klabunde , Jonah Bobo , and Maria Darling
Director: Dave Palmer (III) , Mike Shiell , Robert Scull , Donald Kim , and Bill Giggie
Manufacturer: Nick Jr. DVD/Paramount DVD
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

The Backyardigans - Mission to Mars
The Backyardigans - Movers & Shakers
The Backyardigans - Surf's Up!
The Backyardigans - Cave Party
The Backyardigans - It's Great To Be A Ghost

ASIN: B000JLTRMW
Release Date: 2007-02-06

Description

Play along with Tyrone, Tasha, Uniqua, Pablo and Austin as they transform the backyard into amazing adventures! Journey to a far off land with the Luau Brothers to visit the Volcano Sisters in this exciting new adventure filled with dance and music. Will Tyrone, Pablo and Austin be able to stop the volcano from erupting and ruining the luau by bringing a special gift to Uniqua and Tasha?

Customer Reviews:

A CHILD'S EYES WILL LIGHT UP!.......2007-05-12

WHAT DO YOU GIVE A CHILD THAT CANNOT WATCH HIS FAVORITE TV SHOW WHEN HE WANTS. A VIDEO! THIS WAS A HIT WITH MY LITTLE ONE.

Disappointed.......2007-04-23

We have all the the backyardigans DVDs and I cannot praise the earlier other ones enough - five star rating on all of them. However the messages picked up from this one has caused us to remove this video from our children's collection. Throwing tantrums and insisting on your own way are habits we are trying to break our children from not encourage. If you want a excellent DVD for your children try one the earlier ones my kids love them and the over all messages the kids pick up from them are much better.

WORST OF THE BACKYARDIGANS.......2007-04-22

I HARDLY FIND THE BACKYARDIGANS ENTERTAINING, BUT OUR DAUGHTER LOVES THE MUSIC IN THEM. THIS ONE IS ESPECIALLY ANNOYING WITH THE SONG, "WE KNOW WHAT WE WANT. WE KNOW WHAT WE DON'T WANT. SO GET US WHAT WE WANT." WHAT A TERRIBLE MESSAGE FOR KIDS TO LEARN & SING. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE SONG IS JUST AS BAD (I'M THE CUSTOMER, SO GIVE ME WHAT I WANT).

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND CHARLIE & LOLA DVD'S. THEY'RE FUNNY, ENTERTAINING FOR ADULTS TOO & THE BROTHER/SISTER ARE VERY NICE TO EACH OTHER.

Never Grow Tired.......2007-04-03

My mother once told me that whatever name I give my child should better be one I love because I'd be saying it often! Well, the same good motherly advice goes for the TV shows your children watch. I watch the Backyardigans numerous times a day, on DVD, on TIVO, and on live TV and all since my son was 5 months old!

The Backyardigans have my vote for entertainment. Now that my 2 yr old son thinks I am his personal MP3 player, I have to admit, I enjoy singing the songs from the shows. I even have my favorites, but if I were forced to watch a marathon I think I could do it! Invest in the Backyardigans from DVDs to CDs to toys and games and party supplies. They are not just entertaining, but they model how children should socially interact and resolve conflict. No inuendos here- I love them!

Another Great Backyardigans DVD!.......2007-03-22

My son has four Backyardigans videos, the Mission to Mars DVD, and two CD's. We just bought The Legend of the Volcano Sisters a few weeks ago, and, needless to say, this HAS to be one of his favorites!

He has played this DVD over and over again--often singing the songs to himself even when the DVD is off! Speaking of songs, if you love the catchy, clever songs spanning oodles of music styles in this DVD, you'll love both of the Backyardigans CDs. The newest one is Groove to the Music, but it only features one song found on The Legend of the Volcano Sisters DVD: Track 15 "We'll Get You What You Want" featured in the episode of the same name.

Here is a brief synopsis of all four episodes as found on the back of the case:

* The Legend of the Volcano Sisters - The tarantella plays as legendary Luau Brothers Pablo, Tyrone, and Austin try to appease Volcano Sisters Tasha and Uniqua so their volcano doesn't erupt and ruin the big luau! (If you have a little princess in the family--on even "The Queen"!--you'll get a chuckle out of this episode, where the gals never say what they want...but expect the guys to guess!)

* The Swamp Creature - Sixties guitar music rocks the boat as Tour Guides Uniqua and Pablo lure in customers Tasha and Austin with promises of the Swamp Creature. Little do they know, Swamp Creature Tyrone actually exists! (In this funny episode, Uniqua and Pablo try to shyster customers into believing that there's a Swamp Monster--are are surprised to find there actually IS one in the swamp!)

* Horsing Around - Giddy-up to Klezmer music as Cowgirl Uniqua and Jockey Pablo race to find out who's the best horse rider in the west. You won't believe the winner... (Very cute--with a surprise winner!)

* Special Delivery - The Do-Gooders, a tough but good biker gang, rev up to Norteno music to bring a missing mailbag--and their Valentine's Day cards--to nervous Mailman Tyrone!

Because of the last episode, this makes a particularly good DVD for a Valentine's Day gift--but it can be enjoyed anytime!

There aren't many special features, unfortunately--only a Wonder Pets! sneak peek and a Secret Agent dance along. They don't even include a full-size poster like the one included in the Mission to Mars DVD.

Still, you can't beat this 99 minute DVD when it comes to cleverness, musical variety, colorful characters, and great storytelling!

Average customer rating:

Thousands of reviews of this film, millions who've seen it....
One of Woody Allen's Best
A Flawless Film
Allen's Best
hannah and her sisters

Hannah and Her Sisters
Starring: Lewis Black , Michael Caine , Christian Clemenson , Allen DeCheser , and Mia Farrow
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

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

Manhattan
Annie Hall
Crimes and Misdemeanors
Radio Days
The Purple Rose of Cairo

ASIN: B00005O06J
Release Date: 2001-11-06

Amazon.com essential video

Considered by many to be Woody Allen's best film, even over Annie Hall. Hannah and Her Sisters follows a multitude of characters: Hannah (Mia Farrow), who plays den mother to her extended family; her sister Lee (Barbara Hershey), emotional and a bit of a flake, who's involved with a much older artist (Max Von Sydow), who treats her like a child; and Hannah's other sister, Holly (Dianne Wiest), a neurotic who feels incapable of managing her life. Hannah's husband Elliot (Michael Caine) falls in love with Lee, which sets off a series of upheavals. Allen gives one of his best performances as Hannah's ex-husband Mickey, who--much like Allen himself--is obsessed with death and unhappiness. But a simple summary doesn't begin to capture the warmth and intimacy of this movie; though the story follows a capsizing family, the outcome is surprising, joyous, and richly human. --Bret Fetzer

Description

Brimming with laughter, tears and subtle beauty, Hannah and Her Sisters is a magnificent "summation of [Woody Allen's] career to date" (The New York Times). Winner* of three OscarsÂ(r) and featuring a brilliant all-star cast, Hannah and Her Sisters spins a tale of three unforgettable women and showcases Allen "at his most emotionally expansive, working on his broadest canvas with masterly ease" (Newsweek)! The eldest daughter of show-biz parents, Hannah (Mia Farrow) is a devoted wife, loving mother and successful actress. A loyal supporter of her two aimless sisters Lee (Barbara Hershey) and Holly (Dianne Wiest), she's also the emotional backbone of a family that seems to resent her stability almost as much as they depend on it. But when Hannahs perfect world is quietly sabotaged by sibling rivalry, she finally begins to see that she's as lo st as everyone else, and in order to find herself, she'll have to choose Â- between the independence her family can't live withÂ...and the family she can't live without. *1986: Original Screenplay, Supporting Actress (Wiest), Supporting Actor (Caine)

Customer Reviews:

Thousands of reviews of this film, millions who've seen it...........2007-04-17

And I suspect they will keep on coming. Woody always wanted to create a synthesis between his famous "wisecracking" style and the serious drama of Scandinavian directors such as Ingmar Bergman, he also wanted to created a portrait of a "fully rounded personality". Well he didnt succeed. He created five. Hannah ( Mia Farrow) , her sisters ( Barbara Hershey and Diane Wiest). Hannah's mixed up husband ( Michael Caine) and of course himself. I've seen this film so many times these characters have become part of my family.And there are many others - Hannah's parents - I haven't even mentioned. I don't think it's possible to make a cinematic film that could be better than "Hannah and her Sisters". It has no axe to grind, it doesn't take sides, it's beautifully acted, it's funny, it's touching, it's serious but then again not...If you haven't yet seen it, where have you been living the past couple of decades....?

One of Woody Allen's Best.......2007-02-18

Considered by many to be Woody Allen's best film, "Hannah and Her Sisters" is not my favorite Woody Allen movie but it is my 2nd. The film won 3 Academy Awards for Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor (Michael Caine), and Best Supporting Actress (Dianne Weist)...And, yes, these awards were well deserved. "Hannah and Her Sisters" have all the elements that combine to make a great Woody Allen film. It's funny, dramatic, filled with great dialogue and great performances...It's truly one of his finest artistic achievements that people who despise Allen might like if they opened up their minds a bit. Mia Farrow plays Hannah, who is seemingly the backbone of her family, especially her two sisters Lee (Barbara Hershey) and Holly (Weist). rom an outsider's perspective it looks like Hannah is leading a perfect life. She's got four children, a husband Elliot (Caine), and is always helping out her sister's in time of need. hat she doesn't know is that her marriage to Elliot is slowly crumbling, as he has fallen in love with Lee. Meanwhile, there's Mickey (Allen) Hannah's ex-husband, a hypochondriac TV producer who fears that there might actually be something wrong with him. As Lee accepts that Elliot is in love with her and tries to move away from her much-older boyfriend (Max Von Sydow), Holly, an ex-drug addict, attempts to get her love life on track. She briefly falls for an architect, only to have him stolen away by a "friend" (Carrie Fisher). This movie features one of my favorite Woody Allen-lines..."I don't know if you remember me. We shared the worst night of my life together." His dialogue is truly in top form here and for a director known for getting great performances by marquee names, "Hannah and Her Sisters" has some of the best. Weist and Caine deserved their Oscars without a doubt, but also worthy of acting nominations would be Farrow, Allen, and even Daniel Stern who makes a brief, but memorable, performance. "Hannah and Her Sisters" is a great film, but it's not a perfect one. I thought that it started off a little slow and didn't really get going until about 20 minutes in, but after that I was hooked. This film has what ranks in my mind as one of the best endings of a Woody Allen movie ever...This is a rare moment in movies that can actually improve upon everything you've just seen. I urge you, whether you're a fan of Woody Allen or hate him, to see this. This is a great film; you will laugh, you will cry...A terrific film on all levels.

GRADE: A

A Flawless Film.......2007-01-09

Hannah & Her Sisters is, in my opinion, a flawless film. Balancing subtle humor with the trials of a disfunctional family, it places Hannah as the fulcrum surrounded by people who depend on her to manage their messy lives. The film flows on a bed of beautiful music through three years of Thanksgiving dinners, leaving the viewer with a feeling of warmth and satisfaction.

Allen's Best.......2006-11-29

I have owned the video for several years and just purchased the DVD. Hannah and Her Sisters far exceeds Anne Hall as my favorite Allen picture. Such a joy. And the DVD is wonderful!

hannah and her sisters.......2006-11-07

woody allen at his best. so to date with all the consequences and yearnings for the other side of the fence. this is life as it is. not sugar coated.

Average customer rating:

THE CLARK SISTERS
Good...But wish Houston was on DVD!!
Disappointed
LET'S START A PETITION!
Highly Disappointed, but it is The Clark Sisters

The Clark Sisters: Live - One Last Time
Starring: The Clark Sisters
Manufacturer: EMI Gospel
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

Live: One Last Time
Journey: Live in New York
Celebration of Gospel - Taking You Higher!
Gospel
Complete

ASIN: B000QFAFSQ
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Customer Reviews:

THE CLARK SISTERS.......2007-07-02

This DVD may not be the CD recording but its a good concert. Anyways just like the other person said they mentioned that the DVD was recorded in Nashville in March 2007. So overall it's a pretty good concert and They bring on the DVD Clark Sister Dance moves just like how they use to do back in the day. This was A Great DVD, and I would get the DVD

Good...But wish Houston was on DVD!!.......2007-06-21

Okay, I was at the Houston recording and it was PHENOMINAL!! If you are a real supporter and keep up with The Clarks ministry, you would have known that they recorded a DVD recording in February in Nashville because Houston would not be released on DVD. After the recording, the concert aired on Gospel Music Channel (GMC) and it was Front Row Live. No, the DVD is nothing like Houston, but it is still good. So in my eyes, the DVD is not garbage or bad. The girls have some other things coming out later this year. They are going on a 25 city tour in October, so be happy about that. They have so much going on. I guess many are upset because they did not know HOUSTON wasn't going to be released. But many supporters KNEW what the deal was, and what was being released. I because I'm a Clark fan, and support their endeavors, I will get the DVD!! Jacky did great on the DVD!! So lets quit whinning, and just SUPPORT!!

Disappointed.......2007-06-21

I pre-ordered this DVD and I'll NEVER do that again. Next time I'll wait and read some reviews. This is a major disappointment. If you're going to have a dvd to correspond with a cd, at least make the dvd the SAME performance or BETTER than the original. This is not even on par with the original. :(

LET'S START A PETITION!.......2007-06-21

Look everyone who is reading this we all know that this DVD is horrible and not what some of us expected or wanted. We do know that this The actual recording was put on video because there have been 1 or 2 clips shown on various gospel shows, so with that in mind we should all flood EMI GOSPEL'S Mailbox requesting that they work out whatever the problem may be with the original video and put it to DVD I think we as the fans of the Clarks deserve it.

Highly Disappointed, but it is The Clark Sisters.......2007-06-20

Just like everyone else, I thought that the DVD was the live recording of The Clark Sisters. The ladies did sing well, however, everyone but Karen did not put enough emphasis and enthusiasm into their singing as they did with the CD performance. The DVD also did not have all of the songs that were on the CD. For example, "Save my Soul, World, My Reedemer, and others. Futhermore, Twinkie did seem disinterested and was sitting down at the organ with her fingers on the keys but was not playing anything!!! How strange? Anyways, I am one of The Clark Sisters' biggest fans, so I would recommend buying the DVD because they will always have the voice. Unfortunately, I really wish that everyone would have taken inspiration from Karen and really allowed they spirit to move in the building.

Average customer rating:

Eileen Walsh as Chrispina. The Performace of the Decade.
Tragic Example Of Cruelty Inflicted By The Self Righteous
Shocking
Hard to watch, but well worth it.
Be ready

The Magdalene Sisters
Starring: Kate Christie , Sean Colgan , Daniel Costello (II) , Anne-Marie Duff , and Dorothy Duffy
Director: Peter Mullan
Manufacturer: Miramax Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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

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The Magdalen
Do Penance or Perish: Magdalen Asylums in Ireland
Dirty Pretty Things

ASIN: B00018D3L4
Release Date: 2004-03-23

Amazon.com

A movie guaranteed to make the blood boil, The Magdalene Sisters gives a lacerating account of life inside a Magdalene Laundry, one of the dismal asylums for "wayward women" run by the Catholic Church in Ireland. Director Peter Mullan, inspired by a TV documentary on the same subject, follows the miserable fates of three young women who are institutionalized in the 1960s for flimsy reasons; their lives are at the mercy of sadistic nuns (Geraldine McEwan is superb as the head of the place). The film sounds tortuous, but its rich sense of outrage and excellent performances--Nora-Jane Noone is a real discovery--make it consistently gripping. The movie won the top prize at the Venice Film Festival and went on to become a box-office hit in Ireland, where the Magdalene system was still a fresh memory. It had been abolished only in 1996. --Robert Horton

Description

A stirring, must-see motion picture critics called one of the best films of the year, THE MAGDALENE SISTERS is the triumphant story of three extraordinary women whose courage to defy a century of injustice would inspire a nation! Abandoned by society and cast out by their families for crimes they did not commit, these women found themselves stripped of their liberty and dignity and condemned to indefinite sentences of manual labor. Within the church-run Magdalene Laundries, these women were forced into unbearable institutional servitude in order to cleanse themselves of the "sins" of which they had been accused. From acclaimed director Peter Mullan, this award-winning powerhouse not only reveals the truth behind one of the great tragedies of our time, but celebrates the bravery that would bring it to an end!

Customer Reviews:

Eileen Walsh as Chrispina. The Performace of the Decade........2007-07-01

Pray for us.

It would seem to me that putting a story to film that is primarily about wrongful persecution, incarceration, endurance of institution cruelties, and finally triumph over injustice, is pretty much like trying to walk through a mine field unscathed. Most of us have had to endure countless films of this type in the past that usually end up being little more then sappy preachy balls of cheese. What makes The Magdalene Sisters an even more precariously difficult target to hit is that the film is an almost entirely all female cast. Lets be honest for a moment, it would be a hard task indeed to find another film involving nuns and incarcerated women that is not of the sleazy nunsploitation/girl in prison sexploitation sub genre's. The ultimate result when you factor in the story, is that a lot could of gone wrong with this film, but instead writer/director Peter Mullen hit the bull's eye with astounding accuracy and perfection. Not once does he ever insult the viewers intellegence by ever forcing on them something when it is already obvious. Instead we have a film full of memorable female characters, of various ages and individualities.

The best way to look at this film is with the eyes of an actor. When you watch The Magdalene Sisters on the merits of its various rolls and character drama's you quickly realize that the script is completely awesome. I can only imagine how the cast members must of been foaming at the mouth to land a roll in this film when their agents passed the script on to them. Not only do the three principle leads have great characters, moments, actions, and dialog, that any actor in their right mind would die for, but even the smaller rolls of the nuns stand head and shoulders above most rolls and most movies nowadays. In fact, the acting is so strong in this picture that I feel inclined to bring up the Academy Awards and toss the Oscar under the bus once and for all.

You're not a man of God!

In 1993, David Thewlis had the roll and performance of the entire decade of the 1990's as Johnny in Mike Leigh's Naked, but he did not win the Oscar, in fact, he did not even get nominated. In the case of The Magdalene Sisters, The Great Eileen Walsh who plays Chrispina, ( I will allways call her "The Great" after seeing her in this perfomance ) had the perfomance of this current decade which would make it the performance of the new century. Chrispina is doing her slave labor for the duel sins of having a baby out of wedlock and also for being a bit dim in the head. When we first meet her it is uncomfortably unnerving, as she swaps chores with Bernadette, played by Nora Jane Noone, who is incarcerated for being too pretty and flurting with boys. Possibly because Chrispina is the target of the orders head priest molestations, she refuses to wash priest collars, yet she does not mind cleaning menstrual blood out of undergarments and instead explains how to get the blood out with cold water and salt. It soon becomes clear that there is something fundamentally lacking in Chrispina while she is talking to Rose/Patricia, Dorothy Duffy. While holding a conversation in such a way that the supervising nun won't realize they are talking, since talking is another form of disobedience, Chrispina gets stuck on a word. She gets so flustered trying to remember what she wants to tell Rose/Patricia that she turns to the very nun she was trying to hide the conversation from to begin with and says to her, " Excuse me sister! What's the word?"

Unlike most of the wayward girls in that institution, Chrispina is also lacking in the normal mental fortitude that helps us more normal adaptable people withstand something like an endless boot camp. As the film progresses Chrispina starts to really unravel rapidly, indeed, every time we see her she looks more unhinged and emotionally shattered then the last time. After a while the viewer begines to wonder if there is any possible way that Chrispina could fall any deeper into dispair and look any more jacked up. It is a testimony to The Great Eileen Walsh that not only does she manage to out do our expectation, scene in and scene out, but what is actually taking place, unknown to the audience, is that the character of Chrispina has now become the very vehicle that will push the film over the climax in what is easily one of the most powerful moments I have ever seen in film.

Eileen Walsh winner of The Paul Aragon Award for best sapporting actress of the decade. Its not an Oscar but hey....

In Film terms, The Great Eileen Walsh has what is known as The Moment. When you think of the legendary film performances such as Al Pacino in Dog Day Afternoon, or Jack Nicholson in One Flew Over The Cuckcoo's Nest, it is very easy to recall The Moment in both these land mark perfomacnes. For Pacino, it is when he yells "Attica." For Nicholson, it's when he invents his own World Series broadcast. The Moment in The Magdalene Sisters is when The Great Eileen Walsh yells out " You're not a man of God!" at the top of her lungs 24 times in a row. I would love to discus all aspects of this perfomance, but for the sake of creating too many spoilers, I have decided to instead discribe how it feels to me to endure The Moment. This in itself is causing goose bumps to appear on my arms as I type.
Since The Moment takes place in a public setting, and because there are a great many separate drama's taking place all at once, the initial yelling of that line by Chrispina catches me completely off balance. Which by itself is quite julting. It is not untill around the tenth time through that line however, that I become aware of the full body chill that runs down my spine like ice water. It is around that time that two words stamp themselves into brain and stay there fixed, they are" OH GOD!"
At around the 15th time Chrisina yells that line, I find that I am gasping and that my breathing is actually labored. Then at around her 20th time yelling the line I feel a huge wave of power fly out of my TV, cross the room and into my face and body with all the force of a Mack Truck wielding a wrecking ball. In all my many years of being a hard core film buff, I can safely say that this moment in The Magdalene Sisters might be the single strongest most viscerally impacting acting outburst that I have ever experienced in my life. It felt like The Great Eileen Walsh took my soul out to the woodshed and beat it to within an inch of its life.

Just like David Thewlis Oscar is sitting on a shelf somewhere in Tom Hanks house, so too that The Great Eileen Walsh's Oscar is at Renee Zellweger's house. The Magdalene Sisters, and the wonderful performances in this film ( especially the great one by The Great Eileen Walsh) prove beyond a shadow of a doubt, that there is no award in existance that can ever have the final say so on the best anything. It is up to us film buffs to find true greatness for ourselves, and then inform others.

This review was submitted so that The Great Eileen Walsh could get the recognition she truly deserves. In my mind, she has had the honor of the greatest performance of the decade.

Tragic Example Of Cruelty Inflicted By The Self Righteous .......2007-03-20

The Magdalene Laundries were originally opened in Ireland to "reform" prostitutes. But, from 1930 to 1996, they were used to house teen-age girls thought to be sexually "immoral". The girls were required to perform slave labor, which apparently the nuns profited from. However, not only the Catholic Church but also the Irish government and even the girls own parents played a role in keeping these abusive institutions going.

The movie focues on 4 girls, Bernadette, Rose, Margaret and Crispina, brought to the asylum for such "offenses" as being raped by a cousin, having a baby out of of wedlock and flirting. The girls try to rebel in a variety of ways. But are then harshly abused and beaten by the nuns, including an especially sadistic head nun known as Sister Bridget. Even more humiliating is the shower, where the girls are forced to stand naked and have their body parts ridiculed by the nuns.

The movie itself is excellent. But perhaps even more compelling is the included documentary "Sex In A Cold Climate." Here interviews are conducted with several women who were forced into one of these Magdalene laundries. One woman said she was sent there only for being an orphan girl who was attractive. Each is these women is clearly still tormented by the abuse they suffered. It is extremely disturbing to hear their stories and it is hard to believe these places were kept open until 1996. It was even more painful for my wife to watch. She grew up attending a Catholic school in Ecuador and still has scars from being beaten by the nuns there. She said she had terrible nightmares the night after watching the movie and seemed somewhat traumatized for several days after.

"Mankind's inhumanity towards man" is one of the great tragedies of life. Often it is the most morally "righteous" who inflict this suffering on others. Humility and not "casting the first stone" is one of the primary teachings of Christianity. Unfortunately, this is often a lesson forgotten by far too many Christians.

Shocking.......2007-03-18

This is one of those must-see movies that everyone should see once, but it's so disturbing, you would not want to watch it again time. It's hard to believe these events took place in our lifetimes (well, mine anyway). Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater though, Christianity is good, but not all "Christians" are good. Judge a person by the fruit they produce.

Hard to watch, but well worth it........2007-03-17

This is one of the movies that you get finished watching it, and you feel horrible, but are glad you saw it. It is a griping true life story of the Magdalene laundries in Ireland that took in girls who were deemed promiscuous or otherwise deviant and forced them to ridicule and humiliation by the nuns.
This heartbreaking account is a must see for anyone.

Be ready.......2007-03-13

A fabulous, though terribly depressing, infomentary about the Magdalene laundries in Ireland. Unbelievably in operation until 1996, the Magdalene nuns took in 'wayward' girls and drove them physically and emotionally to the breaking point. In virtual servitude, without a voice, these young women were frequently given to the nuns by parents who felt shamed by their daughter's perceived sinfulness, and so they were committed to a life of misery as penance for those sins. Outside communication of any kind being forbidden provided nearly complete isolation and seclusion, so that it was safe for priests and nuns alike to sexually abuse the imprisoned young women (who often lived at the laundries until their deaths in old age).

We Are the World - The Story Behind the Song (20th Anniversary Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

Great Behind-The-Scenes...
It's the best
brings back good memories
Awesome
Pleasantly Surprised

We Are the World - The Story Behind the Song (20th Anniversary Special Edition)
Starring: Sheila E. , Quincy Jones , Tina Turner , Smokey Robinson , and Daryl Hall
Director: Tom Trbovich
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( W ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Live Aid (4 Disc Set)
Michael Jackson: Live in Bucharest: The Dangerous Tour
Do They Know It's Christmas
We Are The World: U.S.A For Africa
History on Film, Vol. 2

ASIN: B0006IUDB2
Release Date: 2005-02-01

Description

A dream that became a song... an event... and a worldwide movement! See the making of a milestone as 45 of the biggest names in American popular music combine to record a song to help alleviate the suffering of starving millions in Africa and America. Narrated by Jane Fonda, this program provides a behind-the-scenes look at the night of January 28, 1985, to provide more than a moving collection of words, pictures and music - it's a living piece of history.

Customer Reviews:

Great Behind-The-Scenes..........2007-05-15

This is a great behind-the-scenes look at one of the biggest musical events of the twentieth century.

The documentary WE ARE THE WORLD: THE STORY BEHIND THE SONG (on dvd #1) is narrated and hosted by Jane Fonda and appears to have been made shortly after the historic recording session, which happened on January 28, 1985. Showing the celebrities arriving, meeting and greeting, and of course the recording of the song "We Are The World," as well as pre-writing and arrangement stages that took place days before(between Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie and Quincy Jones), viewers get a fly-on-the-wall experience of what went on that night.

It really is remarkable to see so many artist from different generations and musical styles combining forces for a greater cause. Where else would you see Bob Dylan, Diana Ross, Kenny Rogers, The Pointer Sisters, Paul Simon, Tina Turner, and Ray Charles, among many others, singing together on one song? The documentary shows the actual breakdown of the recording of the chorus parts, the solos and the very short rehearsal sessions that took place that one night. The recording was done in three parts: the chorus, the line of solo artists that we see in the video, and additional solos by artists that were included after. The actual edited music video is also included.

On dvd #2 there is a ten-year anniversary documentary/interview with Harry Belafonte and this is curious to watch. As another reviewer pointed out, during this documentary Belafonte continues to point out how he got the idea and wanted to do something about the famine plaguing Ethiopia etc., but never once does he mention Bob Geldof. For those of you who remember that time, it was Bob Geldof (BOOMTOWN RATS) and Midge Ure(ULTRA-VOX) who started this whole thing with the song "Do They Know It's Christmas" that had many British singers/musicians(as well as American artists Jody Watley and Kool & the Gang and Irish band U2) contributing their talents and collaborating on that single. The British/Irish/American supergroup was called "BAND AID" and was created to help with relief aid to those starving in Ethiopia. The single "DO THEY KNOW..." was released in December 1984 and went to number one almost a month and a half before WE ARE THE WORLD was recorded.

It really has nothing to do with the enjoyment of watching these documentaries or saying which was better BAND AID or USA FOR AFRICA...and really small potatoes in the grand scheme of things...it's just a little troubling to see someone taking credit for a historic event without even mentioning Geldof or Band Aid (who historically were the pre-cursors to "We Are The World"). The documentary also includes the problems that happened with logistics and controversy of why some of the aid money never reached its destination that surrounded USA FOR AFRICA and talks about HANDS ACROSS AMERICA.

Additional footage is also included on dvd #2 including a live 1986 "American Music Awards" performance of WE ARE THE WORLD; Belafonte, Jackson, Richie and Jones accepting various awards for the song; and the "Live Aid" concert performance of that song. Also included is a booklet that gives an hour-by-hour play-by-play description of the recording session, which is a reprint of a 1985 LIFE magazine cover story.

Unless you actually remember this moment in time, or perhaps a huge fan of one of the artists who appear on WATW, this might not be enjoyable to watch.

It's the best.......2007-05-13

Seeing this song and the making of it (behind the scenes) reminds me of the good things about my generation, the best things. Admitedly we did spawn the "me generation" but once in a while we did rock the establishment, we accelerated the end of the Vietnam conflict, and we did do some good altruistic things. This song and the USA for Africa cause and artists like Bob Dylan are testimony to that.

brings back good memories.......2007-05-06

I got this and watched and it brought back such good memories. All these famous personalities banding together for a cause. I love the behind the scenes. Just a really good thorough DVD and then of course the actual video! AND I loved seeing my Main Squeeze Steve Perry!!!!

Awesome .......2007-04-05

We all have to come together and help each other no matter what position you are in.This is what it's all about you don't have to be a star.It makes me feel good to help others so let's not forget it's better to give than receive.

Pleasantly Surprised.......2007-02-01

Although this DVD is a little dated in production values, it is a surprisingly pleasant trip down memory lane of the biggest musical event of the 1980's.

Sadly, there is no reference to the event that inspired USA for Africa being Bob Geldorf's Band Aid (you'd swear America invented everything...), and it treats We Are The World as a stand alone triumph. But that is more a comment about the producer's creative judgement rather than the talent in the studio.

However, this DVD takes you into the studio and allows you access to the world's biggest stars trying to record this epic song at 2am after an industry function.

It's awesome to watch Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie writing the original score and Quincy Jones somehow piecing together so many different musical singing styles to blend together into a final mix. Who else would choose Dionne Warwick and Willie Nelson to sing together!!

It's amazing how big these stars were at the time, and how much today's "artists" pale by comparison. Incredible how great Ray Charles was on the project - and how lost Bob Dylan was in the presence of this talent. Cyndi Lauper's passionate contribution being interupted by her clanging earrings and Billy Joel's mock irritation at discovering the difficult key the song is written in. Springsteen's intense ad lib recording sessions.

A worthy addition to any 1980's music lovers collection.

Average customer rating:

Groovy Movie
Switch your brain off
Goldie Hawn is great in this
Funny and delightful comedy!
What Are Sisters For?

The Banger Sisters
Starring: Goldie Hawn , Susan Sarandon , Robin Thomas , Geoffrey Rush , and Erika Christensen
Director: Bob Dolman
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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

The First Wives Club
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Protocol

ASIN: B00005JLNZ
Release Date: 2003-01-28

Product Description

Goldie Hawn and Susan Sarandon are "The Banger Sisters", two former groupies who got it on with every late '60s music legend with a guitar and a Y-chromosome. Now, more than two decades later, Suzette (Hawn) is still her brassy self, and Lavinia (Sarandon) is a prim, proper suburban wife and mother. When their two worlds collide, the ensuing "big bang" will rock the house down with laughter!

System Requirements:
Starring: Susan Sarandon, Goldie Hawn, Geoffrey Rush, Erika Christensen, and Eva Amurri.
Directed By: Bob Dolman.
Running Time: 98 Min., Color.
This film is presented in both "Widescreen" and "Standard" formats.
Copyright 2003 Twentieth Century Fox.

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

For thinly scripted fluff, The Banger Sisters sure is a lot of fun. With Goldie Hawn and Susan Sarandon as former groupies now settling into their fifties, this predictable comedy gets a zesty boost of vitality and unsentimental nostalgia. Trouble is, Lavinia (or Vinnie, played by Sarandon) is an uptight Phoenix housewife with a lawyer husband, two spoiled daughters, and a calendar full of charity benefits. Free-spirited Suzette (Hawn) remained true to their past as the notorious rocker-lovin' Banger Sisters, and when she visits Vinnie after decades apart, it's not long before Vinnie rediscovers the lively self she'd buried under her drably expensive wardrobe. It's conspicuously formulaic, with Geoffrey Rush as another buttoned-up character liberated by Suzette's fun-loving wisdom. And yet, as Goldie channels the "Penny Lane" vibe that her daughter, Kate Hudson, brought to Almost Famous, this light and laugh-worthy movie reminds us that it's never too late to indulge a bit of rock & roll abandon. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Groovy Movie.......2006-10-10

I love this film. I tend to rate movies by how well they accomplish what they set out to do. Schindler's List is trying to do something much different than Fried Green Tomatoes, and they need to be rated on their own merits. In this case, The Banger Sisters deftly accomplishes what it's meant to do, and that's to provide a heart-warming, funny movie about friendship, with a bit of nostalgia thrown in for flavor.

I hadn't even heard of The Banger Sisters until I saw it for sale on the used rack at the local video store and picked it up because it had Susan Sarandon in it, a long time favorite of mine. Because I didn't know anything about it, I had zero expectations as to plot or movie quality, which sometimes helps. I ended up being totally charmed and have watched it several times and will surely watch it several more.

The movie has a lot to say about how people change, or don't change, how a person can lose her sense of self, how raising children has some inherent hypocrisy involved, and about how important friends are to our identities. But these are all said subtly and just add a bit of background depth to what is namely a light comedy about old friends.

The performances by Hawn and Sarandon are outstanding. As is the performance by Geoffry Rush. The three characters are all uniquely different, and yet somehow the three of them manage to make a wonderful and crazily believable whole. The fourth best performance in the movie is turned in by the fantastic soundtrack.

So maybe while not a movie for deep thinkers or for elite cinema buffs, it's a wonderful way to spend an hour and a half for those who love movies about the bonds of friendship, who like a bit of nostalgia for the great days of rock and roll, and who appreciate a suprise, side-splittingly funny scene or turn of phrase now and then.

Switch your brain off.......2006-09-08

I picked this film up purely cos it was there, and I thought "yeah, it might be alright". I think Susan Sarandon is an amazing actress, but haven't seen Goldie Hawn in anything, but I love her daughter.

It's amazing how you lose contact with friends over the years. You go through primary school thinking you'll always be friends; you go to high school, they become "cool", and you're no longer "cool"; you leave school totally bitter, and find some new friends, hopefully who'll remain with you throughout thick & thin. I'm an early 20 something, compared to the 40/50 somethings that Susan & Goldie were playing in this, but I know it hurts, especially when you find them online, and they look all happy. But to go through 20 years or so, and rediscover a friendship. Wow. Which is exactly what Goldie & Susan's character do in this.

What changes when you grow up? A lot, as Susan's character "Lavinia" goes from rock chick groupie "Vinnie" to uptight mother of 2. Suzette goes from rock chick groupie to ... rock chick groupie. Many women will find a lot of experiences that happen in this movie that they will find in common with the characters, and despite being young, I did too. I loved how rediscovering her friendship with Suzette, Lavinia became Vinnie again, shocking her husband and two teenage girls. I hated her haircut though! Yikes!

This is the fourth film that Susan & real life daughter Eva Amurri have starred in as mother and daughter, and they are such a joy to watch on screen, although Eva is wasted in this. The other daughter, played by Erika Christensen, gets a bigger role, mainly because she's going off the rails very, very slightly, and her mum catches her getting up to "no good" in the FAMILY swimming pool with her boyfriend. Shows you exactly uptight Lavinia is, although her day she took pictures of rock c***s, and still has them!

This is a perfect movie for a girlie afternoon of pampering and just looking after yourself, without having to think too much about a twist or turn in the film. Most enjoyable, and definitely worth getting & keeping.

Goldie Hawn is great in this.......2006-07-06

The subject matter is that two groupies who slept with pretty much every musician in the world during the 70's are now much older. The Sarandon character has suppressed all of that, is married with two kids, and has had her personality disappear. The Hawn character is still a free spirit and revels in her past. However, she is now wise. Of course, the Hawn character seeks out the Sarandon character and reinvigorates her life, and her family is grateful that their wife and mother was once a world class groupie.

I believe that there is a certain consensus about this film. The script is pretty weak regardless of its subject matter. Goldie Hawn is fantastic in it.

As my own comment, it is actually hard to tell if this is a movie about women achieving something or some kind of odd male fantasy. If Hawn had not saved this movie, it would be a real rotten tomato. Incidently, the title of this film is taken from one of the most famous/infamous porno flicks of all time.

Funny and delightful comedy!.......2005-04-14

Even this picture is not a full masterpiece, it makes its job and justifies by far, your choice.
This movie works out as multilevel mistakes'0 comedy who involves two generations with its differences and coincidences. Goldie is very glamorous she has one my everlasting beloved actress in the cinema. She literally steals the show with her facial expressions, exremely nice and gentle. Sarandon and Rush complete this cast in this funny entertainment. Do not miss it!

What Are Sisters For?.......2005-03-27

It's a treat to see Goldie Hawn play a not-to-growup ex-groupie of the 60s and '70s along with the already grown up and settled down mother(Susan Sarandon) who used to party around in the good old days of Rock and Roll's golden years. This movie reminds me of Sarandon's high-octane Thelma and Louise, because it's also about the friendship of two women that are very different in personality. By the way, did Hawn have any influence on Kate Hudson's brilliant performance in Almost Famous? They both play the role of a groupie in almost the same year.

This film is about the reunion of Hawn and Sarandon, and how over the course of a few decades the former best friends have gone total separate paths that they no longer feel the same kind of connection they did when they were wild and sexy in their groupie days. Time hasn't changed things for Hawn, and she still dressed like a 25 year-old, and behaves like one. She works as a bartentress and actually got fired. She had to find Sarandon for some favors, and to her surprise, Sarandon has changed a great deal. She's married with teenaged kids, has a career, a good husband and forgot about the good old groupie years. She's moved on. So things really go haywired when the two Sisters tried to reconnect.....

The script is kind of weak, but it's very enjoyable to watch Hawn and Sarandon. Goldie had a lot of fun in this movie and she steals most of the scenes from Sarandon and Geoffrey Rush. If you are into chick flicks, this movie would worth your while.

Best of the Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters Show

Average customer rating:

Disappointment-But I still love you Barbara
Not Impressed
A terrible hack job with many scenes cut
Barbara Mandrell show
It's about time!!

Best of the Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters Show
Starring: Ray Stewart (II)
Director: Bob Henry
Manufacturer: Time Life Records
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Country | Styles | Music

General | Westerns | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Dolly Parton and Friends
Great Balls of Fire/Dolly, Dolly, Dolly
The Fall Guy: The Complete Season 1
One Day at a Time - The Complete First Season
Bewitched - The Complete Fifth Season

ASIN: B000KP6EEG
Release Date: 2007-05-01

Amazon.com

Best of Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters Show is a two-disc set emphasizing performance highlights from six episodes of the NBC "country music-variety" show that hit the air in 1980. That's the same year Barbara Mandrell won the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year Award, and it's a pleasure to look back on how well she took to being such a charismatic, warm, and fun host as well as a dynamic vocalist. Appearing with her are sisters Louise and Irlene, the former a good singer in her own right while Irlene is essentially a personality. Each of the truncated shows here begins with the trio bantering at the top of an episode, generally targeting poor Barbara for being the shortest, the oldest, or not much good at dancing. The first show here, from November of 1980, finds Dolly Parton singing "9 to 5" while also participating in a gospel medley with John Schneider and the Mandrells. (Each show in the series seems to have ended with a gospel medley as a signature piece, involving all the musical talent available on any given night.) This episode is also the only place that one really gets a sense of what the comedy was like on this series, in a passable bit in which one sees how only child Barbara's happiness was destroyed by the announcement that her mother was pregnant with Louise. Another show from that same time period ushers in Kenny Rogers as a special guest, though his fine solo contributions and collaborations with the sisters isn't nearly as interesting as Barbara and Louise's Patsy Cline medley and tribute.

Things really pick up with a 1982 episode starring Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, who share a lot of enjoyable, old memories with Barbara and embark on a short tour of their musical legacy. Johnny sings a spare "I Walk the Line," and he joins his wife and the Mandrells on a final medley that includes "Will the Circle Be Unbroken." A 1981 appearance by Bob Hope is a treat, especially a duet with Barbara on "Buttons and Bows." (There's also a reminiscence by Barbara about appearing in a skimpy outfit for one of Hope's TV specials years before.) Another '81 installment featuring Alabama and Glen Campbell proves okay, but the final show here stars Ray Charles in excellent form on "You Don't Know Me" and a bluesy, understated "Old Time Religion." --Tom Keogh

Description

Beginning in 1980, over 40 million viewers tuned in each week as Barbara, Louise, and Irlene sang, danced and joked their way to TV stardom on this Top 10-rated series. It's packed with over 40 guest musical perfomances including Country superstars Johnny Cash, Alabama, Marty Robbins, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, The Statler Brothers, Ray Charles, John Schneider, Glen Campbell, and many more as well as comedy legends Bob Hope, Phyllis Diller and Andy Kaufman.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointment-But I still love you Barbara.......2007-06-14

I was 5 when this show was on and my family watched it every Saturday night. I have been waiting years for a DVD release. However, it was a huge disappointment. My favorite parts were the opening song and dance numbers in the middle of the show. These are all cut from the DVD set. So if you, like me, were hoping the DVDs would be filled with these numbers, you might want to reconsider spending the money. I hope someone sees these reviews and will release the actual "Best Of" the Mandrell Sisters. I'm still waiting!

Not Impressed.......2007-05-27

The Best of should refer to the shows as a whole not the content of the show. Quite disappointing to see the shows butchered like that.

A terrible hack job with many scenes cut.......2007-01-20

I was really looking forward to this DVD, being a huge fan of the television show. Unfortunately, when I started watching the set, I found out that this DVD set focuses on the guest stars throughout the show's run. The popular opening numbers and song and dance routines which were a highlight of the show are all cut. It's really disappointing to see Time-Life release something like this, without so much of the good material gone.

Barbara Mandrell show.......2006-12-18

I have most of the shows on videocassette but I cannot wait to have a copy of this DVD. This is a great family show and lots of entertainment for all. Barbara Mandrell is a very talented musician and entertainer!
We miss you Barbara

It's about time!!.......2006-12-09

All I can say is it's about time this show was on DVD. Of course the whole 2 seasons need to be released like other TV shows not just the best of. But maybe the response to this will open their eyes. Simply the BEST show on tv EVER!!!

Love all three ladies, but my favorite has always been Louise. Something about her and that fiddle (or is it just her...huuummmm)

Thanks Timelife, now lets get every show released on DVD...WE WANT IT!

Average customer rating:

Needs the first one
Unusually and exceedingly peculiar, and altogether quite impossible to describe...
It's just ok
Not worth the time
Well...that was something else.

Sins of the Sisters
Starring: Naoko Matsui , Yûko Mizutani , Kumiko Watanabe , Jûrôta Kosugi , and Kumiko Nishihara
Manufacturer: Us Manga Corps Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Anime & Manga | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Sprite: Between Two Worlds
Mouse - Stealing Temptation (Vol. 1)
Strange Love
Mouse - Lusty Ambitions (Vol. 2)
Cutey Honey - Essential Anime Collection (Vols. 1 & 2)

ASIN: B00005LP4A
Release Date: 2001-11-13

Description

A woman warrior named Aiko rises to power in a violent and bloody crusade. Haunted by memories of another life, she travels backwards in time to solve the mystery of her past and finds herself caught in an incredible battle to save the future!

Customer Reviews:

Needs the first one.......2006-04-05

What most people don't know about this, is that that is the second in a series! The first part of it is before the Restoration, and actually starts when Hans loses his wings. I haven't been able to find the original in a long time, but I've found that this DVD makes a lot less sense without the first VHS. I don't know why they released the second to DVD without remastering the first. I will admit, I didn't enjoy this one as much. I thought the first was much better. This one was a little more confusing.

Unusually and exceedingly peculiar, and altogether quite impossible to describe..........2005-12-03

O.K., so there's a woman warrior, who led a crusade of other women warriors, and women took over the world (as if they haven't already, ba-dump-bump). And then there's a time-traveling demon, a convenient "time tunnel" built into an ancient monastery, a transsexual/lesbian love affair in there somewhere, and...you know what? Forget it. No, really, forget it; forget that this movie ever existed and move on to more comprehensible fare, like "Urotsukidoji". My rating: 1/10.

It's just ok.......2005-09-21

In the Post-Restoration world, Yuki recovers her memory and realizes that her lover, Daisuke, died in the World Restoration, which was led by Aiko and the female crusaders of St. Michaela's College. She decides to save Daisuke by preventing the WR, which means going back in time to kill the Christian Crusader's.

Not worth the time.......2005-04-03

The voice acting is horrid. All this movie has going for it is gratuitous sex, but not much of that either. The plot could use some work, but if you're looking for a hentai, you're not likely looking for plot. The story confusingly jumped between different time periods.

Well...that was something else........2005-03-24

We've all had our VHS bargain-bin experiences, but if I were not blessed with an appreciation for the bizarre and absurd I'd have tracked the vendor down and made them sit through it. It would have been far worse punishment than a refund of 5 bucks, I assure you.
Indeed, the best reason to own this is to show it to other hentais, to see them gape in disbelief, struck dumb to decided if they'd just been ripped off by a delirious hack or mocked by a burned out malcontent...and don't even try to figure out if the writers were actually religious.
I've no idea if an original language viewing would make this somehow 'better', as the utterly, and typically, awful English cast added to its stupefying effect.

Betty Grable Collection, Vol. 1 (My Blue Heaven / The Dolly Sisters / Moon Over Miami / Down Argentine Way)

Average customer rating:

OH THOSE LEGS
Betty at her best
Grable grabs you!!
Moon Over Miami - been waiting for it!
best of betty!

Betty Grable Collection, Vol. 1 (My Blue Heaven / The Dolly Sisters / Moon Over Miami / Down Argentine Way)
Starring: Don Ameche , Betty Grable , Robert Cummings , Carole Landis , and Jack Haley
Director: Walter Lang , Henry Koster , and Irving Cummings
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000EXDS7A
Release Date: 2006-06-13

Description

Disk 1: MY BLUE HEAVEN Disk 2: THE DOLLY SISTERS Disk 3: MOON OVER MIAMI Disk 4: DOWN ARGENTINE WAY

Customer Reviews:

OH THOSE LEGS.......2007-05-09

FIVE TOP MOVIES OF BETTY GRABLE. THE RESTERATION IS TOPS. COLOR IS GREAT. I HAVE AN HD TV AND THE VIEWING OF THE MOVIES COULD NOT BE BETTER. THE SOUND WAS TOP QUALITY ALSO. THE ONLY THING I REGRET IS I WANT MORE.

Betty at her best.......2007-05-05

Oh boy, when Betty was firing she was certainly something. When? In every one of her movies, that's when! Here we see her at her sassy, talented best from the breakthrough ingenue in "Down Argentine Way" to the more mature role in "My Blue Heaven". And though this is the weakest of the four movies in this collection, just watch how she handles the dressing room scene where she walks in and finds Dan pashing Mitzi. Instead of exploding, she is the epitome of cool. She was cool in 1950 when nobody had coined the word. The scene was well written,true, but she delivered it with great panache. An underrated actress. Just watch the facial expressions in every number - she's alive. It's a pity her movie career wasn't extended and revitalised by the part of Adelaide in "Guys and Dolls". I even fantasize that she should have played "Sweet Sue" in "Some Like It Hot" - Joan Shawlee even LOOKED like a beefed-up Betty. Has this occurred to anyone else? But to get back to the collection - great value. A trip back to the carefree movie days when everyone looked fabulous, burst into song at the drop of a cliche, and had a happy ending. More, please.

Grable grabs you!!.......2007-04-07

This collection of Betty Grable movies is terrific. The quality of all was great. The colorful and musical plots are worth seeing. Grable's performances cover the period from her first smash hit as a star in "Down Argentine Way" to "My Blue Heaven" made much later in her career and was interesting to watch. She really grew from the sweet and talented young lady to a sophisticated leading lady. In all cases, when she is on teh screen, you can't take your eyes off of her.
I hope Volume 2 & 3 come out pretty soon.

Moon Over Miami - been waiting for it!.......2007-03-05

"Moon over Miami" is one of my favorite old musicals and I have been waiting for it on DVD! I bought it as soon as I saw this 4-volume unit, and I've watched it and loved it (nothing Charlotte Greenwood and her dancing)! The songs are cute, and even though Bob and Don don't hit the handsome meter like John Payne does, they are pleasant! The dancing is good, and Betty's dresses are really pretty!

The other movies are good too. I like the horse one, "Down Argentine Way." The "Dolly Sisters" is not as great, but John Payne, woo-hoo!

I like Betty Grable movies, and still want to get a DVD of "Springtime in the Rockies" and the one where she is a steno girl and sings at a nighclub in DC during the war (has a couple of fiances). Give me all these rather than some of today's movies any day!

best of betty!.......2007-01-16

I loved this box set and hope there are more coming!! "The Dolly Sisters"
is one of Grables' best movies, and it is a lavish,beautiful movie, well
done!
Hoping to find out soon that "golden girl" with Mitzi Gaynor is going to
be another new release soon!

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