Fame

Starring:Irene Cara, Lee Curreri, Laura Dean, Antonia Franceschi, Boyd Gaines, Albert Hague, Tresa Hughes, Steve Inwood, Paul McCrane, Anne Meara, Joanna Merlin, Barry Miller, Jim Moody, Gene Anthony Ray, Maureen Teefy, Debbie Allen, Richard Belzer, Frank Bongiorno, Bill Britten, Eric Brockington
Director: Alan Parker, Mark Schneider (II)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

The spirit of Motown runs through the long-awaited film adaption of the Broadway musical Dreamgirls, which centers around a young female singing trio who burst upon the music scene in the '60s, complete with bouffant hairdos, glitzy gowns, and a soul sound new to the white-bread American music charts. Sound familiar? You aren't the first one to draw comparisons to the meteoric rise of the Supremes, and despite any protests to the contrary, this is most definitely a thinly veiled reinterpretation of that success story. The Dreamettes--statuesque Deena (Beyonce Knowles), daffy Lorell (Anika Noni Rose) and brassy Effie (Jennifer Hudson)--are a girl group making the talent-show rounds when they're discovered by car salesman and aspiring music manager Curtis Taylor Jr. (Jamie Foxx). Sensing greatness (as well as a new marketing opportunity) Curtis signs the Dreamettes as backup singers for R&B star James "Thunder" Early (Eddie Murphy). But when Early's mercurial ways and singing style don't mesh with primarily white audiences, Curtis moves the newly-renamed Dreams to center stage--with Deena as lead singer in place of Effie. And that's not the only arena in which Effie is replaced, as Curtis abandons their love affair for a relationship with star-in-the-making Deena.

Besides the Supremes comparison, one can't talk about Dreamgirls now without revisiting its notorious Oscar snub; though it received eight nominations, the most for any film from 2006, it was shut out of the Best Picture and Director races entirely. Was the oversight justified? While Dreamgirls is certainly a handsomely mounted, lovingly executed and often vibrant film adaptation, it inspires more respect than passion, only getting under your skin during the musical numbers, which become more sporadic as the film goes on. Writer-director Bill Condon is definitely focused on recreating the Motown milieu (down to uncanny photographs of Knowles in full Diana Ross mode), he often forgets to flesh out his characters, who even on the Broadway stage were underwritten and relied on powerhouse performances to sell them to audiences. (Stage fans will also note that numerous songs are either truncated or dropped entirely from the film.) Condon has assembled a game cast, as Knowles does a canny riff on the essence of Diana Ross' glamour (as opposed to an all-out impersonation) and Rose makes a peripheral character surprisingly vibrant; only Foxx, who never gets to pour on the charisma, is miscast. Still, there are two things even the most cranky viewers will warm to in Dreamgirls: the performances of veteran Eddie Murphy and newcomer Jennifer Hudson. Murphy is all sly charm and dazzling energy as the devilish Early, who's part James Brown, part Little Richard, and all showman. And Hudson, an American Idol contestant who didn't even make the top three, makes an impressive debut as the larger-than-life Effie, whose voice matches her passions and stubbornness. Though she sometimes may seem too young for the role, Hudson nails the movie's signature song, "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," with a breathtaking power that must be seen and heard to believe. And for those five minutes, if not more, you will be in Dreamgirls' thrall. --Mark Englehart

On the DVD
The two-disc edition of Dreamgirls includes videos, documentaries and other behind-the-scenes features. Diehard fans will love the almost two-hour "Building the Dream" documentary, which goes into loving detail about how the film got to be made. But it's the shorter segments that really capture the viewer's attention. The two auditions included in the set are a contrast in style. Pop singer Beyonce Knowles sells herself in full hair, makeup and costume; that she is a tad pitchy at times is almost beside the point. Tony Award winner Anika Noni Rose's audition is a tour de force; singing strong and with conviction and passion, Rose is fully in character regardless of the fact that she isn't dressed for the role. Oddly enough, the audition tape of Jennifer Hudson, who won an Academy Award for her breakthrough role as Effie, is nowhere to be seen. Sure, we all know what a powerhouse she is today. But it would've been nice to see what the filmmakers saw in her back then, when her competition included her American Idol castmate (and that season's winner) Fantasia Barrino. Hudson's performance of "Effie, Sing My Song"--which was not seen in the theatrical release--is included in this set, as are 12 extended musical numbers. Another nice touch is the inclusion of a dance rehearsal choreographed by Fatima Robinson (who has worked with the Backstreet Boys, Mary J. Blige, and Michael Jackson). Watching the rudimentary piece (with stand-ins subbing for the stars) come together gives the viewer appreciation for the intricate work that goes into each 3-minute musical number in the 130-minute film. Also included are a sequence of enhanced storyboards, a look at how the film's editor went about editing the picture, and a look at how the costumes played a part in the film. --Jae-Ha Kim

Beyond Dreamgirls

Other Musicals on DVD
More Motown on DVD
The Soundtrack

Stills from Dreamgirls (click for larger image)

Product Description

Director Bill Condon brings Tom Eyen's Tony award-winning Broadway musical to the big screen in a tale of dreams, stardom, and the high cost of success in the cutthroat recording industry. The time is the 1960s, and singers Effie (Jennifer Hudson), Lorrell (Anika Noni Rose), and Deena (Beyoncé Knowles) are about to find out just what it's like to have their wildest dreams come true. Discovered at a local talent show by ambitious manager Curtis Taylor Jr. (Jamie Foxx), the trio known as "the Dreamettes" is soon offered the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of opening for popular singer James "Thunder" Early (Eddie Murphy). Subsequently molded into an unstoppable hit machine by Taylor and propelled into the spotlight as "the Dreams," the girls quickly find their bid for the big time taking priority over personal friendship as Taylor edges out the ultra-talented Effie so that the more beautiful Deena can become the face of the group. Now, as the crossover act continues to dominate the airwaves, the small-town girls with big-city dreams slowly begin to realize that the true cost of fame may be higher than any of them ever anticipated.

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely SUPREME!!!!!.......2007-07-05

There are three people that comes to mind everytime I see this movie, Mary Wilson, Florence Ballard and Diana Ross, known to the world as THE SUPREMES! Everyone is this film is absolutely fabulous. Beyonce, Anika and Jennifer were flawless! Jennifer Hudson deserved every bit of that OSCAR! Beyonce took my breath away and Anika stole my heart. Eddie Murphy was a GENIOUS in this movie! The entire production was incomparable, great music, awesome visuals. Thank YOU! It was about time a good movie was made on times like this. You wont be dissapointed!

Two Hours of Screaming!.......2007-07-05

This movie is terrible. I'm not surprised it made its way so fast to DVD - 2 hours of screaming - I don't call it singing. None of the songs had a melody, does not compare to Diana Ross and the Supremes, if this is what this story was supposed to be about. I turned it off 1 1/4 hour into the DVD - couldn't care less what happened to the characters. It seems people either hated or loved this one - I couldn't stand it. So far the worse movie I watched in 2007.

Best Picture.......2007-07-01

I just watched this movie an hour ago. Obviously the folks who vote for the Oscars were incorrect. Well, consider the fact that Jennifer Hudson was voted out pretty early in American Idol. That was a precedent. I knew how good Hudson was back then. Well, at least Hudson deservedly has an Oscar now but the movie should have won Best Picture simply because it WAS.

As a biracial person, I love how this was a Black movie. The producer/director did not find the need to put in a white character that the wider/whiter audience could relate to. If the movie was released even 10 or 15 years ago that may have occurred.

The movie didn't need a white character because anyone can relate to the various themes that the movie covered: ambition, love, entrepreneurship, exploitation, drug use/abuse, family, hurt, pain, pregancy, welfare/unemployment, fame, racism, fatphobia/sizism and of course, music - from the chitlin' circuit through disco.

And Eddie Murphy. Unbelievable. I haven't been a fan of his for YEARS - since SNL circa early '80s - so I was stunned to see his performance. Wow, what a stroke of genius in casting Murphy in that role!

Jennifer Hudson's "And I Am Telling You" was incredible. It may wind up being a landmark in movie history just as we remember how Jennifer Holliday made the song famous in the Broadway version.

And I am Tellin' You You are Going To LOVE this film!!!!.......2007-06-28

Our last Musical movie was the Phantom of the Opera.That one was spectacular, but this one will absolutely take your breath away. It's wide open sets, and absolutely lush voices will have you dancing in your underwear.
Henry Kreiger's amazing musical about three, well four girls, who have a dream is heartbreaking, and moving. The plot is not very rich on the surface, but like an ice cream cake. THe heart of the story is what really matters most.
Jennifer Hudson, Beyonce Knowles, and Anikki Nonni Rose Are astouding. They lay thier notes out better than anyone in the odern world of Motown. And as Jennifer said "Simon, YOU WERE WRONG." and actually,(and almost eriely) Her (Jennifer's) storie mirror's her character very well. And so does Beyonce's caracter.
Jamie Fox, and Eddie Murphie are both astounding. And the man who plays James Thunder Early's Producer (and later Effie's Helper) is wonderful and fatherly. The Language is abounding, but it is not overbearing, like in Black Hawk Down.
So I give a 857345793453 stars out of 5.
WONDERFUL BUY IT AND THE DELUXE CD AND DRTEAM ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111

A must see and own for any Supremes Fan.......2007-06-28

I have watched this movie 6 times, and never get tired or bored with it. The music/score is great, Jennifer Hudson shines, as does Beyonce and Eddie Murphy.
This is one of my favorite films ever.

Average customer rating:

Absolutely SUPREME!!!!!
Two Hours of Screaming!
Best Picture
And I am Tellin' You You are Going To LOVE this film!!!!
A must see and own for any Supremes Fan

Dreamgirls (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Jamie Foxx , Eddie Murphy , Jennifer Hudson , and Beyoncé Knowles
Director: Bill Condon
Manufacturer: DreamWorks
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

The Queen
The Last King of Scotland (Widescreen Edition)
The Pursuit of Happyness (Widescreen Edition)
Blood Diamond (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Night at the Museum (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B000O1799U
Release Date: 2007-05-01

Amazon.com

Beyond Dreamgirls

Other Musicals on DVD
More Motown on DVD
The Soundtrack

Stills from Dreamgirls (click for larger image)

Product Description

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely SUPREME!!!!!.......2007-07-05

Two Hours of Screaming!.......2007-07-05

Best Picture.......2007-07-01

And I am Tellin' You You are Going To LOVE this film!!!!.......2007-06-28

A must see and own for any Supremes Fan.......2007-06-28

I have watched this movie 6 times, and never get tired or bored with it. The music/score is great, Jennifer Hudson shines, as does Beyonce and Eddie Murphy.
This is one of my favorite films ever.

Average customer rating:

very good
Like the movie...not the singing
The second best musical of all times
Funny with a great Soundtrack!
Humorously Devious

Little Shop of Horrors
Starring: Rick Moranis , Ellen Greene , Vincent Gardenia , Steve Martin , and Tichina Arnold
Director: Frank Oz
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Hairspray

ASIN: B00004RF8J
Release Date: 2000-05-23

Amazon.com essential video

The off-Broadway comedy-horror-musical hit that ran for years makes a successful transfer to film with a bevy of big-name cameos and two perfectly cast leads. Rick Moranis is the nebbish Seymour, who pines for flower-girl Audrey (Ellen Greene) while living in the basement of florist Mr. Mushnik (Vincent Gardenia). Things start turning around for Seymour, though, after he buys a little plant during a solar eclipse, christens it Audrey II, and discovers that it likes to drink blood. Soon enough, though, Seymour finds out that Audrey II, now grown to epic proportions, is in actuality a "mean green mother from outer space" that is hell-bent on world domination. Based on the 1960 Roger Corman cheapie that featured a young Jack Nicholson, Little Shop boasts a hilarious, amazing score by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, who would go on to revitalize Disney's animation arm with The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. Greene, the lone holdover from the original cast, is a ravishing, goofy Audrey, whose awkward demeanor belies a voice that could knock Ethel Merman off her feet. She's ably matched by Moranis, whose lack of a singing voice is perfectly in sync with Seymour's nerdiness. And Levi Stubbs Jr. of the Four Tops provides the lowdown, nasty-minded voice of Audrey II; his rendition of the Oscar-nominated "Mean Green Mother from Outer Space" is a showstopper. As for those celebrity cameos, Steve Martin's sadistic dentist is a masterful creation, as is Bill Murray's masochistic patient; John Candy, James Belushi, and Christopher Guest also pop up. And there was never a lovelier and funkier Greek chorus than the three Motown-fueled girls (Tichina Arnold, Michelle Weeks, and Tisha Campbell) who appear throughout the film. --Mark Englehart

Customer Reviews:

very good.......2007-06-28

i love this movie it is fun and funny it has comedy and action and murder a evil plant what more could you ask for

Like the movie...not the singing.......2007-05-18

This is a pretty good movie, except for all the singing....I know it's that type of movie, but I don't care for it. But I love the plot!

The second best musical of all times.......2007-05-15

I first saw this when I was about 12. I hated it at first because I wasn't mature enough to watch it with out having nightmares. Luckely after occasionaly watching it over a period of about two years I final was able to to watch the whole movie from beginiing to end without stopping except for bathroom breaks. If you saw the original black and white version of this made in the sixties and the off brodway play which ran four about four years in New York. I also thought I would inform you that the whole alternate first ending is not include on this dvd. The al;ternate nding was only avilable for about the first three days the dvd was avilable for sale on line and in stores when it first came out. Unfortunately Mr. Griffen had not given approval to have the alternate ending included on the dvd so only fragments of it remain on the second release of it. When young rick morransis discovers a mystery planet trouble some comes up. Can rick tame this blood thirst monster will he is forced to murder to feed it;s growing hunger. I also thought I'd inform you that two of the members of this cast are currently decased. John Candy died from a heart prtoblem I belive it was shorly after his role as Barf in spaceballs the famous spoof of the starwars triology that came out after this. In addition shortly before the dvd release vincent Garden also passed away. Can seymor control this monster of nature and what fate lies in store for the human race. Find out in thrilling action packed hillarious finally. This movie should be fine for kids 13 and up due to mild gory images mild rude humor mild violence in a couple of parts, intensity and occasional inapropriate language at the begining, middle and the end of the movie.

Funny with a great Soundtrack!.......2007-04-06

I'm not crazy about musicals, but if the music's right and the story's tight, then I can be sold. I fell in love with this movie when I first saw it and I still love it today. I also admire the original by Roger Corman. Who can resist a giant wise cracking plant that eats people and sings! Gotta love it.

Humorously Devious.......2007-03-23

I have nothing but respect for the puppeteers who controlled dear Audrey II. That plant ran the show, no doubt about it.

As musicals go this is one of the greatest, only second to Rocky Horror.

Rick Moranis is brilliant, and Ellen Greene has such an amazingly deep voice for such a tiny woman.

The three women singing throughout the movie gave me chills with every note. The vocal in this film are surprising and beautiful.

The story itself is brilliantly funny and horrific, it will have you laughing and cowering at the same time.

A true classic and worth watching...again, and again and again.

Average customer rating:

A classic film by Ms. Ross!!!
Good but not Great
DIANA ROSS RADIATES SUPERSTAR GLAMOUR IN A FUN FILM!!
Excellent
Miss Diana Ross

Mahogany
Starring: Diana Ross , Anthony Perkins , and Foch
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Sparkle
Dreamgirls (Two-Disc Showstopper Edition)
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Reflections: The Definitive Performances 1964-1969
The Wiz

ASIN: B000B5XOSY
Release Date: 2007-05-01

Amazon.com

One simple question, people: Do you know where you're goin' to? And furthermore, Do you like the things that life is showin' you? These questions are posed in the unavoidable theme song (a huge Seventies hit) from Mahogany, a splashy, diva-sized vehicle for Diana Ross. Miss Ross was hot off her unexpected and critically approved starring role in Lady Sings the Blues when she embarked on this musical, a rags-to-riches saga of a Chicago girl who dreams of being a fashion designer but becomes a supermodel instead. Original director Tony Richardson was replaced behind the camera by Motown founder and puppetmaster supreme Berry Gordy, who knew something about turning Ross into an idealized vision of femininity (for more on their relationship, check out the fictionalized version in Dreamgirls).

Ross looks a little overwhelmed by the plot machinations, which take her from the orbit of a regular-guy activist (Billy Dee Williams) into the glam world of European fashion--the latter courtesy of a cranky, unstable photographer played by Anthony Perkins. Perkins is sky-high fun in this thing, as though he suspected the movie was in trouble and decided to let the tics and nerviness fly. These days Mahogany is treasured either as a fond childhood memory or as a ripe camp-fest, and that's probably about where it belongs. Still, it looks positively restrained next to the other big diva musical of the same historical moment, Barbra Streisand's 1976 A Star is Born. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

A classic film by Ms. Ross!!!.......2007-06-13

This film just happens to be one of my favorite films of all time. Diana Ross gives another stellar performance. I would have to say that this film should have done well at the box office. Thankfully, I own it on DVD. Billy Dee Williams is so damn sexy. Add this film to your list of favorites!!!!!!!

Good but not Great.......2007-06-10

I thought that Diana's performance in this movie was good, it wasn't great. I would have love to seen the other characters in the movie reaction to her success. How did Diana's(Tracy's) character discover her love of fashion, why did the film not bring her success to America. None the less, the movie was good not great.

DIANA ROSS RADIATES SUPERSTAR GLAMOUR IN A FUN FILM!!.......2007-06-09

This is a super camp movie because of the incredibly implausible script. However, it is also incredibly entertaining with a wonderful musical score. Diana Ross looks gorgeous in unbelievably glamorous costumes, jewels, make-up and furs. And, in spite of the movie's flaws, Diana's acting is really good while poor Anthony Perkins is atrocious. Beautiful scenes of Rome, Italy! This is a must for any Diana Ross fan! Unfortunately, some of the scenes, notably the "Kabuki Fashion Show" have been cut for the DVD while other unnecessary scenes have been left in. It is a tragedy she didn't make may more movies after this one.Mahogany

Excellent.......2007-06-08

I absolutely love this movie. It is definitely a keepsake. Oh and the price was just lovely. Amazon is the place to purchase DVDs.

Miss Diana Ross.......2007-06-03

People can say what they want about her,but what a good movie I always wanted this movie but could never find it. Thanks to the making of Dreamgirls I was able to enjoy one of my all time favorite movies.If you're out to look for something special either rent or make a purchase of this one.

Average customer rating:

Absolutely SUPREME!!!!!
Two Hours of Screaming!
Best Picture
And I am Tellin' You You are Going To LOVE this film!!!!
A must see and own for any Supremes Fan

Dreamgirls (Full Screen Edition)
Starring: Jamie Foxx , Beyoncé Knowles , Eddie Murphy , and Jennifer Hudson
Director: Bill Condon
Manufacturer: DreamWorks
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

The Queen
The Last King of Scotland (Widescreen Edition)
The Pursuit of Happyness (Widescreen Edition)
Blood Diamond (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Night at the Museum (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B000O179A4
Release Date: 2007-05-01

Amazon.com

Beyond Dreamgirls

Other Musicals on DVD
More Motown on DVD
The Soundtrack

Stills from Dreamgirls (click for larger image)

Product Description

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely SUPREME!!!!!.......2007-07-05

Two Hours of Screaming!.......2007-07-05

Best Picture.......2007-07-01

And I am Tellin' You You are Going To LOVE this film!!!!.......2007-06-28

A must see and own for any Supremes Fan.......2007-06-28

I have watched this movie 6 times, and never get tired or bored with it. The music/score is great, Jennifer Hudson shines, as does Beyonce and Eddie Murphy.
This is one of my favorite films ever.

Average customer rating:

Great film, interesting commentary
Quirky love story with panache
Terrible!
Heartwarming
Probably the best movie I've seen in the last year...

Garden State
Starring: Zach Braff , Christopher Carley , Amy Ferguson , Jill Flint , and Gary Gilbert
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005JNC2
Release Date: 2004-12-28

Amazon.com

Zach Braff (from the TV show Scrubs) stars in his writing/directing debut, Garden State--normally a doomed act of hubris, but Braff pulls it off with unassuming charm. An emotionally numb actor in L.A., Andrew (Braff) comes back to New Jersey after nine years away for his mother's funeral. Andrew avoids his bitter father (Ian Holm, The Sweet Hereafter) and joins old friends (including the superb Peter Sarsgaard, Boys Don't Cry) in a round of parties. Along the way he meets a girl (Natalie Portman, Beautiful Girls) with demons of her own; bit by bit the two offer each other a little healing. Plotwise, Garden State is familiar stuff, a cross between The Graduate and a Meg Ryan movie, but Braff has an eye for goofy but resonant visual images, an ear for lively dialogue, and a great cast. The result is surprisingly fresh and funny. --Bret Fetzer

Product Description

Writer/Director Zach Braff delivers an Oscar®-worthy performance (CBS-TV Chicago) opposite a wacky and endearing (Newsweek) Natalie Portman in this quirky, coming-of-age comedy. Twentysomething, emotionally detached Andrew Large Largeman (Braff) hasn t been home to New Jersey in nine years. Now, as Large attempts to re-connect with a variety of odd acquaintances including his father he decides to risk getting high on the most potent and unpredictable drug there is life! Co-starring Peter Sarsgaard, Ian Holm and Method Man, Garden State is marvelous fun (Rolling Stone)

System Requirements:

Running Time 103 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

Great film, interesting commentary.......2007-07-02

In addition to enjoying this film immensely, one of the things I like about DVDs is the addition of commentary. On this DVD, I found it interesting to learn how Director Zach Braff used different brands of film (Kodak or Fuji) in different homes to get a "cooler" or "warmer" feel. Little details like that make the picture even more enjoyable on repeated viewings.

Quirky love story with panache.......2007-06-06

This is a triumph for Zach Braff who directed, wrote, and also stars as Andrew Largeman who finds that love beats the holy heck out of lithium and assorted drugs bizarrely prescribed by his unfeeling father who just happens to be a shrink. Ladies and gentleman never let your father be your shrink.

I was quite taken with Natalie Portman who plays Sam who turns out to be Large's true love, and such a kinky, quirky, beautiful true love she is. Portman eschews beauty in every scene but manages to be cute and sweet and very emotionally evolved, which I liked. She is of course beautiful and brilliant as everybody knows, but here she tries something different. She strives to be ordinary and slight but with great emotive power. Nice performance.

The sound track which reminded this old guy of something from Simon and Garfunkel, and in fact there is a Simon and Garfunkel tune on it, was the sort of sweet, nostalgia-producing, alternative rock kind of sweet angst sound that lets you know that this is what youth is all about.

Largeman, wanna-be and somewhat successful/somewhat failed actor out on loan, comes home from the big city to rural New Jersey because his mother has died, unaccountable in a bathtub--which can happen if you are a paraplegic. He deals with a childhood tragedy and acquired guilt, meets his old buds, including Mark (Peter Sarsgaard) who is a full time slacker and part time dreamer and consummate doper. Largeman unveils his sidecar mobile--the only thing willed from his grandfather's estate--with its white star on combat green, and tools around town, parties a little and meets quirky Samantha who likes to tell lies as a kind of way to deal with the world. I knew a girl like that, only she knew when she was lying--if somebody caught her. Sam figures it's a tick like Tourette's, and anyway her lies are harmless.

The movie is sweet and mildly comedic with some original shtick, and at times a bit of a tear-jerker. More than anything it's a touching love story, which I can never resist. And, yes, it's very New Jersey like Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi, although no songs by them on the track--not to mention Elizabeth Shue who was a classmate of Braff's in high school.

See this for Zach Braff who put a lot of his emotional life into the film and deserves the accolades he's received.

Terrible!.......2007-06-04

YUCK! I could not make it through the entire 1 hour 45 minutes. After the first hour, I had to stop watching. It was SO bad. It's one of those movies with VERY little plot. I kept thinking that it would get better. . . but it never did. . . . and finally, I just couldn't take it anymore. If you're interested in death, drugs and dysfunctional families, then . . . by all means. . . rent/buy this movie. . . otherwise, Stay Away!

Heartwarming.......2007-05-31

Garden state is an excellent heartwarming film. Zach Braff and Natalie Portman's performances are superb. The cinematography and directing are excellent. The soundtrack is also great (Academy Award Winner for Best Soundtrack). It's a movie that should be viewed more than once to truly appreciate it.

Probably the best movie I've seen in the last year..........2007-04-02

After hearing some buzz & seeing a couple of stellar reviews I decided to rent this movie. I didn't know what to expect, but thought it would be a light romantic comedy and mildly entertaining. Instead I found it alternately heartbreaking and hilarious. I was moved to tears several times, and to side-splitting laughter throughout. It's a wonderfully entertaining and heartwarming film.

Average customer rating:

classic romantic comedy
Love Conquers All in Notting Hill
"Surreal, But Nice": Pleasant Romantic Comedy from Richard Curtis
Fulfills all your
comfort food for the lazy sunday

Notting Hill (Collector's Edition)
Starring: Julia Roberts , Hugh Grant , Richard McCabe , Rhys Ifans , and James Dreyfus
Director: Roger Michell
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
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

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Similar Items:

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ASIN: B000023VTP
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Amazon.com essential video

They don't really make many romantic comedies like Notting Hill anymore--blissfully romantic, sincerely sweet, and not grounded in any reality whatsoever. Pure fairy tale, and with a huge debt to Roman Holiday, Notting Hill ponders what would happen if a beautiful, world-famous person were to suddenly drop into your life unannounced and promptly fall in love with you. That's the crux of the situation for William Thacker (Hugh Grant), who owns a travel bookshop in London's fashionable Notting Hill district. Hopelessly ordinary (well, as ordinary as you can be when you're Hugh Grant), William is going about his life when renowned movie star Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) walks into his bookstore and into his heart. After another contrived meet-cute involving spilled orange juice, William and Anna share a spontaneous kiss (big suspension of disbelief required here), and soon both are smitten. The question is, of course, can William and Anna reconcile his decidedly commonplace bookseller existence and her lifestyle as a jet-setting, paparazzi-stalked celebrity? (Take a wild guess at the answer.) Smartly scripted by Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral) and directed by Roger Michell (Persuasion), Notting Hill is hardly realistic, but as wish fulfillment and a romantic comedy, it's irresistible. True, Roberts doesn't really have to stretch very far to play a big-time actress who makes $15 million per movie, but she's more winning and relaxed than she's been in years, and Grant is sweetly understated as a man blindsided by love. Together, in moments of quiet, they're a charming couple, and you can feel her craving for real love and his awe and amazement at the wonderful person for whom he has fallen. The only blight on the film is its overbearing pop soundtrack, though Elvis Costello's heart-wrenching version of "She" gets poignant exposure. With Rhys Ifans as Grant's scene-stealing, slovenly housemate and Alec Baldwin in a sly, perfectly cast cameo. --Mark Englehart

Product Description

Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) is the world s most famous movie star. Her picture has been plastered on the cover of every magazine, and every time she makes a move, the entire world knows about it. William Thacker (Hugh Grant) owns a travel bookstore in the quaint neighborhood of Notting Hill. His business is stagnant, he has the roommate from hell and his love life is completely nonexistent. Then one day, their paths cross and the couple comes to face the ultimate question: can two people fall in love with the whole world watching?

System Requirements:
Starring: Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant, Hugh Bonneville, Emma Chambers, James Dreyfus, Rhys Ifans, Tim McInnerny, and Gina McKee. Directed By: Roger Michell Running Time: 124 Mins., Color This film is presented in "Widescreen" format. Copyright 1999 Universal Studios

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

classic romantic comedy.......2007-05-13

Notting Hill is a modern single man's fairy tale and I don't mean that in a bad way. Julie Roberts never looked better, Hugh Grant is his charming best, the supporting cast are all likeable. The story is believeable and beautifully directed. If your like romantic comedies or are just looking to watch a good movie that you will walk away from feeling good then "Notting Hill" is the movie for you.

Love Conquers All in Notting Hill.......2007-05-10

This is a charming movie that I've seen several times and will probably see again. It's an upbeat, miracles happen, "celebrities are people too" kind of movie.

Boy meets girl, girl says "NO", then changes her mind. And keeps changing it. Anyone who has said "No", when his/her heart was yelling, "Yes Yes Yes ", can relate to this movie a lot.

One of the aspects that I found so interesting was the rigidly controlled structure under which Anna was required to live her life. And how relentlessly she had to smile, regardless of how she was feeling. It must be tough to have to be "on" so much of the time. NOTTING HILL gave us a window into the world in which celebrities live and some of the challenges they face.

This is a heartwarming, funny movie starring 2 talented actors playing 2 really likable characters. I have a weakness for movies with American/British romantic pairings, since Americans and Brits are culturally so different; in this movie, the plot is sweetened with the added romantic complication of wealthy/famous and not so wealthy or famous. It's a heartwarming rollicking ride !

I highly recommend Notting Hill.

"Surreal, But Nice": Pleasant Romantic Comedy from Richard Curtis.......2007-04-18

Of course in real life this would not happen, at least not to me. William, owner of a small bookshop in Notting Hill, not only falls in love with a Hollywood star Anna Scott (played by Julia Roberts who is virtually playing herself), but also he really begins to go out with her. Can an ordinary guy be the true love of the star whose face covers magazines every week? Here is a one story, delightfully romantic and told with humor, about the possibility of such a romance. The story sounds implausible, but still a very good one.

Despite some incredible situations, the chemistry between the two leads makes us forget them temporarily, and their romance is enchanting (and a bit predictable) to the end. In addition to Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant (and their undeniable star power), the film is supported by gifted actors playing colorful characters; they are Gina McKee, James Dreyfus, Emma Chambers and inimitable Rhys Ifans as Spike, the most unusual lodger in London. Amusing cameos of Alec Baldwin, Matthew Modine and young Mischa Barton as child actor (like she was then) shoud not be missed.

Pleasant romantic comedy "Notting Hill" is written by Richard Curtis, whose works before this one include equally romantic "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and less successful "The Tall Guy," both of which are based on the American-in-London situations. His script of "Notting Hill" is always witty, giving us some sly comments on human relations and film industry. (In fact, I am using it as the text for my English class in Japan.)

Some people may say this is not real Notting Hill (you don't see Notting Hill Carnival, for example) and probably they are right because, as I said, in real London this would not happen. It belongs to the ever-overcrowding genre of romantic comedy where romance means a lot, and in this respect "Notting Hill" is a success.

Fulfills all your .......2007-03-13

romantic needs. It is a cute movie about a girl and a guy who eventually get together. The process in between is hilarious!

comfort food for the lazy sunday.......2007-01-12

How can you not love this film? buy a copy and save it for the days when all hope has gone. this film really stands out as a repeat viewer.

Average customer rating:

Charming film, bad DVD
Treasure
A Hard Day's Night
not exactly what was expected
the fab 4 are still fab!

A Hard Day's Night
Starring: Lionel Blair , Wilfrid Brambell , Deryck Guyler , Kenneth Haigh , and George Harrison
Director: Lester, Richard
Manufacturer: Miramax Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Beatles - Help
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ASIN: B0000542D2
Release Date: 2002-09-24

Amazon.com essential video

The Fab Four from Liverpool--John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr--in their first movie. Nobody expected A Hard Day's Night to be much more than a quick exploitation of a passing musical fad, but when the film opened it immediately seduced the world--even the stuffiest critics fell over themselves in praise (highbrow Dwight Macdonald called it "not only a gay, spontaneous, inventive comedy but it is also as good cinema as I have seen for a long time"). Wisely, screenwriter Alun Owen based his script on the Beatles' actual celebrity at the time, catching them in the delirious early rush of Beatlemania: eluding rampaging fans, killing time on trains and in hotels, appearing on a TV broadcast. American director Richard Lester, influenced by the freestyle French New Wave and British Goon Show humor, whips up a delightfully upbeat circus of perpetual motion. From the opening scene of the mop tops rushing through a train station mobbed by fans, the movie rarely stops for air. Some of the songs are straightforwardly presented, but others ("Can't Buy Me Love," set to the foursome gamboling around an empty field) soar with ingenuity. Above all, the Beatles express their irresistible personalities: droll, deadpan, infectiously cheeky. Better examples of pure cinematic joy are few and far between. --Robert Horton

Description

In 1964, the Beatles had just recently exploded onto the American scene with their debut on "The Ed Sullivan Show." The group's first feature, the Academy Award-nominated "A Hard Day's Night," offered fans their first peek into a day in the life of the Beatles and served to establish the Fab Four on the silver screen, as well as to inspire the music video format. Songs: I'll Cry Instead, A Hard Day's Night, I Should've Known Better, Can't Buy Me Love, If I Fell, And I Love Her, I'm Happy Just to Dance with You, Ringo's Theme (This Boy), Tell Me Why, Don't Bother Me, I Wanna Be Your Man, All My Lovin', She Loves You.

Customer Reviews:

Charming film, bad DVD.......2007-07-04

Having not watched this film in about ten years, getting reacquainted with it recently was almost like discovering it for the very first time all over again. The cinematography is beautiful (the early Beatles just seem to exist in black and white; it's very hard for me to picture them in color at this point in their career), the songs are terrific, the film really brings to life just what Beatlemania was like, with those hoardes of screaming young girls chasing their idols, and in spite of not having that much of a plot, the story is carried through very well by its young stars. In spite of not having been professional actors, The Beatles just have so much charm, wit, and vibrancy in this picture, back before they became weary of so much touring and all of those screaming fans, back when it was still all new, fun, and exciting to them. They were all so young and good-looking in this film! And being from this early stage of their fame, one gets a genuine sense of them being almost like four brothers who care about one another and enjoy one another's company, a far cry from the tension and acrimony present in LIB. At times it doesn't even feel like they were using a script, but that they were just ad-libbing most of it and acting like they would have in real life, four crazy, fun, and ultimately caring good young men dealing with the pressures of fame as best they could.

However, this DVD release leaves a whole lot to be desired. Disc one has a documentary of sorts, which is nothing more than a collection of interviews from people involved in the making of the film, and disc two is entirely taken up with interviews from all sorts of people who were involved in the making of the film. While there are some genuinely nice interviewees, such as George Martin, Klaus Voorman, David Jaxon (who played the young boy), and director Richard Lester, most of them aren't from such high-profile people; indeed, some of the interviews can be rather boring, and don't give us any real new information. Who, for example, wants to see an interview with Betty Glasow, their hairdresser, over, I don't know, an interview with an actual Beatle? Some of the interviewees mention deleted scenes, but we're not even shown any of them. While they're interesting to watch once, they're not something that most fans are going to want to see over and over again. Where are actually substantial bonus features like trailers, newsreels, the making-of documentary "You Can't Do That," the aforementioned deleted scenes, photo galleries, galleries of PR material, or an audio commentary? It's inexcusable that such a wonderful and famous film gets the short end of the stick in this rereleased format. The lacking bonus features aren't the only downside, either; the film is shown in phony widescreen, with the wrong aspect ratio, and therefore portions of the picture are cropped out. And while I normally find excessive complaints about audio quality to be sheer pedantry, complaining about relatively minor things that normal people don't really notice or care about to such a huge degree, even I noticed that there was something a bit off about the sound, particularly when it came to the songs. Additionally, the front cover almost looks like the cover of a bootleg. Whatever happened to the original cover design?

This is still a fun charming film after all of these years, but it really deserved better packaging and treatment. One would be better-served searching out the original DVD release, which had better bonus features, sound, and aspect ratio, or, if one can still find it, the older CD-ROM which I feel lucky to possess, which also gives the film the respect it deserves. How is it that such a classic rock musical gets such shabby treatment while the music videos and movies put out by modern day no-talents are treated with more care and concern?

Treasure.......2007-06-29

These are "My Boys". I don't know what else to say. I loved them then and I love them now. This movie transports me back to a wonderful time when they were everything to me. I still watch it with a big smile on my face and laugh at the ease with which they toss off a "comeback" line at each other.

They look beautiful. The sound is great. The music is amazing still.

If you were ever a Beatles fan, the ownership of this film is a must.

A Hard Day's Night.......2007-06-27

I absolutely love this movie! I wasn't sure that I was going to like it before I had watched the movie. (I thought that it was going to be just another boring black and white movie.) The cover does not do the movie any justice. . . But I was hooked from the very beginning: The song "A Hard Days Night" started playing, and one of the Beatles members tripped running from a crowd of obsessed fans. From that point on, I laughed the entire time it was playing. Watching it was the reason that I fell in love with the Beatles in the first place. John, Paul, George and Ringo are such witty individuals, and I think that every person should see this movie . . . . at least twice!! I don't consider myself to be a movie critic by any means, so as far as acting abilities, plot, ect. are concerned, I would not be the best person to give a review of that nature. But I do know a good movie when I see one, and this is definitely one of them. . . .

not exactly what was expected.......2007-06-23

Perhaps my expectations for this dvd was a bit too high, but it wasn;t all that I had hoped for. I enjoyed the packaging ad certain features, but it jsut didn't seem complete.

the fab 4 are still fab!.......2007-06-13

I first saw this film in 1964, just after its release in the U.S. The comedy and music are as fresh and funny and exciting and touching today (33 years later!) as then. From a devout beatles fan.

Average customer rating:

Excellent movie!
The Birth of Open Heart Surgery
A story about a miraculous surgery that saves lives.
Something the Lord made right!!!
Something HBO Made

Something the Lord Made
Starring: Alan Rickman , Mos Def , Kyra Sedgwick , Gabrielle Union , and Merritt Wever
Director: Joseph Sargent
Manufacturer: Hbo Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B00067BCBI
Release Date: 2005-01-25

Amazon.com

Something the Lord Made recounts the relationship between Dr. Alfred Blalock (Alan Rickman) and Vivian Thomas (Mos Def). It begins in 1930s Nashville when imperious cardiac surgeon Blalock hires Thomas, an African American carpenter, as his janitor. When the latter reveals a passion for medicine and facility with surgical instruments, Blalock promotes him to lab tech. Thomas isn't given a raise, works side jobs to make ends meet, and is expected to be grateful. Along the way, he follows Blalock from Vanderbilt to Johns Hopkins, where they save thousands of lives through their pioneering work, but will Thomas ever get any credit? The film provides a satisfying answer to that question. Joseph Sargent (A Lesson Before Dying) directs with subtlety and intelligence, while Rickman and Mos Def are in top form, often underplaying where most actors would do otherwise. Something the Lord Made won the 2004 Emmy for outstanding made-for-TV movie. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Description

(Drama) Something the Lord Made tells the emotional true story of two men who defied the rules of their time to launch a medical revolution, set against the backdrop of the Jim Crow south. Working in 1940s Baltimore on an unprecedented technique for performing heart surgery on "blue babies," Dr. Alfred Blalock (Alan Rickman) and lab technician Vivien Thomas (Mos Def) form an impressive team. As Blalock and Thomas invent a new field of medicine, saving thousands of lives in the process, social pressures threaten to undermine their collaboration and tear their friendship apart.

DVD Features:
Audio Commentary:Audio commentary with director Joseph Sargent, writer Peter Silverman, executive directors Eric Hetzel and Joseph W. Cort Featurette Making History Slide Show
Featurette
Other:Making History Slide Show

Customer Reviews:

Excellent movie!.......2007-07-03

This movie is a must see. It will keep your interest throughout. There are no dull moments. I didn't realize that Mos Def is such a wonderful actor.

The Birth of Open Heart Surgery.......2007-06-27

Before (or after) you see this incredible video, you might want to read the book, "Partners Of The Heart" written by Dr. Vivian Thomas,an account of his role in pioneering open heart surgery. It's funny to see a young Dr. Denton Cooley as a resident observing and learning. This is a heart wrenching story of a man with talent beyond comprehension who never had a chance to actually attend medical school - simply because of his race. Even if you are not entrenched in the medical field you will appreciate this movie. The acting is superb, and it is said Mos Def does an outstanding job of portraying Dr. Thomas.

A story about a miraculous surgery that saves lives........2007-06-26

Born in 1987, I never knew the story about the surgery that saved my life. I was born a "blue baby", yet today I am still alive. Two amazing figures in the history of medicine made this all possible.
"Something the Lord Made" is a powerful story about two colleagues of different backgrounds who strive to save babies with a congential deformity. The movie shows great social inequality as a genius African American assistant helps solve the mystory of the heart. Without this groundbreaking research, many people today would not be alive.

Something the Lord made right!!!.......2007-06-12

Absolutly superb.
Heart warming and sincere.
Four of the most influential people in heart surgury in the world.

Something HBO Made.......2007-05-17

When I read the description of Something The Lord Made, I thought to myself - there is just no conceivable way that this is going to be interesting. However, it did have a lot going for it. It was directed by Joseph Sargent, who also directed the brilliant, A Lesson Before Dying. It starred Alan Rickman who is so good he could make an IKEA commercial look like it was directed by Ingmar Bergman. It paired Rickman with Mos Def, who has remarkable screen presence. (I first noticed Mos Def in another exceptional film, The Woodsman, which, coincidentally or not, also featured Kyra Sedgwick.) So, despite the promise of (in)action confined exclusively to a medical lab, I forged ahead.

I'm so glad I did. This is one of those minor gems you might easily miss. Make sure to pay attention to the score, which is outstanding. It's way too easy to sketch this movie out as an anti-racism diatribe, that's way too facile. As with A Lesson Before Dying, racism is simply a fact, not a larger-than-life villain. This, of course, makes the depiction that much more powerful. We don't see the pain of racism courtesy of gassy soliloquies; we feel the pain of it as we read Mos Def's face watching Dr. Blalock receive his award at Baltimore's Biltmore Hotel.

Why beat a dead parrot? We know the Biltmore is segregated. Vivien - Def - can only gain admittance by posing as a bellhop. We know that Blalock is a vain and arrogant surgeon (quelle surprise!) only too willing to bask in glory that would never have been his without Vivien's remarkable contributions. And yes, we know that the racist culture surrounding these men makes it easy for Blalock to distance himself from Vivien when it suits him.

This context of racism is woven right into our flag; it's part of the culture, hardly newsworthy enough to merit a film. The engine that's really driving Something The Lord Made is not racism at all; it's the subtle, complex relationship joining these very different men who share a passion for medicine. The interplay between Vivien's self-effacing, quiet dignity and Blalock's braggadocio is pure gold, these two are so right for each other; they balance one another in a way that is touching at the very least.

Certainly there were moments when I wanted to explain to the supercilious twits at Hopkins that Vivien was the genius behind the wheel and they should be lavishing praise on him. At times it was sad, and Vivien's stoicism makes it sadder. But the movie never takes cheap shots; Def and Rickman offer marvelously reserved performances, thereby increasing the impact. Ultimately I was left with an overwhelmingly positive sense of how people can, and often do, achieve miraculous things despite the mountains of debris and bizarre baggage they've been saddled with. A wonderful film.

The Muppet Movie - Kermit's 50th Anniversary Edition

Average customer rating:

Ahhhhh Kermie!
Brings back fond memories
First entire family enjoyable film.
DVD NOT "censored", but "The Muppets Go Hollywood" SHOULD'VE BEEN INCLUDED!
Best movie ever

The Muppet Movie - Kermit's 50th Anniversary Edition
Starring: Edgar Bergen , Milton Berle , Mel Brooks , James Coburn , and Dom DeLuise
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video