On the Town

Starring:Florence Bates, Bea Benaderet, Don Brodie, Claire Carleton, Tom Dugan, Betty Garrett, Bern Hoffman, Judy Holliday, Gene Kelly, George Meader, Ann Miller, Jules Munshin, Alice Pearce, William 'Bill' Phillips, Frank J. Scannell, Frank Sinatra, Vera-Ellen, Dick Wessel, Robert Williams
Director: Gene Kelly
Studio: Warner Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Inspired by "Gulliver's Travels," the fantasy-adventure Castle in the Sky (1986) was Hayao Miyazaki's third feature, and helped to establish his reputation as a visionary in both Japan and America. The orphan Sheeta inherited a mysterious crystal that links her to the legendary sky-kingdom of Laputa. With the help of resourceful Pazu and a rollicking band of sky pirates, she makes her way to the ruins of the once-great civilization. Sheeta and Pazu must outwit the evil Muska, who plans to use Laputa's science to make himself ruler of the world. Castle echoes elements in Myazaki's earlier Nausicaä, and anticipates imagery in his later films, from My Neighbor Totoro to Spirited Away. Disney's new English dub, which features Anna Paquin (Sheeta), James Van Der Beek (Pazu), and Cloris Leachman (pirate matriarch Dola), is lively and close in tone to the original Japanese, if a bit talkier. The exciting flying sequences, appealing characters, and fantastic vision of a steam-powered future Jules Verne might have imagined make Castle in the Sky a must-have for fans of Japanese and Western animation. (Unrated: suitable for ages 10 and older: violence) --Charles Solomon

Description

The magic touch of master animator Hayao Miyazaki is visible from start to finish in CASTLE IN THE SKY -- an imaginative tale full of mystery and adventure. The high-flying journey begins when Pazu, a mining apprentice, finds a young girl wearing a glowing pendant and floating down from the sky. Together, they discover both are searching for the legendary floating castle, Laputa, and vow to unravel the mystery of the luminous crystal around her neck. Their quest won't be easy, however. There are air pirates, secret agents, and astounding obstacles to keep them from the truth -- and from each other. With spectacular animation, a fabulous musical score, and the voice talents of Anna Paquin (Sheeta), James Van Der Beek (Pazu), and Cloris Leachman (Dola), CASTLE IN THE SKY is an animated masterpiece you'll never forget!

Customer Reviews:

Great Movies... that some kids won't understand.......2007-04-30

I actually wouldnt recommend Castle in the Sky or Nausicaa for kids. when i say kids... i mean below 10 years old. They're too complicated and, i dont personally, but some parents might find the content a tad too violent. I wouldnt see any problem with 10 or 12 year olds seeing them as they could understand most of the concepts. I dont think these movies weren't really made for kids though. aside from Totoro, most of miyazaki's movies are made to appeal to either a certain group (Kiki was a message to the young women of japan), or to teenagers and young adults not because of violence, but because of concepts. Spirited away is an excaption to this in that it appeals to all ages young and old. If you want anime for children, some of that fake american made anime like Avitar: the last airbender or the french made Code Lyoko is a better choice. America hasn't really quite gotten the concept of making cartoon-style shows that appeal widely to adults and teenagers... so most of them are safe.

One of Miyazaki's best!.......2007-04-05

Pazu is a young boy who works in the mines of his town. One day he's going about his business as usual, when he sees a light above the large mine and runs to see what it is. To his surprise, it's a girl his age, with a crystalline pendant hanging around her neck!

This is the beginning of Castle in the Sky, an wonderful adventure with just the right amount of adventure and comedy. Pazu soon realizes that the girl, whose name is Sheeta, is being chased by a sort of FBI--bowler-hatted government agents who will stop at nothing to capture her. He finds himself on a rousing adventure, which culminates in the beautiful Castle in the Sky.

(A side note: I can't help but compliment Mark Hamill of Star Wars fame on his great voice acting here. He does a wonderful job on the head secret agent Muska, giving him a tone of very real madness. Great!)

Deja Vu.......2007-03-05

If you want to have an exciting time just as you see the films like James Bond movies, or Indie Jones series Miyazaki animation film as this one is just for you. Miyazaki often uses similar settings, ploys used in previous works and Castle In The Sky is no exception.

PAZU AND SHEETA
Pazu and Sheeta are the pairs exactly like his 1978 TV animation series Future Boy Conan. Pazu became less superhuman than Conan who has incredible power. Sheeta, however, is almost the same as Lana. It is bacause the basic movie plot was originally prepared for the sequel of Conan.

ECOLOGICALLY MOTIVATED
Most of the animation works he was deeply involved are themed with human and nature. Takahata's Heidi series in 1974 sets viewers closer to simple life in alps full of nature. Future Boy Conan in 1978 promotes ecologically friendly ideal community Highharbor. Naussica of The Valley of The Wind finds the heroine who stands between the antagonistic nature and human world. Castle tries to conclude that civilization who forgets firm soil withers away.

BOND FILM LIKE ACTION
That's what the movie is all about. Miyazaki's animation is vivid with action and each action seem so real we are enchanted instantly.

LAPUTA SO DISTANT
Contrary to our expectation the stay in Laputa floating kingdom is so short and I wish I could see the castle a bit longer.

SUPERGRANNY DOLA
Miyazaki films have lots of impressive old women characters such as Yubaba in Spirited Away and Dola in this film. Her street-smart yet with warm-hearted character gives the film the depth.

Verdict: Typical Miyazaki film enjoyable to wide audience.
Rating: 90 out of 100
Recommended for: Wide range of moviegoers.

The old good vs. evil in a new exciting setting.......2006-10-09

This review is based on the Disney version of the movie, voiced by James Van Der Beek, Anna Paquin, Cloris Leachman, Mark Hamill and others. The basic premise is extremely simple - it's the old good vs. evil, science vs. nature scenario, but the animation and imagination is so cool that it looks much more complicated than that.

In case you were wondering, this is not based on the book "Castle in the Air" by Diana Wynne Jones. "Castle in the Air" is the sequel to "Howl's Moving Castle", which was also done in anime by the master Miyazaki. "Castle in the Sky" has roots in the story of "Gulliver's Travels" where Swift wrote about a flying city named Laputa, upon which this film is based.

Sheeta is a young girl, now an orphan, who was given an amulet by her mother before she died. It seems that lots of people are after the amulet, and after Sheeta is taken aboard an airship by creepy Government agents, the ship is attacked by a family of pirates. During the fracas, Sheeta falls from the airship, and it becomes apparent that the amulet is much more than a nice piece of bling-bling. She is rescued by a young boy named Pazu, who is also an orphan and works as an assistant to a mining engineer.

Both the pirates and the army are going all-out to get their greedy hands on Sheeta, and we learn that she is a vital link to finding the mythical floating city of Laputa, which is said to be packed with both treasure and advanced technology, securely hidden within a huge storm cloud.

The main characters, other than Sheeta and the heroic Pazu are Colonel Muska, a secret agent with huge ambition, Dola, domineering matriarch of the Pirate clan, and the General, leader of the armed forces.

Although more than two hours long, this action-packed family movie is never boring, but it does contain some amount of violence.

Amanda Richards, October 8, 2006

THE SHEETA IS FALLING! THE SHEETA IS FALLING!.......2006-10-06

Pazu, a young boy, is looking for something to take his mind off the drudgery of working in a mine all day. He has to work because he's an orphan and he has to take care of himself. Then one day, inexplicably, he sees a pretty girl his own age floating slowly down from the sky with a glowing pendant around her neck. The girl's name is Sheeta and she had fallen out of a airship trying to get away not only from sky pirates, but also the government agents that had kidnapped her from her home. Both parties want the power behind the strange pendant and are willing to put Sheeta's life at risk to get it. Sheeta's only friend and ally is you spirited Pazu, whose dream of finding the mythical sky island of Laputa has an odd link to Sheeta's lineage.

Castle in the Sky is a beautiful piece of work that belies the fact that it was made 20 years ago. I really held both Pazu and Sheeta close to me because of the fact that these two kids have somehow managed to survive and even have positive outlooks on life without the benefit of having parents or family. You have to admire the strength of both of them, however farfetched it is in reality. Luckily, they do finally find the family relationships they never had with each other. I could very easily see the two getting married and living happily ever after when they get a little older. The thing that impressed me the most with Miyazaki's work on this film was that he was never afraid to use comedy. It was nice to have a laugh when the director's message became too weighty or the action got ahead of the story. Characterization was great. Animation was great. The story was the only part that seemed a little average. Still a great movie.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful and beautiful story
Hans Christian Anderson
music
POOR QUALITY
Great movie, but no real features

Hans Christian Andersen
Starring: Danny Kaye , Farley Granger , Zizi Jeanmaire , Joseph Walsh , and Philip Tonge
Director: Charles Vidor
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Court Jester
The Five Pennies
The Inspector General
Doctor Dolittle
The Inspector General

ASIN: B000056H2A
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Amazon.com

Of all the Danny Kaye movies, this musical biography of the legendary vagabond storyteller is definitely the most poignant, extending the performer's range far beyond his usual comic shtick. It may not be as funny as Wonder Man, but it has so much more going for it. In fact, the film is really more about Kaye than Andersen, providing rare insight into his humanitarian ideals and rapport with children. The Frank Loesser score is beautiful, as is the Technicolor cinematography. Among the songs performed, "Inchworm," "Thumbelina," and "Ugly Duckling" are the standout favorites. --Bill Desowitz

Description

Once upon a time, there lived in Denmark a young shoemaker named Hans Christian Andersen whose magical tales delighted boys and girls throughout the land. Filled with music, laughter and "wonderful, glittering fun" (L.A. Examiner), this charming fable follows the adventures of the legendary storyteller and "recaptures the spirit of fairyland make-believe for children of all ages" (Southern California Motion Picture Council). Nominated* for six OscarsÂ(r), Hans ChristianAndersen is pure enchantment! Danny Kaye "is a delight" (Cue) as Hans, who one day journeys beyond the borders of his small village, across the sea and into the dazzling city of Copenhagen. There he encounters marvels and wonders beyond his wildest dreams...and finds the inspiration forsome of his most unforgettable characters such as "The Little Mermaid," "The Ugly Duckling," "Thumbelina" and many more! *1952: Art Direction (Color), Cinematography (Color), Costume Design (Color), Scoring of a Musical Picture, Song, "Thumbelina", Sound

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful and beautiful story.......2007-06-22

This was sent to me from I don't know who, but I've always loved the stories of Hans Christian Andersen, as well as Danny Kaye being a favorite performer.

Hans Christian Andersen is a Dutch cobbler who enjoys telling stories to the children in his village. When concerns for the children's education begins to anger the adults, Hans and his apprentice Peter leave for Coppenhagen for new territory. In Coppenhagen, Hans finds inspiration for some of his most memorable stories, as well as love for a beautiful ballerina.

Danny Kaye is endearing and charming as he works with the children he tells the stories to.

The music is beautiful and charming and the ballet scene is fantastic.

I heartily recommend this movie to fans of musicals, fairytales or ballet.

Hans Christian Anderson.......2007-06-08

I grew up on this movie back in the 60's and I enjoy watching it just as much today. My husband's father was a friend of Frank Loesser, the composer of the words and music for the film, and also his payroll manager for years at his music company Frank Music, so I might be a little biased. Danny Kaye is great as Hans, the shoemaker who makes up children's stories and songs, and all of the supporting cast is excellent as well, especially Farley Granger as a cranky play producer. If you don't know the songs already( The Ugly Duckling, Thumbelina, Inchworm....)they are all very catchy and will grow on you. The sets used in the film are all top notch and very beautiful. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards but did not win any. I can't say enough about this film. One thing I will say is if you didn't grow on this film like I did, children over 10 might find it some what dated. I wish there was some special features on the dvd but all you get is the trailer, it would have been nice to have a making of documentary or director's commentary, maybe in a future release. But this disc will do for now especially at this price. So sit back and enjoy an MGM classic with classic songs. They sure don't make them like this anymore.

music.......2007-05-24

This is a sweet movie I saw the first time in the 40's and I had to find and watch again. The Ugly Duckling is precious. Great for all children.pat

POOR QUALITY.......2007-04-01

THE SOUND IS BAD. I HAVE TRIED THIS DVD ON 2 DIFFERENT PLAYERS AND IT MADE NO DIFFERENCE.

Great movie, but no real features.......2007-02-21

My niece and I love the movie. We sing Thumbelina all the time. The movie is a treasure.

I just wish it had some special features worthy of the movie.

Average customer rating:

"Our Very Own' is the new "American Graffiti"

Our Very Own
Starring: Allison Janney , Keith Carradine , Cheryl Hines , Beth Grant , and Jason Ritter
Director: Cameron Watson
Manufacturer: Miramax
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Driving Lessons
Neverwas
Miss Potter
Breach (Widescreen Edition)
Little Children

ASIN: B000OZ2COS
Release Date: 2007-07-03

Amazon.com

A collective coming of age story set in the small town of Shelbyville in the late 1970's, Our Very Own is a story about five teenagers bored with small town life who are struggling to find direction and purpose in their lives. The family lives of each of the five teens are very different, with the teens forced to deal with everything from an unemployed alcoholic father, to taunts of being gay and parents who constantly demean them. When local girl Sondra Locke, who's made it big in Hollywood, is rumored to be returning for a movie premiere that coincides with the town horse show, the five teens are inspired collaborate on a tribute to Sondra for the town variety show. Their original work aptly showcases their individual and collective talents and the five teens begin to really believe in themselves. In the end, the teens must hold fast to their dreams while continuing to struggle to find their individual paths toward maturity and adulthood. Featuring a cast of up-and-coming young actors including Jason Ritter, Hilarie Burton, and Autumn Reeser and favorites like Emmy Award winner Allison Janney, Keith Carradine, and Cheryl Hines, the acting is powerful and the story believable. Winner of the 2005 grand prize at the Bluegrass Independent Film Festival and the special jury prize at the Rome International Film Festival.--Tami Horiuchi

Description

Hot, up-and-coming teen stars Jason Ritter, Hilarie Burton and Autumn Reeser and four-time Emmy® Award winner Allison Janney head the cast of Our Very Own, the engaging coming-of-age story about believing in your dreams. Itching to leave small-town life in Shelbyville, Tennessee, five friends are sent into a frenzy when they learn hometown-girl-turned-Hollywood-star Sondra Locke may be returning. Believing she's their ticket out, they do everything they can to make it happen. 2005 winner of the Bluegrass Independent Film Festival Grand Prize for Best Feature Film and the Rome International Film Festival's Special Jury Prize, Our Very Own is a heartwarming, hope-filled story about the power of friendship, family and believing in yourself.

Customer Reviews:

"Our Very Own' is the new "American Graffiti".......2007-04-09

REVIEW: "Our Very Own' is the new "American Graffiti"
Monday, August 15, 2005
By Brian Mosely

Cameron Watson's film, "Our Very Own," is a wonderful, heartfelt and true-to-life tribute to the town and the people of Shelbyville; the place that gave him the inspiration to reach for the top and get there by coming back home to tell his unique story.

As someone who grew up in neighboring Tullahoma during the same time period, this reviewer was overcome with memories when the trailer for the film was posted on the Internet back in February.

But after viewing the movie twice this weekend, it only can be said that the time and place depicted in "Our Very Own" is perfection, pulled from the writer and director's experiences, loving recollections magically brought to life, ones that many in this town share.

The year is 1978; a time in which there was still some type of innocence left in the world. Five teens -- played by Jason Ritter, Autumn Reeser, Hilarie Burton, Derek Carter and Michael McKee -- are spending the summer with nothing to do but borrow Mom's car to go cruising. It's long before the Internet, cell phones and sky-high gas prices -- and no video games are in existence except for "Pong."

So when the rumors start flying that the hometown girl who made it big, "our very own" Sondra Locke, is to return for the 39th annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, the teens are sent into a frenzy. Resser's character, Melora Kendal, becomes obsessed with the thought of being discovered and following in Locke's footsteps.

At the same time, her best friend, Clancy Whitfield (Ritter), is falling for Melora but is dealing with a deepening crisis at home. His father Billy, played by Academy Award-winner Keith Carradine, is spiraling down a dark path of destruction brought about by grief and guilt, while his mother (Allison Janney) tries to keep the family and her dignity together.

Life in Shelbyville is wistfully portrayed as the rural South once was. Every performance is dead on target, from Carradine's too brief, but effective, work as a man whose life has fallen out from under him to Resser's bright-eyed youth who yearns for more than her life seems to offer.

Janney's work as Joan, a woman trying to keep her world from falling apart, is something that hasn't been seen in film in recent memory. She feels as trapped in her life as the kids do, effectively brought to life when she realizes in one scene at a ladies' town meeting that no one has ever left Shelbyville. Her rapid shift in emotions reflects the chaos her life is becoming.

Ritter has the difficult job of playing a character who's living a double life, trying to balance his time with his tight group of friends with the unfolding tragedy at home, and pulls it off with staggering realism.

Resser's Melora is a striking ray of sunshine and naive optimism who reaches for the stars and knows she'll make it, if she can just get that one break like her idol Locke did.

Beth Grant is dead on authentic as Melora's mother Virginia, a chain-smoking Southern woman who seems to spend all of her time cooking, sewing and sadly shaking her head at whatever scheme the kids cook up next. Equally effective is Amy Landers as Melora's sister Rhonda, who seems resigned to the life that's been handed to her.

Cheryl Hines plays Sally, best friend to Joan since high school and key linchpin in the local rumor mill. She fulfills her role as the person who's always there -- with a shoulder to cry on and receive support from with understated grace.

Academy Award-nominated Mary Badham, who returns to film after almost 40 years, speaks no words in her all too short time on screen but says more with her eyes than most current performers are able to express in two hours.

Other standout roles are Faith Prince's turn as the town busybody, Dale Dickey's sassy waitress [Skillet] at Pope's Cafe, Burton's always bored Bobbie Chester, whose choice in dates causes trouble for her friends, and McKee's Glen Tidwell, who is beginning to face up to certain truths about himself.

All are part of the tapestry that is part of life in Shelbyville, exquisitely brought back to vivid realization by Watson's masterful direction.

Production design is totally accurate to the time period and area, with local touches that only life-long residents would be able to spot. The score by John Swihart touches the heart with delicate adornment.

Aside from a little language that's appropriate but never excessive, "Our Very Own" is a long overdue film for the entire family, full of wit, whimsy and a glance at life as it once was and how many long for it to be again.

One wonders if there were any local kids who viewed the film this weekend that will be given the life-changing aspirations that moved the characters in the movie as it did in real life with Cameron Watson when he chose to strive for his dreams. The circle would truly be complete if the enchanted cycle were to begin again.

Gene Kelly Collection (Singin' in the Rain / An American in Paris / On the Town / Anatomy of a Dancer)

Average customer rating:

Great classics
Gene Kelly Collection
The Best Musical Ever
I Love Gene Kelly!
It could be better

Gene Kelly Collection (Singin' in the Rain / An American in Paris / On the Town / Anatomy of a Dancer)
Starring: Gene Kelly
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Astaire & Rogers Collection, Vol. 1 (Top Hat / Swing Time / Follow the Fleet / Shall We Dance / The Barkleys of Broadway)
That's Entertainment! The Complete Collection
Anchors Aweigh
The Humphrey Bogart Collection (The Big Sleep/The Maltese Falcon/Casablanca/Key Largo)
The Hepburn & Tracy Signature Collection (Woman of the Year / Pat and Mike / Adam's Rib / The Spencer Tracy Legacy)

ASIN: B00006JMSZ
Release Date: 2002-09-24

Amazon.com

The Gene Kelly Collection is an unbeatable selection of DVDs showcasing the marvelous Gene Kelly, the Pittsburgh kid whose ballet shoes burst with muscle and ambition. Singin' in the Rain (1952) is everybody's favorite musical, a sarcastic spoof of the early days of talking pictures directed by Kelly and longtime collaborator Stanley Donen. (Ah, the joys of DVD: to be able to zap into the blissful title number or Donald O'Connor's "Make 'Em Laugh" at the touch of a button. Plus, the 2002 special edition is exceptional.) An American in Paris (1951), a dream project for Kelly and director Vincente Minnelli, is at its best in its glorious Gershwin numbers. Kelly's lengthy fantasy ballet, drenched in all the Technicolor MGM could muster, may have you thinking that this, after all, is why movies were invented.

Kelly and Donen forced MGM to let them shoot on location in New York for the exteriors of On the Town (1949), the movie that took musicals into the open air (and remained Kelly's favorite of his films). The spirited dancing and the wisecracking Comden-Green script make this an ebullient tale of three sailors on a 24-hour leave. The choreography plays multiple variations on the triangular team of Kelly, Jules Munshin, and a still-gawky Frank Sinatra. Finally, Gene Kelly: Anatomy of a Dancer (2002) is a terrific American Masters documentary, with oodles of superbly chosen (mint condition) film clips and interviews with many of Kelly's friends and colleagues. The emphasis is on how Kelly changed the image of the male dancer, complementing the aristocratic Fred Astaire with a more blue-collar, regular-Joe approach. It's an unblinking portrait, acknowledging the taskmaster behind the pearly grin. Those revelations make perfect sense when you see the astonishing dances: how could anyone this great not be a perfectionist? --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

Great classics.......2007-05-08

Movies for all ages even the little one liked the music and dance

Gene Kelly Collection.......2007-01-18

For all Gene Kelly lovers, this is a great collection to watch and own. He is one of the two masters of the dance/musical genre (Fred Astaire being the other). The dance sequence in "Singing in the Rain" gives me goosebumps everytime I watch it. They don't make 'em like that anymore. Also the documentary On the Town/Anatomy of a Dancer was very interesting. Enjoyed it thoroughly.

The Best Musical Ever.......2006-11-24

The first time I saw Singing in the Rain I wanted to see it over and over agin. It was the most greatest musical and romance movie I ever seen. I loved the movie so much that I really really want to watch it again. it is the best black and white movie I ever saw. the last time I saw the movie it was on channel 13 or (Kera). I liked to watch the musical part the most, it's the best part. I hope I could see the movie again on Kera channel.

I Love Gene Kelly!.......2006-07-15

I grew up with Gene Kelly performances and so this box set is wonderful. "Singin' on the Rain" is one of his classics, as well as one of his best performances. "On the Town" and "An American in Paris" are suberb too, highlighting Kelly's different strengths. I especially liked "Anatomy of a Dancer" though because it shed light on Kelly's life that I did not know. As such I grew to respect him and his work even more. I highly recommend it for Gene Kelly followers and musical lovers alike!

It could be better.......2005-09-22

The sound track for "On The Town" didn't work at all. The sound track for the other two was very uneven. Too loud, then too soft. Apparently it was still at theater levels. That should be easily repaired.
These wonderful movies are worth a re-do.

Average customer rating:

Tom and Huck
I liked some of it.
Any Version of "Tom Sawyer" Would Be Good
Awesome
FANTASTIC MOVIE!

Tom and Huck
Starring: Jonathan Taylor Thomas , Brad Renfro , Eric Schweig , Charles Rocket , and Amy Wright
Director: Peter Hewitt
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
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The Adventures of Huck Finn
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Jungle 2 Jungle

ASIN: B000089799
Release Date: 2003-05-06

Amazon.com

Being a good friend can be difficult, but the rewards are great. Two unruly boys, Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, pledge their friendship to one another in anticipation of days filled with fun and laughter. Instead, the two witness a graveyard murder and swear an oath of silence to protect their own lives. Treasure hunting and Tom's budding friendship with his classmate Becky pale when the boys' silence threatens to allow an innocent man to hang for the crime, and Tom must choose between keeping his pact with Huck and justice for his friend Muff Potter. This 1995 Disney presentation of Mark Twain's classic The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, featuring Jonathan Taylor Thomas as Tom and Brad Renfro as Huck, reaffirms the notion that "When a friend's in trouble, you can't just run away." (Ages 5 and older) --Tami Horiuchi

Description

Jonathan Taylor Thomas (HOME IMPROVEMENT) stars as America's greatest teenage hero -- Tom Sawyer! No boy ever had so much fun, got into so much trouble, or had so many outrageous adventures! Disney's magic touch now turns Mark Twain's masterpiece into "An outstanding classic adventure film" (Kids News Network). Tom and his rebellious friend Huck (Brad Renfro) witness a midnight killing. They swear not to reveal what they saw -- but that causes a real problem. If Tom doesn't speak up, an innocent friend may be hanged. But if he does tell the truth, the real killer, knife-throwing Injun Joe, will come after him! TOM AND HUCK has it all -- a treasure hunt, a haunted house, a courtroom showdown, a scary chase in a cave, and a valuable lesson for young Tom: when a friend's in trouble, you don't run away! Now one of the world's great stories becomes a great addition to your family's Disney library!

Customer Reviews:

Tom and Huck.......2007-06-16

A great movie to watch with your kids, especially if you have read the books- Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. My boys enjoyed the movie too.

I liked some of it........2007-01-27

I liked Jonathan Taylor Thomas. He did a good job playing Tom, even though he didn't match up with the "real Tom." Brad Refro was good even though I didn't picture Huck Finn like that. Becky was terrible! I have love the book and this actor and script doesn't even come close! They did a good job with Injun Joe. I don't think you can make a video as good as the book but, one day I hope they will.

Any Version of "Tom Sawyer" Would Be Good.......2005-11-14

I am unsure of how many versions of "Tom Sawyer" that I have seen, regardless, nearly every one had its charms as does this version. While this version plays more as a vehicle for Jonathon Taylor Thomas and Brad Renfro, the story still plays out much like Mark Twain's original.

This movie launches very quickly into the murder of Doc Robinson (William Newman) by Injun Joe (Eric Schweig). Injun Joe has pinned the blame on poor Muff Potter (Michael McShane) by using his knife. We know, however, that Tom Sawyer (Thomas) and Huckleberry Finn (Brad Renfro) were watching. We also know that Huck has made a pact with Tom to never tell anyone about what they saw. However, Tom is conflicted because he genuinely likes Muff Potter, and somehow he feels that he can not leave him to take the blame for Injun Joe's crime.

While I do not wish to make light of this movie, we know the general story. Injun Joe threatens Tom and tells Tom that he will kill him if he tells what he knows. Of course, Tom ultimately does tell, but Injun Joe escapes the courthouse, and Tom will be in fear of Injun Joe until he is caught or killed. Eventually the movie ends up in Mark Twain Cave (at least, that was the original setting), where Becky Thatcher (the gloriously beautiful Rachael Lee Cook), Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn have it out with Injun Joe.

This movie retains a reasonable amount of Twain's original story. However, because the movie barely clocks in with 97 minutes, the story is substantially shortened with little of the significant detail that Twain put into his book. There is a reasonable amount of humor in the movie to take the edge off the drama, with the famous church scene being one of the best scenes until after Tom was discovered, when the scene began to go downhill. The famous fence whitewashing scene is relatively weak in this movie.

This movie seems to be a showcase for then popular Disney star Jonathan Taylor Thomas. Unfortunately for Thomas, Muff Potter, Injun Joe, Huck Finn and Becky Thatcher all steal the show. Tom, who was the leader and the schemer in the original Twain story, seems to be half a step behind throughout much of the movie. Apparently someone in Disney thought that Thomas would be more appealing as a more naïve child; whoever came up with that idea was wrong.

This movie is a bit too violent for younger children. I would recommend age 6 or 7 as the lower limit, and even some older children may find some of the violence distressing.

My biggest disappointment with this movie was the portrayal of the cave. Mark Twain Cave in Hannibal, Missouri was formed by water, and is substantially shale and clay. In some areas of the cave, water still flows at lower level Some versions of this movie do a great job of portraying the cave; this movie does not. I recommend visiting the original in Hannibal, Missouri.

A purist will undoubtedly find this movie to be disappointing. However, perhaps a child watching this movie will be sufficiently intrigued that they will pick up Mark Twain's book and discover the wonderful world that Mark Twain created.

Awesome.......2005-10-07

I got my product alot faster than I expected and in excellent condition. I have no complaints.

FANTASTIC MOVIE!.......2004-07-23

Four letters: W-O-W. The movie is incredibly good. Who knew that this kid would have a career after "Home Improvment." Only the magical world of Disney could improve Mark Twain's literary classic. There's a new star in town and his name is Jonathan Taylor Thomas. I just sent away for my Jonathan Taylor Thomas signed headshot. Thank-you God.

Average customer rating:

WORTH GOLD JUST FOR ANN'S PRIMITIVE MAN ROUTINE!
New York, New York, it's a wonderful town !!!
Still the Prototype for All the Great MGM Musicals Thanks Mainly to the Dazzling Kelly-Donen Choreography
Toast of the Town
On The Town 1949

On the Town
Starring: Florence Bates , Bea Benaderet , Don Brodie , Claire Carleton , and Tom Dugan
Director: Gene Kelly
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00004RF9J
Release Date: 2000-05-02

Amazon.com essential video

New York, New York--it's a helluva town; the Bronx is up and the Battery's down; the people ride in a hole in the ground.... Well, you get the idea. Those lyrics (by Betty Comden and Adolph Green), set to Leonard Bernstein's music, have made On the Town a permanent part of the psychological landscape of New York City. The story (inspired by Jerome Robbins's ballet Fancy Free) is pretty slight: Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and Jules Munshin play sailors with 24 hours' leave to take their bite out of the Big Apple. When they meet, and then lose, this month's Miss Turnstiles (Vera-Ellen), they scour the town in search of her, bumping into a lady anthropologist (Ann Miller) along the way. Shot mostly in the studio, but with location exteriors all over town, from Coney Island to the Statue of Liberty to Central Park, this 1949 gem was the first of three great musicals codirected by Kelly and Stanley Donen, followed by Singin' in the Rain (1952) and the underrated It's Always Fair Weather (1955). --Jim Emerson

Customer Reviews:

WORTH GOLD JUST FOR ANN'S PRIMITIVE MAN ROUTINE!.......2007-06-14

Just think, 58 years ago, a few years after a horrible war ended, and a new "Cold War" was beginning, MGM decided to do a full color musical about 3 over-age sailors hitting the town (NYC) for a short 24-hour leave! Today, it's hard to imagine any studio making such a terrific song and dance flick, one that is as close to perfect as you can get. You have Ann Miller, stealing the show singing and tapping, and amusing everyone in an unbeatable role for the ages! Vera Ellen almost as good, and perfect in the "Miss Turnstile" act knocking down even the toughest guys! A tough girl cabbie brassing it out with none other than the #1 Star of all time (Frank, if you need to ask) here playing a thoughtful near- straight man, along with the 3 Stooges-like (think a slim Curlie) Jules Mushin, and a typically loud and flamboyent Gene Kelly. All the song& dance acts are top of the line, the scenery is great, the whimsy tough to beat, with just a very few dated routines (mainly with the rather sad roommate). And the Empire State act with Mushin "hanging out" actually gave me a slight case of vertigo! But I could fly through the incredible primitive man act at least omce a month and still not get bored, corny or not!

New York, New York, it's a wonderful town !!!.......2007-03-14

New York, New York, a helluva town.
The Bronx is up, but the Battery's down.
The people ride in a hole in the groun'.
New York, New York, it's a helluva town!

On The Town let MGM showcase some of their very finest talents: Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly and Jules Munshin play three sailors who get a 24 hour pass to see the city. These men play their roles as Chip, Gabey and Ozzie magnificently. They sing and dance with three wonderfully talented ladies: Betty Garrett plays Brunhilde 'Hilde' Esterhazy, Chip's love interest; Ann Miller portrays Claire Huddesen, Ozzie's flirting partner for the day and Vera-Ellen plays Ivy Smith, or "Miss Turnstiles," who is chased after by Gabey.

The movie plot is not very sophisticated; the idea of three sailors on shore leave to see the New York City and find some girls to celebrate with does not require much imagination. However, this remains a classic musical from "The Dream Factory" even today. The song and dance numbers impress me and the campy dance number in the archeological museum amused me and impressed me both at the same time.

The Technicolor cinematography is excellent; and it is my understanding that this was one of the first films, if not the first, to ever be filmed at least partly on location in New York City. The choreography will never cease to amaze you and hold your attention; I couldn't believe how fast Ann Miller could spin around like a top as she danced her way through one of several gigantic and splashy song and dance routines. Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Jules Munshin shine as they dance; and Vera-Ellen dances to perfection as well. Wow!

MGM wanted to inject some humor and some mild suspense into the plot so there is the scene in the archeological museum where an exhibit is destroyed and of course the cops begin the chase for our heroes. The car chase scene reflects careful planning and much forethought.

I completely agree with the reviewer who writes that the film allows the actors to play parts that they could excel at before they became famous for performing other types of roles. For example, Frank Sinatra DOES play a somewhat introverted soul instead of the much rougher guy or "a heavy" as he did in his later years.

Betty Comden and Adolph Green wrote magnificent lyrics for the songs; and the music by Leonard Bernstein could not be any better. Top notch talent!

The DVD does not come with many extras. The best "extra" really is the three minute theatrical trailer for the movie. You can access scenes one at a time or just view the whole movie straight through as I did. There are French subtitles, too.

Despite the many years since On The Town was filmed, this movie remains a classic musical from "Hollywood's Dream Factory," MGM. I am confident that On The Town will remain a classic musical for quite some while to come as well. The dancing, the singing, the filming on location and the superlative cast all make for a timeless and somewhat sweetly sentimental masterpiece.

I highly recommend this film for fans of classic movie musicals. People who enjoy MGM musicals in particular will forgive the thin plot and love this musical forever. Great job, everyone!

Still the Prototype for All the Great MGM Musicals Thanks Mainly to the Dazzling Kelly-Donen Choreography.......2006-11-02

While 1952's "Singin' in the Rain" is definitely the more accomplished musical film, I think this buoyant 1949 classic best typifies what MGM produced during Hollywood's golden era when talents were at their peak. Co-directed by Gene Kelly and a 25-year old Stanley Donen in his feature film directing debut, the movie has a consistently propulsive energy thanks mainly to the remarkable choreography by Kelly and Donen, the seamless blend of Leonard Bernstein's familiar music with studio tunesmith Roger Edens' original compositions, and the sheer ebullience of the performers.

Written by the estimable team of Betty Comden and Adolph Green, the threadbare plot is simply about three sailors - Gabey, Chip and Ozzie - on a 24-hour leave in New York City and the women they meet and romance. Based on a subway poster, womanizing Gabey falls for Miss Turnstiles and spends his time searching for her. Phobia-ridden Ozzie finds romance with anthropology student Claire, while timid Chip is focused on sightseeing in spite of the persistent attentions of aggressive lady cab driver Hildy. The closest the story comes to dramatic tension is in the deceptions around Miss Turnstiles, who is not the big-time celebrity Gabey assumes she is but an aspiring ballerina named Ivy, who has to work nights as an exotic dancer in Coney Island.

The film is obviously at its best when it's focused on the musical sequences - beginning with the actual locations used for "New York, New York" in establishing the sailors' energetic arrival, continuing with the elaborate "Prehistoric Man" number at the Museum of Natural History and bouncing through the title tune ensemble with all six principals singing and dancing their way down from atop the Empire State Building. Everyone gets a chance to shine, though as Gabey, Gene Kelly clearly dominates with his graceful athleticism. As Chip, an overshadowed Frank Sinatra mainly gets to sing to Betty Garrett, who admirably contains her brassiness as Hildy.

Though hardly believable as an academic type, Ann Miller gets to tap impressively during "Prehistoric Man", and rubber-faced Jules Munshin provides mostly comedy relief as Ozzie. When dancing rather than acting to deceive Gabey, Vera-Ellen dazzles as Ivy from the fantasy-laden "Miss Turnstiles Ballet" to her superb duets with Kelly on "Main Street" and "A Day in New York Ballet". The only sour note is the patronizing attitude toward Hildy's squawk-voiced roommate Lucy (played with gumption by the original Gladys Kravitz from "Bewitched", Alice Pearce). Harold Rosson's color-saturated cinematography has been maintained quite well in the print transfer on the 2000 DVD, though the only extra is the now-battered theatrical trailer.

Toast of the Town.......2006-04-24

Even though this is not the musical in which Gene Kelly dances with Jerry the mouse, the 1949 film ON THE TOWN still has much that is cartoonish about it--and that's not a bad thing. It is cheerfully outlandish, in the way all the best animated cartoons of the era were. It's one unlikely or downright absurd event after the other, and like a good Bugs Bunny short, the audience knows that suspension of disbelief goes without saying. We delight in the absurdity.

The story of three sailors on 24-hour leave and the NYC gals they pick up during their various misadventures should logically be fast-paced, which the film certainly is, or even a little frenzied, which it is not. Despite the crawling time-line, which should theoretically make the viewer feel as though time's a-wastin', the action almost seems suspended in time, rather than weighted down by it. It's the old romantic notion of one day lasting forever. And in such a magical setting, who needs to sleep? And there can't possibly be truly serious consequences for a lady cab driver failing to turn in her car for the next shift or for that matter for destroying a dinosaur at the Museum of Natural History.

All that absurdity opens up a world of anarchic fun--just as in the best cartoons--and even the most staid of audiences can briefly escape into this loony world of antics with no consequences and true love found at the drop of a sailor's cap.

And it's all done to a great Comden-Green and Bernstein score (much taken from the Broadway play of the same name on which it is based) and handled with aplomb by its talented cast. The casting is near perfect, with Kelly and Frank Sinatra heading an able cast of singers, dancers and comic actors. Ann Miller and Vera-Ellen shine in their dance numbers, and Betty Garrett and Alice Pearce are remarkable for their comic--as well as their musical--timing. Probably the only disputable casting would be that of Sinatra as a somewhat nerdy, control freak. But it's nice to see him out of the "ring a ding ding" mode for once.

ON THE TOWN's great entertainment--and like so much of the entertainment of the era expresses a joy and optimism that now seems (sadly) naive to us today.

A previous reviewer noted, in fact, that the film was emblematic of the post-WW II optimism that dominated American culture in the late 40s and early 50s. That's for sure. This is a world in which sailors can get in a bit of trouble (on leave) but are not about to get blown up (on duty). And it's also a world, in which invoking military honor and sacrifice can get excuse a bit of nautical mischief.

Probably the sole bit of sobering realism is the fact that when the gobs and the gals say goodbye at the dock the next morn, they don't promise to stay in touch. Not even Gene and Vera, who have declared true love.

The audience members can draw their own conclusions. But with all this free floating optimism how can they conclude anything other than a romatic reunion--for all three couples?

We can suspend our disbelief on that point too.

On The Town 1949.......2006-04-12

New York , New York , its a wonderful town -especially when sailors Gene Kelly (1912-1996) , Frank Sinatra (1915-1998) , Jules Munshin (1915-1970) have a 24-hour shore leave to see sighs..and when those sights include Ann Miller (1923-2004) , Betty Garrett (1919- ) , and Vera-Ellen (1921-1981) . Co-directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen (1924- ) , based on the broadway hit . On the town changes the landscape of movie musicals , opening filmaker?s eyes to what could be done on location and when brilliant location and Studio production numbers are blended , it could be -as here -embulient , up-and-at-?m perfection . The Bronx is up and the batterys down , butno one can be down after going on the town . Super,Super Musical , your see a wonderful performance and how N.Y looks in 1949 and buildings and people have gone long time ago , it?s a time capsule for nostalgic tours . Transfer in Ultra-Resolution Quality picture . Recommended

Average customer rating:

A Fave Childhood Film
Soggy Bottom U.S.A.
Good Movie
Great Comedy
NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD SEE IT ON DVD

Soggy Bottom U.S.A.
Starring: Jack Elam , Ann Wedgeworth , Cloris Leachman , Ben Johnson , and Lois Nettleton
Director: Theodore J. Flicker
Manufacturer: KOCH VISION
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0009H97H6
Release Date: 2005-07-12

Description

Commotion and trouble abound in Soggy Bottom when the sheriff's plans for the annual coon dog race are mucked up by the arrival of country songstress Miss Dusty. Meanwhile town inventor Jacob Gorch perilously speeds about in his make-shift airboat, and the town Treasury men plot to blow up the moonshine still.

A rollicking comedy slithering deep in swampy Louisiana bayou country, Soggy Bottom U.S.A.'s riotous ensemble cast includes Don Johnson (Miami Vice, Tin Cup), Ben Johnson (The Wild Bunch, The Last Picture Show), Lane Smith (My Cousin Vinny) and P.J. Soles (Halloween, Stripes).

Customer Reviews:

A Fave Childhood Film.......2007-03-18

I recall this film when I was quite young. I remember going to see it with my parents at either a theatre or a drive-in, don't recall which. I remember laughing so hard at the time and my parents laughed hard as well. In recent years when I began my DVD collection, I thought about this film and knew that I wanted to add it to my collection and luckily, I found it on this website. If you've never see this film, I highly recommend it.

Soggy Bottom U.S.A........2007-01-10

Excellent movie and excellent shipping. Amazon is very easy to purchase merchandise from.

Good Movie.......2007-01-04

I got this as a christmas gift for my neighbour I havent seen it yet but she said it was great.

Great Comedy.......2006-11-03

I laughed all the way through this crazy comedy....I loved every minute of it.

NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD SEE IT ON DVD.......2005-10-25

I SAW THIS MOVIE ALONG TIME AGO;I THOUGHT I WOULD SEE IT AGAIN;THANK GOD SOMONE OUT THERE FINDS THESE OLDER MOVIES THAT ARE OVER LOOKED & TAKES TIME TO MAKE THEM AVAILABLE AGAIN,THANK YOU T0M

Average customer rating:

Good film from the maker of Secondhand Lions
Hurry up and leave...so I can turn this off!
Excellent Movie
A Wonderful Place to Visit
Charming

Dancer, Texas Pop. 81
Starring: Breckin Meyer , Peter Facinelli , Eddie Mills (II) , Ethan Embry , and Ashley Johnson
Director: Tim McCanlies
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: 0767819624
Release Date: 1998-10-14

Customer Reviews:

Good film from the maker of Secondhand Lions.......2007-03-27

After seeing the impressive and wonderful "Secondhand Lions," I was interested to see the director's other work. He mentioned "Dancer, Texas" in the Lions commentary, so I rented it recently.

This movie has a number of great performances by relative unknowns (at least at the time). "Dancer, Texas" stands or falls based on the four young men at its center, and all four of those actors turn in excellent and authentic performances.

"Dancer, Texas" doesn't fall into the typical Hollywood trap of overly-romanticizing the small town. Dancer has its attractions, but the movie doesn't hesitate to show us the squalor just outside town (Squirrel's trailer), the lack of jobs, and even the lack of available women. "Dancer, Texas" also doesn't fall into the other Hollywood trap of making every small Southern town a seething cauldron of barely-constrained violence.

Neither those who stay nor those who leave are demonized or looked down upon. It's just that living in Dancer agrees with some and not with others, which is a point one of the characters makes early in the movie. That kind of tolerance is rare in mainstream movies, most of which really love or really hate the small town.

I knocked off one star because there are a few points in the movie that become tedious and simply repeat things we already know or points that have already been made. Having said that, "Dancer, Texas" is at least worth a rent.

Hurry up and leave...so I can turn this off!.......2006-08-17

Okay, I will admit that there were a few scenes here that touched me...but those heartwarming moments aside this movie is extremely dull and slow moving and really has no merit whatsoever. It's the coming of age story of four young men who graduate high school with plans on leaving town, a promise they made to each other that only one of the boys even wants to keep. This causes problems for them, fights ensue and then there's a happy ending. The problem is that getting to that happy ending is so boring. Nothing happens that holds your interest. I mean, I never really 'want' to turn off a movie, mostly so I can finish and write me opinion, but I was struggling to care about this movie. The young actors are a good bunch, but the script they were given doesn't allow you to care much for them. If you're gonna have a movie full of slow moving conversation at least make them talk about something we wanna hear.

Excellent Movie.......2006-08-16

Excellent Movie, one of a few favorites I always go back to. None of the commercial, boiler-plate junk Hollywood spits out these days.

A Wonderful Place to Visit.......2006-04-11

I had never heard of this movie until its trailer appeared on another film I watched. It looked entertaining. I was surprised by how good it was. One of the reviews referred to it as being low key. It is. It's a quiet movie in that there's no violence, not much cussing and no sex. But, you know what? I like movies like that. This film takes a three day period of time in the lives of four high school grads who are determined to leave their hometown. In this period of time they consider reasons for leaving and reasons for staying. In the end decisions are made for the right reasons.

This is not a bravura movie made to dazzle the viewer through pretentious acting and direction. It's just a soft film that looks at the hearts and minds of these four young men. And, in doing this you see a film populated with kind and caring people you like. And, at the film's end I felt happy. What a wonderful thing to say. I felt happy. What else can you ask for in a film? I am very grateful for the chance that led me to seeing this movie. I recommend it very highly. I strongly suspect you will feel happy at film's end as well. All you have to do is open your heart.

Charming.......2005-09-25

I loved this movie, however, I'm not sure how people outside of Texas will like it. Filled with talented young actors (3 of the 4 leads were in "Can't Hardly Wait" oddly enough), this movie is subtle in its approach to 4 friends who have recently graduated high school and are looking to set out on their own. A coming of age tale I highly recommend.

Average customer rating:

Enjoyable
if you like improvisation, you'll like this
Great sound, great performances, shame about the video
Great Live Concert!
Astounding Music with Other-Worldly Virtuosity and Musicianship. Merely Average Video Quality.

Three Nights on the Town
Starring: Bruce Hornsby
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0009XRZJW
Release Date: 2005-07-26

Customer Reviews:

Enjoyable.......2007-06-12

IMO if you like Bruce you will like this. Nothing exceptional, no chances taken, just a couple of hours with Bruce. The band meshed nicely, the only stand out being the drummer, other than Bruce. The sound mix was average, the video good. It's enjoyable.

if you like improvisation, you'll like this.......2007-04-04

Hornsby's musical talent is phenomenal. Sound quality on this DVD is fine although some of Sonny Emery's fine cymbal work is lost in the mix. I agree with others that the video quality is shy. Look at Boz Scagg's Greatest Hits Live for an example of superior sound & picture reproduction. Bruce's voice still commands attention after all the years performing. Outstanding tracks I think are "The Way It Is" and "Fortunate Son" which is mixed with Floyd's "Comfortably Numb". Wonderful.

Great sound, great performances, shame about the video.......2006-12-05

What a band and what stellar performances! My only complaint is that the video isn't anamorphic. On a wide screen set, you get black bars on all FOUR sides, and the image floats in the middle of the screen. What's really odd is that the documentary making-of IS anamorphic! Makes me wonder if someone at Sony didn't screw up.

Great Live Concert!.......2006-07-28

I was looking for a Bruce Hornsby dvd and after reading reviews on what was available I decided to take a chance on this one. Glad I did as this was a great show with a killer band! I've always liked Bruce and was hooked from the first album and bought the second cd when it came out. But for whatever reason I didn't keep up with him after that. This dvd exposed me to alot of great music that I've missed over the years and so I had to go purchase several cd's of Bruce Hornsby that I didn't have. The sound and picture are great on my surround sound system. If your a Bruce Hornsby fan you'll not be disappointed and if you aren't familiar with his music then it is a great place to start.

Astounding Music with Other-Worldly Virtuosity and Musicianship. Merely Average Video Quality........2006-07-09

First, in my 51 years on this planet, I've never heard anyone who encapsulates, integrates and unifies so many musical influences, with jaw-dropping virtuosity, improvisation and musicianship like Bruce Hornsby. If you listen 'inside' Bruce's music you can hear elements of Bluegrass, Folk, Country, Blues, Jazz, Rock, Cajun, Soul, Gospel, and probably a few other genres I can't think of right now.

In my humble opinion, Bruce Hornsby is the finest musician in America, and arguably on this planet, today.

This DVD captures performances that are timeless, memorable and mesmerizing. The documentary is fascinating and informative. I'll leave it to the other reviews to go into specifics songs critiques.

However, I'm disappointed by the video quality on this DVD. I was disappointed to find that the DVD is not anamorphic, only letterboxed, limiting the image potential.

On my HD home theater setup (720p Epson 550 projector / 106" Optoma screen / Oppo 720p HDMI DVD player), the image is slightly 'foggy'. The image lacks the clarity, impact, and 'punch' of most well-recorded concerts. The focus is soft as well. The color balance is towards the yellowish cast you get when you use outdoor film indoors with incandescent lighting. This may have been the directors attempt to give the image some 'warmth', but it looks unnatural. You never see color like this in person, at a real concert. Had this been shot many years ago, I could forgive the mediocre image. Sadly, I imagine the cameras used to record the concert are the culprit, and not the DVD mastering, so a future HD DVD is likely to be of little improvement.

Man, I HATE giving this only four stars!!!

I have to, though, to be objective and informative to those who consider all aspects of a DVD release.

Sound quality is five stars, music and performances are worth ten stars, but had the video clarity been that of an average modern concert DVD, I could give it the five stars the music deserves.

The Scoundrel's Wife (A.K.A. The Home Front)

Average customer rating:

An Unusual War Story
Very Good Movie.
Unknown Treasure
Overall .. Very Entertaining
Tatum's still a little darling!!

The Scoundrel's Wife (A.K.A. The Home Front)
Starring: Tatum O'Neal , Julian Sands , Tim Curry , Lacey Chabert , and Eion Bailey
Director: Glen Pitre
Manufacturer: First Look Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0001AVZWQ
Release Date: 2004-04-20

Customer Reviews:

An Unusual War Story.......2007-03-23

I found this to be a very compelling movie. There are so many issues that come up that it should provide good family discussion for quite a while. First, the priest is not respected by the village people because he is an alcoholic. The mother of the two teens was involved is a sin for which the townspeople have ostracized her and her kids for years. A gypsy escapes for Germany early in the war, stealing the identity of a Jewish doctor, and is eventually sent to Cajun country to be their town doctor. An inexperienced Coast Guard ensign is put under such pressure to find any locals who are assisting the German U-boats that are lurking in the Gulf that he resorts to setting up the ostracized woman as helping the Germans.

All this comes together in a climax that most traditional values families will find satisfying. It is a story of facing up to one's past sins. Unfortunately, it is done only tangentially in the context of a loving and just God. Still, this is one true story that those who like moving drama will surely be glad they viewed it. I don't know why it is 'R' rated because most of the violence is off camera, and nothing erotic is shown of the one love scene. Indeed, virtually of the the terrible injuries the sailors suffered when the Germans sank their ships are shown in the context of the 'medical team' saving their lives.

Very Good Movie. .......2005-07-11

Ok, we bought this DVD because it was filmed on our area, our friends were extras and it was about our home town of Cut Off, LA. But we were surpised by how very good it really was. All the actors did a awesome job. They really captured that era and this culture. Over all, it was a very good movie and I'm amazed it didn't do that well over all.
BTW: I gave it 4 not 5 stars because the parts with the expolisions were very low grade to today's standards.

Unknown Treasure.......2005-01-15

I think this is the best role I've seen for Tim Curray. The Rocky Horror Picture Show was excellent, but it effectively ruined his career. He's had many roles since, but none as convincing as this.

Tatum O'Neal was amazing. My two images of her are the little girl in Paper Moon and as an adult in this movie.

The movie is not fast-paced. Rather, it gives you an opportunity to absorb the time period and the mind set of people at that time.

This is a movie for people who want to connect, emotionally, with the characters in a non-artificial way. I believe we saw some real acting in this movie, minus the typical hollywood glitz. Emotions weren't jerked out of you, the just come out naturally. There's not a character in this movie that someone can't identify with.

Tatum, you did an excellent job.

Overall .. Very Entertaining.......2004-07-01

I was very pleased to find "Homefront" at my local blockbuster, as I had heard many interesting things about it. I found the movie to be quite entertaining, and the acting to be above par. Tim Curry was actually very believable as the coniving priest, and it's always a joy to watch Julian Sands. However I believe a new talent has been found in Kurt Gerard, who played one of the German soldiers taken hostage. Although Gerard had limited screen time and dialogue, I felt drawn to his character, and his on-screen prescence. I surely hope we get to see more of him in the future.

Tatum's still a little darling!!.......2004-05-19

Moving World War Drama which brings a welcome return to the screen for the gorgeous TATUM O'NEAL after way too long an absence. The Scoundrels Wife is well-told and played by all and benefits from a strong central emotionally charged performance by Tatum in a film which deserves a wider audience than it will probably get. For fans of w.war drama's and Tatum O'Neal, you won't be disappointed!

DVD:

DVD

Born to Be Bad (REGION 1) (NTSC)

DVD: On the Beach

Mortal Kombat: Conquest 2 - Die letzte Entscheidung