Sabotage

Starring:Sidney/Homolka/Loder/Tester/Barbour
Studio: Gotham Distribution
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

Action aplenty
Thrills & Spills
Another great Arnold movie!
The best no-holds barred action since Commando
It is really 3 1/2 stars, but some people gave only 1 or 2...

Eraser
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger , James Caan , Vanessa Williams (VII) , James Coburn , and Robert Pastorelli
Director: Chuck Russell
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 0790729601
Release Date: 1997-03-26

Amazon.com

If you're going to submit yourself to a dazzling example of mainstream action, this thriller is as good a choice as any. Eraser is a live-action cartoon, the kind of movie in which Arnold Schwarzenegger can survive nail bombs, hails of bullets, an attack by voracious alligators ("You're luggage," he says, after killing one of the beasts), and still emerge from the mayhem relatively intact. Arnold plays an "eraser" from the Federal Witness Protection Program, so named because he can virtually erase the existence of anyone he's been assigned to protect. His latest beneficiary is an FBI employee (Vanessa Williams) who stumbled across a secret government group involved in the sale and export of an advanced weapon capable of shooting rounds at nearly the speed of light. Fantastic action sequences are handled with flair by director Charles Russell (The Mask), so it's easy to forgive the fact that this movie is almost completely ridiculous. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Eraser, an elite federal marshal who "erases" the pasts of jeopardized informers and relocates them into safe anonymity.

Customer Reviews:

Action aplenty.......2007-05-13

As Always Arnold Shines as a Hero, the premise is unusual, and the story most entertaining.

Thrills & Spills.......2007-03-02

I found "Eraser" in a local budget bin & remembered it fondly. As John Kruger, Arnold Schwarzenegger is the type of hero we like to watch. Always the good guy, he's not afraid of bashing a few heads, shooting the bad guys or jumping out of a plane without his parachute. Vanessa Williams, who's now the nemesis on the "Ugly Betty" TV series, does a good job as computer analyst Lee Cullen trying to do the right thing. James Caan who got panned for his performance as Agent Robert Deguerin seems like he could be a good guy for the first few scenes. The late James Cockburn as the agency head Beller flies above in planes and seems to be on the side of the good guys. Roma Mafia does a nice cameo as the reporter that Lee phones. Then of course we hear how the reporter was killed. If you look closely, you can see Camryn Manheim (formerly from TV's "The Practice" & now on "Ghost Whisperer") as a nurse. Charles Russell who had directed Jim Carey in "The Mask" does a good job of keeping the pacing popping. We're never far from the next explosion. Arnold's wrestling match with a crocodile may be the highlight of the film. This is a high-energy action film that puts your brain in neutral and pleasures you with thrills & spills. It plays well 10 years after its initial release. Enjoy!

Another great Arnold movie!.......2007-02-11

A must have for Schwarzenegger buffs, full of action a little comedy and great supporting cast. Vanessa Williams is an added bonus.

The best no-holds barred action since Commando.......2006-08-26

What can I say? Arnold has done it again with his latest film, "Eraser".

He plays Witness Protection Program employee John Kruger, in charge of "erasing" people's identities in order to protect them. This time his charge is Lee Cullen (Williams), a woman who knows too much about the dirty dealings at a weapons corporation.

There's not really much more you can say about the plot. And I don't think anyone who goes to see Schwarzennegar films really cares. There was a director who once said to Roger Ebert that in order for a movie to be great, it has to have at least three good scenes and no bad scenes. And in Ebert's review, he said, "This movie has four good scenes and no bad scenes." And I would have to agree with him on that point.

Despite the probably many impossibilities in this film, such as the cannon-guns used by the bad guys, this movie kept my attention throughout. The one-liners (Arnold's trademark) were fast and funny, the action was the best of any Schwarzennegar film in history, and Pastorelli was great as the Mafioso- witness who was helped by Schwarzennegar in the beginning of the film, providing even more comic relief. If I wasn't cheering, I was laughing. And that's what an action movie should be.

It is really 3 1/2 stars, but some people gave only 1 or 2..........2006-07-18

This movie was, and will be played on channels like TNT, Spike, TBS at least couple times a year. I end up watching it whenever I happen to flip channels and see it. So far, I would say I watched about 5 times.

It is by no means 5 stars, nothing profound. It does have the typical Arnold Humour/violence/special effects, which are entertaining and I liked the acting of James Caan. He is a solid actor as you all know from Godfather. That being said, I would never pay to watch this movie as you can see it many times on cable etc, but I would not have complained if I had paid money at the theater....

Average customer rating:

Don't be left behind
The Revelation Trilogy
Best of the bunch \o/
DVD Revelation
Best of the series

Revelation
Starring: Carol Alt , Desmond Campbell , Corry Carpf , Marium Carvell , and Rick Demas
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Tribulation
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ASIN: B0002T2R50
Release Date: 2004-08-31

Customer Reviews:

Don't be left behind.......2007-05-12

A very good dvd. This could be what it may be like. So, don't be left behind. I would recommend this for your witnessing tools. The acting is a little short, but the message gets told.

The Revelation Trilogy.......2007-04-10

This second in the Apocalypse Trilogy is well-done and thoughtful. I enjoyed this view of the end of the world. I recommend it.

Best of the bunch \o/.......2006-12-23

Lots of drama & a really cool sci-fi/virtual reality angle with a dash of horror ... FX not up to Hollywood standards, but the story is pretty solid & most of the acting excellent. Best one in the series, IMO.

I really got sucked into this one early on & the sci-fi thing simply blew me away -- I wasn't expecting that from a Christian movie. Hugs, kisses & lots of pats on the back to whoever thought of it.

I've seen them all now & I think this one is by far the best in the series, (although it is interesting to me how each movie approaches the endtimes from a COMPLETELY different angle -- which is bad in terms of continuity & yet good in terms of entertainment, because you never know what you're going to get when you start watching one of these flicks; the story is always a surprise).

DVD Revelation.......2006-03-09

Excellent quality from both Amazon's end (shipping, packaging, timeliness) as well as the movie itself. I had the VCR tape already, and in a move to a DVD library, this was a must, and at an excellent price. This movie, as many recent Christian-produced movies, are finally showing the potential of A-rated quality movies. Christian film-making has had a lot of catching up to do, and this movie proves that this is not only happening, but the Lord is bringing His Word to the media in a way that will capture what He is after the most, not only by excellence in quality, but by His Spirit using that excellence. Jesus bless you.

Best of the series.......2005-11-15

I have seen many of the "end times" movies and in my opinion this is one of the best. The plot was much more believable and the acting and dialogue were good. As a computer programmer, I was fascinated by the way the Antichrist character used computer technology to sway people to his side. If you think about how the world of technology has given us "virtual reality" as a first step toward their ultimate goal of creating a direct computer interface to the human mind, you soon realize this plot is very relevant to our times. This is the only movie of this genre that I find compelling enough to feel comfortable recommending to a non-Christian friend.

Average customer rating:

Childhood memories...
Great Film for history buffs
Excellent Movie, Questionable Disney
Classic filmmaking based on a true story
Review of Disney May 2002 release

The Great Locomotive Chase
Starring: Fess Parker , Jeffrey Hunter , Jeff York , John Lupton , and Eddie Firestone
Director: Francis D. Lyon
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0000DZTNF
Release Date: 2004-05-04

Amazon.com

Disney's Great Locomotive Chase relates a true Civil War story about the Andrews Raiders, a team of 22 Union spies. In 1862 they snatched a train out from under the normally watchful eyes of Confederate troops based near Atlanta in a daredevil attempt to wreck the track and bridges of the Western & Atlantic Railroad. It was a high-stakes operation with a huge payoff. If they succeeded, they would effectively win the war; if they were caught, they were sure to be hanged. This 1956 feature shores up the suspense of the scheme masterfully. We watch, transfixed, as the relentless Confederate train conductor, William Fuller (played by the all-business Jeffrey Hunter) roars through a bevy of Southern stations hot on the heels of his hijacked locomotive. Will James Andrews (Fess Parker), leader of the Raiders, outrun him? History buffs won't need to keep watching for long, but they'll want to anyway--the portrayal of the Raiders' gumption and against-all-odds heroics pushes the basest, most human of audience buttons. It's not that The Great Locomotive Chase is a simple but well-done film about good vs. evil. Instead, it explores both sides' motives and draws gentle conclusions about honor, and it does so at an invigoratingly high clip. In that way, it's a movie worth sharing with kids 8 and older--there's no blood and only a sprinkling of violence here, but as with all war stories, tragedy plays a prominent role. --Tammy La Gorce

Description

After commandeering a Confederate locomotive, heroic Yankee soldiers known as the Andrews Raiders try to bring about an early end to the Civil War by crippling the Southern railroad network. But their efforts are hampered by the unrelenting bravery of a single Rebel patriot.

Customer Reviews:

Childhood memories..........2007-01-01

I just watched this movie for the first time in probably 15 or 20 years. Although I am far too young to have seen this in its initial release in theatres, this was one of the very first movies that I saw when I was a child. I really did not remember much from the movie--except that it had given me thrills as a kid. I was excited to watch this again with my brother and father.

My father is a Noth Carolina native who moved up north, and that makes me a North Dakota native. This is important because we both tend to lean on opposite sides of the "Civil War fence." Well, this movie is great because it shows respect to both sides. The main premise is that some Northern spies steal a train from the South with the intentions of destroying tracks and bridges. One determined Southern railroad conductor takes personal offense at his train being stolen and follows it doggedly--first on foot and slowly upgrading from there.

You can't really describe the movie beyond the premise without ruining it. However, this is based on a true story--and one that potentially would have impacted the war in a BIG way. This is given colorful Disney treatment, and it is very enjoyable. As mentioned already, you are able to watch this from either perspective and enjoy it because both sides are given equal treatment. Also, it is not just the story of a locomotive chase as it also outlines the beginning of the Medal of Honor.

As for the DVD release, I don't mind that there are not extras. The picture is good, and the movie is what I bought it for--not the extras! Thanks for an excellent film on DVD!

Great Film for history buffs.......2005-10-01

When I was 10 years old ( in 1962 ), I had the good fortune to
ride on a train pulled by the "General." This was back during the Civil War Centennial celebration and believe me, nothing
could have brought the past alive more than this trip!
The movie certainly brings to life this amazing event without
today's graphic violence and gore. In the tradition of Disney
productions, high quality and great excitement are pervasive
throughout. Growing up with Disney on screen and television
made watching this movie a trip down "memory lane." I would highly recommend this wonderful film to anyone interested in
the Civil War or to train buffs.

Excellent Movie, Questionable Disney.......2005-04-22

The movie is outstanding. Fess Parker and the rest turn in excellent performances. This exciting story is based on the true to life incident that took place during the Civil War. From what I have heard there were only a couple minor changes in the recreation of the story. Walt Disney made wonderful movies during the Fifties and Sixties that were great for the whole family to enjoy together. I am ecstatic they are now releasing these movies to DVD. My only complaint is that there seems to be an issue with quantity instead of quality. They seem more interested in releasing a great number of movies than worrying about the condition of them. Now I'm am as anxious as the next person to get all their live action movies out but I hope they start taking the time to realize they need to monitor the quality control. I don't need the extras on this first release. Once they have released all the movies they use to run on "The Wonderful World of Disney" then they can go back and do Platinum Editions. I will be satisfied with just the movie since there are so many more they need to release like "Dr. Syn, alias Scarecrow" and "The Swamp Fox" that I can be satisfied with just the basics but I want the movie to have sharp picture and sound quality. Some of the recent live action movies have been great quality (e.g. Three Lives of Thomasina) and some have been poor (e.g. "The Journey of Natty Gann). I hope someone from Disney is paying attention to Amazons reviews because if they don't they may find their DVDs aren't selling so well. Fortunately this DVD picture and sound quality are nicely restored. There are no extra features.

Classic filmmaking based on a true story.......2005-02-28

It's a real treat to see live-action Disney movies in all their glory, (back when movies actually meant something) unlike the special effects-ridden garbage of today. Of the meager number of films dealing with the Andrews Raid, I find this to be the most realistic portrayal by a long shot.

Review of Disney May 2002 release.......2004-06-05

After two previous releases by Anchor Bay, one would assume this release by the movie producer, Disney, would be the ultimate issue of this film. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Besides having zero....none, nyet....bonus features....not even a trailer, this release is riddled with problems. While the menu and FBI warnings are anamorphic, the movie itself is not. If the transfer had been halfway decent, this would be somewhat forgiveable. However, the transfer is grainy, the color pulses, and edge enhancement is frequent throughout. Certain portions of the movie even appear to be in the wrong ratio....as if the screen were squeezed top to bottom.

Another problem I encountered....and basically the last straw....was the random appearance of foreign subtitles as I watched the movie. Whether this is a problem with all DVD players, I do not know [mine is a Toshiba]....but on a quality product, this should never be a problem on any player.

While the movie is somewhat enjoyable [typical 50's Disney-style drama], I'd avoid this DVD [wish I HAD] based purely on the lack of effort Disney put out in assembling it.

Description

CONQUEST OF SPACE introduces a group of men brought together to construct an innovative robot to explore the depths of Mars. Located on a space wheel 500 miles above the Earth, commander Samuel Merritt (Walter Brooke) and his men (including Eric Fleming and Benson Fong) struggle to complete the mission when aggression within the group begins to surface.

Customer Reviews:

Terrific special effects overshadow the story.......2007-03-26

CONQUEST OF SPACE was the fourth and final of producer George Pal's space operas of the fifties (preceeded by Destination Moon, When Worlds Collide and The War of the Worlds (Special Collector's Edition)). The film reunited Pal with WAR director Byron Haskin. As a lifelong fan of these types of films, I've never understood why CONQUEST is rarely mentioned in the literature or discussions among other fans. Perhaps the film wasn't well received at the time, as radiation-fueled giant insects, etc. were a mainstay of mid-fifties sci-fi. And, in much the vein of DESTINATION MOON, the film is an earnest attempt to depict Mankind's future in space.

CONQUEST OF SPACE [Spoilers ahead] deals with the first manned flight to Mars, which is launched from an Earth-orbiting space station simply called "The Wheel." But even as the human race boldly forges ahead into the future, human weaknesses remain. The general in charge of the mission goes a bit nuts, endangering the crew. It seems he has gotten religion, and decides that Man ought not to be leaving Paradise for the blasphemous attempt to explore other worlds. It falls to the general's son, also a member of the crew, to save everyone from his zealous father.

The most striking aspect of James O'Hanlon's script (from a book by rocket pioneer Willy Ley and astronomical artist Chesley Bonestell) is how the film's attitude toward religion differs from Pal's previous films. In both WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE and WAR OF THE WORLDS, Man's faith in God basically either saves the day, or gives us hope for tomorrow. In CONQUEST, the general's beliefs threaten not only to destroy the crew, but jeopardize the future of space travel. At one point, the general describes their situation thusly: "Our destination is Mars. . .or Hell."

The real star of the film, though, is its amazing special effects. I know other people have pointed out the similarities between CONQUEST and Stanley Kubrick's 2001 - A Space Odyssey. And whether either ever admitted it publicly, you'll never convince me that Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke didn't see this movie prior to writing 2001. Anyway, the composite shots of the always-spinning Wheel and various ships, spacemen, etc. are first-rate. Also impressive are the bird's eye (uh..."Wheel's eye", I guess) views of rockets being launched from Earth. Many modern viewers seem to have little patience for pre-CGI effects; but I think CONQUEST's space scenes are probably the best of any fifites science fiction film.

And while it's true some of the dialogue dates the film, it doesn't completely ruin the experience. The lone Japanese crew member's lengthy justification for volunteering for the mission--in which he apologizes for World War II and offers a ludicrous explanation regarding his countrymen's reduced size--is especially grating in these politically-correct times. And no early space-exploration film would be complete without the obligatory comic-relief character, who, unfortunately, is neither very comic or relieving in any way.

Even if you're a fan of 1950's sci-fi, it's possible you may have missed this rarely-seen film. In the final analysis, it doesn't quite measure up to the other three George Pal films mentioned above. But it certainly deserves more notice than it has been given.

Notes from an old technohobbiest.......2007-02-04

I just got finished watching Conquest of Space while eating my one meal of the day. I've got to tell you, it brought back old memories of the fifties and sixties movies where you have a lot of soldiers and no women.

It is a fun movie. There is no doubt who the bad guys are and who the good guys are--there were no bad guys. No, there are no aliens or anything like what we usually see now adays--nary a one. Instead this movie takes a shot at space exploration in the same vein as the Robert A. Heinlein did in his earlier works, hard science (at least for the day).

The acting is there, I found really no short comings. An attempt at special effects was made using some logic and physics, and the idea of the movie (going to mars) was/is a great idea.

I think Heinlein would have busted a gut at the inaccuracies in the movie but I'm sure he would have liked it. I feel he would have given it a three star rating and maybe one more star for the acting. So I give it five because I'm not as sharp as Heinlein and am a little more easily swayed.

Finally, I feel all of you who watch and collect these older science fiction movies will have to get this one--so few of our science fiction movies were done with a serious outlook--those of you who have to have naked women and exploding heads in a movie need not apply.

So, to the cast and crew, writer/director of this movie...and all movies like it, and Robert A. Heinlein-for all you did, for all you do-this Buds for you.

Conquest conquests!.......2006-12-30

This film used to play all the time on tv when I was young, and I even saw it in a movie theatre. I was quite pleased to get a good copy to replace the beat up non-letterboxed videotape I had. This film was an obvious influence on Kubrick for 2001, though not one book on Stanley or 2001 has ever mentioned this. The plots in both films are quite similar, down to a death in space, a crewmember going mad, and the space station. I think this speaks more to film critics ignorance of pop culture than anything else. For some reason, this film gets short shrift even in books on sf or George Pal, and personally, I think it's one of his best films. Lovely sound track too.

Not First Rate.......2006-08-21

George Pal made some good science fiction movies in the 50s. This is not one of them. It is merely watchable.

The story is of an international mission to Mars sent to try and get information about exploiting the resources of that planet. The mission that gest sent was intended to be a moon mission but had its objective changed at the last minute.

The crew is led by a visionary general who helped to make space travel a reality. He is a no nonsense type of CO who wants everything to be just perfect. That includes his son who is assigned to the mission even though he does not want to be there.

The problem with the mission besides primitive technology is that the general goes mad on the way to Mars. He jeopardizes the mission and the lives of his crew. It is left to the son to salvage things.

Most elements are very predictable. The effects were good for the 50s but are laughable now. The show was worth watching for fans of the genre just to see how much has changed but I have no desire to ever watch it again.

One of the original space operas.......2006-08-11

This some what dated film is a classic from its time. It makes a good follow up to "Destination Moon" The special effect are truly good for its time. The story is fun although somewhat formulaic in content. The movie tries to show a future of the people at the time. Big new technology like visual telecommunication are shown. Now this is no great thing, but look at it from the perspective of fifty years ago. That the wonder of this film, the future as it might have been.

Average customer rating:

Britannic's name
Not enough facts.
A for Effort
Titanic's Forgotten Sister... Rememberable Movie
The Titanic's Forgotten Sister

Britannic
Starring: Edward Atterton , Amanda Ryan , Jacqueline Bisset , Ben Daniels , and John Rhys-Davies
Director: Brian Trenchard-Smith
Manufacturer: Geneon [Pioneer]
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 6305857563
Release Date: 2000-06-20

Amazon.com

The ocean liner Britannic was the sister ship of the Titanic, and it suffered a similar, though far less celebrated, fate, sinking quickly in the Mediterranean during World War I. The mysterious circumstances of the Britannic's demise, in which an unexplained explosion ripped a huge hole in its hull, are the underpinnings of this made-for-TV movie. Historians have long debated whether the massive liner, which had been pressed into service as a British hospital ship, was sunk by a stray mine or a German torpedo, but this production centers on German saboteurs aboard the ship. Amanda Ryan turns in a lively performance as a plucky British intelligence operative who battles sexism as well as German spies, while the biggest name in the cast, Jacqueline Bisset, has a mostly extraneous role as a British socialite. Just as the ship Britannic has always taken second place to the more famous Titanic, this production suffers when the obvious comparisons are made with James Cameron's blockbuster. There are scenes, including some watery escapes below decks in the sinking liner, that seem virtually modeled on the big-screen Titanic, and the computer-generated images of Britannic are often glaringly obvious. But there is enough of a plot to keep a viewer's interest, and action scenes, such as gun battles in the engine rooms, to keep the plot steaming along. --Robert J. McNamara

Description

It was the sister ship of the infamous Titanic... and its final destiny was the same. Experience the true untold story of Britannic, a tumultuous, epic voyage of human passion, courage and betrayal aboard an ill-fated ocean liner bound for a shattering demise. With the world at war, an undercover British agent (Amanda Ryan), embarks the Britannic in search of a German spy believed to be on board to sabotage the ship. Posing as a governess, the undercover agent finds herself falling in love with the ship's chaplain (Edward Atterton). In a stunning discovery, the lovers suddenly find themselves enemies of war. And when a massive explosion deals a deathblow to the ship, their battle becomes one for their own survival. With a dynamic, international cast and a story line that hosts a chilling tale of espionage, politics and romance, Britannic brings one of history's most devastating events to riveting, new life. Edward Atterton, Amanda Ryan, Jacqueline Bisset, Bruce Payne, John Rhys-Davies

Customer Reviews:

Britannic's name.......2007-04-20

I haven't seen the movie but thought I would pass along this interesting fact. The name of Britannic was not the originally planned name for Titanic's younger sister. The original name was to be the Gigantic but due to the sinking of the Titanic, White Star thought it might be tempting fate to keep the name. Thought you might find that of interest.

Not enough facts........2007-01-24

The special effects on the HMHS Britannic sinking is the whole of this movie. The plot on the made for Hollywood about spies, and govenment plot is made up. The movie should have stuck with real events not a made up plot. It is a movie that makes one think whay did they bother. The HMHS Britannic, (Titanic's younger sister) deserved better. She struck an underwater mine in the Greek Kea Channel. Luckily loss of life was a minimal 33, or 35. Ship great --- movie lame

A for Effort.......2007-01-10

This movie was made shortly after the Titanic movie. Unfortunately, it is a very low budget movie, so it leaves much to be desired. A movie like this could have been made almost as in sequel format to James Cameron's Titanic. Instead, it is a movie not alot of people know about, and will never be able to enjoy. Its sad, because I find the tragedy of the Britannic more ironic than that of the Titanic.

Titanic's Forgotten Sister... Rememberable Movie.......2004-11-16

The reason I watched this movie when it first aired on TV was because I was getting over a phase where I was interested in everything related to the Titanic tragedy. This movie of the equally tragic demise of Titanic's sister ship ranks in my to TV movies of the last few years. The cast were all perfect in their parts. Amanda Ryan is quite believable as Vera Campbell, John Rhys-Davies (one of my favorite actors ever!!) adds a special brand of comedy as the Brittanic's captain and the two kids are adorable!! There are a few moments that are some what unacceptable for younger children, including a couple of bullets and some blood-shed. However, the drama and angst is well balanced out by some comedy and adventure moments. The suspense is gripping, and all the good points overshadow the less-than-perfect special effects. If you liked "Titanic", this is a must-see movie!!

The Titanic's Forgotten Sister.......2004-11-06

I've read all the reviews and just had to add another one. I'm thrilled that somebody finally made a movie about this forgotten shipwreck. The Britannic was the third of three Olympic Class ships, (Olympic, Titanic and Britannic). Everybody knows the Titanic's story as it's been told and retold and often added to over the years, but what about her sisters? The Olympic had a long career and was retired and scrapped, though the Britannic met a similar fate as Titanic, as described in this TV adaption.

True, the British were at war and the Britannic was serving as a hospital ship, but what caused her rapid sinking is unknown. A Titanic survivor (Violet Jessop) was onboard during the sinking as a nurse on Britannic. And, the casualties of the Britannic were accurately depicted here as seen from the lifeboats, as another lifeboat filled with passengers was chopped to bits by the propellers, a sad fact. So some facts were twisted and turned around, it's a movie, not a National Geographic Documentry.

This is an excellent movie for anybody with a passion for excitement, drama, mystery and shipwrecks. I thought the story was plausable and it kept me interested. The torpedo scene was merely added, my guess as a hint of things to come, and the sinking itself was excellent. The water did look fake but to see this beautiful ship go to her grave was awsome, never before seen in anything more than paintings.

Nobody complained about Cameron's made up love story in 1997's Titanic, or the way he dropped the ball with Molly Brown in the lifeboat, they were movies! A love story was needed, as in the 1953 Titanic with Clifton Webb and Barbara Stanwyck, and it was very suitable in my opinion to incorporate spying and sabotage into this movie . . . it doesn't mean we have to accept it as fact, it's entertainment, pure and simple.

So I give this one of a kind movie five stars. For it's casting, it's graphics, it's story and most of all, for finally giving this forgotten maiden of the sea her moment on the silver screen.

Average customer rating:

Heinlein lands another one!
Project Moonbase
Who Cut the Cheese?
Project Moonbase Redux
Spies in space

Project Moonbase
Starring: Donna Martell , Hayden Rorke , Ross Ford , Larry Johns , and Herb Jacobs
Director: Richard Talmadge
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

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Conquest of Space
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ASIN: 6305869359
Release Date: 2000-06-06

Description

Robert Heinlein's vision of space travel and the future of man are depicted in his second cinematic space travel adventure, his first being "Destination Moon" three years earlier. Colonel Breiteis, a female rocket pilot, and Major Moore, her co-pilot, are selected to orbit the Moon to survey a landing area for a future expedition, but a ruthless Russian spy-scientist aboard the ship causes it to land on the lunar surface, stranded and out of fuel. Will they live or die in these dire circumstances? Writer Heinlein gives us thrilling ideas of an orbital space station where people walk on the walls and ceilings, a rocketship that looks much like the real one that landed on the Moon in 1969, the American Space Force, commie spies and a woman President of the United States.

Full Frame - B&W - English - Mono

Customer Reviews:

Heinlein lands another one!.......2007-04-17

I never read a book from Heinlein I didn't like. Of course his earliest ones are my favorite. Everybody is over educated, in fine shape, and ready for the next opportunity to spring into action. He and Roddenberry were both optimistic--hope I spelled his name correctly--but in Heinlein's books it showed you how to do it.

Heinlein's earlier books allowed women to have any job they were qualified for. They had to have the education as well as be in good shape. I think the good shape was a package deal--mind and body go together and enhance each other. After all, a person keeping themself in good condition meant self restraint as well as determination to succeed. Secretly, of course, the men always ruled the world. Nevertheless the cuties had a slice of the pie and the responsibitly it cost.

PROS:

1. Heinlein wrote it and must have been around when they shot it.

2. Col. Briteis (pronounced Brighteyes) is a cutie and yes they are bright eyes--she is also a proper-girl in the military. No 'hanky panky' with her.

3. This film proves what I've always said, short-shorts look better on the ladies and strange on men.

4. I've read a complaint about everybody wearing that skull cap. You should read Heinlein's Have Spacesuit will Travel, it explains these things in detail. But here is the short version--you can't have long hair in a space suit, if just one hair falls across the faceplate seal or helmet seal you loose air pressure and die. You'll notice all our original astronauts not only wore the same cap but cut their hair off. In the movie Starship Troopers, you remember the girl starship pilot? Well, in the book she shaved her head (for a different reason). This is the way science goes--you pay the price or someone else goes.

5. Heinlein, as I remember when I read his 38 or 39 novels was always proper in his earlier novels so of course when they crash/land on the moon and, could not be rescued for weeks or long months, they must get married.

six. Yes, there is an enemy agent onboard--he's out of shape and a bit 'slow'.

7. Nice sharp image, neat idea.
8. If you read the earlier reviews you see complaints about 'spanking'. I'm 54 years old now but was young once. Back then, several times, I remember waggeling my index finger in females face--right in front of their nose--and told them if they didn't stop I'd spank them like a little girl. Such where the way things used to be--now you go to jail for it. Back then usually they'd throw their cute little noises up in the air and snort. Other times they'd twirl around and 'throw over their shoulder' "No you won't." Then that nose would go up in the air and snort in a girly way that pretty much spelled out "You wouldn't dare!" Then there were the other type girls that would take a slap at you. Basicly there were no complaints from either side...I guess it must have been dieing out about that time because it didn't last very long.

9. In the movie the spacestation shoots smaller rockets to them and 'Brighteyes and her new man' land them by radio remote control. That was like Heinlein. It's quicker to just rocket them supplies until a new ship can be built rather than risk more lives with an untried, slapped together, spaceship rescue mission. And besides, they decided to build their first moonbase there.

CONS:

1. Should have been a hour longer.

So there it is, another classic. One written by Mr. Heinlein in his typical style. I recommend this movie and all his books. This is a one bowl of popcorn and one half hot dog move. Why half a dog? Most of it is spelled out to you. Bye!

Project Moonbase.......2007-02-17

Curious thing about this film. It made an effort to be accurate. At least as accurate as the gut-level understanding of space flight could be in the early 1950's. There was an effort made to show the loss of a "ground reference" in (what we now call micro-gravity), and by golly there is no sound in the vacuum of space. There was no rocket roar from the ships in transit to space station, and the moon. Wireless telephones are in evidence, but they will make the viewer laugh...out loud! Aside from the "technical" efforts at accuracy, the socio-political content was woefully juvenile. This is post-McCarthy era science fiction. There are evil commies, and there is no domestic security available to intercept their plot in a timely fashion. There is a woman space commander, but the then extant culture was unable to cope with such a concept (Robert Heinlein was apparently struggling just to allow a professional woman in this script.) She does look great in the cuffed hot-pants that are the speculated unisex ship-board attire. The guys look dumb in the same outfit.

Watch this film. It is a history lesson.

Really!

Who Cut the Cheese?.......2006-05-06

This has to be one of the cheesiest science fiction films I've ever seen. It's certainly no PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE but it would be stretching a point to even call it a B movie. That is surprising seeing as how Robert A. Heinlein is credited as one of the creators. He had little time for cheesiness.

The story is a simple one of conceived in the cold war. The US is sending a reconnaissance ship around the moon to gather information prior to a landing attempt. The Soviets are desperate to stop the effort and infiltrate an agent onto the crew as a saboteur. He is not caught out soon enough and, in the chaos of the fight, the ship goes off course. The only choice for survival is to go ahead and land.

There is more going on in the story than just the race to the moon and the cold war. The mission was originally assigned to an up and coming major (male). For political reasons, he is reassigned as co-pilot and command is given to a woman, a Col. Briteis (pronounced "Bright Eyes"). She is not a bad woman but it is apparent that she has been promoted to colonel for PR reasons and because she looks good in a skirt. Her indecisiveness and tendency to turn towards her co-pilot for advice and help is somewhat demeaning of what women are able to accomplish.

Possibly the silliest thing about the film is the costumes. The uniform for the US Space Force seems to be shorts, a t-shirt and the dumbest looking skullcap ever to grace the screen. The sets are fairly low budget as well.

All of that seems bad but I did find the show entertaining to a degree. It captured the spirit of the 50s and was fun in small doses. The "science" is rudimentary but generally correct. That must be Heinlein's doing. I suspect a female commander and a female US president were also. This show, while not as technically excellent as DESTINATION MOON, did have more of a story to it.

Project Moonbase Redux.......2005-09-22

I saw this movie when it was released. For some reason, it always stuck in my mind. I viewed it after buying it from Amazon and realized it was (now) rather hokey. Nevertheless, there were avant garde elements incorporated in Robert Heinlein's script that help the film maintain an interest level.

Spies in space.......2002-12-15

Shorts, tight t-shirts and funky skull caps are the uniform that will be worn for space flight in the 1970's. Actually this movie was somewhat accurate in the depiction of space flight. As seen through the eyes of people in the 50's im sure this was pretty high tech thinking. A commie spy forces a landing on the moon and the astronauts must find a way to survive for they cant get back to the space station. All in all a charming slice of cheese from a time at the hight of the cold war.

Average customer rating:

Much More Than I Expected
Could Have Been Better!
Excellent and TRUE Last Hurrah for The Light Horse!
The Older Guys have the Right Stuff
they don't make them like this now...

The Sea Wolves (Keep Case)
Starring: Gregory Peck , Roger Moore , David Niven , Trevor Howard , and Barbara Kellerman
Director: Andrew V. McLaglen
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000E5N6KW
Release Date: 2006-04-25

Description

Ahoy for adventure in this jolly good yarn of retired British military men who become the unlikely heroes of a World War II search-and-destroy mission. Starring: Gregory Peck, David Niven, Roger Moore, Trevor Howard, Patrick MacNee Year: 1980 Sound: ENG; Subtitles: ENG, FR Screen Format: Side A: Standard; Side B: Widescreen

Customer Reviews:

Much More Than I Expected.......2007-03-05

I stumbled across "The Sea Wolves" in the Bargain Bin at Walmart in VHS before I found it at Amazon on DVD. I had just finished viewing the complete James Bond set, and I noticed that this title starred Roger Moore, in addition to Gregory Peck, David Niven, Patrick Macnee, and Trevor Howard. (And a multitude of great character actors.) So, I picked it up, and I'm glad I did.

The story is, in brief, about a WWII commando mission pulled off by a bunch of Boer War and WWI veterans who were working in British India in "essential' non-military jobs, keeping chemical plants and factories going to provide war materiel for the Allied effort. Their jobs are important, safe, and frustrating since they feel that they are not 'doing their part' in the war. The mission they accept is critical, dangerous, and very complicated because of the politics of 'Neutrality" practiced by non-combative countries like Portugal. Three German freighters have been 'interned' in the neutral Portuguese port of Goa, and they are part of a spy network sending information to German U-Boats that then sink Allied cargo ships in the Indian Ocean. That the "ragtag band of warriors" will succeed is self evident from the beginning, but HOW they succeed is what makes this a good story. The "HOW" involves digging out German spies, bedroom murders, bribery of 'neutral' politicians, and sexual intrigue ending in murder.

Gregory Peck plays the confident, strong leader tasked with making it happen. Roger Moore plays the somewhat 'sleazy' agent who does whatever has to be done to succeed, while managing to bed 'Mata Hari' in the process. And David Niven plays the character he always seems to play, the war weary, highly competent older character who is always comes through in the end. Patrick Macnee plays an enigmatic explosives expert who is tasked with making, or breaking, the mission in the end.

What sets this film apart is that it is based on a true story; a saga that came to light as a result of the British version of the "Freedom of Information Act" that released extensive records of World War II missions in the late 60's and early 70's. It combines inspiring heroics, perfectly placed humor, and an exciting plot with believable characters and excellent casting to give us an enjoyable and engaging movie. I loved every minute, as I seem to in every movie I review! (It might be that I don't make it all the way through the 'stinkers'!)

When this movie was made (In 1980), Gregory Peck was relatively late in his career, and he was well cast as the mission commander. Roger Moore, in the middle of his James Bond run, carried the Bond 'charisma' over into this role. David Niven was getting up there in age, and it was evident that he strained to complete the film. (A tribute to his long history of professionalism) However, it is precisely the nature of the cast that made it one of my favorites.

Since the early 90's, we have been inundated with films about various Arab-Isreali conflicts, Kosovo, The Gulf Wars, and even flashbacks of Viet Nam. What differentiates "The Sea Wolves" is that this is one of the last of the 'genre' that included actors of the age who not only experienced the reality of war (Having served with distinction in WWII and Korea) but also made no bones about the pride and patriotism that motivated them to serve. The Sea Wolves doesn't showcase 'chicken' actors like George Clooney who put on a uniform and pretend to play soldier and then feel qualified to interject their opinions about war and politics to anybody unfortunate to get in the way of their tirades. The film showcases men who lived through the hell of real war, did their best, and then got on with their lives.

This is not meant to be a political statement, but the movie shows a multitude of the faces of war; some exciting, some horrifying, and some just necessary. Watch it if you can.

Could Have Been Better!.......2006-10-08

This is a decent movie with some high profile lead actors. However, Barbara Kellerman does not impress as the female lead. Her acting is wooden, expressionless, and amateurish in my opinion. I can't believe they couldn't have done better.
One aspect that knocks a star off of my rating is the fact that they didn't bother to give the actors haircuts that were appropriate to the WWII period. Also, the clothing is not period-accurate as well. In fact, you have to keep reminding yourself this is supposed to be in the 40's rather than 1980! This does detract quite a bit, and there are other odds and ends that show the lack of detail given to this picture. Too bad, since the top-name actors and interesting, true-to-life plot make this a worthwhile movie otherwise!

Excellent and TRUE Last Hurrah for The Light Horse!.......2005-10-01

I first saw this film on HBO. I tuned in because two long-time favourites (Roger Moore & Patrick Macnee) were listed. I watched it over several times, bought it on VHS, and now own it on DVD.

This is based on a true event in WWII, when the British were losing cargo to a U-Boat pack in the Indian Ocean. Since the problem stemmed from the neutral Portugese port of Goa, nothing 'official' could be done. The Calcutta Light Horse, a group of retired British military, are recruited to do the impossible, and pulled it off. The event was declassified in 1980, and the film was made. Most of the cast is portraying actual persons involved, as shown in the end credits.

To play the 'past prime' Light Horse members, the film recruited major names: David Niven, Trevor Howard, Kenneth Griffith, Morgan Sheppard, Patrick Allen, Glyn Houston, and a cadre of others you will know. The "thin on top, thick in the middle" troops are led by professional soldiers Gregory Peck, Roger Moore, and Patrick Macnee. Peck plays Col. Lewis Pugh, a colonel whose family was in Coventry when it was plastered by the Luftwaffe. Moore plays Capt. Gavin Stewart, a bit of a playboy who falls for local lovely spy Barbara Kellerman. Macnee plays Major "Yogi" Crossley, the explosives expert fond of reading the paper while standing on his head. All cast members are well up to the task. Most memorable of the supporting cast is Wilton who is charged with nursing the engines of their rather creaky craft. When told he has to stay on the ship rather than going aboard the target vessel, Wilton says: "Request permission to say, 'S--t' sir."

The fun is watching these men train for the mission; the suspense is watching them perform it. To a man, the whole Light Horse volunteered for the mission, despite knowing there was no pay, recognition, medals, or any form of compensation. With only one fatality, despite overwhelming odds and several casualties, they manage.

The only flaw of the film, for me, is Peck's British accent which is overdone when present and tends to fade in and out. Director Andrew McLaglen should have dispensed with it entirely. (MacLaglen also directed Moore in 'fflokes,' another offbeat role for The Saint whose name was Bond.)

Action, humour, romance, suspense - all based on a true story - this one has it all, including a title & credit sequences of the actual event.

The Older Guys have the Right Stuff.......2005-04-28

This is by no means an action packed war movie. Instead, it is about a group of retirees from the Calcutta Light Horse, a regiment from India, who are recruited to a covert operation to sink German ships passing information to U boats in violation of neutrality. The regiment is one that had not seen action since the Boer War at the turn of the century; now they are called to the colors again during WWII. The subtitle, "Last Charge of the Calcutta Lighthorse", conjures up a mental image for me of a bunch of guys on horses charging ships. That is not what happens. They take the James Bond route instead.

The geriatric commandos are eager to serve and do manage to accomplish their mission. They do encounter setbacks and problems and that is where the movie shines. They are assisted in their mission by Gregory Peck and Roger Moore, two people who are trained in the world of clandestine operations. It sounds silly but it works well.

This is a fun movie and worth subsequent viewings.

they don't make them like this now..........2005-04-05

I bought this used in a video store today and the tape freezed up on me 2/3 of the way thru the movie. I am now ordering the DVD on Amazon because I opened (read: broke open) the videotape up in a futile attempt to fix the problem and see the end of the film tonight because I was so enthralled by the story. Drat, I couldn't fix it.

Yes, the story builds a bit slow, but this is a really interesting story based on a true WWII attack. Without giving away the plot, it is highly believable that a minor character, an Indian national was working with the Nazis against the British because he saw this as a way to get independence for India - and/or vent his hatred of Britian. What the Nazis would would have done to the dark skinned Indians had they won the war is another story. But even if you don't know that piece of history, you can get the story (ok, you know it now). The story flows. I can't wait to see the ending and how all characters resolve their issues - as well as how the attack goes down.

Average customer rating:

Ski School
Starring: Dean Cameron , Tom Bresnahan , Patrick Labyorteaux , Mark Thomas Miller , and Spencer Rochfort
Director: Damian Lee
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
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ASIN: B000QQML4G
Release Date: 2007-08-28

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Backlash on backlash "Oblivion 2"
Fun, but not as good as the first...

Backlash: Oblivion 2
Starring: Maxwell Caulfield , Andrew Divoff , Meg Foster , Mike Genovese , and Isaac Hayes
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ASIN: B0000V48GG
Release Date: 2004-02-10

Product Description

Journey to the badlands, as the saga continues when the notoriously vicious but yet charming bounty hunter Sweeney arrives in oblivion to bring the leather clad, whip wielding bad beauty outlaw lash to justice. Lash has just discovered a huge, creature-infested mine filled with Derconium (the rarest and most valuable mineral in the Universe). Enter JAGGER, the evil warlord who strikes a deadly deal with lash to control the supply to Derconium and rule the galaxy. Will Sweeney get lash? Will jagger get the goods? Or will they all just get eaten?...

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

Backlash on backlash "Oblivion 2".......2006-02-24

The first downfall is no subtitles or closed captioning. But if you are a fan of low budget campy quirky fun, then backlash is for you. Seeing Julie Newmar and Meg Foster alone is worth the price of the movie.

Fun, but not as good as the first..........2002-08-25

The two Oblivion movies are some of the best, and least known, of the Full Moon films.

This film takes place immediatly after the first. (I think they were filmed at the same time.) The main plot concerns an intergalactic bounty hunter after a sabatour wanted by the galaxicorp. The main suspect is Lash. (Played by the incredible Musetta Vander.) Zack, as sheriff, must help the bounty hunter in his quest.

The film lacks the in-jokes that made the first so fun. Julie Newmar has much more of a role in this one. (I am not certain what to think about her in this. Something about a 60+ year old woman in a form fitting outfit that is kind of frightening. Especially since she still looks good, in a weird plastic surgery Brazil-like way.)

Description

An enormously riveting and inspirational tale of WWII and the Holocaust like no other, PARTISANS OF VILNA is the first documentary to chronicle the amazing endeavors of the Jewish resistance fighters, who courageously staged a sabotage offensive against the Nazi army in the Polish city of Vilna. Co-written with passionate devotion by director Josh Waletzky and producer Aviva Kempner, the film has been lauded as "rich, poignant, terrifying and even ennobling" (L.A. Times).

Customer Reviews:

Not heros. They wanted to choose their own manner of death........2007-05-31

Audiovisual material is nearly necessary to get a realistic take on the extermination of yiddish jewery. Waletzky's material does very well in this regard.

More importantly Waletzky's commentary is on this DVD and as far as commentaries go, it added significantly to the deapth of the film.

One reviewer writes "Jewish community in Vilna put up a heroic resistance". They didn't. And this is a