The Life & Times of Andy Warhol

Starring:Liza Minnelli, Benjamin Liu, Bernard Goetz, Halston, Philip Pearlstein, Holly Woodlawn, Henry Geldzahler, Fritzie Miller, Victor Hugo (IV), Sylvia Miles, Jim Bakker, Grace Jones, Taylor Mead, Stephen Bruce, Carl Lewis, Ultra Violet, Paul Morrissey, Bobby Short, Roy Lichtenstein, Jimmy Swaggart
Director: Chuck Workman
Studio: Winstar
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
This documentary by Academy Award winner Chuck Workman does a fine job of capturing the life and legend of Andy Warhol. News coverage of his untimely death, as seen on television stations in his hometown of Pittsburgh, sets the stage for interviews with the artist's brother and cousins, who show off vintage family photos and talk wistfully of Andy's early life as Andrew Warhola. People who worked with him throughout his career as commercial artist, pop art superstar, underground filmmaker, and celebrity about town appear and provide interviews that are honest, insightful, and frequently hilarious. In a wry aside, Campbell's Soup executives comment on Warhol's famous paintings of the soup cans, which puzzled everyone but came to be regarded as art. The film is brilliantly put together so that the atmosphere of Warhol's life is deftly captured. Though he relentlessly threw himself into the public spotlight (he's even seen appearing in an episode of The Love Boat), Warhol was always something of a mystery. Was he a great artist or a great con man? People who saw him on a daily basis talk about how they were both fascinated and baffled by him. This is an intelligent and witty look at Warhol's unlikely life. The DVD features a "director's commentary" soundtrack that can be turned on to hear Workman speak about some of the material in the film. --Robert J. McNamara

Bridge to Terabithia (Widescreen Edition)
Average customer rating:

Great Movie

Thank God I saw this movie as an adult

let down

Disappointing fantasy, jarring reality

Anti-Christian spin

Bridge to Terabithia (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Josh Hutcherson , AnnaSophia Robb , Zooey Deschanel , Robert Patrick , and Bailee Madison
Director: Gabor Csupo
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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Night at the Museum (Widescreen Edition)

Ghost Rider (Two-Disc Extended Cut)

Eragon (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Charlotte's Web (Widescreen Edition)

Happy Feet (Full Screen Edition)

ASIN: B00005JPL5
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Amazon.com

Based on Katherine Paterson's young-adult novel and filmed in picturesque New Zealand, Bridge to Terabithia has lessons to impart about empathy and self-expression, but the tone is never heavy-handed. Jesse (sleepy-eyed Josh Hutcherson, Zathura), a fifth-grade loner, lives in the country with his parents and four sisters, including pesky May Belle (Bailee Madison), who adores him. His strict father (Robert Patrick, The Terminator 2) works in a hardware store. Money is tight and classmates make fun of his hand-me-downs, so Jesse finds refuge in running and drawing. Everything changes when two writers and their daughter Leslie (wide-eyed AnnaSophia Robb, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) move in next door. Leslie is faster than all the boys, which initially puts Jesse off, but the two soon bond over their love of make-believe. In the forest, they find a creek that can only be crossed by rope. Leslie names the land on the other side Terabithia, where they imagine themselves rulers of the kingdom. Jesse and Leslie also connect with their unconventional music teacher, Ms. Edmonds (Zooey Deschanel, Elf), who encourages their creativity. Despite the tension at home, Jesse's personal life is finally coming together when the unthinkable happens. Will he revert to his anti-social ways or will he grow from the experience? Though aimed at all ages, pre-school students may find Terebithia's creatures frightening. For grade-school kids and up, however, there's much to savor in this smartly written, sensitively acted film. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Customer Reviews:

Great Movie.......2007-07-09

I saw this movie at the theatre with my class of 10 - 12 year olds. Back at school over half admitted to crying, even though they had heard the book. I loved it.Those who attack its supposed anti-Christian theme need to get a life.

Thank God I saw this movie as an adult.......2007-07-09

I can only imagine all the little kids in the movie theater crying their eyes out as the sweet little girl cracked her head on a rock and drowned in the river. And did they have to bring religion into it? Since she wasn't a Christian, we can only assume that she is indeed burning in hell. This movie sends out a lot of negative messages to children like, if someone is bullying you, create fake documents to publicly humiliate that person.

2 stars for the acting.

let down.......2007-07-08

This movie is like three films in one. The fantasy part is very small and has very little to do with the main plot. Although I'm not sure what the main plot is? That we should live in an imaginary world to escape the
cruel one we really live in?
Alot of unrealistic things in this movies and I don't mean the Fantasy parts.
1. Grades K-8 in the same school?
2. A young female teacher taking a male student out alone on a saturday?
3. Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb would never have been considered "losers" in any school I've been to.
This movie is depressing and falls short of tying all the elements together. And once again Christianity is attacked by Hollywood.
I read AnnaSophia Robb is a Christian, I'm surprised she would except the lines given to her in the scene after Church. The kids have a poor understanding of the Gospel the way they explain it.

Disappointing fantasy, jarring reality.......2007-07-08

To paraphrase the quote of a old playwright "In my youth, I loved writing tragedy, until I learned that life was quite tragic enough without my adding to it." The creators of this movie would have done well to remember that, because unlike Narnia, you will leave movie this dragged down and not lifted up. If you hold a Christian faith, you'll also wonder why the movie takes a gratuitous swipe at God and those who hold religious beliefs. You'll not leave with any real since of wonder at the fantasy world of Terabithia, because it simply has no depth. Most of the action occurs at a small public school and in a depressing, poor family's home with the stereotypical overbearing father and distracted and aloof mother. The imaginary play between the two main characters stretches the movie's credibility even further, with poor development and/or explanation. In short, if I saw this movie on broadcast television, I would channel surf right past it.

Anti-Christian spin .......2007-07-08

Katherine Paterson was the daughter of Christian missionaries; her children's books evidence her faith and understanding of the human condition - especially as it pertains to the very real world of children. Sadly, this film uses Paterson's story to present Christians as depressed, dark, repulsive people. In the end, Biblical truth is pushed aside rather powerfully by the harsh father of the Christian family at an extremely emotional moment. Instead of celebrating faith, this film seems to deliberately undermine it. I grant it two stars for the creativity of the fantasy land and for the delightful performance of the young female lead - but I would never recommend it to anyone.

Average customer rating:

About Beatrix Potter
One of the best movies I have ever seen
Pleasant & Enchanting
Inspiring
Feel The Magic

Miss Potter
Starring: Renée Zellweger , Ewan McGregor , Emily Watson , Barbara Flynn , and Bill Paterson
Director: Chris Noonan
Manufacturer: Weinstein Company
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

The Queen
Bridge to Terabithia (Widescreen Edition)
The Painted Veil
Breach (Widescreen Edition)
Music and Lyrics (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B000N4SHOE
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Description

(Drama) The story of Beatrix Potter, the author of the beloved and best-selling children's book, "The Tale of Peter Rabbit", and her struggle for love, happiness and success.

Customer Reviews:

About Beatrix Potter.......2007-05-05

A great film, couldn't wait to see it as I been a Beatrix Potter fan for a long time. The director and producer did a great job with this film. Although one area is a little dark (when she is going through her depression,) it is still a movie that children could see, after all, it's life. I wish more films were like Miss Potter. I'd go every week. I can't wait to own this on DVD.

One of the best movies I have ever seen.......2007-05-01

My mother and I had the great luck to be able to see this beautiful film and we have both fallen in love with it. The brilliant portrayal of Edwardian England, the sweet romance between Miss Potter and Mr. Warne and the delightful scenery of the lake distrect combine to make this a movie well worth watching. I love that Zellweger is not made up to be stunningly beautiful--she fills her role of the old maid who is surprised by love in a charming, endearing way. McGregor is perfect in his role as the publisher who loved not only the books but their author.
I grew up on Beatrix Potter but was not familiar with the author. I was pleasently surprised by this movie, and can not wait for it to come out on DVD so I can add it to my collection. This is a must see romance and an excelt look into the stiffling social layers of Edwardian England.

Pleasant & Enchanting.......2007-04-02

When I was invited to view this film, admittedly there were a few reservations. A bio of the famous children's author and illustrator in 19th century England was not at the top of my "must see" film list. Although dragged along hesitantly, the film surpassed all expectations, leaving the theatre believing the world is a better place.

Beatrix Potter is a woman to be admired and a model for young women to emulate even in the 21st century. An artist in the fullest sense of the term, she created animal characters and charming stories that continue to be read by millions of children and their parents today. What makes Potter an example is her devotion to her art form and her diligence to be published in a "man's world".

Renee Zellweger is also a true artist, her acting seemingly getting better and better with every new project. Although her English accent has been the butt of jokes in the British media, she has those difficult nuances down pat when speaking the "Queen's English". For this particular role, she trained with a voice coach to ensure the accents authenticity, as many English actresses, wanting the part of the great English author, were poised and ready to pounce on Zellweger's performance, however, her performance left no room for criticism, as her role was played with subtlety and restraint.

One of the many themes in this wonderful film is England's class snobbery, personified beautifully by Barbra Flynn, as Beatrix mother. Ironically, so-called upper middle-class society and money, as Beatrix so eloquently points out in the film, came from the working and merchant trades of the industrial revolution. When Miss Potter wants to marry her publisher (Ewan McGregor) she is prevented from doing so because he comes from the "trade classes". Beatrix attempts to overcome these hypocritical prejudices, and manages to negotiate a proposal to marry the man; however, the tale takes a serious turn at this point, moving the plot in another direction.

Director Chris Noonan, to my knowledge, has not made a film since his masterpiece, Babe. Interestingly in both films animals have the mind and emotions of people. Noonan has brought that same magical atmosphere of Babe to Miss Potter giving each film an innocent quality without falling into sentimentality.

Miss Potter is an enchanting film, pleasant to watch leaving the viewer feeling amiable and positive about the world.

Inspiring.......2007-03-26

This lovely story of the life of Beatrix Potter is both magical in its depiction of her creativity and in the blossoming romance between Beatrix and her publisher. Girls will be inspired by her quest for purpose and independence. It is beautiful to watch and a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

Feel The Magic.......2007-01-28

Everyone has a movie or two that captures the imagination and transports them away from the everyday and to a place of pure magic. "Miss Potter" is a near perfect film. When the showing finished on a recent Friday evening screening in Dallas, no one moved from their seats. Yes, the audience was an older, experienced group of folks, but I was moved by how many people apparently felt just as I did -- "This is what movies should be like!"

See it, and you too will likely be spreading the word with an almost missionary zeal. I haven't enjoyed a film this much in 20 years!

The Blue Planet - Seas of Life Collector's Set (Parts 1-4)

Average customer rating:

Blue Planet series
The Blue Planet
The Blue Planet - Seas of Life Collector's Set (Parts 1-4)
The Blue Planet
Blue Planet enchantment

The Blue Planet - Seas of Life Collector's Set (Parts 1-4)
Director: Alastair Fothergill
Manufacturer: BBC Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Planet Earth - The Complete BBC Series
The Life of Mammals
Life in the Undergrowth
Planet Earth - The Complete BBC Series [HD DVD]
The Life of Birds

ASIN: B000069HXC
Release Date: 2002-08-27

Product Description

Come explore years of incredible undersea photography and breathtaking views into a world we share. Choose four DVDs or four VHS tapes. Seasonal Seas/Cral Seas, Tidal Seas/Coasts, Ocean World/Frozen Seas, The Open Ocean and The Deep. Two titles per disc or tape. (Some scenes may be graphic in nature.)

Amazon.com

Extraordinary footage and eloquent narration by David Attenborough highlight the BBC's remarkable wildlife series The Blue Planet: Seas of Life. "Ocean World" begins with astonishing views of a gigantic blue whale--the elusive Holy Grail of undersea photography--and the marvels continue to demonstrate the power, diversity, and profound ecological influence of Earth's oceans. "Frozen Seas" examines whales, walruses, penguins, and other creatures under the extreme conditions of the Arctic and Antarctic Circles. The next two episodes are even better. "Open Ocean" travels thousands of miles into the vast "liquid desert," where currents determine how the ocean's diverse life forms will assume their places in the food chain. More amazing, "The Deep" descends with a state-of-the-art submersible to the ocean's abyssal plain and beyond, filming such bizarre creatures as the fangtooth, bioluminescent jellies, transparent squid, the giant-mouthed gulper eel, and the never-before-seen hairy angler fish.

"Seasonal Seas" focuses on the explosion of life that accompanies every annual blooming of plankton, numbering in the countless billions and captured here with brilliant microphotography. In "Coral Seas," miles-long reefs of living coral are explored, from deep within (requiring brief computer animation) to the surrounding environs, where you'll see white-tipped sharks in a feeding frenzy while beautiful harlequin shrimp wrestle with a starfish. "Tidal Seas" explores the myriad life forms that thrive when lunar gravity pulls the oceans offshore. "Coasts" is easily the most brutal episode, but no less mesmerizing. The most unexpected, and horrifying, sequence is the orca, earning its "killer whale" nickname by capturing, killing, and tail-tossing a seal pup--a sequence so mysteriously primal that even the most seasoned marine biologist will be utterly amazed. One of the finest wildlife programs you're ever likely to see, The Blue Planet: Seas of Life provides the privilege of visiting a truly alien world teeming with the rarest wonders of nature. The series was recut into the feature-length Deep Blue in 2005. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Blue Planet series.......2007-07-06

Best documentary I've ever seen! Fascinating stuff! If I wasn't scared to death of sharks, I'd want to go out and study most of this stuff myself. Incredible information and footage. The only problem with it is that it's too short :P

The Blue Planet.......2007-07-03

I could not believe it when I saw an ad for deep blue. I remembered a special I had seen on tv about the ocean. I kept trying to watch and see if it was ever going to come on tv again, because i wanted to try to catch it all. I was playing music at night and working in the daytime so it was hard for me to see all of the series. But here some of it was on the ad for Deep Blue. And I wanted it. So I got on [...] and much to my surprise I found Deep Blue and and The collector's set of The Blue Planet. So I ordered both. I had told my sister and her kids and grand kids about The Blue Planet. So I couldn't wait to take it to their house to let them see the amazing filming that was done on this remarkable collection. If anyone enjoys the ocean and films about the ocean, you have not seen anything and I mean anything until you see this collection. Do not see how it can be any better. Their All going to order it to add to their collection.

Larry Hull

The Blue Planet - Seas of Life Collector's Set (Parts 1-4).......2007-07-03

The Blue Planet - Seas of Life Collector's Set (Parts 1-4) Great series. Every science department K-college should have this in their library. Photography is top-notch.

The Blue Planet.......2007-06-27

This DVD collection is very well done and extremily educational. My teenage son loves these DVDs and watches them over other things on TV or other DVDs. Would make anyone a great gift!!!!

Blue Planet enchantment.......2007-06-27

Enjoyable fantastic film of life on earth. The ocean shots are the best I have seen. This is a set that we will watch over and over again.

Average customer rating:

the reason
A great cast makes this a great movie
Funny - Good for men & women
Great Movie!
Great Movie

Wild Hogs (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Tim Allen , John Travolta , Martin Lawrence , William H. Macy , and Ray Liotta
Director: Walt Becker
Manufacturer: Buena Vista Home Entertainment / Touchstone
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

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Ghost Rider (Two-Disc Extended Cut)
Shooter (Widescreen Edition)
Zodiac (Widescreen Edition)
Night at the Museum (Widescreen Edition)
Premonition (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B000QFCD7W
Release Date: 2007-08-14

Description

Tim Allen, John Travolta, Martin Lawrence and William H. Macy star in Wild Hogs, the hysterically funny comedy about four weekend-warrior friends who decide to rev up their ho-hum suburban lives with a cross-country motorcycle adventure. They don their leathers, fire up their hogs and throw caution and their cell phones to the wind as they hit the open highway. A lot can happen on the road to nowhere, including a run-in with the bad-to-the-bone Del Fuegos, a real biker gang who don't take kindly to the wannabes. Filled with hilarious misadventures, screwball situations and madcap mayhem, this laugh-out-loud comedy is a movie your whole family will go hog wild over.

Customer Reviews:

the reason.......2007-07-05

every 15 seconds, there is a brain injury in the united states. by the time someone finishes this movie, they will have suffered 400 brain injuries. seriously.

A great cast makes this a great movie.......2007-06-28

Wild Hogs is a typical midlife crisis movie. Four men, who have been friends for years and who suit up in leather and ride to the local bar and grill regularly to hang out, suddenly wonder what happened to their lives. They all realize, one by one, that they've hit middle age and fallen into a rut, and they decide to take a cross country trip on their bikes to get out of it.

This is one of the more entertaining movies I've seen in a while. What made it for me, however, was not the plot or even the comedic moments but rather the excellent performances by a great cast. John Travolta plays the cool-guy-in-a-midlife-crisis role perfectly, and Tim Allen pulls off his when-did-my-life-get-so-bland part flawlessly as well. Throw in great performances by Martin Lawrence, a man desperate to get out from under his overbearing wife's thumb, and William H. Macy, a geek who hopes he can FINALLY do something that will make him cool, and you've got a great group of main characters.

Macy's performance is probably the most surprisingly good of the bunch. He's downright hilarious in this movie as the 'rebel nerd.' And Ray Liotta is excellent as the villain, the antagonist who tries to refuse this group of "Wild Hogs" their right to ride on the grounds that they're not real bikers.

This is a very funny movie and is sure to keep you entertained. With a relatively unoriginal plot this may not have been a great film if not for the excellent cast, but these guys will have you cheering for the middle-aged suburbanite and longing for the open road yourself.

Funny - Good for men & women.......2007-06-26

My husband and I don't often agree on movies - he tends to like horrors (too gory for me) and war movies (same problem) while I like comedy and sci-fi (okay, he likes SOME sci-fis, too) but I never would've thought I'd like a biker movie! This one I did. It's funny and it's manly but not so much that a woman can't appreciate it, as well. My favorite part is when some average (overweight) middle-aged man starts singing "Don't you wish your girlfriend was HOT like ME?!" Histerical!

Actors include: Tim Allen, John Travolta, William H. Mac, Ray Liotta, Martin Lawrence, and others.

Great Movie!.......2007-06-22

I loved this movie. I saw it twice; the first time with my friend who is a Harley man and the second time with my daughter, Both laughed all the way through. I can't wait to buy the movie. My Harley friend is also waiting to buy it to watch with his fellow biker friends.

Great Movie.......2007-06-19

I Loved this movie. this movie is about four friends (Tim Allan,John Trovlta, Martin Lawerence and William H. Macy) who love riding their Motorcycles. Now all four of them are stressed out and are having personal problems and they are being told that they are not real bikers and they are old. so they deside to take a road trip on their bikes and that is where the adventur starts. you will have to get the movie to find out what happens....

The Sound of Music (Two-Disc 40th Anniversary Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

The Sound of Music
the magic is alive...
Pure Magic
The Sound of Music
saw it as a child and now at my 40s.. it still holds the magic

The Sound of Music (Two-Disc 40th Anniversary Special Edition)
Starring: Julie Andrews , Christopher Plummer , Richard Haydn , Peggy Wood , and Anna Lee
Director: Robert Wise
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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

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Similar Items:

Mary Poppins (40th Anniversary Edition)
The Wizard of Oz (Two-Disc Special Edition)
My Fair Lady
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Full Screen Edition)
Cinderella (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Platinum Edition)

ASIN: B000AP04OM
Release Date: 2005-11-15

Product Description

Shot in Salzburg against the majestic Bavarian Alps, THE SOUND OF MUSIC is considered one of the greatest screen musicals ever made. Winner of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director (Robert Wise), the film, based on a real family and their true events, tells the story of a young postulate, Maria (Julie Andrews), who, after proving too high-spirited for the Mother Abess and other nuns, is sent off to work as a governess to seven unruly children. The Von Trapp family is run, in military style, by the seemingly cold-hearted Captain Von Trapp (Christopher Plummer), a lonely widowed naval officer. Seeing how badly he and his children need companionship, he proposes to the Baroness Schraeder (Eleanor Parker), a calculating, mutual friend of beloved family friend Max Detweiler (Richard Haydn). It is the baroness who soon realizes that it's Maria--with her warmth and love for the children--the captain really loves. It is nearly bliss for the newly formed family who loves to sing together--except for the cloud looming over their beloved Austrian horizon: Hitler is ascending to power, forcing Von Trapp to decide whether to join the Nazi party--which he loathes--or force his family to leave their home forever. One of the most memorable scores ever written (by Rodgers and Hammerstein) and breathtaking performances by Andrews, Plummer, and the seven children mark this classic as one of the world's most favorite films.

System Requirements:

Running Time 174 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com essential video

When Julie Andrews sang "The hills are alive with the sound of music" from an Austrian mountaintop in 1965, the most beloved movie musical was born. To be sure, the adaptation of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II's Broadway hit has never been as universally acclaimed as, say, Singin' in the Rain. Critics argue that the songs are saccharine (even the songwriters regretted the line "To sing through the night like a lark who is learning to pray") and that the characters and plot lack the complexity that could make them more interesting. It's not hard to know whom to root for when your choice is between cute kids and Nazis.

Read our interview with
Charmian Carr, who played
Liesl von Trapp in The
Sound of Music.

It doesn't matter. Audiences fell in love with the struggling novice Maria (Andrews), the dashing Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer), and, yes, the cute kids, all based on a real-life World War II Austrian family. Such songs as "My Favorite Things," "Do Re Mi," "Climb Every Mountain," and the title tune became part of the 20th century Zeitgeist. In addition, The Sound of Music officially became a cult hit when audiences in London began giving it the Rocky Horror Picture Show treatment, attending showings dressed as their favorite characters and delivering choreographed comments and gestures along with the movie. So why resist, especially when the 40th Anniversary Edition is the best DVD yet.

The DVDs
As if the direct involvement of Julie Andrews weren't enough, the 40th Anniversary Edition of The Sound of Music is a must-have for fans because of the fond sense of nostalgia that will touch all but the worst cynic's heart. Andrews introduces both discs and contributes a commentary track on the film. It's a joy to hear her speak about the film (for example, she explains how she solved her dislike for the lyrics of "I Have Confidence"), and also heard are remarks by Christopher Plummer (who at one point refers to his being 48, which if true would mean his comments were made in about 1975), Charmian Carr (Liesl), choreographer Dee Dee Wood, and Johannes Von Trapp (the real-life Maria Von Trapp's youngest son, who admits that his father did have a whistle but claims that he was not as stern as portrayed in the film). Even with all those people involved, there are still significant gaps of silence, however. Retained from the previous two-disc editions is the commentary track by director Robert Wise, which during the musical numbers becomes an isolated score with no vocals. Also new are sing-along subtitles in English, Spanish, and French, which allow you to have your own sing-along at home. In addition, the film's remastering shows off a truer and much warmer sense of color.

On the second disc, Andrews participates in a new 63-minute documentary "My Favorite Things: Julie Andrews Remembers." But it's really a general making-of documentary with contributions from a number of principals, including director Robert Wise, who died in mid-2005 (not surprisingly, some stories are repeated from the commentary track and from the 87-minute documentary on the previous DVD). Andrews also shares a warm 19-minute sit-down with Christopher Plummer. Carr, who over the years has become the film's biggest advocate, narrates a new 22-minute documentary, "On Location with The Sound of Music," in which she revisits the places in Salzburg where the movie was filmed, and even joins one of the "Sound of Music tours" that have become a booming industry. And acknowledging another big industry, there's a 12-minute featurette on the sing-along phenomenon, focusing specifically on the audience, costumed and otherwise, that attended a sold-out Hollywood Bowl sing-along in 2005. Making special appearances at the event are four von Trapp great-grandchildren and all seven of the actors who played the children. Thankfully, those actors also appear in a 33-minute documentary "From Liesl to Gretl: A 40th Anniversary Reunion," in which they explain what they do now (many are still in show business) and share stories about the film, who was afraid of Christopher Plummer, and what they feel is their responsibility to the film's passionate fans. What's touching is how the group still considers themselves a family so many years later. Other material includes an A&E documentary on the von Trapps, Mia Farrow's screen test for the Liesl role, and a restoration comparison.

What's Missing?
If you already own the previous two-disc editions, you'll want this 40th Anniversary Edition as well, but you might not want to toss those versions. Probably the most significant omission from this edition is the original 14-minute documentary Charmian Carr made in 1967, "Salzburg Sight and Sound." Carr's new documentary includes only a couple clips from the vintage piece. It's not a great work of art, but it's a notable loss and would have made a good contrast with the new documentary. In addition, the new making-of documentary is about 24 minutes shorter than the old one. Also missing are the audio-only features--the interviews, the radio programs, the Ernest Lehman spotlight--and the historical still gallery examining the history of Salzburg and the film. Granted, this material probably got the least play of any of the old features, but completists might want to hold onto their old discs for it. It would have also been nice to have screen tests other than Farrow's. Tests for all the children and for Christopher Plummer (including singing in his own voice before he was dubbed for the film) were included on Hollywood Screen Tests and Rodgers and Hammerstein: The Sound of Movies. Again, they're not critical but it would have been nice to have them all in one place. So maybe the 40th Anniversary Edition isn't the complete package on The Sound of Music, but it's the most satisfying edition yet, with enough new material to please even the veteran SoM DVD watcher. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

The Sound of Music.......2007-07-02

Shot in pristine color on location near Salzburg--and featuring that dizzying opening shot of Maria belting out the title tune from a verdant hilltop--"Music" fully deserves its reputation as one of the most popular films of all time. The daisy-fresh Andrews is simply terrific, whether she's acting or singing, and the songs--"Do Re Mi," "Climb Every Mountain," and "My Favorite Things"--have become part of our cultural heritage. Adapted from the Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway play, the film might be a bit schmaltzy at moments, but in all, it remains utterly irresistible. The hills are still alive--and your singing pipes will be too--with the wondrous "Sound of Music."

the magic is alive..........2007-06-26

I was only six but I still remember when my mother took us kids to the movies to see 'The Sound of Music'. A memory permantly ingrained as is this film. From the most amazing opening shot ever filmed this classic film never lets go of yor senses. It's fun, thrilling and holds up extremely well. Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer are exquisite. Sure some of the lyrics are corny and simple but it all works and I'm not even a fan of musicals.

Pure Magic.......2007-06-25

Who doesn't know the general plot of this movie? Well just in case: Maria is thinking of becoming a nun, yet Sister Superior isn't so sure about that and sends her off to become the governess to seven Von Trapp children. There she meets the very strict father and the not so angelic children. She quickly wins over the children and their father. While all this is going on the Nazis are slowly but surely taking over the country. By the second half of the movie they become a true family and decide to make a dareing escape from the Nazis.

Now that pretty much wraps it up plot wise, yet there is so much more. The songs are very sugar coated but so what? They are there for a purpose: teaching children to not be afraid, coaching them on how to sing,etc. In most parts they are there for the pleasure of the young and the young at heart.

I'll close with an example. I was driving with my wife and our girls in the car, and we were looking at about an hour trip to my mother's house so we popped The Sound of Music in the DVD and we were on our way. As I heard (I coudn't see the movie of course) the movie and we sang the songs on our journey, I looked back and every face was smiling. Now if you are looking for a movie like that you've come to the right place.

The Sound of Music .......2007-06-11

A Family Night is made of... Sound of Music. Worth watching over and over.

saw it as a child and now at my 40s.. it still holds the magic.......2007-06-05

This review is about the movie and not the DVD Product-

I saw it yesterday, Im 43, last time I saw ir I was 28 and prior to that I was 12 the first time I saw it. It still holds the magic, and now I can say its a classic for all the family.

Yes, now I see details I previously did no see. The plot is so idillic that you don't feel the nazi presence inspiring fear, the love scenes are a perfect example of puritanism and political correctness. Yet there is love and there Julie Andrews gives a performance larger than life to captivate all public.

I do not know why in the review preface there is some critisims of the lyrics of the song "Sound of music"- those were elaborated lyrics and none of that senseless rap or overly simplistic lyrics. Sugarcoated? You bet, but just like the pinl lemonade they were sipping on the terrace, "its not too sweet, not too acid, its just too pink "

The movie has an ending that is rather sudden, just as it starts with that glorious song it should have ended with one as well, a triumph song. I still have the same feeling I did when I was 12, what happened to them?

Average customer rating:

A review for parents
sweet niblets
I know the episodes here!

Hannah Montana - Pop Star Profile
Starring: Miley Cyrus , and Billy Ray Cyrus
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
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ASIN: B000OLGCFC
Release Date: 2007-06-26

Amazon.com

Stardom can be a heavy burden for a teenager, but Miley Stewart (Miley Cyrus) has always risen above the temptation to flaunt her fame, and firmly resolved to keep her true identity as teen rock star Hannah Montana a secret from her classmates, in favor of being perceived as a typical teenager. Miley's resolve begins to falter in this foursome of episodes when famous television star Jake Ryan (Cody Linley) suddenly shows up as a new student in Miley's class. Initially assuming that Jake is just another snooty superstar, Miley's distaste quickly turns to confusion and jealousy over all the attention her fellow students, including her smitten best friend Lilly (Emily Osment), are lavishing on him. Miley's inner turmoil results in an impulsive confession of her true identity to Jake and a local reporter. Miley's father Robbie Stewart (played by Miley's real-life father and famous country musician Billy Ray Cyrus) helps convince the local reporter that Miley is just another drama-loving teenager with grandiose dreams and typically wacky schemes. A visit from Aunt Dolly (played by country music icon Dolly Parton) helps Miley realize the importance of taking chances and reaching for her dreams. In the end, everyone learns an important lesson about being open-minded and staying true to one's goals and beliefs. Bonus features include a "Nobody's Perfect" stage performance video and a brief "The Real Miley Cyrus" featurette in which Miley talks about her childhood, home life, and relationship with her co-stars. (Ages 7 and older) --Tami Horiuchi

Description

You've got an all-access pass to the exciting life of a celebrity in HANNAH MONTANA: POP STAR PROFILE! Relive Hannah's drama when another big star comes on the scene and shakes things up. Plus, meet Miley Cyrus's real-life family and experience Hannah live in concert! There's a new kid in town, and he might just be more popular than Hannah Montana! Not only is Jake Ryan (Cody Linley) a hottie, he's also a famous actor and the star of his own TV series. While "Miley" tries to keep her superstar identity (and her secret crush) under wraps at school, "Hannah" winds up guest starring on his show -- with an on-screen kiss! As usual, her friends and family come to the rescue, but not before she makes her way through all sorts of hilarious adventures and learns not to judge people -- especially celebrity-type people -- by appearances alone. Y'all are gonna love being insiders in Hannah Montana's rockin' world!

Customer Reviews:

A review for parents.......2007-06-29

If you've got a 'tween- or teen-age girl, "Hannah Montana" is a sitcom you WANT her to watch. It's written at her level, it teaches good lessons, and it's funny.

The Disney Channel show concerns the double life of Miley Stewart, a smart -- but not all that popular -- brunette 8th grader who at night secretly dons a blond wig to become Hannah Montana, a famous pop singer. The series stars real-life daughter-father Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus, and, as a running joke, makes liberal fun of Billy Ray's past career as a mullet-topped country singer. Remember "Achy Breaky Heart"?

Despite its "Pop Star Profile" subtitle, this DVD is not a profile of either Miley Cyrus or her Miley Stewart/Hannah Montana character. Instead, it's all about boyfriends. Specifically, the disc contains the four episodes from the show's first season (from way back in 2006, when its characters were in 8th grade) that focus on Miley's budding relationship with Jake Ryan, a new kid in school who's also a famous television star and soon the girl's first crush. The episodes piece together into one storyline, so if you watch them with the "Play All" feature they become, in essence, a 90-minute movie.

Besides the fact that these four episodes are some of the funniest in the series, what I liked best about them is how they portray a middle-school girl. Miley is smitten by Jake and not afraid to flirt with him, but always thinks for herself and never dresses like a street tart. Though as light as cotton candy, the programs are also thoughtful and well grounded.

By the way, Miley's Hannah Montana alter ego only appears once in these shows, in a brief scene where she's made up as a zombie.

The disc has two short bonus features. A five-minute featurette, "The Real Miley Cyrus" offers backstage insight from the actress, her parents and supporting cast. There's also a three-minute concert clip of Hannah Montana singing "Nobody's Perfect," a catchy pop anthem that has become a top hit. It shows the cute 14-year-old bouncing around the stage dressed in -- you go, Billy Ray -- a fully-buttoned jacket and long pants.

By Julie Neal, author of The Complete Guide to Walt Disney World.

sweet niblets.......2007-05-18

Hannah Montana is a cute show about a 14 year old girl living a double life. By day she is Miley Stewart, an average teen girl living an average life, but by night she's Hannah Montana, teen pop sensation. Miley usually likes to keep her second life on the down low but in this collection she is tempted to throw caution to the wind and reveal her secret to the world.

Jake Ryan, a famous TV actor, enrolls at Miley's school and unlike her he absorbs all the attention. Jake gets everything his heart desires while Miley starts to get shafted (her locker is even moved to the basement to make room for Jakes mega star locker). Miley gets really irritated with the way everyone drools over Jake when she is just as (and maybe even more) famous then he is. Later on, however, she starts to see another side of Jake Ryan and a little crush develops.

This collection contains four episodes all revolving around Miley and Jake's relationship:

The New Kid in School:
Jake Ryan enrolls at Miley's school. She gets irritated with the way he gets special treatment.

More Then a Zombie to Me:
Hannah Montana gets a role on Jake's TV show. Miley discovers that she really does like Jake.

Good Golly, Miss Molly:
Miley loses a video tape of her confessing her love for Jake. Somehow it ends up in his possession. She needs to get it back.

People Who Use People:
Miley and Jake 'date' other people to make each other jealous. Jake and Miley confess their feelings for each other and become a couple, for a few minutes anyway.

There are two bonus features:

The Real Miley Cyrus:
An exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the star of "Hannah Montana" and her real-life family including her superstar dad, Billy Ray Cyrus.

Nobody's Perfect:
A concert performance of one of Hannah's new songs, from the upcoming second season of the hit series

I love this show but these are no where near my favorite episodes. So I'm not sure whether or not I'll be picking up the collection myself but if these episodes appeal to you or yours by all means buy the DVD.

I know the episodes here!.......2007-04-09

I know the episodes on this DVD. There are 4 of them and a bonus all new episode:

Schooly Bully
The Idol Side of Me
Cuffs Will Keep Us Together
Me and Rico by Down THe Schoolyard
Bonus: When You Wish You Were The Star

Average customer rating:

don't waste yr $
Charming but predictable
Don't waste your time
Torture at 33,000 feet
This movie is so....WOW!

Music and Lyrics (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Hugh Grant , Drew Barrymore , Brad Garrett , Kristen Johnston , and Campbell Scott
Director: Marc Lawrence (II)
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
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ASIN: B00005JPE3
Release Date: 2007-05-08

Amazon.com

Music and Lyrics is frothy and sweet, like the top of a perfect cappuccino shared a deux. Hugh Grant is a self-professed "happy has-been," playing his befuddled, adorable persona more spot-on than he has since Four Weddings and a Funeral. As Alex, former member of an '80s pop band who years later is playing at water parks and high school reunions, he's settled into a life of lesser expectations. Drew Barrymore, quietly radiant, is Sophie, the underachieving girl Friday who arrives to water--make that overwater--Alex's plants--and to explode him out of that comfy rut. If the plot's a bit farfetched, it matters not, since the two lead characters are so likable--and make such beautiful music together. Big bonus: the supportive role of Kristen Johnston as Rhonda, Sophie's older sis (and longtime Alex fan) whose hilarious performance threatens to steal the show whenever she's onscreen. (The owner of a chain of successful weight-loss centers, Rhonda tries to comfort a rattled Sophie: "Want to do some stress eating?") The film also marks the remarkable debut of Haley Bennett, who plays a pop star of Britney/Cristina proportions with deadpan sincerity radiating through her skimpy outfits and mega-extensions. As Alex and Sophie work on crafting musical magic, something else is taking hold. It's music to the ears of anyone needing a sweet romantic comedy that hits all the right notes. --A.T. Hurley

Description

First you're hot, then you're not...and then you're Alex Fletcher (HUGH GRANT). So when the sizzlingest tween-queen on the charts asks the has-been '80s pop sensation to write her a song, he grabs for another chance at stardom. Problem: Alex can say it with music, but he sure can't say it with words. Enter Sophie Fisher (DREW BARRYMORE), his beguiling if quirky plant lady, who has a green thumb for lyrics. Together, they go after songwriting success -- and discover that if you want to write the perfect love song, it helps to fall in love. With Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore at the keyboard and Marc Lawrence (Two Weeks Notice) directing, Music and Lyrics is a witty, wacky romantic comedy that faces the music...and laughs!

Customer Reviews:

don't waste yr $.......2007-07-09

don't even rent it. this is the worst film of the year garanteed.How is it possible to produce such things..?

Charming but predictable.......2007-07-08

This movie is charming if utterly predictable. Hugh Grant was perfectly cast as an aging 80s pop star. And the opening credit will have you rolling in the aisles if you grew up in the 80's like I did.

Don't waste your time.......2007-07-08

Music and Lyrics opens, appropriately, with a music video for '80s fictional band, Pop!, featuring our affable hero, Alex Fletcher (Hugh Grant). Grant and Scott Porter leap around in too-tight pants on a cheap studio set, thrust their hips toward the camera, and use their meager voices to sing the band's megahit, "Pop! Goes My Heart." The lack of special effects and amusing lyrics tell us this movie will be light-hearted, poking fun at celebrity culture and culminating in a predictable romance. It tells us we will root for the has-been pop star and his plant-sitter-turned-lyricist Sophie Fisher. Unfortunately, the song is the only worthwhile part and the movie reaches its peak three minutes in.

I was always under the impression that a romantic comedy must be, surprise, romantic and comedic. Music and Lyrics is such a failure in both respects it warrants an investigation to understand why a perfectly good story became decimated by the time it reached the screen.

The problem is casting. Alex Fletcher is a role Grant has played before--a bumbling but likeable fellow with floppy hair and a quick smile. He occasionally unleashes a one-liner that may resuscitate any audience members who are in a coma, but they are too few to salvage his one-dimensional character or the movie. Joined with Drew Barrymore, who is beautiful but flat, and you have a surefire way to destroy a romantic comedy. The two leads have no chemistry! It's as if being in each other's company pales their individual charm.

The supporting cast lends nothing to the film either (except for Kristen Johnston as Sophie's gregarious sister but even she is underused). Haley Bennett plays Cora Corman, the patron of the song Alex and Sophie are writing together, and an amalgamation of Britney Spears, Shakira, and Madonna at the height of her spiritual awakening. Like Grant and Barrymore, Bennett does not go far enough with her character to make you believe she is anything but apathetic.

I know it's just a romantic comedy, but you should expect more from yours than a mediocre script with zombies for actors.

Torture at 33,000 feet.......2007-07-07

This was inflicted on me on a transatlantic flight and I watched it because there were five more hours to go. It was, in one word, wretched. The formula is so old it would make Debbie Reynolds look appealing. Hugh Grant, who played a rather decrepit 80s popstar - was it that long ago? - must "by Friday" write a song for "Cora" (= "Brittany/Jessica/Avril/etc."). "Cora", for some reason, idolizes the fallen star and his music. Grant's problem is that he just can't think of any lyrics. Enter Drew. Well, you know the rest.

Grant has all the appeal of any wet, sotted Englishman, could not kindle any kind of chemistry with anyone, let along Drew Barrymore were he given lessons by Clark Gable. (I would not think to mention the other Grant, whom Hugh seems trying to be: he is so far out of his league.) But there it was: a "romantic comedy" with ersatz suave Brit and fumbling ingenue and it jerked all the way to the end. Not a whit funny, entertaining or even diverting.

Avoid.

This movie is so....WOW!.......2007-07-07

OK I think Nancy down there was a little drunk when she wrote the review, but she was so right! This was a great movie and Hugh Grant is so hot! It is definately a must see. I don't want to ruin it and I'm afraid if I say anything else I will, but you definately have to see this if you like romatic movies!

Bridge To Terabithia (Full Screen Edition)

Average customer rating:

Great Movie
Thank God I saw this movie as an adult
let down
Disappointing fantasy, jarring reality
Anti-Christian spin

Bridge To Terabithia (Full Screen Edition)
Starring: Josh Hutcherson , AnnaSophia Robb , Zooey Deschanel , Robert Patrick , and Bailee Madison
Director: Gabor Csupo
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000OYCM5I
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Great Movie.......2007-07-09

Thank God I saw this movie as an adult.......2007-07-09

let down.......2007-07-08

Disappointing fantasy, jarring reality.......2007-07-08

Anti-Christian spin .......2007-07-08

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 3)

Average customer rating:

Different Director; Great Adaptation
Good Movie, but not as good as the first two
Disappointment.
Massive Disappointment
I LOVE Harry Potter!

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 3)
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe , Richard Griffiths , Pam Ferris , Fiona Shaw , and Harry Melling
Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)

ASIN: B00005JMAH
Release Date: 2004-11-23

Amazon.com

Some movie-loving wizards must have cast a magic spell on Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, because it's another grand slam for the Harry Potter franchise. Demonstrating remarkable versatility after the arthouse success of Y Tu Mamá También, director Alfonso Cuarón proves a perfect choice to guide Harry, Hermione, and Ron into treacherous puberty as the now 13-year-old students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry face a new and daunting challenge: Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) has escaped from Azkaban prison, and for reasons yet unknown (unless, of course, you've read J.K. Rowling's book, considered by many to be the best in the series), he's after Harry in a bid for revenge. This dark and dangerous mystery drives the action while Harry (the fast-growing Daniel Radcliffe) and his third-year Hogwarts classmates discover the flying hippogriff Buckbeak (a marvelous CGI creature), the benevolent but enigmatic Professor Lupin (David Thewlis), horrifying black-robed Dementors, sneaky Peter Pettigrew (Timothy Spall), and the wonderful advantage of having a Time-Turner just when you need one. The familiar Hogwarts staff returns in fine form (including the delightful Michael Gambon, replacing the late Richard Harris as Dumbledore, and Emma Thompson as the goggle-eyed Sybil Trelawney), and even Julie Christie joins this prestigious production for a brief but welcome cameo. Technically dazzling, fast-paced, and chock-full of Rowling's boundless imagination (loyally adapted by ace screenwriter Steve Kloves), The Prisoner of Azkaban is a Potter-movie classic. --Jeff Shannon

Description

In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry, Ron and Hermione, now teenagers, return for their third year at Hogwarts, where they are forced to face escaped prisoner, Sirius Black, who poses a great threat to Harry. Harry and his friends spend their third year learning how to handle a half-horse half-eagle Hippogriff, repel shape-shifting Boggarts and master the art of Divination. They also visit the wizarding village of Hogsmeade and the Shrieking Shack, which is considered the most haunted building in Britain. In addition to these new experiences, Harry must overcome the threats of the soul-sucking Dementors, outsmart a dangerous werewolf and finally deal with the truth about Sirius Black and his relationship to Harry and his parents. With his best friends, Harry masters advanced magic, crosses the barriers of time and changes the course of more than one life. Directed by Alfonso Cuaron and based on J.K. Rowling 's third book, this wondrous spellbinder soars with laughs, and the kind of breathless surprise only found in a Harry Potter adventure.

DVD Features:
3D Animated Menus
Challenges:Three great interactive challenges! Test your memory with "Magic You May Have Missed", help Crookshanks "Catch Scabbers", and go on an unexpected quest with Sir Cadogan.
DVD ROM Features:Wizard Trading Cards.Hogwarts Timeline.
Deleted Scenes:A selection of mystifying exclusive never-before-seen footage
Featurette:Conjuring a Scene - an in-depth look at the making of key scenes from the filmMeet the animal trainers from the movie in Care of Magical Creatures.
Interviews:Raucous interviews with the cast lead by Johnny Vaughan and the Shrunken HeadCreating the Vision - a revealing interview with J.K. Rowling and the filmmakers.
Other:Self-guided iPIX tours into Honeydukes and Professor Lupin's Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. Choir Practice - sing-along with the Hogwarts choir.Hogwarts Portrait Gallery - get a closer look at the various portraits lining the walls of Hogwarts castle. Electronic Arts game preview.
Theatrical Trailer:Harry Potter 1, Harry Potter 2, Harry Potter 3

Customer Reviews:

Different Director; Great Adaptation.......2007-07-02

The third movie in the Harry Potter franchise brings us a new director in the form of Alfonso Cuaron. While there are some obvious stylistic changes to the movie, it still expertly captures the third book in the series.

This year finds Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) facing a personal threat from day one. Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) has escaped from the wizard prison of Azkaban. His betrayal led to the deaths of Harry's parents years ago. Everyone assumes that Black is heading to Hogwarts to kill Harry and avenge You Know Who's death. Is he out to get Harry? Will he catch up with our young hero?

Naturally, as the books get longer in the series, the films have to cut more out. This one does a decent job by cutting out most of the Quidditch matches and streamlining the plot. The plot loses some of the twists and bumps, but it certainly works. I first saw it without having read the books and really enjoyed it. Only now that I've read the books do I know the details I was missing. While they help, they aren't necessary to enjoy the film.

Having watched the first three films in such close proximity, I really noticed the difference in the films this time. If you are paying attention, it's obvious they've changed the setting for Hogwarts. Even the insides of the castle look different with the Great Hall being less ornate but the halls have many more portraits. These are minor things and didn't hamper my enjoyment of the film at all.

The cast does their normal great job. All three of our leads are growing into fine young actors. Michael Gambon takes over the part of Headmaster Dumbledore, and he does a great job. There is a little difference, but not much. The special effects are once again amazing.

Book purists may be disappointed by the changes made to the story. But I think you'd hard pressed to find a better film version of this book no matter who was involved.

Good Movie, but not as good as the first two.......2007-06-15

This movie was OK. It was good but The Sorcerer's Stone and The Chamber of Secrets were better. Although, something funny was that there was this scary book that went wild! I watched this in class. This was just OK overall.

Note: Rated PG. Parental Guidance Suggested--Some material may not be suitable for children.

Rated PG for scary images, mild violence and brief language. May not be appropriate for children under the age of 8 years.

Disappointment........2007-06-12

After reading the 3rd book, I was highly anticipating the release of the movie. I'm sorry to say that I was extremely disappointed. Alot of people I know loved this movie, but none of them had read the book. The book was AMAZING! It made the movie look dim. There were alot of main points that occured in the story that were not brought out in this movie. The fact that authors have no say in the way the movie of the book they wrote turns out, is ridiculous.

Massive Disappointment.......2007-06-09

I've owned this movie for years, buying it shortly after it appeared on DVD. However, unlike the other Harry Potter movies, after only a few minutes of watching this DVD, I turned it off. Now, it is several years later, and I still have to struggle to get to the end. Basically, it's a bad and boring movie, a tremendous disappointment because this movie should have been wonderful - the story is fabulous.

Many of my complaints have been written before, so I will only echo them here. So much of the wonderful bits of the story are inexplicably missing or botched. Ron should stand up for Hermione when Snape calls her a Know-It-All; both Ron and Hermione should be inside the Three Broomsticks when Harry learns about Sirius Black; Ron and Hermione should be at odds with each other for much of the school year; Hermione's time-turner should be hinted at sooner - she should be tired from all her studying; the Firebolt should arrive at Christmas and not the end of the year; there should be a sense of passage of time. Scabbers and Crookshank should be given more air time. And where is Ron's moment of terror when he says he was attacked by Sirius Black? (Ron's character was particularly short-changed by this movie.) And so on, and so on.

Other items are introduced or dwelled on for no apparent reason. Why does Hogwarts have a choir? Why are we wasting precious movie moments having the Fat Lady sing? I get the joke, but we don't need it here. Why do we spend so much time with the chattering shrunken heads?

Moreover, there are numerous changes from the earlier movies. I, too, don't care for the lack of school uniforms, the dark dinginess of the castle, the inexplicable restructuring of the landscape, especially Hagrid's cabin. This movie lacks the charm of the earlier movies - and the charm of the movie that has since followed, Goblet of Fire. Much of the acting also strikes me as poor - but it may be that the actors had no choice, either because of the screenplay or the direction.

In writing, there is something known as showing versus telling. Writers are probably telling too much when they use too many adverbs, or when they write sentences such as: "Joe felt sad." The same can happen in a movie. Instead of the dialogue in which the characters touch each other emotionally and thus the readers/viewers as well, Cuaron "tells" us how we should feel by using, for example, either scary or haunting music. He would have done better to stick with dialogue. A number of other reviewers have enjoyed the movie version of Prisoner of Azkhaban, saying that Cuaron brings forth the darkness of the story. I don't agree. By making the whole movie dark, Cuaron detracts from dark's contrast with light. Compare this movie, for example, with Goblet of Fire. When Harry returns from the graveyard with Cedric's body, there is a moment where he is in utter despair - he's wailing his heart out - but the circus-like music keeps playing. I have trouble watching this scene of Goblet of Fire, but for a very different reason: it is so good that it hurts. With Prisoner of Azkhaban, the scenes are so boring as to be downright embarrassing.

I'm not quite sure how this travesty happened. I expect it is mostly due to Cuaron, who moved things around the Hogwarts grounds for no reason, and who was, perhaps, trying to give it his own artistic stamp - why, in a series? But there seem to be problems with the screenplay as well, so perhaps Steven Kloves deserves some of the blame. Evidently JK Rowling approved everything, too, which I can't understand, although I guess it would be impolitic of her to come out and say that she hates the movie (and of this I have no idea).

A great disappointment. Unfortunately, we have no time-turners ourselves, so we can't go back in time and do this movie right.

I LOVE Harry Potter!.......2007-04-18

Its my little secret. I dare not tell any of my friends. Shhh!
This movie is my favorite of the Happy potters. Snape seems nicer, and there is a twist! Ron's rat turns out to be something its not. And someone is a warewolf! Guess who!
This movie is the greatest, I'm going to buy all of them!

Average customer rating:

21st century version of Be-Bop!
Wonderful movie!
Great back at High School
Troy and Gabriella are so cute!
Grease for the 21st Century!

High School Musical (Encore Edition)
Starring: Zac Efron , Vanessa Anne Hudgens , Ashley Tisdale , Lucas Grabeel , and Monique Coleman
Director: Kenny Ortega
Manufacturer: Buena Vista Home Entertainment / Disney
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Accessories:

Disney Channel's High School Musical DVD Board Game

ASIN: B000F2BNW2
Release Date: 2006-05-23

Amazon.com

The Disney Channel Original Movie High School Musical is a combination of backstage action and Grease without the unwholesome habits. Scoring record ratings at the time of its January 2006 broadcast, it's a smash hit with tween audiences (ages 6 to 10), but appealing for all ages. At a New Year's Eve party, Troy (Zac Efron of the WB's Summerland) has a chance meeting with Gabriella (Vanessa Anne Hudgens) when they share a karaoke song. Lo and behold, when school resumes, they discover that Gabriella has just transferred to Troy's East High School, a campus divided into tight cliques of jocks, cheerleaders, brainiacs, and skater dudes. Eager to recapture the magic they'd discovered during karaoke, Troy and Gabriella consider auditioning for the school's upcoming musical, much to the dismay of the school's frost queen/theater goddess, Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale of The Suite Life of Zack and Cody). Problem is, Troy is also the star of the basketball team and Gabrielle is being recruited to compete in the Scholastic Decathlon. Will they give up their cliques to start something new, or will they do as the show's first big anthem urges and "Stick to the Status Quo"? Well, this is a Disney movie, so maybe the sacrifices won't be that hard, and even the hints of romance are mild.

The bestselling soundtrack is catchy in that Disney-pop kind of way, mixing in a dash of hip-hop ("Getcha Head in the Game," punctuated by squeaky basketball shoes and other sound effects), salsa ("Bop to the Top"), and the endearingly hammy ("What I've Been Looking For" performed by Sharpay and her brother, Ryan, played by Lucas Gabreel). It's not hard to imagine High School Musical becoming a semi-staple for high school groups to perform themselves. DVD bonus features include sing-along subtitles; a 9-minute featurette discussing casting, recording sessions, and rehearsals; a multi-angle look at a rehearsal of "Bop to the Top"; and music videos for "We're All in This Together" and a song that didn't make it into the final film, "I Can't Take My Eyes Off of You," performed by Efron, Hudgens, Tisdale, and Gabreel. --David Horiuchi

Description

The all-new, smash hit Disney Channel Original Movie everyone is talking about is now available for the first time ever on DVD -- with never-before-seen bonus features that will rock your house! Troy (Zac Efron), the popular captain of the basketball team, and Gabriella (Vanessa Anne Hudgens), the brainy and beautiful member of the academic club, break all the rules of East High society when they secretly audition for the leads in the school's musical. As they reach for the stars and follow their dreams, everyone learns about acceptance, teamwork, and being yourself. And it's all set to fun tunes and very cool dance moves! Featuring the hottest talent, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL celebrates the power of music in this hip, entertaining, gotta-get-up-and-dance movie. Own all the excitement and the exclusive extras available only on this Encore Edition DVD.

Customer Reviews:

21st century version of Be-Bop!.......2007-07-09

What can I say? My 10-year old daughter (and all her girlfriends) absolutely adore this movie. Great singing & dancing, and perfect for teeny-boppers!

Wonderful movie!.......2007-07-02

I love this movie! I'm ten, i love musicals (and I have seen many) and i Have to say this was a wonderful movie but if you love like you want to watch it 10 times in a row it's MINDWASHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The plot is almost the same as Grease.

Great back at High School.......2007-07-02

We watched the original dvd version after my children had friends who left it with us. It took six months for us to give their dvd back! So in the end I "had" to purchase the dvd for ourselves. I saw the "remix" version and thought why not!

It was worth it. My kids dance and sing every song with more passion than the actors. There is an option on this special edition of a sing along version of the movie, but we have never used it. The second disc has numerous features. Although more would have been good. Some came over from the original dvd like the behind the scenes interviews. But there were more, such as the premiere red carpet clip for the dvd release. Learning dance moves to Getta ya head in the game and the main theme "Wild Cats". There were also clips of the actors going on trips around the world, promoting the movie.

Although when I first watched it I was thinking (oh great an hour and a half wasted). But it is a great movie which inspires everyone to be happy and it be happy with who you are. The support characters make it for me.

Great "SQUEAKY CLEAN" fun for the whole family and a film you are happy to leave your kids in front of.

Troy and Gabriella are so cute!.......2007-06-26

My teenage daughter got this for her birthday and watched it 4 times the first two days. My five year old daugther also loves it and thinks Gabriella is so cute.
It's a musical and they sing a lot. The story line is basically that none of the groups associate with each other. (sports jocks and cheerleaders, science geeks, skaters, no body's, and the drama club. This is afterall a Disney movie and you can guess what is gonna happen and basically does but gives you some surprises along the way. By the end it is a happy after all movie and the groups get along and date etc.
To top that there is apparently a high school musical 2 coming out and they have to deal with the drama duo all over again.

Grease for the 21st Century!.......2007-06-26

I'm sure I'm not the only person who has ever said this, but this movie is basically Grease set in the modern era. Troy, the big sports star, loves singing musicals with Gabriella, but his friends and father think that this is taking his head out of the game. They want him to stop singing and to stop being with the girl.

But Troy is a good guy and thinks he can do both! The movie is all about encouraging the people in your life to follow their dreams. Be a blessing, not a burden!

Also, the movie music is BETTER than Grease! Great stuff!

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