
Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
Non-enthusiasts may wonder how a documentary on a single outmoded dance might hold a viewer's attention for an entire 78 minutes, but Twist is really about the birth of freestyle dancing. Director Ron Mann (Grass, Comic Book Confidential), who could probably make a fascinating documentary on fingernail clippings, creates a sense of fun by dividing his film into dance "lessons," using actual instruction tapes. He sprinkles each section with vintage clips, overwrought headlines from the '60s, and interviews with the songwriters, singers, and American Bandstand dancers who started the craze. "Twist" songwriter Hank Ballard's version of the dance was considered too risqué for TV, but when Chubby Checker "made it nice" on American Bandstand, the move swept the nation, leading to other steps like "The Monkey," "The Potato," and eventually the do-your-own-thing of today. All of this is recorded with plenty of music, dancing, and fond testimonials, making it as fun a documentary as you'll ever see. --Kimberly Heinrichs
Description
Award winning director Ron Mann (Grass, Comic Book Confidential) takes the viewer on another hilarious, hip-swinging journey into pop history. More than just 'the dance craze that swept the nation', the twist symbolized an era of transition between Eisenhower's 50s and the counter-culture's 60s - from innocent youths to socially conscious hippies. A superb orchestration of archival footage, performances and interviews, Twist is as much fun as it is culturally intriguing. Home Vision Entertainment is proud to present this award-winning documentary on DVD for the first time.
Average customer rating:
|
Cinderella III - A Twist in Time
Starring: Christopher Daniel Barnes , Russi Taylor , Jennifer Hale , Frank Welker , and Lesli Margherita Director: Frank Nissen Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video ProductGroup: DVD Binding: DVD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000JBWWRO Release Date: 2007-02-06 |
Amazon.com
Cinderella and the Prince are destined to be together, but have you ever wondered what would have happened if the glass slipper that was left behind after the royal ball fit someone other than Cinderella? Cinderella's Stepmother and Stepsisters Anastasia and Drisella change history when Anastasia steals the Fairy Godmother's magic wand and her mother uses it to turn back time and then cast a spell on the glass slipper so that it will fit on Anastasia's foot. The Prince immediately realizes that something is amiss, but a quick zap from the magic wand convinces him that Anastasia is his rightful bride-to-be and it looks like nothing that Cinderella or her mouse friends Jaq and Gus can do will set things right. Two questions remain: what will become of Cinderella and can Anastasia ever find true happiness by marrying someone who will never love her for who she really is? This 74-minute animated tale follows the classic Cinderella and its sequel Cinderella II--Dreams Come True and features nice animation, new conflicts between familiar secondary characters like the evil cat Lucifer and mouse friends Jaq and Gus, lots of new songs, and a suspenseful story line. (Ages 3 to 9) --Tami HoriuchiDescription
What if the slipper didn't fit? Experience the wonder and the majesty of Cinderella's classic fairy tale with a spectacular twist in Disney's all-new motion picture CINDERELLA III: A TWIST IN TIME. When her evil stepmother gets hold of the Fairy Godmother's magic wand and turns back the hands of time, Cinderella must try to find Prince Charming and break through the evil spell. Gus, Jaq and all your favorite characters return in an exciting and hilarious new take on one of the most celebrated films of all time. Bursting with show-stopping music and more magic, wonder and suspense than the original, CINDERELLA III is enchanting entertainment for the entire family.Customer Reviews:
Loved this movie!.......2007-06-22
Everyone is fawning over the new sequel, as usual...*yawns*.......2007-05-19
MUCH better than I thought it would be.........2007-05-13
Fantastic!.......2007-05-11
Good enough for a 4 year old.......2007-05-10
Average customer rating:
|
The Charles Dickens Collection (Oliver Twist / Martin Chuzzlewit / Bleak House / Hard Times / Great Expectations / Our Mutual Friend)
Starring: Ben Rodska , Scott Funnell , Eric Porter , Frank Middlemass , and Lysette Anthony Director: Gareth Davies , Pedr James , and Ross Devenish Manufacturer: BBC Warner ProductGroup: DVD Binding: DVD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0009PVZMS Release Date: 2005-09-06 |
Amazon.com
As can be clearly seen from the care lavished on these six BBC adaptions of Charles Dickens' novels, the British love their Dickens! And why not--Dickens is ideally suited to television, with his elaborate but vigorous plots, each a compendium of comically odious personalities (and one or two nice folk, just to keep things from getting too awful). Actors dig into these meaty roles with zeal, delighting in the hairpin turns from macabre horror to sweet sentiment. The more popular (and most frequently adapted) of the books at hand--Great Expectations and Oliver Twist--are the most conventional. The 1981 mini-series Expectations (in which young Pip learns the pitfalls of wealth through his relationship with the rich and bitter Mrs. Havishamand and her warped ward, Estella) is dutiful to its source but not adapted with much inspiration. Twist, from 1985, fares better; it's a zippy treatment of this tale of childhood deprivation and juvenile delinquency, and the horrors of Victorian orphanages will raise your hackles. The adaptation is capable but a little flat--still, any story where an undertaker observes, "Every tear is another shilling in the till," is clearly not lacking in wicked wit.Fortunately, the others are considerably juicier: Martin Chuzzlewit, a lesser-known but richly satirical book, has a star-studded production from 1994, featuring Paul Scofield, Tom Wilkinson, Pete Postlethwaite, and Julia Sawalha, among others. The wealthy Martin Chuzzlewit, deeply suspicious of all mankind due to being hounded by greedy, grasping relatives, threatens the happiness of his ward Mary and his namesake grandson. In addition to the sterling and energetic cast, Chuzzlewit has outstanding production values, as does the 1998 version of Our Mutual Friend, which goes to great lengths to evoke the textures of life in Dickens' London. The mysterious death of a man about to inherit a great fortune sets in motion a complex plot that intertwines two love stories (it's one of Dickens' most romantic works), social scheming, and murderous obsession. The names aren't quite as famous (such as Paul McGann, Timothy Spall, Anna Friel, and Keeley Hawes), but the performances are top-notch and the script is particularly dynamic.
Bleak House, a Kafka-esque story of young innocents caught in an all-consuming, multi-generational lawsuit, cultivates a rich and potent Gothic horror; the 19th century seems like an unnerving alien world, through which lawyers and policemen stride like cruel predators. Diana Rigg is the most famous face in this 1985 production, but strong performances abound. The final component of this box set is the most curious: A 1994 version of Hard Times starring Alan Bates and Richard E. Grant, which turns this dark story--about a schoolmaster/politician who raises his children on reason at the expense of all feeling and finally reaps the bitter rewards--into a compact, theatrical feature film that's so swift it's almost jaunty. Adapted and directed by Peter Barnes (writer of The Ruling Class), it's the most stylized production of the bunch, and while lacking the depth and narrative detail of the others, it effectively cuts to the essence of Dickens. --Bret Fetzer
Customer Reviews:
Dickens Package 1.......2007-06-27
Dickensian Delights.......2007-06-02
opinion.......2007-06-02
lovely , region 1 only .......2007-05-08
Good value.......2007-03-28
Average customer rating:
|
The History Channel Presents The War of 1812
Starring: Mark D. Hutter , Sally E. Bennett , Dave Fagerberg , H. David Wright , and Craig Fisher (II) Director: Gary Foreman Manufacturer: A&E Home Video ProductGroup: DVD Binding: DVD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000742G0G Release Date: 2005-02-22 |
Description
From a seemingly disastrous decision to declare war to the glory of the stars and stripes, THE HISTORY CHANNEL® PRESENTS: THE WAR OF 1812 chronicles of one of america's most defining moments. Only 30 years after gaining independence, the upstart United States found itself once again battling Great Britain. At stake were the future of emocracy and America's Manifest Destiny. Pitted against the world's most powerful nation, victory seemed unlikely. But then Andrew Jackson's brilliant leadership, a lone sniper, and one of the most lopsided victories in military history turned the tide of the war. THE HISTORY CHANNEL® PRESENTS: THE WAR OF 1812 is the authoritative chronicle of one of America's most defining moments. THE HISTORY CHANNEL® PRESENTS: THE WAR OF 1812 contains the following programs: FIRST INVASION: THE WAR OF 1812--President James Madison declares war on Great Britain, a decision that at first appears disastrous. SAVE OUR HISTORY: THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER--The history of the stars and stripes and the poem penned as a tribute. THE BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS--General Andrew Jackson leads American forces to improbable victory. ANDREW JACKSON: A MAN FOR THE PEOPLE--A&E BIOGRAPHY® unveils the man behind the leader, from General to President. THE IRONCLADS--A revealing look at the battleships put to sea in the War of 1812. DVD FEATURES: Behind the Scenes of "First Invasion: The War of 1812"; "Surviving an 1812 Battleship" Episode From Extreme History, hosted by Roger Daltrey; Interactive Menus; Scene SelectionCustomer Reviews:
Every American needs to see this........2007-06-22
Not bad .......2006-06-27
The Forgotten War.......2006-03-12
Who's History?.......2005-09-30
Well... um............2005-07-09
Average customer rating:
|
Oliver Twist (2005)
Starring: Barney Clark , Jeremy Swift , Ian McNeice , Richard Durden , and Timothy Bateson Director: Roman Polanski , and Laurent Bouzereau Manufacturer: Sony Pictures ProductGroup: DVD Binding: DVD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000C20VU0 Release Date: 2006-01-24 |
Amazon.com
If Charles Dickens were alive to see Roman Polanski's faithful adaptation of Oliver Twist, he'd probably give it his stamp of approval. David Lean's celebrated 1948 version of the Dickens classic and Carol Reed's Oscar®-winning 1968 musical are more entertaining in some ways, but Polanski's rendition is both painstakingly authentic (with superb cinematography and production design) and deeply rooted in the emotional context of the story. Both Polanski and Dickens had personal experiences similar to those of young Oliver (played here by Barney Clark) -- Polanski in the Nazi-occupied ghettos of Poland during World War II, and Dickens during his hard-scrabble youth in Victorian London -- and this spiritual kinship lends a certain gravitas to the tale of a tenacious orphan who escaped from indentured servitude in London society and is taken in by Fagin (Ben Kingsley) and his streetwise gang of pickpockets. As the evil Bill Sykes, who exploits Oliver for his own nefarious needs, Jamie Foreman is no match for Oliver Reed (in the '68 musical) in terms of frightening menace, but even here, Polanski's direction hews closer to Dickens, while the screenplay by Ronald Harwood (who also wrote Polanski's The Pianist) necessarily trims away subplots and characters for the sake of narrative economy. All in all, this Oliver Twist rises above most previous versions, and with the benefit of Kingsley's nuanced performance, Polanski arrives at a compassionate conclusion that captures the essence of Dickens' novel in a way that viewers of all ages will appreciate for many years to come. --Jeff ShannonDescription
Roman Polanski directs the classic Charles Dickens story of a young orphan boy who gets involved with a gang of pickpockets in 19th Century London. Abandoned at an early age, Oliver Twist (Barney Clark) is forced to live in a workhouse lorded over by the awful Mr. Bumble, who cheats the boys of their meager rations. Desperate yet determined, Oliver makes his escape to the streets of London. Penniless and alone, he is lured into a world of crime by the sinister Fagin (Academy-Award® winner Sir Ben Kingsley) -- the mastermind of a gang of pint-sized pickpockets. Oliver's rescue by the kindly Mr. Brownlow is only the beginning of a series of adventures that lead him to the promise of a better life.Customer Reviews:
Don't compare Polanski's Oliver to Lionel Bart's........2007-05-18
Highly Underrated -- Kingsley is King!.......2007-05-08
Pretty good...but not the best.......2007-04-13
Good movie about the classic novel!.......2007-03-11
A Great Film.......2007-02-17
Average customer rating:
|
Oliver's Twist 2
Starring: Jamie Oliver (II) Director: Brian Klein Manufacturer: Capital Entertainment ProductGroup: DVD Binding: DVD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000A0D1JW Release Date: 2005-09-06 |
Description
Whether making a classic Irish dish or an authentic Brazilian feijoada, Jamie Oliver shows us how to shop for the freshest ingredients then it's back to his flat where he rustles up some tasty dishes for his friends. Let the party begin.Customer Reviews:
Kitchen fun with all your mates.......2006-12-21
Totally Mesmerising!.......2006-08-23
Perfect for cooks of any level.......2005-09-20
No matter who you are.....you'll LOVE this DVD!.......2005-09-15
just a fan.......2005-08-12
Average customer rating:
|
A Simple Twist of Fate
Starring: Steve Martin , Gabriel Byrne , Laura Linney , Catherine O'Hara , and Alana Austin Director: Gillies MacKinnon Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video ProductGroup: DVD Binding: DVD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00008979G Release Date: 2003-05-06 |
Amazon.com
A Simple Twist of Fate, Steve Martin's second adaptation of a classic (after his Roxanne-ization of Cyrano de Bergerac), is a melancholy, dramatic comedy about a recluse coming out of his shell. Suggested by George Eliot's Silas Marner, this isn't a cutesy picture akin to Father of the Bride. It's much more heartfelt, gentle, and satisfying, as long as you accept its traditional and predictable conclusions. Scorned by life, Michael McCann (Martin) lives in an auburn-tinted town and goes on with his colorless life. That is, until an abandoned child is left on his doorstep, and he adopts her. A custody battle ensues years later with far too many cheap, unconvincing courtroom dramatics in which money is the root of all evil, but the tone and wholesomeness of the story are special. Gabriel Byrne pulls off a nearly unplayable role as the town's aristocrat with fine underplayed support by Catherine O'Hara and youngster Alana Austin. The wonderful score is by Cliff Eidelman. --Doug ThomasDescription
Big-screen favorite Steve Martin (FATHER OF THE BRIDE) shines in this heartwarming motion picture about a single dad who discovers the joys and pain of fatherhood after adopting a daughter. All is well with this special relationship until a local politician attempts to come between them. As they fight to remain a family, the bond between father and daughter is strengthened. With an all-star cast that features winning performances from Gabriel Byrne (POINT OF NO RETURN), Stephen Baldwin (THREESOME), and Catherine O'Hara (HOME ALONE), A SIMPLE TWIST OF FATE is a captivating movie treat that's sure to entertain you!Customer Reviews:
A decent take-off on a classic.......2007-04-02
Heartwarming Movie.......2007-04-02
Definitely a Twist of Fate.......2007-03-29
A SIMPLE TWIST OF FATE - SIMPLE BUT ENORMOUS.......2007-02-20
Let's face it, Steve Martin is a hack.......2006-08-30
Average customer rating:
|
Oliver Twist (1948) - Criterion Collection
Starring: Robert Newton , Alec Guinness , Kay Walsh , Francis L. Sullivan , and John Howard Davies Director: David Lean Manufacturer: Criterion ProductGroup: DVD Binding: DVD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00000F17A Release Date: 1999-01-12 |
Amazon.com
David Lean's 1948 version of Charles Dickens' classic novel begins with a bang: the young hero's pregnant mother fighting her way through a storm, a perfect metaphor for Oliver's difficult road ahead. Set in a world of slums in the shadow of Victorian England, the story traces the boy's life in a workhouse and then with a gang of little pickpockets. A stark but good-looking film shot around some impressive sets, Lean's immortal adaptation is perhaps best known for Alec Guinness's remarkable (and slightly controversial) performance as Fagin, the old mentor to the gang of boy thieves. --Tom KeoghDescription
Expressionistic noir photography suffuses David Lean's Oliver Twist with a nightmarish quality, fitting its bleak, industrial setting. In Dickens' classic tale, an orphan wends his way from cruel apprenticeship to den of thieves in search of a true home. Here Alec Guinness is the quintessential Fagin, his controversial performance fully restored in Criterion's new digital transfer.Customer Reviews:
Oliver Twist.......2007-06-25
A Gift Purchase.......2007-06-01
THE GENIUS OF DAVID LEAN.......2007-04-25
The best version of Dickens' immortal story on film. .......2006-07-12
Bleak and black, a heart of light in a world of night !.......2006-06-10
Average customer rating:
|
French Twist
Starring: Victoria Abril , Catherine Alias , Sylvie Audcoeur , Véronique Barrault , and Michèle Bernier Manufacturer: Miramax ProductGroup: DVD Binding: DVD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00008L3SQ Release Date: 2003-08-05 |
Amazon.com
Josiane Balasko wrote, directed, and costars in this lightweight French comedy about a lesbian (Balasko) who falls for a housewife (Victoria Abril) seething over the philandering of her husband (Alain Chabat). The latter is outraged about his spouse's same-sex affair, but over time, the two rivals make peace with the situation--causing Abril's character to throw a hissy fit of her own. This is a cute film that becomes, thank goodness, more interesting as it goes along, challenging comfortable notions about love as a haven from other challenges to the heart. --Tom KeoghDescription
Sassy, sexy, and utterly outrageous, this comedy treat received outstanding critical acclaim and a Golden Globe Award nomination! Saucy suburban housewife Loli is furious when she discovers her playboy husband is a wild womanizer who has been cheating on her left and right for years! But things take an unusually funny turn when the van of a tough-talking, tender-hearted woman named Marijo breaks down in front of Loli's house! From then on, expect the hilariously unexpected as Marijo and Loli's relationship develops into much more than just a friendship ... and between the two of them, they devise the perfect revenge!Customer Reviews:
Fun and stylish.......2007-05-07
2nd best French comedy I ever saw........2007-02-07
My Favorite Movie.......2007-01-10
French Twist.......2006-01-31
Very funny!!.......2005-11-11
Average customer rating:
|
Twist of the Wrist
Starring: Keith Code Manufacturer: Code Break ProductGroup: DVD Binding: DVD Similar Items:
ASIN: 0965045064 |
Book Description
Customer Reviews:
don't waste your money.......2007-06-16
Good content but poorly produced .......2007-03-15
Sucks!.......2007-03-14
Usefull.......2007-01-26
Average customer rating:
|
Don't Knock the Twist / Twist Around the Clock
Starring: Chubby Checker , Gene Chandler , Vic Dana , Linda Scott (XXI) , and The Dovells Director: Oscar Rudolph Manufacturer: Sony Pictures ProductGroup: DVD Binding: DVD |