High Crimes (2002)

"High Crimes" is Freeman and Judd's best work to date!!
If you liked Morgan Freeman's and Ashley Judd's performances from "Kiss the Girls" almost 5 years ago, then you'll love them again in "High Crimes", a suspenseful thriller of a movie directed by Carl Franklin ("Devil in a Blue Dress"). The suspense of "High Crimes" takes place inside and outside of the courtroom as well...and it never lets up for a minute! The film focuses on Claire Kubik (Judd), a high-powered attorney, and her husband Tom (Jim Caviezel, "The Count of Monte Cristo"), a successful contractor with his own business, who are madly in love and are planning to have a family. But a burglary at their home triggers a chain of events that shatters their world. The FBI agents arrest Tom. The charge: Under his real name, Ronald Chapman, Tom, as a covert military operative, murdered civilians in El Salvador and has been a fugitive for the past 15 years. Tom admits he is Ronald and he was part of a clandestine operation that did result in a massacre for which Tom was blamed. But...

A taut legal thriller
Joseph Finder's bestselling novel comes to life in this well-made, though somewhat predictable, thriller as a savvy and love-struck lawyer is pitted against the military and its covert actions. Ashley Judd plays Claire Kubik, a lawyer on the way to a partnership until her husband is arrested for a military crime he swears he didn't commit. To defend him, Claire must navigate military law and threats, getting in deeper and more dangerously with every half-truth she uncovers.

The plot has fewer holes than most thrillers, although most viewers will see the "twist" a mile away. And that a law firm would jettison one of its promising stars because her husband was arrested is preposterous. Wouldn't they help in the defense? Still, given the holes in most thrillers these days, these lapses are minor. The acting is solid, with Judd creating a gutsy, smart woman who is capable of both unfaltering love and fury. Morgan Freeman does a fine job with his thin material as a...

Fast Paced And Well Acted
"High Crimes" is based on a book of the same name by Joseph Finder, and is so frequently the case, the book is better than the movie. Which isn't to say that this is a bad movie; in fact, it is a very good one. In today's world, fascinated with trials and the legal system, the emphasis on courtroom events is to be expected, but as a retired lawyer with 30 years in the Courts, I find this aspect a bit ho-hum. But the underlying plot of a military atrocity being possibly covered up by the court martial of a scapegoat NCO is effectively rendered here. Ashley Judd, who I view as a B- level actress does a commendable job as the lawyer wife of the accused ex-soldier. Morgan Freeman, who I rank as an A- actor, and a favorite of mine, is excellent as the alchoholic ex-military lawyer who tries to help defend the accused, played very well by Jim Caviezel.It is a fast paced flic with a surprise twist ending that is a good effort and an enjoyable movie.

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Gold DVD

Late period German Silent movie
The advance look of the German cinema is evident in this production. Not as intense as Metropolis but the story and the execution are well worth the time to watch.

An early sci-fi talkie, mainly of historical interest
This DVD is a presentation of an early sci-fi talkie. I rate it as 4 stars out of 5 for being a good quality video. However, the film has not been restored to pristine condition. The opening credits wobble and there appear to be frames missing here and there in the film. ( The fact that another Amazon product GOLD 1934 Sci Fi Germany. Brigitte Helm with english subtitles is an inferior video of the same film influences me to give the superior product a better than average rating.)

The "extras" on the DVD are not elaborate. It has a contemporary 2 page article in German about the film that mostly consists of photos. It has some printed information that is mostly reproduced in the product description on the current Amazon page.

I'm not rating the product as a financial deal or rating the film as entertainment. The film is mainly of historical interest. Don't expect it to have technology...



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ERock Rocks! Blu-Ray Edition. A Virtual 100 Mile Ride. Indoor Cycling Training / Spinning Fitness and Workout Videos

BiTBoP Technology is a good thing
I ordered this not because I'm training to ride a century, but because I moved to an area that has a limited selection of spinning classes. I don't want to fight for a bike or get up at 5 a.m., so I got my own spinning bike and went searching for a decent DVD. I chose this set for a few reasons: 1) Real-time road footage of a 100-mile (century) bike tour through Colorado helps you visualize and focus. The superimposed graphic dashboard recommends appropriate cadence and resistance level. An aerial map tracks speed and elevation. A graphic of the hill profile gives you an idea of the type of climb you're facing. 2) The set comes with 4 DVDs, so you get variety with your workouts. Stage 1 is a 1-hour ride with rolling hills; Stage 2 is 1.5-hour ride with some more strenuous climbs; Stage 3 is a 2-hour ride with some intense interval-type climbs; Stage 4 is a 1-hour ride with yet more intervals. 3) The audio comes with three options: narration over music, just music, and only the road...

ERocks REALLY does rock!
My husband and I have about seven other of Paul's DVD's for indoor cycling on a trainer. We enjoy all of them and they have greatly improved my cycling ability over this winter. All are a challenge if you use the DVD's correctly. Last week we received the ERock Rocks DVD's. While we have only had the chance to use the first stage DVD we can tell you unequivocally that WE ARE CRAZY ABOUT THESE DVD'S!!! Sorry for shouting but these DVD's are awesome. Paul does commentary throughout the whole ride and gives invaluable tips on training for a Century ride, or improving if you've already done a Century. We learned so much on just the first DVD. We love "riding with Paul" and having him coach us to being better riders. This is unlike any other cycling DVD for your indoor trainer. This is like having your very own coach. We cannot recommend the ERock Rocks DVD's highly enough.

Once again, Paul sets the bar and standard for other cycling DVD's. Great job!!!!

The best!
I have purchased hundereds of items on Amazon but this is my first review, I'm that passionate about these DVDs. I have tried nearly every spinning/indoor workout DVD out there and these DVDs are by far the best. I get tired of having a guy with a stopwatch yell at me - - these DVDs are so much better; I actually get into the rides. The commentary is helpful and the fact that the narrator is actually doing the workout as well makes a huge difference. After trying Erock Rocks! I bought every one of Paul's DVDs - - I'm ready for Fall and Winter training!

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Parental Guidance

Old Age versus New Age Parenting
Being an avid fan of Billy Crystal, I eagerly awaited his return to the silver screen. I was not disappointed. Coupled with another veteran actress in Bette Midler (his doting wife), they made we 'older' parents appear archaic with their 'tough love' approach - (didn't all Baby Boomers experience this as children?). The story goes on to explain how they are 'the only' set of grandparents available, to care for their 3 grandchildren, 12, 8 and 5, much to their daughter's reluctance. Their daughter (played by Marissa Tomei) is all about 'new age' parenting and frowns heavily upon any strayings from her teachings. Therefore laying down her set of rules and opening the door to laughter.

Naturally, things are going to go wrong, as Billy and Bette strive to keep the peace and understand their charges. As not only do the 'Oldies' react to each situation in an uninitiated new age-old age way causing havoc, but are also victims to a completely automated house which initially sees...

funniest movie I've seen in a long time
I saw it the other day, and it was so funny, I laughed so much. It really hit home, about being grand parents. I just loved it.

Crystal and Midler Get on their Schtick and Liven Up This Formulaic Family Comedy
***This review may contain spoilers***

The trailers advertising "Parental Guidance" (hereafter PG) were not only unpromising, but borderline appalling. It emphasized the tired, painful slapstick and saccharine sentiment of so many other formulaic family comedies, that I was determined to avoid it. But, visiting my mother and deciding to take in a movie before lunch at Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse, we decided upon PG because it was the only movie that had subject matter my Mom (not particularly keen on hobbits, 40-somethings, or even Lincoln) was interested in. After seeing it, we were pleasantly (if surprisingly) entertained, despite the dilapidated old "Clash of the Generations" plot. Our amusement was largely due to those reliably schticky comedy workhorses Billy Crystal and Bette Midler.

Crystal and Midler play fairly (but not completely) old-fashioned Artie and Diane Decker, parents to Type-A, harried upper-class daughter Alice Decker Simmons (Marisa...

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Possession in Japan

Up There With Other Great Exorcism Films
I've seen plenty of exorcism films, but never one from Asia. A great film with an awesome twist at the end, one you would never expect, and one that I don't think ever done in any exorcism flick. The CGI effects were done just right where it didn't look fake. Plenty of scares and edge-of-your-seat excitement! From Tokyo Shock in widescreen, 2.0 surround, english subtitles.

I didn't care for it.
Possession in Japan is the Japanese take on the Exorcist. The isn't really scary nor is it really suspenseful. It's one of the weaker J-Horror flicks out of Japan. My advice, don't bother with this one.



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Because I Love You

GoodFlick
Good story for Indie flick. Had MenaceIISociety feel. Nice action sequences. Enjoyed the striptease. Loved the Cray dude & Vanilla chick. They were very funny. Vanilla even made me wanna to go pee. Ha! Now that's classic.

Excellent movie
I saw this when it premiered in Houston. I was blown away. The music, the acting, the story. Wow! It was also cool to see Chico Benymon play a bad guy because he's always playing someone goofy like he did in "Half & Half" and "Steppin'". He did a great job, though. I would like to see him in more roles like this. Look out for Tonyai Palmer as Vanilla, too. She was so funny. She has a "memorable" scene in this movie. Also, the director, Joseph A. Elmore Jr., was fantastic. He knows how to write a compelling movie that makes you want more. His style is urban, but it's fresh. For instance, there's a scene where a guy is getting felatio with a gun pointed at him, and the girl is still going in! Who thinks of that? Joseph A. Elmore Jr. does! He's also a joy to work with.

I like
This movie is ok. I enjoyed it. Good story line even though it is too predictable, there was not enough suspense otherwise an ok watch!

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Dose of Reality

Unbelievably Awesome
Saw this film at Cinequest 23 in San Jose. Didn't know what to expect going in to watch the film. I was engaged the whole film and it literally blew my mind. The credits rolled and I just sat in total silence, in shock. I can't say much more than that. Weeks later, and I'm still thinking about this film!

This "Dose" was just what the doctor ordered!
After watching more than 80 films at Cinequest, it's hard to remember everything I took in. One great exception was "Dose of Reality," a thoroughly engaging film that grabs you from the opening scene and never lets up. Featuring top-notch production values and a rock-solid cast, Dose truly stood out at this year's festival. It was no surprise, therefore, that it was brought back for an encore screening on the festival's final day. If it hadn't, there would've been a lot of unhappy festival-goers as I spent several days hyping the film once I'd caught up with it. Without risking the major sin of a spoiler alert, all I will say is that I would put this film's ending right up there with "The Sixth Sense," and that alone should be reason enough to run out and grab "A Dose of Reality" as soon as you can.

I can't wait to see what's next from this talented group of filmmakers.

HE SAID. SHE SAID.
This is basically a three "man" play that takes place inside of a bar. Matt (Ryan Merriman) the bar tender discovers a woman (Fairuza Balk) passed out on the restroom floor. She has apparently been beaten and raped. Tony (Rick Ravanello), the bar manager, is less concerned. He is a two strike ex-con who still snorts drugs.

When Rose comes to, she wants to discover which one of these guys did this to her. She plays mind games with them, antagonizes them and there are things that don't mesh, but too minor to be concerned about as the scene is too powerful and draws you away from the clue. As it turns out, Rose has multiple personality syndrome and moves smartly between characters. The action grows rather intense as we watch this personality driven script which at times is a dark comedy. Rose has two diverse personalities which are as diverse as Matt and Tony.

After an hour into the film, things come together, and then all hell breaks loose as the plot twists and...

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This Is 40

Hilarious!
My wife and I loved this movie. Found it funny and could relate well. True to life. The title sums it up! Although the younger crowd my not find it very funny and hard to relate to.

Family With Issues
'This Is 40 ' is a frank film about married life, bringing up children, dealing with difficult parents, and just plain getting older. Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann play a married couple, both with fathers who are more than troublesome. It is a film with humor, but often the humor is really forced. I saw the film on HBO, so didn't spend the fortune it takes nowadays to take the family to the movies.

The film takes us several places, downsizing and the economic crisis. Something, however, was missing. The storyline never reached out and took a hold of me. The couple's children are their own children, and the family had real chemistry, which is a very good thing!

Recommended With Reservations. prisrob 10-06-13

Hilarious!
Who doesn't love Paul Rudd? He is a hilarious 40 something actor, and he has done a fabulous job in this movie. My husband and I watched it together, and we both laughed out loud.

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Hey Good Lookin'

Uneven, Worth Seeing for Bakshi Fans
Animator Ralph Bakshi's feature films are a wildly uneven assortment of psychedelic colors, ethnic stereotypes and ribald humor - elements of which haven't quite translated into the 21st century. After breaking out with "Fritz the Cat" and "Heavy Traffic," Bakshi found himself being courted by major studios, but two of his subsequent projects - "Coonskin," produced for Paramount, and the Warner Bros.-backed "Hey Good Lookin'" - would end up being shuttled off to another studio in the case of the former and delayed for years in the case of the latter.

In fact, HEY GOOD LOOKIN' (75 mins., 1982, R) was originally produced as a live-action/animated mix in the mid `70s. According to reports, indifferent test screenings and the controversy over "Coonskin" caused Warner to shelve the project for years, during which time Bakshi generated box-office paydirt with "Wizards" and his "Lord of the Rings" animated adaptation. Looking to capitalize on the latter's success, Warner opted to...

It's about time!
Hey good lookin' has been a cult favourite for some time now. Now warner archive is finally putting it out on dvd-r, but better than nothing. Artwork is great. at least they use original poster art. Now the quality here is, or seems to be stricken from an original negetive, It is sharp and colors are strong, specially crazy's red hair. But the transfer is plaqued with constant little white specs throughout, but oh well, you will get use to it. At least its sharp and miles better than whats on you tube now. Also intresting is that we get the original warner bros logo at the beginning which makes me thinks its from an old film element, not a direct copy from a later pressing VHS. (which uses a newer warner logo). By all means for fans of the film, a must have.. The disc includes a trailer which only shows one scene and nothing else..

Forced into widescreen aspect
The video quality in this is excellent, the only bad thing about it is they cropped the top and bottom of the image off to force it into widescreen aspect ratio so your losing picture as a result.

For instance at the 3:50 part of the movie where the main character punches the trash can lid, your supposed to see bottoms of windows at the top and their legs spread with some background at the bottom. They cropped the entire top and bottom of the picture off for the entire length of the movie to make it look like widescreen so their no longer in the picture.

If it weren't for that I'd love it to death so it only gets 3 stars from me. I would have preferred all of the picture still in tact with a 4:3 aspect release. Not cut the image off the top and bottom and make it a forced 16:9 release.

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Les Misérables

"There's a grief that can't be spoken."
The much anticipated movie adaptation of "Les Misérables " has arrived, and director Tom Hooper deserves praise for infusing Victor Hugo's iconic story of Jean Valjean with drama and profound emotion. Hugh Jackman is superb as the former thief who is pursued relentlessly by his nemesis, Inspector Javert (a ruthless and bitter Russell Crowe), but Valjean focuses on redeeming himself by treating others with kindness. Anne Hathaway is affecting as the desolate Fantine, forced into prostitution in order to support her child. Valjean mercifully adopts Cosette, Fantine's daughter, after her mother's untimely death.

Helena Bonham Carter and Sasha Baron Cohen are deliciously over-the-top as the Thénardiers, greedy innkeepers who steal from their customers and extort cash from Fantine for Cosette's upkeep while they keep the lonely girl in rags. Samantha Barks's show-stopping solo, "On My Own," is thrilling. Eddie Redmayne and Amanda Seyfried are appealing as...

A cinematic and emotional wonder; a film for the ages.
You know I went to see "Les Miserables" on Christmas Day. You know I convinced family and friends to not get together for dinner on Christmas evening, as was the tradition, because seeing this film was more important. I've been waiting to see "Les Mis" for months, damnit, and I wasn't about to wait any longer. I was ready to see something phenomenal. Something that would be a sucker punch of emotion...and a chance to see some of my favorite actors in a film like I've never seen before.

"Les Miserables" is unlike any film musical I've ever seen. The level of emotion is unmatched. The performances are out of this world. The story is ambitious, and the scope is huge. It's at once a very personal story about its various characters, but at the same time, these people are singing for a generation, that has fascinating parallels to events going on today. It's an incredible feat that I didn't think could be committed to film so well.

Director Tom Hooper certainly had the...

AMAZING
I saw this movie a week before it came out because I won advance screening tickets and I have known the song I Dreamed A Dream my whole life but I have never seen the musical on stage or any of the adaptations before. I went into this with no expectations at all. At first I thought the movie started off kind of fragmented and I figured because it had to introduce everybody and I was right. The film ended up as it went on drawing me in more and more and making me fall in love with it and by the end i was mesmerized with how wonderful and amazing the movie is. I believe they picked perfect roles because after i saw the movie i listened to the broadway soundtrack and i believe they did very well on picking out the cast for their vocal ranges and capabilities. I think anyone who loves the musical or is a musical person should definatly see this movie because they will not be disappointed one bit by how amazing it is.

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Oliver Twist

Good!.
There are a lot of movies based on Charles Dickens classic novel Oliver Twist and I remember watching this version on TV I liked it and thought that George C. Scott and Tim Curry were really good and I would like to see this movie put on DVD! Tim Curry was good as Bill Sykes and the scene in which he attacked Nancy was scary!

Fine version of the classic novel.
This is a fine version of Dicken's novel. George C. Scott is always interesting, and he does not disappoint. Cherie Lunghi is a fine Nancy. Lovers of the David Lean movie or the Novel itself, as is often the case may find this version lacking, but for a made for TV movie this is very entertaining.

OLIVER TWIST w/ George C. Scott
When I first saw OLIVER TWIST starring George C. Scott on television back in the 1980s, I thought it was an excellent production. After more than twenty years, it's still excellent. Charles Dickens' story is brought to life by Mr. Scott and the wonderful cast. This TV movie should be available for all to see, instead of being out-of-print. I highly recommend this movie.

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MotoGP's Great Moments

Moto GP's Greatest Moments
I liked it a lot. I'm a big Moto GP fan. My only wish is that the discs showed the entire race.





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A Man Escaped (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

Best film to get started with Bresson
This is the first Bresson film I ever saw and it stunned me. Since then, I have seen most of his other films and each one is remarkable, though a few stand out: Diary of a Country Priest, Au Hazard Balthaaar, Pickpocket, L'Argent. Still, this film is unique in that it retains the austere, minimalist and ultimately spiritual style of the others, and at the same time is a gripping thriller.

You might say of this film -- though Bressonian purists might hate me for saying this -- that Bresson uses his anti-Hollywood style to outdo Hollywood style. What I mean is: Bresson is known for revealing only what is absolutely essential, a gesture, an item, two hands engaged in an activity, feet walking. This has the effect of encouraging the viewer to pay attention, but also, because it forces no specific interpretation upon these items, encouraging the viewer to participate in the unfolding of events, and become more than merely a spectator. Hollywood style tends also to eliminate...

A Man Escaped--so did the print
This is one of cinema's great achievements, a testament of the combination of elements (subject, visual style, photographic image, movement, sound, background music, character, montage) are perfectly blended into a unique experience. The New Yorker print, however, is the worst copy of this film (16mm, 35mm, television screenings) I have ever seen. This was a copy with a lack of contrast, extra noise on the track, looking like a dub. If only there was a decent attempt to attain anything better would have begun to do the film justice. As it is, enjoy what you're stuck with but know there's something better out there.

Burt Shapiro

Not only escape, but redemption
One of the finest films I've ever seen, painted with a spare but rich brush this is truly a masterpiece. The subtitle of this film is "Where the wind listeth" taken from the biblical passage concerning a man being born again. This seems to get lost in some reviews of this gem, but I think it is its underlying theme, redemption and grace.

I've never seen a film that truly kept me so involved and on the edge of my chair. Bresson lets this story tell itself from the beginning as you watch the main character's hands and feel his hesitation and his desperation. A man so fully human and yet touched and guided by an amazing grace that takes him step by step and leaves him free in the truest sense of the word.

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When a Stranger Calls / Happy Birthday to Me (Double Feature) [Blu-ray]

Happy Birthday To Me fans will be happy!
First off, this title is actually available now at Wal-mart. Anyway, on to the review.

I watched both films today and I must say the transfer is really good for 2 movies that are over 30 years old. They are both on 1 disc btw. I have never seen either movie.

Now I've seen the remake of When A Stranger Calls and it is a much better paced film imo. They chose to keep the killer more of a mystery and kept the story around the single night of babysitting. The original covers that night in the first 30 minutes of the movie, then we are carried 7 years in the future for a lot of unneeded exposition. The last 10 minutes truly save the picture imo.

I actually enjoyed Happy Birthday To Me quite well. The acting is really bad, I must say, but the multiple twists (yes, multiple) really keep you on your toes. The Scream franchise really owes a debt to this film. I was reading up on the history of the home video release, and fans will be happy to know that the...

excellent prints on these flicks.
Both of these movies were released by columbia in 1979 and 1980 respectively. And they look fantastic! Columbia kept great prints of these two because they are not filled with lines and specks! That's saying alot for two vintage films this old! both films played at theatres accross the country and were not drive in superlow budget flicks at all. These were offerings from a major studio during that era. Many much bigger hit movies from this era don't look as good as these two do on this blu ray. Both movies did pretty well at the boxoffice and they both influenced movies that came after them, including scream and other slasher flicks. There are fine actors in these movies too , because like I said these were big studio affairs and not made by some small company. Glenn ford , charles durning and carol kane are among the a listers in these efforts. Horror fans should be grateful that we get these two movies in such fine shape here. It could have easily been a disaster with scratched up...

excellent transfers for both movies
I picked up this set from wal-mart for $5.00. I mainly got this to replace my "Happy Birthday To Me" 2009 DVD release with original score. Almost didn't get this set, because it has the artwork from the 2004 disc set with cheezy disco score replacing the original score. I thought it would not have the original theatrical score, but it absolutely does. The blu-ray transfer is much nicer than even the 2009 DVD edition, and having When A Stranger Calls is a nice bonus as well. These do have captions which is a must for me as well. Great set all around. Just wish it had the original artwork for Happy Birthday To Me.

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Lincoln (Four Disc Blu-ray / DVD + Digital Copy)

Landmark film - You will definitely want the four-disc Blu-ray version with 53 extra minutes of features.
I saw the film when it played in the theater last year and was riveted to my seat. Even nature calling me to visit the rest room had to wait. It was Daniel Day Lewis's presence, Tony Kushner's words and , Steven Spielberg's direction that kept me there for nearly 2

Union Square

Hated it!
This is not worth watching, I wouldn't waste your time. I wish I could get mine back along with the 99 cents I spent! I rented this film based on the one review that gave it 5 stars. I hated it! The acting was subpar, the characters were not likable. I did not feel a connection to any of them. The two lead females whined throughout the entire film, so I was not sympathetic to either of their characters, but only annoyed and irritated by them both. I couldn't wait for it to be over and the only reason I watched the entire film was so that I could warn you before you get suckered in by the one 5 star rating like I did.

such a great movie. Great story, amazing performances overall a real treat!!!
absolutely loved it and thought it provided such a great family drama without being too dramatic or over the top. One in which many can relate to regardless of how 'normal' or 'crazy' your family is



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Pergolesi: L'Olimpiade [Blu-ray]

Beautiful music, beautiful singing, a revelation
Despite it having one of the most convoluted plots of any opera, Pietro Metastasio's L'Olimpiade was one of the most popular texts for Baroque composers. Originally set to music by Antonio Caldara in 1733, it was most notably followed by Vivaldi's version in 1734 and Pergolesi's in 1735, but the libretto has also been set around 60 times by composers such as Hasse, Galuppi, Jommelli, Cimarosa and Piccinni. Thanks to the Fondazione Pergolesi-Spontini's initiative to revive and release recorded performances of all the composer's operas in new critical editions, we finally have the opportunity to see Pergolesi's version of this immense work and it is something of a revelation. Not only is it one of Pergolesi's most beautiful works with perhaps the finest musical and singing performances we've seen yet from Jesi, but it also turns out to be one of the best settings of L'Olimpiade that exists.

All of Pergolesi's works released on Blu-ray so far have been given very strong...

A True Gem.......the Composer's Best
It is not often that I am in general agreement with my colleague critic Keris Nine, but in our assessment of Pergolesi's L'Olimpiade I am fully sympathetic to her analysis. L'Olimpiade is by far the true gem of a masterpiece of his four opera seria. Each one shows that his inherent genius had to overcome some awkwardness or mannerism of the opera seria style. And each one shows the progress to the mastery of his own talent. It should be noted that all were composed under very difficult situations, often in great haste,and none were immediately deemed successes. The three preceding opera seria: Salustia, Il Prigioniero Superbo and Adriano in Sirio are all now available in excellent recent performances (sponsored by the Pergolesi/Spontini Foundation)with period instruments and very accomplished singers and performers. The present work is an outstanding composition and certainly represents the high point of the Italian Baroque Style. The melodic writing uses delicate tone colors, smooth...

Melodrama In Three Acts Full of Surprises
This is the first time I have seen L'Olimpiade. I will watch it again.
The performance was conducted by Alessandro De Marchi and sung by Raul Gimenez, Lyubov Petrova and Yetzabel Arias Fernandez. Enjoy.

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The Cardboard Bernini

Totally inspiring and original film
I have never said this about a movie before but this film made me laugh and cry. Seriously. If you love art or wonder why we are all here on this planet, this film is for you. The artist profiled, Jimmy Grashow, is so brilliant and sweet and wise and charming. I could listen to him talk forever. Watching him work is a joy. Seeing how the film ends is heart-breaking but life-affirming. The film is so rich, I could watch Carboard Bernini again and again and get something new from it. This is a beautiful film. Loved it!!!

Loved the film The Cardboard Bernini
The Cardboard Bernini is so much more than a film about art or an artist. It's about growing old while remaining passionate about ones desires to accomplish the unthinkable. Through laughter, tears and self-realization, we learn what drives a man to his ultimate goal. This film speaks to something many of us fear, death, the final chapter, while exploring how this ultimate end affects those closest to us. The Cardboard Bernini is about life and the fragility of one's soul and the relationships we form as we navigate the decades spent on earth. The idea of creating a film where perishable cardboard grows in to a magnificent series of interconnected sculptures serves as a dynamic and thought provoking metaphor for our own mortality, and it's a brilliant move on the filmmakers part to take audiences in this direction.

A Masterful Permanent Record of an Impermanent Project
Jimmy Grashow is more than an artist - he's a philosopher, a comedian, a sage, a teacher, and a completely mesmerizing screen presence. Olympia Stone so wisely let him - and his work - speak for him/itself in "The Cardboard Bernini:" the result is a spellbinding trip with Jimmy through the multi-year process of the creation and disintegration of his beyond-intricate, gorgeous cardboard fountain. I was by turns impressed, intrigued, horrified, amused, and inspired - and I don't think I took a breath during the entire film. It's genius!

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Bled White

Run, because these zombies can really run.
Bled White Not a typical zombie movie. These guys can run. Good story line. Many small stories that come together in the end. Enough scares and edge of your seat moments to make a good horror movie. Found it entertaining. Characters pull you in. They have enough faults to be believable. You see how each handles the situations of a world gone mad,and you hope that they will somehow survive.

New and unique
I was forced by circumstance to watch this movie over the course of several days and each day I grew in interest. For a movie to hold and even grow my interest is pretty good.

Only if you like anything ZOMBIE
I'd give them all an A for effort on a small budget. Some of the actors were terrific and some terrible but they all tried and that's appreciated.I watch anything zombie and have seen much worse and much better and put this in the middle as it did create an atmosphere of dread.

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Ichi the Killer Pack

Impressive film from Takashi Miike
After watching Takashi Miike's powerful "Audition," I thought following up with "Ichi the Killer" an excellent idea. I don't see much of a comparison between the two films unless you wish to look at the disturbing scenes of gory violence and the fact that "Audition" has more of a social message than this gore extravaganza. I have come away with the impression that Miike is a brilliant filmmaker capable of forcing extreme reactions from his viewers. Hollywood should take note of this guy and bring him over here for a project or two. But doing so probably wouldn't work out; Miike's warped visions would send American censors scrambling for a sedative, and most mainstream viewers would recoil from the graphic nature of this director's films. A word of warning for those thinking of indulging in "Ichi the Killer": the movie is loaded with sadism, gore, black comedy, and all around unpleasantness. It's as though this movie turns upside down everything...

Ultra Violent Madness, For Better or Worse
Live Action Anime...yes it is an oxymoron, but it's one way to describe what Director Takashi Miike has done with Ichi the Killer. It's like a live action version of Akira or Ninja Scroll.

The film's plot is secondary so I won't dwell on it here, but if you have never seen Miike's films, get ready for a ride through the imagination of a complete mad man. The best part about the film is that Miike and his team are actually outstanding technically, and his sense of humor is both original and in my opinion hilarious.

Ichi the Killer is as glossed over and stylized as it is sadistic and violent, and believe me when I say that this film is violent. It's sexually violent content is out of whack as well and alone might earn Ichi an NC-17 stamp but it's violence is so fantastic it almost seems cartoon-like. If you didn't find humor in films like Dead Alive, Robocop, Evil Dead 2 or Kill Bill pass on Ichi, but if you like those films like I do, give Miike a chance, you...

Love really hurts
"Ichi the Killer" ("Koroshiya 1") is a stylistic, well-made film representing a Japanese idea that seems strange to most non-Japanese, the idea that violence, even extreme violence, can be beautiful. As seen in films such as Kenka Ereji's "Elegy to Fighting," violence is an art form and a genre of Japanese movies.

This film is about killing for the sake of killing, by those who love doing it with a sexual passion. Kakihara, the masochistic Yakuza killer featured on the box cover, complains while receiving a beating that "There's no love in your violence." To commit violence without love is like having sex without emotion, and empty physical act. Director Miike Takashi has put love in his violence, and style and art.

Kakihara is the star of the film, being both brash and beautiful, but it is Ichi the Killer who is the true protagonist. Mentally unstable and boyish to the extreme, Ichi is a deranged assassin who wears a superhero costume with a bold Number 1...

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LEGO Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out (Exclusive Minifigure DARTH VADER with Medal)

Why no Blu-ray?
Great compliment to the Padawan Menace and love that they use voices from "The Clone Wars" series, but wish they had a Blu-ray version since this is 2013 and they had one for the Padawan Menace.

great movie for kids, lego and star wars fans alike
To the 1-star reviewer 'bookworm21' who unbelievably found this Lego Star Wars DVD 'disappointing' due to perceived homosexual political agendas, I wonder which books he or she has actually read? Presumably just the ones they haven't burnt. There is absolutely NOTHING political in this charming, funny and completely harmless kids' DVD, nor indeed is there anything 'political' about homosexuality in the first place. Lego is a wonderful and wholesome kids' toy franchise, assuming you ignore set 78544 'Batman gay bar anal gang rape' of course. I despair. This is a lovely little fun movie completely suitable for kids of any age. Be aware though that there are gun wielding killer robots in it, but apparently they're less scary for children than someone who's just different than you.

Nice show, note no special features
Arrived early thanks to Amazon pre-order. Nice show for the kids but note that unlike The Padawan Menace this has no special features so much shorter total runtime that the first disc. This edition does come with a Lego Darth Vader, which is a nice touch, but I would give up the minifigure for a Blu-ray disc and some extras / special features.

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Inuyasha: The Movie the Complete Collection [Blu-ray]

Great movies, horrific Blu-ray transfer.
THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE 4-FILM BLU-RAY COLLECTION. This is the perfect completion to anyone's InuYasha collection. Seven box sets of DVDs, the new, concluding series and now the movies. I thought this was going to be the best part. It was, sort of. The presentation of this product is four films on two Blu-ray discs. Upon watching them, I noticed something peculiar: it looked like I was watching it on my own tube sets from the 1990s, not the 40in LCD in 24P mode. The films are presented in 1080i. That's right, INTERLACED. That went out with NTSC, DVD and VHS. I bought these because I honestly don't know of a single 1080i Blu-ray on the face of the earth. The reason I buy Blu-ray discs is to get the films in a progressive presentation. I don't know what the manufacturers of this disc was thinking, but I say WAIT until they fix this and rerelease it correctly. Four stars for the films, minus one for the sadly cheap interlaced presentation. Very depressing.

An Inuyasha must have
For the Inuyasha fan this is a must have. I own this collection on DVD so when I saw it available on blu-ray I got it right away. Blu-ray version is definitely worth it as the anime seems to come alive that much more. Four movies on two disks.

first time on Blu-ray and the price is right
all 4 Inuyasha movies together for the first time in a 2 disc Blu-ray set. and for the price it's practically a steal!! i don't see a reason why you wouldn't want to own this. sure you have your complainers who have to cry about this not being perfect, or that not being right..."would you like some cheese with that wine?" i'm just glad the films finally got released and together in one set!! that's an epic win in my book ;)

as for the Blu-ray content itself:
the back of the box says it's 1080i, however my player has no problem up-converting it to 1080p and quite frankly i think the picture quality looks absolutely phenomenal!! audio is English 5.1 & 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio (with or without english subtitles) and Japanese 5.1 & 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio (with english subtitles, there's no option to turn them off with this setting). with that being said i think this set is well worth purchasing

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Wishmakers

A bit disjointed, but generally amusing and positive.
Ben, a dancer who recently reconciled the fact that he is gay, moves to West Hollywood to join two friends from college: Jason, a young man (and budding alcoholic) with limited talent who wants to be a star, and Corey, an androgynous young loner who works as a personal assistant for an eccentric former TV actress (played by Sally Kirkland). Finding work as a pilates and yoga instructor, Ben tries meeting guys through online ads, sex parties, and tries to get closer to another dancer he met at one of his classes, but nothing seems to be going as planned. Meanwhile, Jason sets his sights on a boyfriend who can help his career goals.

A somewhat bitter, but mostly realistic, look at the gay dating hell that can be WeHo, but an otherwise positive story in which the guys adapt to their circumstances and achieve happiness. Acting is capable and mostly amusing, despite some trite dialogue. The film's direction seems a bit disjointed in parts, including a rather lengthy dance...

Good, But I Wish It Would Have Been Great
The Wishmakers is a comedy-drama about three gay men on their quest for love and success. It's not a great movie, but it is charming and has many attractive men in its cast. Drew Droege is only in three scenes, but he steals all of them and plays the funniest character with a voice that sounds like a muppet. There is brief nudity, but there should have been more. I guess the Eating Out series has spoiled me as it has set the bar so high for gay comedies. Lots of nudity, lots of laughs. The Wishmakers has neither of those things, but it is fairly entertaining just the same.

Not Bad
Less than I expected. This movie could have been a bit more engaging. Script was a bit choppy and dialogue less than convincing.

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Mystery of a Hansom Cab

NICE AUSTRALIAN PERIOD DRAMA-MYSTERY
3 1/2 stars.

This mistery opens with a gentleman, a bit too intoxicated, who is helped into a horse drawn cab, or "Hansom Cab", by another gentleman. The man coming to his aid realizes after the fact that the drunk is his sleazy romantic rival. The drunk man in the cab is later found murdered with an obvious implication against his younger rival. The first part of the movie deals mainly with solving the murder mystery and seems a bit slow. However, this is not the ultimate mystery. Several more riddles will be introduced with engaging outcomes. At the center is Madge, the love interest of the accused and heiress to a powerful father. What is her father's secret? What could it have to do with the charming and innocent Madge? How far would the young, self made, Irish man go to protect Madge from his sleazy rival?

Hang with this movie and it will reward you. The filming isn't as polished as some period dramas we are used to. However, it is certainly on a...

So disappointing
Here it is Saturday night and I was hoping to sit down for 2 hours and be caught away in an exciting story set in the 19th century, but the attractive DVD cover promises more than I got. The story is choppy, hard to follow, edited strangely, and contains a boatload of characters introduced too soon so that you hardly have a chance to care about them as their problems unfold. Because it is set in Melbourne, Australia, 1886, people speak with an (not American) accent, so gee, subtitles would have been nice for the many lines delivered at low volume or too fast or when the horses are clopping noisily down cobblestone streets. Often I had to guess what the poor blokes were saying. Repeatedly my husband and I paused the DVD to confer on what was happening or what had been said that we missed.

I gave up early on the movie. It's just not a grabber. The delivery is amateurish and the plot lacks soul. Purchased this movie at Costco today for about $12+. Sorry I wasted my money. I...

Mystery of a Hansom Cab
This is a decent movie if you like victorian mysteries, The cast is decent and the story is decent. I would recommend it to watch but not to buy

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Red Ryder - Homesteaders Of Paradise Valley

"Red Ryder B-Western Series ... Homesteaders of Paradise Valley ... VCI Home Video"
VCI Entertainment and Republic Pictures present "HOMESTEADERS OF PARADISE VALLEY" (1947) (59mins/B&W) --- Under R.G. Springsteen (Director), Sidney Picker (Associate Producer), Fred Harman (comic book character), Steven Slesinger (Screenplay), Earle Snell (Screenplay), Alfred S. Keller (Cinematographer), Charles Craft (Editor) ------ the cast includes Allan Rocky Lane (Red Ryder), Bobby Blake (Little Beaver), Martha Wentworth (The Duchess), Ann E. Todd (Melinda Hill), Gene Roth (Bill Hume (as Gene Stutenroth), John James (Steve Hill), Mauritz Hugo (Rufe Hume), Emmett Vogan (Mr. Langley), Milton Kibbee (A. C. Blaine), Tom London (Rider Summoning Posse After Hume Brothers), Edythe Elliott (Mrs. Hume), George Chesebro (E. J. White), Ed Cassidy (The Sheriff of Center City (as Edward Cassidy), Jack Kirk (Ed, departing homesteader), Marshall Reed (Tim, homesteader on trail) ------ our story and hero Allan Rocky Lane fills the boots of Red Ryder in this runaway oater with action at the top...





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Ship of Fools / Lilith (Double Feature) [Blu-ray]

Gorgeous transfers of two classics
Mill Creek Entertainment offers two wonderful films in lovely sharp finely grained transfers that both look fantastic in the blu ray format. What a great deal, too! I just hope that they continue to produce twofers of this caliber. They have a deal with Sony, whose classic film library is sorely under-represented in the BD form. I'd sure love some widescreen technicolor doubles like TARAS BULBA and KINGS OF THE SUN, SOLOMON AND SHEBA and ALEXANDER THE GREAT, or maybe for Easter, BARABBAS and SALOME. But, beyond wishful thinking, whatever they do in the future will undoubtedly be superior in quality if this is any indication. Mill Creek, you've got a fan in me, and keep 'em coming but, please, more like this for those of us who are classic movie fans.

I great two-fer of two obscure 60's classics, packed with stars!
This is a great two-fer blu-ray of two obscure 60's classics, courtesy of Mill Creek.

"Ship of Fools" stars Vivien Leigh, Lee Marvin, Jose Ferrer, Simone Signoret, George Segal, Elizabeth Asley, Charles Korvin, Michael Dunn and Heinz Ruehmann, and was directed by the great Stanley Kramer.

"Lilith" stars Warren Beatty, Jean Seberg, Peter Fonda, Kim Hunter, Anne Meacham, James Patterson, Robert Reilly and Gene Hackman in one of his first roles.

The PQ and AQ on these are excellent.
Recommended for fans of classic cinema!

SUPERB DIRECTING WITH GREAT STARS~~~!!!!!
Who would have ever thought to see Lee Marvin & Vivian Leigh on the same screen together In "Ship of Fools"? There's a healthy smorgasbord of classic actors here in this film as well as some great performances, especially that of little person, Michael Dunn. The camera just loved him. They don't make 'em like this anymore as they say. Cast ensemble pieces as such, written for TV or even the big screen, not everyone can handle. The rythm, pacing, and putting people where they need to be so the material isn't cluttered is so cruicial in assisting the actors in character to help tell the story. No movement is ever wasted in this film. If you understand the film making process this screen work just packs a wallop ever so subtlly. With such a large group of performers and a unique story to tell here, Stanley Kramer though, handled this film with kid gloves. He was a master craftsman as a director and over all story teller. He certainly showed this in when he directed such other...

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The Frankenstein Theory

In a word: Forgettable
----May contain spoilers---

Plain and simple, this movie is easily forgotten.

Now, don't take that the wrong way. I have seen many horror films in my day and FT is not the worst in the bunch, far from it. It is a fairly decent way to spend an afternoon. But, there is nothing memorable about it. Heck, even after watching it... I couldn't think of a single "scare" moment worth mentioning in a review. It is simply a click and forget film.

Amazon's rundown is basically all you need to know: A professor, looking to redeem himself, takes a few young folks interested in filming, out to Alaska to investigate the theory that Frankenstein was a factual event. Now, depending on how you want to look at the majority of the film, it is either "slow and drawn out" or "suspenseful and engaging". Either way, the film eventually finds its way to the last 20 odd minutes, in which off-scene kills and sound effects happen. If you have watched many "found footage"...

DVD Review: "The Frankenstein Theory"
When I saw the promotional material for "The Frankenstein Theory," I admit rolling my eyes and thinking the movie sounded ridiculous. I couldn't help but have low expectations going into it with cover art exclaiming, "From the creators of 'The Last Exorcism.'" Whenever a movie carries a bi-line like that to promote it, you can bet it's going to be a disappointment. This indie found "footage" film is the perfect example of a concept that shouldn't work but did.

Desperately driven to prove himself to the world, Professor John Venkenheim leads a documentary film crew to the edge of the Arctic Circle. He intends to expose to the world his inconceivable theory. He believes that Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" is a work of non-fiction disguised as fantasy and that the creature is alive and well. As they travel deeper into the desolate snow-covered plains, strange events and happenings unfold around them. Is someone or something stalking them? If so, is it human or is it the...

One More Theory
I was actually pretty surprised to find this already available on Netflix so I thought it sounded interesting. When it first started I will say that I was very tempted to turn it off. It looked very cheaply done and the acting was pretty awful. I decided to stick with it and after awhile it started to pick up a bit. But after an hour or so I still saw no monster other than just a glimpse of a shawdow running into the woods. Alot of the movie is predicatable and maybe a scare here and there but thats just from the growling in the darkness effect. I see a movie with a good possibility but just seemed to fail at the end leaving you wanting more.

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Angel in the House

I absolutely love Angel in the House
Jonathan Newman's Angel in the House tells the story of Zooey and Alec, a couple who dreams of having a child, but is unable to conceive due to psychological trauma (rather than physiological issues). One day, after visiting a foster home, Eli appears at their front door and eventually changes their lives forever. The chemistry Newman created between Eli and his foster parents was wonderful, making their transition from a spiraling relationship to a loving family all the more special. This film had a feel-good magical vibe to it that is reminiscent of The Parent Trap and Elf (and more recently, The Odd Life of Timothy Green). Needless to say, Eli is one of the most adorable kid-characters of all time. With exceptional performances from Toni Collette, Ioan Gruffudd, Maurice Cole, and Richard E. Grant, Angel in the House is a must see for all ages.

Very, very lovely
Just looking at the poster for this film, and reading the synopsis, I expected it to be like another typically cheesy Hallmark style film.

Boy, was I wrong.

It was sweet, and honest. And I definitely fell in love with Maurice Cole, who plays the character of the little boy Eli. He's such an amazing actor for such a young child, so full of talent! He kept me watching the entire time. I am also very much a fan of Toni Collette and Ioan Gruffudd, and anything they are in I am more than willing to watch. I haven't really seen Toni in a soft mother role since About A Boy, but that is where she shines the most. And Ioan, he's just perfection.

Though I won't give then ending away, it definitely had me in tears. I would say that I'm a pretty tough person, and it takes a lot for me to cry. But this adorable film made a big baby out of me! I live for films that completely come out of left field and surprise me. It's a watch for the young and the old alike. Get...

It would "behoove" me (lol) to write a review for such an awesome film!
I [sort of] figured out what was going to happen toward the end, but was still left with the anticipation & excitement of how it would all pan out. It's a familiar scenario, but indeed original. I found myself wondering how would I be able to contain such joy had something like that happened to me, which I felt was the intention of the movie. And Eli (Morris Cole) was way too adorable.

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Mickey

GREAT FOR ALL THOSE VIEWERS LIKING THE OLDIES.
Mickey Kelley (Lois Butler, Indianapolis native) is a tomboy loving baseball and growing up as a doctor's daughter in a small town in Indiana. At age 15, she has a father, George (Bill Goodwin) that's beginning to get the idea he needs to remarry to give his daughter a mother/female figure. The likely catch in town, Lydia (Rose Hobart), encourages her expected role as the new mom.

Mickey's neighbor friend helps her plot against the mom-to-be, the one with the geek violin playing son, and encourages instead, the friends visiting Aunt Louise (Irene Hervey). Lots goes wrong and gets everyone upset till the correct information surfaces.

Mickey gets plenty of chances to sing, which she does well at her young age. She trades in her Tiger's baseball jersey for a formal, several of which the lady viewers will enjoy seeing in their 40's dress style. The automobiles would today be worth a small fortune. A fun look at life back in the days of "Father Knows Best"...

Excellent family film... Butler, Goodwin & Hervey give magnificent performances
Bill Goodwin portrays Lois Butler's father in this 1948 vintage classic comedy film. Mickey is a tomboy whose dad is a widow & set to marry a society snob who has every intention of taking over after she becomes Mickey's stepmother. However, Mickey's friend's (Beverly Wills) aunt (Irene Hervey) is in town & acts as somewhat of a surrogate mother to Mickey. The two warm quickly to each other & Mickey sets out to point cupid's arrow in the direction of this woman & her father. Irene Hervey & Bill Goodwin would later reunite for the 1958 film, Going Steady. The chemistry between the two is apparent & makes the interaction between them (Goodwin & Hervey) even more realistic & enjoyable. Hattie McDaniel turns in a fine performance as the feisty housekeeper, as does Skip Homeier, & Rose Hobart. Worth the viewing time & worth adding to your library.

Hattie McDaniel at her Best
This is a great family movie with a great plot young girl helps father find a wife. Hattie McDaniel does a great job as the maid with lots of great lines,

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Death From Above

I'm a believer. No awards but a fun Movie to watch.
This was a fun pic. I don't think I've seen this many wrestlers in one movie before. ODB takes out the trash!!! Psycho Sid's appearance is too short. Didn't know James Storm could act. And ofcourse, Kurt Angle kicks ass. I bought this movie. Probably try to get it signed.

MONSTER TRUCKS VS. EVIL DRUID GODS
Unlikeable Mike (Kurt Angle) accidentally finds an ancient Druid Ruin necklace buried in monster truck country. He wears the necklace and is transformed into the equally unlikeable Thule seeking out 3 more ruin necklaces through carnage. Gunnar (James Storm) has one of the necklaces Thule needs.

The plot was confusing and didn't make any sense. In fact it still doesn't. American Druids? There is no character build up, which was just as well as no one can act in this film. The dialouge was the pits. Country western music mixed in with a tune from Anti-Flag. A tattooed woman with arms bigger than my thighs. YIKES! Worse than a Tempe video.

Parental Guide: No f-bombs or sex. Appears to be some brief mud wrestling nudity...another scene that didn't make much sense either.

Olympic Gold Medal Winner Shines
Great Grade B SCi Fi movie with ridiculous plot. Film is a total knockout. Outstanding acting from TNA Wrestling starJames Storm. Fun Fun Fun!

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Bangkok Revenge

Bad English and random transvestites
In "Bangkok Revenge," a young boy witnesses his parents get shot to death by a group of masked men. He unmasks one of them and sees his face. The man shoots the boy in the temple because of it. The boy fights to survive (and struggles against logic) and somehow perseveres despite those same men attempting to finish the job. He's raised and trained by a master of Muay Thai boxing, but the trauma to his brain has removed any sign of human emotion in the boy. 20 years pass and the boy named Manit has grown into a man (played by Jon Foo). Absent of emotion, Manit is a martial arts monster and his sole objective is to plow through anyone who gets in the way of finding those that wronged him all those years ago.

A guy shoots a little boy in the head at point blank and somehow that kid doesn't die? Life support or not, the exit wound on the other side of that kid's head should be the size of a jawbreaker. The nurse caring for young Manit takes him from the hospital because bad men...

"I believe I have fallen into the hands of the most tasteless killers in Bangkok"
Jon Foo's a good guy among the gen-x of action films, and more than anybody else, I get the impression that he's trying hard to make the most of his career and to impress people. His first starring vehicle, Tekken, was a mixed bag nevertheless highlighted by his martial performance, and his second solo outing, "Bangkok Adrenaline" here, is very similar in this equation. However, because this one has few stars in it besides him and no franchise to back it up, I believe that it's doomed to languish facelessly on the shelves of video stores. It's no help that other viewers may well judge it more harshly than I do, because while fun, this one's far from the perfect picture.

The story: after the childhood assassination of his parents leaves him impervious to pain and emotion, a fully-grown and fully-trained Manit (Foo) finds himself on his way to avenge the deaths of his mother and father at the hands of...

(2.5 stars) "Bangkok Revenge" resembles an '80s martial arts film. Plenty of action, uneven pacing, bad acting, corny humor..
Actor turned filmmaker Jean-Marc Mineo had worked on action his share of acting films. From working on films such as ""Femme Fatale" to coordinating action on TV series such as "The Spear of Destiny", Mineo has crafted his first martial arts film titled "Bangkok Revenge".

Starring Jon Foo ("Tekken", "Street Fighter: Legacy", "Universal Soldier: Regeneration"), Caroline Ducey ("The Soul Keeper", "Romance", "Handicap") and Michael Cohen, "Bangkok Revenge" will be released on Blu-ray and DVD in March 2013 courtesy of Well Go USA Entertainment.

VIDEO:

"Bangkok Revenge" is presented in 1080p High Definition (16:9 widescreen). For the most part, the film does look very good, especially since many shots are outdoors. Despite being a low-budget film, the film looks good on Blu-ray. Skintones are natural, I expected so major noise through the more darkened scenes but nothing terrible was noticeable nor did I see any significant artifacts or aliasing...

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Cheerful Weather for the Wedding

Fans of Downton Abbey - don't bother with this...
This movie, starring Elizabeth McGovern among others, has an obvious similarity to Downton Abbey and no doubt fans of that wonderful series will be drawn to it. But the similarity is all on the surface. In fact, this turns out to be a pretty dour and rather boring excursion into the emotional stuntedness of the English upper middle classes during the 1930s.

It all takes place at a country house in Devon on a single day. Dotty, a rather vapid young thing who is pretty but not much else, is marrying the square-chinned Owen. But she has invited her former swain Joseph to the festivities -- and he for some reason has come. The house fills with guests, none particularly interesting, and Dotty knocks back slugs of rum while waiting for Joseph to do something -- which he never quite manages.

We also get flashbacks to the lovers the previous summer, boating on the river, kissing in the conservatory, running through the rain etc etc. We wait for them to give in to the...

Slow, boring, and pointless
The best thing I can say about this film is that there are nice shots of pretty clothes and a lovely upper-class English home in the early 1930's.

The main character, a self-absorbed wealthy young girl, is torn between the man she is about to marry and a former lover. She is pretty in a vacuous way, but with an annoying habit of posing with her two front teeth resting on her lower lip. I guess that's what privileged young girls did in England at that time? Her groom to be is a handsome cheerful chap but we don't see much of him. Who we do see "moping about" is last summer's boyfriend, a chinless lad with all the charm of the tortoise he gave her. It turns out, in the only interesting scene in the film, that he may have impregnated her, in which case the child will have the worst features of both---egad! The bride, who is supposed to be not only pretty but witty and charming (we don't see that but we are told that she is) has the stock plain, little sister whom...

boring
The movie is not anything like what is described by the plot summary. It is not comedic, is extremely boring and you never understand the back story.

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Death Wheelers, The

Warning: scene missing on Geneon DVD
The Geneon edition of this DVD is missing the seance scene. This scene introduces Shadwell and the mom and shows the mom's psychic ablilities, showing what she gets out of Shadwell's presence. So it's kind of important. (It also shows why she's sleeping in a chair.) It's only two or three minutes long, but it shouldn't be missing!!!

A fine addition to the zombie biker genre
Ah, wait a minute....there isn't any such genre; this movie is one of a kind! How could I say no to a film with the plot premise: zombie biker gang terrorizes small town's inhabitants. To be far to the lack of quality in the movie, I didn't so much as love this film as I was fascinated by the sheer weirdness--the back acting, the occult counter-culter plot, and oh yes, the bad acting! As the Amazon review for this film pointed out, Psychomania avoids the extremes of any particular theme: it isn't particularly scary (there is no blood whatsoever), it isn't all that violent (there is lots of riding around, but that's all Tom and his gang seem to do--there is, however, a great scene where Jane (a gorgeous Ann Michelle), one of the biker members, mows over a baby carriage [that kid's going to be bitter when it grows up!]); you sure don't get much in the line of social commentary either--in fact the morality of Tom and the gang's actions isn't never directly addressed at all--so...

Get ready to laugh!
The much ballyhooed biker film genre is one I rarely, if ever, visit on my cinematic excursions. I have never seen more than ten minutes of "Easy Rider," nor have I witnessed Marlon Brando donning the leather jacket and rebellious attitude in "The Wild One." Forget "Quadrophenia" or even Herschell Gordon Lewis's "She-Devils on Wheels." If it's got a guy throwing caution to the wind on the back of a hog, I have not been there to witness it. The closest I get to a motorcycle movie is when I happen to catch a James Bond film where guys on bikes try to chase down 007. Heck, I can't stand watching that motorcycle show on television where the blowhard screams at his sons all day. That is why I am so surprised I not only rented "Psychomania" but also liked it immensely as well. Here's a movie every lover of low budget cinematic sludge can fully endorse. Here's a movie loaded with ugly guys sporting atrocious haircuts zipping around the highway. Here's a movie where reanimated biker gang...

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Darkest Corner Of Paradise

shane
The Darkest Corner of Paradise is a great movie. I was really surprised and impressed. When an indie movie is hitting on all cylinders there's nothing quite like it. This is excellent from beginning to end; a great piece of work.

Really good
Movies like this are why I love indie flicks. Good writing, fresh concept , cool plot. Quality film and entertaining throughout. Check it out.

Excellent film and soundtrack
This film is the reason I watch indie films. Everything about it works (acting, script, directing, editing, camera work) and it is fresh. The use of cello with no dialog, shot in black and white, and the sound tracks, especially "Voices from Hell" written and performed by Sawyer Family (music video on you tube). Looking forward to seeing more from director Henry Weintraub.

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UFO Chronicles: What the President Doesn't Know

Don't waste your money.It's a fraud.
This DVD is not what it I thought it would be based on the description in the advertisement. I expected to hear the eyewitness accounts of military personnel, govt. officials,airline piolets,ect. but got only a boring monologue by Dr. Geer. Same with Jim Marrs except his monologue lasted for only about 5 minutes.

Worthy of your time
Having watched countless hours of ufo footage and interviews with those who have beared witness to their presence this video makes the grade. I will be rewatching as there was a plethora of new information.

Don't Buy this
This was one of the biggest waist's of money i've spent on Amazon yet. As a matter of fact, this is the first review I have written about anything just to let people know not to buy this movie. There are no video's or pictures of ufo's or anything like that. Being a total UFO buff, I enjoy any info regarding the subject, and this was an extreme dissapointment. DON'T WAIST YOUR MONEY. You would figure in this day and age with all the latest UFO sightings, something would come out of this new release on the subject. NOPE!!! JUNK!!!

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Bob's New Suit

Did not live up to its potential
The premise of this movie that the suit will do the narration and commentary sounds more promising that what is delivered. It is a not too original story about family dynamics except for the transgender-to-be daughter. It was entertaining but not riveting.

A Study in our Brave New World we are living in
I bought this DVD and was very pleased with the writing, directing, acting, and the subject material that it addressed. We are living in a Brave New World, and these topics need to be addressed, and I am referring to the transgender issue that was handled so beautifully in this film. Kudos to the writer, Alan Howard, for doing so in the manner that he did. I was very impressed. The storyline flowed easily and was totally believable and the acting was superb! I would highly recommend this film!

Intelligent & Charming
A lovely little film--Bob's New Suit is highly literate, inquisitive, compassionate, delving into an utterly modern world of family dynamics and identity politics, yet abounding with universal themes of love and redemption. It's also a lot of damn fun. I could not recommend it more highly.

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Digimon Adventure: Volume 2

Eighteen Classic Episodes Continue The Season One Journey Of The DigiDestined
With the release of the Digimon series in the late nineties, the show was (more often than not) compared to the worldwide phenomenon of Pokemon. I think that this both hurt the show and helped it. At least while people were debating the merits of each, they were watching. Despite this initial outcry, however, the Digimon franchise has stood the test of time. Over the years, Digimon has undergone many changes and completed five distinct seasons. Later this year, in fact, Nickelodeon is going to launch "Digimon Fusion" to initiate a new generation to the classic anime. That's fine, but there's something to be said about catching a series from its origin point. If you purchased Volume One (as opposed to the complete Season One), it had the first 21 episodes of Season One over three discs. This Volume Two release has another 18 episodes continuing the Season One journey.

DVD Details: The presentation of 18 episodes of Season One are loaded onto three DVDs that run about seven...

About time
It has been almost a year since volume 1 was released . but if you have not seen the frist must watch!!

The good o'll days
Bought it for keepsakes and memories. definitely a youth's movie but I still love it! quality isn't as good as my memories recalled but what did I know about HD back then?

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Panic in the Streets

"Anything I don't like's a smart-cracking dame."
Love him or hate him (many in Hollywood still do, hate him, that is, based on his cooperating with the HUAC - House Un-American Activities Committee back in the early 50s), Elia Kazan knew how to make damn good films, including such features as A Streetcar Named Desire (1951), On the Waterfront (1954), which won eight Academy Awards, including one for best direction and one for best actor in leading role for Marlon Brando, Splendor in the Grass (1961), and this earlier effort titled Panic in the Streets (1950), which also won an Academy Award in the best writing motion picture story category for Edward and Edna Anhalt. Starring in the film is Richard Widmark, whom I last saw in the one of the unfunniest comedies I've ever seen in National Lampoon's Movie Madness (1983), so I really relished this opportunity to put that experience in the past as I knew Widmark capable of much better things having seen Pickup on South Street (1953), which I think is one of his best films (I have yet to...

An unusual but very gripping film noir!
This excellent documentary-style noir was superbly directed by the great Elia Kazan, who made great use of actual locations in New Orleans to create a very realistic and believable atmosphere. The cast is nearly flawless, with great performances from Richard Widmark (in a rare good guy role!), Paul Douglas, Barbara Bel Geddes, Zero Mostel, and Jack Palance, in his stunning film debut.

Richard Widmark plays Dr. Clint Reed, a public health doctor who must work with New Orleans Police Captain Tom Warren (played by Paul Douglas) to find the killer(s) of a man who was already dying of the deadly bubonic plague (he was carrying a virulent strain of it). They have only 48 hours to find the killers before they can escape the port area and unknowingly spread the plague throughout the country.

Jack Palance plays the ruthless killer who's on the run from the police, not knowing that he's already infected with the plague. Barbara Bel Geddes plays the patient wife of Dr. Reed...

Classic film noir comes to DVD with great commentary
Dr. Clint Reed (Richard Widmark) and New Orleans Police Captain Tom Warren (Paul Douglas) frantically search for a pair of criminals involved with the murder of a card player who may have been infected with plague by the victim. Reed and Warren have 48 hours to find the criminals before they become infectious and spread plague through the population like a wildfire. Although it doesn't compare to the gorefests that pass for suspense thrillers today. Kazan's eighth film as a director is filled with long takes influenced by Welles (although far more naturalistic looking without the unusual angles that Gregg Toland used on Welles' masterpiece "Citizen Kane") creating as much suspense by letting the action play out as the quick cutting style of Hitchcock and other directors working at the time. Featuring the lovely and underrated Barbara Bel Geddes as Widmark's wife, "Panic in the Streets" continues to astound with its suspenseful direction and brutal violence. A young Jack Palance...

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Sold Out: En Vivo Desde El Nokia Theatre L.A. Live

Gerardo Ortiz Moments of History.
This is One of the History moments of Gerardo Ortiz El Rey Del el Corrido! Its a awesome Cd. He is the best!!!!!!!!!!!! You should have it In your Collection.





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Un Refugio Para El Amor

WONDERFUL STORY AND WONDERFUL TREATMENT OF SHIPMENT
I received it sooner than expected and had watced it before it hit the bopen market. LOVED IT BECAUSE IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL STORY WITHOUT GRAPHIC CIRCUMSTANCES.

Comentario Sobre la Edicion En Dvd de Un Refugio Para El Amor
Ordene esta Telenovela En DVD. Tengo muchisimas ganas de verla, espero que el Resumen valga la pena y este bien editado. La Historia se me hizo muy interesante y ademas cuenta con un buen Elenco.
La Duración del DVD esta exelente, al parecer Contiene Más de 15 Horas, al menos en la Portada expecifica eso.
De momento la que tengo más ansias de tener es Amor Bravio, la espero hace meses, espero que sea la proxima que salga a la venta. Me muero de ganas de tenerla ya. Me Encanta esa Telenovela.
Review/Comentario: Me Gusto Mucho el DVD, excepto algunos detalles/escenas que faltan como por ejemplo el Final de Lastra/Claudio Baez, algunas partes de Gala y de Brigida en contra de Luciana pero bueno, asi y todo vale la pena tenerla.

Learn a Language by watcing Soap Operas!
Ever since I was a child, I've had best friends who were South American or European. They all told me they learned English by watching T.V. Later, as a teacher, all my foreign students told me the same thing. I learned French along with English, but I never practiced my Spanish, which I began hearing at age 3, when I moved to California. I eventually got a PhD in French and a Master's in Spanish, but, again, I didn't practice the Spanish. Now, 40 years later, I found myself with a job teaching Spanish I to College students. I was desperate, so I took it, but I really couldn't speak. Now, 5 months later, in Spanish II, I find that whole blocks of the language are falling together in my head. I dream in fluent Spanish, and I am getting quite fluent in class. The reason? I have been listening to telenovelas 3 hours a night, while I bicycle. I find that if I listen to the words, I don't understand them. Subtitles completely thow me, but, if I just relax and bicycle, I understand every...

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D.O.A. & Consenting Adults - Blu-ray Double Feature

review
solid suspense 2 pack! picture quality on both movies a couple notches above there respective DVD releases and at the price point this is a no brainer ..Dennis Quaid in rare form in the first feature and kevin spacey in one of his earlier roles that you see why he plays the sarcastic cocky yet swarmy types so well!





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Deadly Karma

PLEASE DO NOT TEASE THE SPAZ
Sammy (Jordon Hodges) is the class spastic at a high school where everyone must look like they are 25. He is bullied until the point he goes Columbine on them. His sister (Gracie Denton) tries to get him to stand up for himself, yet every now and then she forgets her lines and calls him Timmy. Sammy goes to a mental institution and five years later, the kids, who still look 25, start to die.

Perhaps the best way to think about this film is as a spoof of the 70's and 80's films of High School revenge, because clearly as a stand alone film, it doesn't past the smell test. The acting was bad, dialouge predictable, and the shower scene a question mark as the girls wear bikini bottoms while in the shower.

The ending, i.e. the identity of the killer, was clearly a spoof as no one in their right mind would write such an ending.

Parental Guide: F-bomb, sex, ample nudity (Jessica Leonard, Kirstie Munoz (brief), Gracie Denton + others)





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The Lawless Nineties [Blu-ray]

THE LAWLESS NINETIES
All these westerns were made before the hit"STAGECOACH".I have them all.But now their being re-release for to much money..like $15.00 or $19.00.I am a 100% JOHN WAYNE FAN..however these are his low budget..poor sound westerns in the early 1930's.However I will say..the rerelease of his..THREE MESQUITEERS adventures are good.Music background keeps the action going.But all of his other pre westerns such as "The Lawless Nineties'you won't want to pay that kind of price for sure.When they came out on vhs..they were like $8.00. Then they put them out on dvd a few years ago....no different today.Except...The THREE MESQUITEERS was pretty good.And for that high price..these wsterns(all)run just under 1-hour each.For that price it's not fair. Thankyou J.R.

Deadly growing pains in Wyoming Territory
A large number of John Wayne's pre-STAGECOACH programmers are widely circulated public domain product. THE LAWLESS NINETIES is not among these.

SYNOPSIS--
Wyoming Territory natives John Tipton (Wayne) and his partner Bridges (Chandler) are Justice Dept. agents who've been sent to their native area to monitor an all-important statehood vote. By using dynamite and other means, certain unscrupulous men have already gone to great lengths to terrorize honest local ranchers, homesteaders and merchants interested in joining the Union. It's Tipton's and Bridger's job to prevent such intimidation and make a fair vote possible.

Major Carter (Hayes in an atypical Southern sophisticate role), accompanied by daughter Janet (Rutherford), are escorted by Tipton to Crockett City from Virginia. Carter wants to start a newspaper to replace one that ceased operation after its editor was murdered. Bridges is shot in the back and killed, and the major is also mortally wounded...

Deadly growing pains in Wyoming Territory
A large number of John Wayne's pre-STAGECOACH programmers are widely circulated public domain product. THE LAWLESS NINETIES is not among these.

SYNOPSIS--
Wyoming Territory natives John Tipton (Wayne) and his partner Bridges (Chandler) are Justice Dept. agents who've been sent to their native area to monitor an all-important statehood vote. By using dynamite and other means, certain unscrupulous men have already gone to great lengths to terrorize honest local ranchers, homesteaders and merchants interested in joining the Union. It's Tipton's and Bridger's job to prevent such intimidation and make a fair vote possible.

Major Carter (Hayes in an atypical Southern sophisticate role), accompanied by daughter Janet (Rutherford), are escorted by Tipton to Crockett City from Virginia. Carter wants to start a newspaper to replace one that ceased operation after its editor was murdered. Bridges is shot in the back and killed, and the major is also mortally wounded...

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Mighty Machines: Mega Pack

What's new is good
My boys love mighty machines therefore we own them all. I was pretty disappointed to see old shows on these new release DVDs. But my done was very excited to get new shows so I would purchase again.

Their latest 4 releases
It has the following dvds:

Winter Blast
Tremendous Tools
Big Wheels Rollin'
Making Tracks

Great stuff and a really good deal. We have the "Super Pack" and "Power Pack" also, which both have 4 discs in each. There is no overlap between the 4 disc packs.

Jacob loves these!
He watches them over and over and over and knows which show is on which disc; he's 3 and can't read yet, but man, does he ever have a steel trap mind when it comes to machinery and equipment. He loved these. One (not sure which, as I bought 3) has the machines 'going to school' and learning to dig. He really loved that; he's in 'school' himself (day care) and he was loving it that diggers also had to go to school. He kept saying "Look, Mommie! They're going to school!!"

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