Spider-Man 3 (2-Disc Special Edition)

Amazon.com

How does Spider-Man 3 follow on the heels of its predecessor, which was widely considered the best superhero movie ever? For starters, you pick up the loose threads from that movie, then add some key elements of the Spidey comic-book mythos (including fan-favorite villain Venom), the black costume, and the characters of Gwen Stacy and her police-captain father. In the beginning, things have never looked better for Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire): He's doing well in school; his alter ego, Spider-Man, is loved and respected around New York City. And his girlfriend, Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst), has just taken a starring role in a Broadway musical. But nothing good can last for Spidey. Mary Jane's career quickly goes downhill; she's bothered by Peter's attractive new classmate, Gwen Stacy (Bryce Dallas Howard); and the new Daily Bugle photographer, Eddie Brock (Topher Grace), is trying to steal his thunder. Enter a new villain, the Sandman (Thomas Haden Church), who can transform his body into various forms and shapes of sand and who may be connected to Peter's past in an unexpected way. There's also the son of an old villain, Harry Osborne (James Franco), who unmasked Spidey in the previous movie and still has revenge on his mind. And a new black costume seems to boost Spidey's powers, but transforms mild-mannered Peter into a mean and obnoxious boor (Maguire has some fun here).

If that sounds like a lot to pack into one 140-minute movie, it is. While director Sam Raimi keeps things flowing, assisted on the screenplay by his brother Ivan and Alvin Sargent, there's a little too much going on, and it's inevitable that one of the villains (there are three or four, depending on how you count) gets significantly short-changed. Still, the cast is excellent, the effects are fantastic, and the action is fast and furious. Even if Spider-Man 3 isn't the match of Spider-Man 2, it's a worthy addition to the megamillion-dollar franchise. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

I am angry..........2007-09-14

Angry that events have transpired that lead me to write this statement. As this review will make clear, Spider-Man is lying to himself if he thinks that he is the most recent incarnation of the Buddha. I put that observation into this review just to let you see that if I didn't sincerely believe that we must stick to our guns and not let him convince us that he commands an army of robots that live in the hollow center of the earth and produce earthquakes whenever they feel like shaking things up a bit on the surface, then I wouldn't be writing this review. He wants to make higher education accessible only to those in the higher echelons of society. Faugh. Spider-Man's most progressive idea is to promote promiscuity and obscene language. If that sounds progressive to you, you must be facing the wrong way. As you can see, Spider-Man may be reasonably cunning with words. However, he is totally mad with everything else.

It's our responsibility to shout back at Spider-Man's propaganda. That's the first step in trying to draw an accurate portrait of his ideological alignment, and it's the only way to take stock of what we know, identify areas for further research, and provide a useful starting point for debate on his craven mottos. To most people, the list of Spider-Man's counter-productive, puerile pronouncements reads like a comic strip, but his magic-bullet explanations are actually taken seriously by his subordinates. It is as if we were safely on the bank of a raging river, enjoying a picnic with our friends and family, when a bunch of conniving, insipid cutthroats came along and threw us into the river. Not only must we must struggle to avoid drowning in the raging torrent of Spider-Man-sponsored cronyism, but we must crawl out of the river before we can pave the way for people of every sex, race, and socioeconomic status to fulfill their own spiritual destiny. His chums say, "Spider-Man acts in the name of equality and social justice." Yes, I'm afraid they really do talk like that. It's the only way for them to conceal that if Spider-Man had his way, schools would teach students that black is white and night is day. This is not education but indoctrination. It prevents students from learning about how anyone who takes Spider-Man's passive-aggressive invectives seriously has obviously not spent much time around tendentious degenerates. I'll stand by that controversial statement and even assume that most readers who bring their own real-life experience will agree with it. At a bare minimum, every time Spider-Man gets caught trying to take a condescending cheap shot at a person that most hectoring ogres will never be in a position to condescend to, he promises he'll never do so again. Subsequently, his underlings always jump in and explain that he really shouldn't be blamed even if he does, because, as they feel, the world's salvation comes from whims, irrationality, and delusions.

Great film, but............2007-09-13

Spider-Man 3 was a great comic book film no matter what you think. Spider-Man 2 is still the reigning king of comic book to film adaptations but you've gotta give cred to Raimi and crew for this third installment. The introduction of Venom was long awaited but one of the flaws with this movie was the fact that Sandman really didn't fit into the movie. Sandman, in my opinion, was there for the sympathetic factor and just to add another villain because Venom didn't come around until the end of the movie(total drag!). Venom should've been around a lot longer in the film. The emotion and human-touch was there but a few scenes were alittle questionable, such as the Peter Parker jazz dance among other things. The action was top notch and the effects were as great as ever. Danny Elfman's score, or I think Chris Young did this film, was also a great listen.Overall, It was satisfying. I'm a huge Spider-Man fan and the movies do more than justify the comics, they honor them. It's great to see great comic book heroes made into movies and you've gotta thank Spidey

I became a chain smoker after this "MOVIE".......2007-09-09

ok so get this ,first off ima comic book fan so heading to the theatre i already have high hopes but low expectations 15 minutes into this atrocity i was pissed and as the movie progressed i slowly but surely found myself becoming more and more angry, i know people liked this one but try as i might i just dont get why, it was horribly put together too much singing too much dancing too much crying (wow this has quickly become a rant) every time i run into someone who says they liked it i cant get my brain to accept that i honestly think their messin w/ me and i follow them pointing out why i hated that tripe shortly after i have to have a smoke

The sad facts.......2007-09-07

The sad facts: 1 too many villains, 2 Tobey Maguire's dark side was comical, 4 what happened to the magic from the second film? 5 The ending sucked so hard the devil wept, 6 came real close to Batman 4, the bad out way the good.

A SUPERB CONCLUSION TO A WONDERFUL SERIES.......2007-09-06

I don't know what film others saw, but the one I saw four times is at least as good as the previous two in the series, and a very satisfying wrap up to the entire trilogy story line. No Action? Hunh? It has just as much edge-of-your-seat action as you could hope for. Too many villians? That's just plain stupid (especially considering how one of the "villians" is redeemed.) In fact, as best as I can determine, folks who voice disatisfaction in this film do so because it is truly a story of redemption and forgiveness, and apparently people would have preferred murder and mayhem (there's plenty of that out there, so if that's what you want, then I agree that Spidey 3 isn't for thee.) And with regard to the person who said that this film was all about "revenge" getting "shoved in our faces" -- well, actually it's about the "danger of revenge" and turns the table on that attitude in a great conclusion that brings tears to your eyes (or ought to, anyway.) I've never bothered to write a review before, but it really has gotten under my skin how many critical pans this film has received that are just plain senseless and, frankly, ignorant. Let this set the record straight. Watch all three together and you've got one great story set: 1, 2 AND 3 -- without exception.

Average customer rating:

I am angry...
Great film, but.....
I became a chain smoker after this "MOVIE"
The sad facts
A SUPERB CONCLUSION TO A WONDERFUL SERIES

Spider-Man 3 (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Tobey Maguire , Kirsten Dunst , James Franco , Thomas Haden Church , and Topher Grace
Director: Sam Raimi
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

ASIN: B000UR9T8C
Release Date: 2007-10-30

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

I am angry..........2007-09-14

Great film, but............2007-09-13

I became a chain smoker after this "MOVIE".......2007-09-09

The sad facts.......2007-09-07

A SUPERB CONCLUSION TO A WONDERFUL SERIES.......2007-09-06

The Lion King Disney Special Platinum Edition

Average customer rating:

Great Animation
The "Lion" roars for Disney
A must have for any youngster's library
the lion king
A great Disney movie, for kids AND adults!

The Lion King Disney Special Platinum Edition
Starring: Jonathan Taylor Thomas , Matthew Broderick , James Earl Jones , Jeremy Irons , and Moira Kelly
Director: Rob Minkoff , and Roger Allers
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Animation | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Fantasy | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

Feature Films | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

All Disney Titles | Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment | Stores | DVD | Video

( L ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Accessories:

ASIN: B00003CXB4
Release Date: 2003-10-07

Amazon.com essential video

Not an ideal choice for younger kids, this hip and violent animated feature from Disney was nevertheless a huge smash in theaters and on video, and it continues to enjoy life in an acclaimed Broadway production. The story finds a lion cub, son of a king, sent into exile after his father is sabotaged by a rivalrous uncle. The little hero finds his way into the "circle of life" with some new friends and eventually comes back to reclaim his proper place. Characters are very strong, vocal performances by the likes of Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, and Whoopi Goldberg are terrific, the jokes are aimed as much (if not more) at adults than kids, the animation is sometimes breathtaking, and the music is more palatable than in many Disney features. But be cautious: this is too intense for the Rugrat crowd. --Tom Keogh

How good-looking is the DVD restoration of Disney's popular animated film? Take a look at the serviceable but dull film clips incorporated in the plethora of extras and compare them to the vivid gorgeousness of the film presentation. This "special edition" also adds a 90-second song ("Morning Report") that originated in the lavish stage musical. To Disney's credit, the original theatrical version is also included, both restored and featuring two 5.1 soundtracks: Dolby Digital and a new Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix, which does sound brighter. As with the Disney Platinum line, everything is thrown into the discs, except an outsider's voice (the rah-rahs of Disney grow tiresome at times). The excellent commentary from the directors and producer, originally on the laser disc, is hidden under the audio set-up menu.

The second disc is organized by 20-minute-ish "journeys" tackling the elements of story, music, et cetera, including good background on the awkward Shakespearean origins at Disney where it was referred as "Bamlet." The most interesting journey follows the landmark stage production, and the kids should be transfixed by shots of the real African wildlife in the animal journey. Three deleted segments are real curios, including an opening lyric for "Hakuna Matata." Most set-top DVD games are usually pretty thin (DVD-ROM is where it's at), but the Safari game is an exception--the kids should love the roaring animals (in 5.1 Surround, no less). One serious demerit goes to the needless and complicated second navigation system that is listed by continent, but just shows the same features reordered. --Doug Thomas

Description

Disney's THE LION KING SPECIAL EDITION features an all-new song, "Morning Report," and never-before-seen animation, giving you even more of this award-winning masterpiece -- the greatest animated adventure of all time. An unforgettable story, breathtaking animation, beloved characters, and Academy Award(R)-winning music (Best Original Score, 1994; Best Song, "Can You Feel The Love Tonight") set the stage for the adventures of Simba, the feisty lion cub who "just can't wait to be king." But his envious Uncle Scar has plans for his own ascent to the throne, and he forces Simba's exile from the kingdom. Alone and adrift, Simba soon joins the escapades of a hilarious meerkat named Timon and his warmhearted warthog pal, Pumbaa. Adopting their carefree lifestyle of "Hakuna Matata," Simba ignores his real responsibilities until he realizes his destiny and returns to the Pride Lands to claim his place in the "Circle of Life." Now extensively restored and remastered -- experience THE LION KING like never before, from its magnificent musical opening over breathtaking African vistas to its emotional climax. The all-star vocal talents -- including Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, and Ernie Sabella -- rip-roaring comedy, and uplifting messages of courage, loyalty, and hope make this timeless tale entertainment for all ages.

Customer Reviews:

Great Animation.......2007-08-28

The Lion King was a great movie. Well written, great animation and voice overs were done in a great manner. The whole concept of the story with the struggles and the good times should remind everyone that there are always hard times in life and that everyone can overcome them.

The "Lion" roars for Disney.......2007-08-23

A grand and majestic Disney creation, "The Lion King" broke box office records as the biggest grossing animated film at that time. And deservedly so. From its stirring opening of a sunrise seemingly "opening the curtain" to reveal the animal kingdom honoring a future king (set to an emotional African score, no less)--to a brilliant computer-generated wilderbeast stampede segment which sets the stage for murder, betrayal, banishment and redemption--to an even more stirring climactic confrontation as the future king (Simba) regains his throne as rightful ruler--"The Lion King" is a triumph for both Disney studios and animation itself.
The artists at Disney create some of the most gorgeous landscape here, as well as portray the animals in all their graceful splendor. Tim Rice & Elton John contribute one of the best musical scores for a Disney film as well, with the song "Can You Feel The Love Tonight?" becoming a Top 40 hit.
The deep, commanding voice of James Earl Jones embodies the character of Mufasa, a great king who is killed by his treacherous & resentful brother Scar (voiced with droll malevolence by Jeremy Iron) who has his eyes on the throne. Young Simba is handled by Jonathan Taylor Thomas, then a rising child star with the "Home Improvement" TV show; his adult counterpart is played with ease by Matthew Broderick. Every Disney film has a comedy relief; in this case, there are FIVE. Whoopi Goldberg and Cheech Marin play Scar's dim-bulb of hyena henchmen (including a mute, but cackling third named Ed), while Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabala lend their distinct comic voices to Timon & Phumba, a buddy-buddy meerkat and warthog, respectively, who befriend the exiled Simba. Robert Guillame does a fun turn as an odd but wise "guru" figure in the form of a baboon named Rafiki; and Rowan Atkinson gives a nasally comic performance as Mufasa's right-hand man (or is it bird?) who takes his job seriously.
As with any good Disney film, this one has it all: good story, good animation and good voice talent.
Definitely one of the best from Disney; I'm glad to own it on DVD!

A must have for any youngster's library.......2007-07-03

This classic story is filled with important life lessons presented with appropriate viewer language. My kids have been introduced to how all life is connected on this planet. It is a great resource for kids to associate how life works between species. The family story is also important. All of this packaged with great songs and enchanting performances from the actors.

the lion king.......2007-05-21

propably one of the best animated motion pictures ever. I hated the addition of the new song, but I believe that was directed towards the younger audiences. Many extras, most i liked to watch

A great Disney movie, for kids AND adults!.......2007-05-12

This is a great story and it's told with very good music intertwined with the dialogue. "The Lion King" and other Disney animated films are good entertainment keeping me occupied on my daily treadmill walks. I find that I enjoy them as much as I did when I was a child.

Average customer rating:

the tree of liberty is watered with blood of patriots and tyrants
Gibson at his best
Braveheart
Thrilling
Should be a classic

Braveheart
Starring: Alun Armstrong , Stephen Billington , Mhairi Calvey , James Cosmo , and Brian Cox
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Accessories:

ASIN: B00003CX95
Release Date: 2000-08-29

Amazon.com essential video

Mel Gibson's Oscar-winning 1995 Braveheart is an impassioned epic about William Wallace, the 13th-century Scottish leader of a popular revolt against England's tyrannical Edward I (Patrick McGoohan). Gibson cannily plays Wallace as a man trying to stay out of history's way until events force his hand, an attribute that instantly resonates with several of the actor's best-known roles, especially Mad Max. The subsequent camaraderie and courage Wallace shares in the field with fellow warriors is pure enough and inspiring enough to bring envy to a viewer, and even as things go wrong for Wallace in the second half, the film does not easily cave in to a somber tone. One of the most impressive elements is the originality with which Gibson films battle scenes, featuring hundreds of extras wielding medieval weapons. After Eisenstein's Alexander Nevsky, Orson Welles's Chimes at Midnight, and even Kenneth Branagh's Henry V, you might think there is little new that could be done in creating scenes of ancient combat; yet Gibson does it. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

the tree of liberty is watered with blood of patriots and tyrants.......2007-07-24

How can people still be swayed by the empty "give peace a chance" mantra after seeing war brought down to the very basics like this? For those who value their life more than their freedom, peace is possible. Of course slavery is the only possible result. Thank God for those in our past who put our freedom before their own lives. And thank God for rough men who still stand ready to do violence on our behalf.

Gibson at his best.......2007-07-19

Not going to go on and on about how great the movie is.....over 800 reviews and a 5 star rating already tells us this. All I want to add is what I thought the best part of this DVD was. The running commentary by Mel Gibson while the movie is being shown in sub titles and speech ( muted some while Gibson is speaking) is a stroke of genius ! I learned so much about how scenes were shot, how long it took to shoot a scene, insiders secrets, what parts of the movie Gibson liked the best ( and not so much) and why. I watch the movie at least once a week..... I am bedridden.....and episodic TV gets old very fast. The only way I watch it now is with the commentary. And for us women, while Wallace looks great in a kilt, Robert The Bruce looks great period.

Braveheart.......2007-07-11

Epic, grand-scale moviemaking at its best, Gibson's Oscar-winning tale of heroism and courage in 1300s Scotland marked a sensational triumph in the director's chair for the durable star. Ruggedly charismatic, Gibson plays a peaceful man reluctantly drawn into the violent drift of history, after which he becomes a ferocious leader and combatant. Sophie Marceau is alluring as Isabelle, a stunning English princess who draws Wallace's eye and heart, but the film really blazes thanks to Gibson's savage, jaw-dropping battle sequences. Even at three hours, "Braveheart" never loses its interest or intensity.

Thrilling.......2007-06-11

How do you know that a movie is good? When you watch it over 1o times and get the same feeling as you did when you first watched it. This is definately thrilling ,none other like this. Mel Gibson is at his best in this movie.

Should be a classic.......2007-06-10

Twelve years and this film still holds up remarkably well. Mel Gibson, in my humble opinion, is a wonderful filmmaker. I remember being blown away in the theatre at what he was able to pull off. Seems the Mad Max films taught Gibson well. There are definite paralles to Wallace and Max. The fight for freedom is always a good fight and despite the gory end, Wallace was truely victorious. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Awesome Movie
Average delivery
More like a NEGATIVE 3
Mythological Fiction
Medicore Playback Abliltiy

The Odyssey
Starring: Armand Assante , Greta Scacchi , Isabella Rossellini , Bernadette Peters , and Eric Roberts
Director: Andrei Konchalovsky
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Miniseries | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( O ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B00005N913
Release Date: 2001-09-18

Amazon.com

Andrei Konchalovsky's expansive television mini-series production of Homer's epic poem gets off to clumsy start as he tries to squeeze the Trojan War into a mere half hour, but once the arrogant but honorable Odysseus (strikingly played by Armand Assante) and his loyal crew begin their doomed voyage home, this film turns into a fantastical adventure. Integrating often-stunning special effects with inventive art design, Konchalovsky achieves a beautiful look on a limited budget as he follows the 10-year ordeal of Odysseus from his battles with the Cyclops and the magical Circe (Bernadette Peters) to his secret homecoming and his confrontation with the treacherous Eurymachus (Eric Roberts). Isabella Rossellini appears as his spiritual guide, the goddess Athena, with Greta Scacchi as Odysseus's faithful wife and Vanessa Williams as the seductive Calypso. The rest of the cast includes Geraldine Chaplin, Jeroen Krabbé, Christopher Lee, and Irene Papas. The production was shot on location in and around the Mediterranean, making for a lush, lovely visual experience. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

Awesome Movie.......2007-09-10

I purchased the movie for my 10th grade World History classes. We were studying Ancient Greece and I wanted to show them The Odyssey. My students really enjoyed watching it. One of my students was eager to see the way the movie ended.

Average delivery.......2007-07-07

The Odyssey is probably one of the most well-known stories of Western literature. It contains elements of suspense, action, adventure, fantasy, romance, and even some comedy. It is also quite long, and features a big cast of characters; human and non-human. With all of this, it would seem to be a perfect candidate for a top-notch movie. Surprisingly, Hollywood has made very few movies about this topic, with probably the best one being this production by Hallmark.

The storyline follows the original epic quite well in terms of action. The casting is better than average, as Armande Assante does look like he is of Mediterranean descent, and gratefully, does not speak with an English accent as Sean Bean's Odysseus in the movie "Troy". The special effects are as Hallmark movies go; believable but not extravagant. The dialogue is somewhat flat. For such a famous epic with so many hundreds of English translations, the director should have tried to make this tale like Kenneth Branagh with his Shakespeare movies; have the characters speak the dialogue from the original text. Other than that, no noticeable flaws. Nothing spectacular but still worth the 3+ hours to watch this movie.

More like a NEGATIVE 3.......2007-06-13

This comes close to being the worse piece of garbage it has ever been my privilege to view. The acting...HORRENDOUS!!! CGI...poorly done. Do yourself a favor and watch the Roman version of the Odyssey...Ulysses with Kirk Douglas. It may be an oldie, but it's definitely an absolute goodie!!

Mythological Fiction.......2007-05-26

This film is one of the better of this genre--due to the casting, and the more "true to life and literature" approach that is taken. The characters seem much more "human." Enough sexual content, albeit well done, to preclude viewing by even teenagers. Homer's story is followed pretty faithfully, too, from my distant memories. But the real "excellence" is in the acting.

Medicore Playback Abliltiy.......2007-05-14

The Movie in itself is a great movie however, there were a few times that the movie stopped and digital quality became distorted. I did not send it back because I did not want to go through with hassling of shipping it back. Let's just let bygones be bygones.:)

Sincerely
Stephanie Sims

Don Knotts 4 Movie Reluctant Hero Pack (The Ghost And Mr. Chicken / The Reluctant Astronaut / The Shakiest Gun In The West / The Love God?)

Average customer rating:

Don Knotts 4 Movie Reluctant Hero Pack (The Ghost And Mr. Chicken / The Reluctant Astronaut / The Shakiest Gun In The West / The
"Best gift ever"
Fun
Rare buys
The Reluctant Reviewer

Don Knotts 4 Movie Reluctant Hero Pack (The Ghost And Mr. Chicken / The Reluctant Astronaut / The Shakiest Gun In The West / The Love God?)
Starring: Don Knotts , Liam Redmond , Dick Sargent , Skip Homeier , and Reta Shaw
Director: Alan Rafkin , and Edward Montagne
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( D ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B00023P4JM
Release Date: 2004-07-06

Description

He's one of the most popular and admired funnymen of all time, a master of comic timing and physical humor. Now four of the classic films starring the delightful Don Knotts are available on DVD for the first time in this fun-filled collector's set.

After catapulting to national fame as the often impossible but ever lovable Deputy Barney Fife on TV's The Andy Griffith Show, Knotts set out to conquer the silver screen in a series of unforgettable feature films. Now four of these hilarious farces are brought together in this amazing collection that keeps the laughs coming.

Customer Reviews:

Don Knotts 4 Movie Reluctant Hero Pack (The Ghost And Mr. Chicken / The Reluctant Astronaut / The Shakiest Gun In The West / The.......2007-09-03

A memorable film for all the ages, has a lasting impact. Don Knotts has a way of making one feel like a kid again. Making laughter a must in life.

"Best gift ever".......2007-08-27

I gave this to a family as a gift to take on vacation. The dad said it was "the best gift ever!" Nice and wholsome, brought together 3 generations of the family.

Fun.......2007-07-29

I used to watch these movies as a kid and after Mr. Knotts passed away decided to look for them on DVD. This is a nice pack and I still found them all very funny and fun to watch with or without the kids. I could have lived without The Love God, but the others are priceless in my opinion.

Rare buys.......2007-07-18

The Don Knotts 4Movie pk is a great buy. I have enjoyed viewing movies that I had not seen since childhood. The movies arrived right on time.

The Reluctant Reviewer.......2007-07-17

The product is in excellent shape, great quality! Better than watching them when they first came out. Don Knotts is always a superb choice when looking for family entertainment although "The Love God" not your typical Don Knotts fair, is also very enjoyable. Lots of wonderful lessons in his movies. You can't go wrong with this package and extremely affordable.

Average customer rating:

"Our Land"
Jet Li - Hero
beautiful........
Every frame for my walls
Horrible!

Hero
Starring: Jet Li , Tony Leung Chiu Wai , Maggie Cheung , Ziyi Zhang , and Daoming Chen
Director: Yimou Zhang
Manufacturer: Miramax
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B00030590I
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Description

Master filmmaker Quentin Tarantino presents HERO -- starring martial arts legend Jet Li in a visually stunning martial arts epic where a fearless warrior rises up to defy an empire and unite a nation! With supernatural skill ... and no fear ... a nameless soldier (Jet Li) embarks on a mission of revenge against the fearsome army that massacred his people. Now, to achieve the justice he seeks, he must take on the empire's most ruthless assassins and reach the enemy he has sworn to defeat! Acclaimed by critics and honored with numerous awards, HERO was nominated for both an Oscar® (2002 Best Foreign Language Film)and Golden Globe!

Customer Reviews:

"Our Land".......2007-09-07

HERO is a cinematic Martia Arts masterpiece comparable to "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "House of Flying Daggers." With great actors such as Jet Li, Donnie Yen, Zhang Ziyi, Tony Leung, and Maggie Cheung how can this movie not miss!

The plot takes place 2000 years ago, with 7 warring states in the Chinese region. The ruler of Qin (Chen Dao Ming) wants to conquer his fellow states, and unite China. Assassins are after him, and thus he shields himself in the palace to keep all but his most loyal followers away from him. A prefect from Qin is summoned to the King, as he has killed 3 assassins who have been attempting to take the King's life for some years! Nameless (Jet Li) comes to the King, and then relates his story on how he killed each of the 3 assassins.
The first battle is between Nameless and Sky (played by Donnie Yen). For those waiting for the sequel battle to "Once Upon a Time in China II", you will not be disappointed. The scene is intense: as they battle in a rainy courtyard, with a music player providing background music. So intense in fact, that eventually the battle is fought within their minds!
Next, Nameless tells the King he travels to a small calligraphy school to encounter the assassins Flying Snow (Maggie Cheung) and Broken Sword (Tony Leung) who are currently lovers at odds. There is a beautiful scene where the King's army lays assault to the school with arrows, as the students and teacher perform calligraphy. Eventually, Nameless challenges them to a duel, but they cannot decide who goes. Flying Snow stabs Sword, but then has to first fight Moon, (Zhang Ziyi), who is Sword's apprentice. When Snow kills Moon, she goes to battle Nameless, who defeats and kills her! Following all of this? When Nameless finishes his story, the King does not believe him. And thus enfolds, the rest of the story from the King's viewpoint, and then what really happened! I was impressed by the depth of the characters and story, that eventually leads to the sad climax, and the true meaning of "Our Land" !
The movie is visually stunning! The background, the remote locations, the costumes, and the use of colors are awesome. The director uses coloring to influence the characters and the scenes! From the brightness of the yellow leaves, to the blue lake, to the green sheets in the palace, all the coloring is an explosion on your eyesight.
There are some extras on the DVD:
* Hero Defined: is basically an overview on what Director Zhang Yimou thought of the movie as he began production of the script, and how he wanted to make a "Swordsman" movie and what it takes to make a "Hero". I am still amazed that this was his first action film! Impressive! Also, for the lake scene, it took them 20 days to film the scene, as they could only shoot from 10am to 12Noon, because of the calmness of the lake at that particular period.
* Storyboards
* Conversation with Quentin Tarantino and Jet Li: An informational talk about martial arts films, and Jet Li's various performances in them.
* Soundtrack Spot

If you love action and martial arts films, you will love "Hero". Jet Li is awesome, as are the rest of the cast. The movie is visually stunning, and the martial arts and swordplay are intense and exciting! A definite must add for any DVD collection !

Jet Li - Hero.......2007-08-13

Jet Li pulls it off again. One of his better, epic films of 2000, this film has a very deep plot. While action and fight scenes are a little skiddish, the film is action packed overall and is filled with talented actors. Definite keeper for your Jet Li Collection and also one of his last 'epic' films to be created.

beautiful...............2007-08-12

HERO is a like a beautifully choreographed epic dance [with plenty of stylized violence, as well as human drama]. The use of color and camera tricks is fabulous, and, the use of color to depict moods and set the atmosphere, is eye popping. This really was reminiscent of Chinese hand painted screens, for me. Some people have compared the retelling of the story (from three different perspectives) as similar to the approach of RASHOMAN (directed by Akira Kurosawa). The question that remains for us is whether "Nameless" (Jet Li) is a ruthless murderer or a fearless warrior who has taken a stand for those castaways from the lower rungs of society. The supporting cast is equally intriguing in their roles, and, the lines between good and evil become increasingly blurred through character examination and the reallignment of the angles of human manipulation. The story is as much psychological as it is action-packed. I'm only sorry that I waited too long and only saw it on DVD. This is one of those films that comes alive more on the big screen. Director Zhang Yimou did a fantastic job and I am sure that this film will be honored for years to come.

Every frame for my walls.......2007-07-30

This movie was showing with no sound on a TV in a Chinese antique store. I was turned to stone. Every single frame, for as long as I stood there, could be framed and hung on the wall. It is that beautiful. So I don't need to know about the story at all. Of course, I bought it immediately.

Horrible!.......2007-07-27

I am a huge Jet Li fan. I've never seen a quinton terantino film that I've liked. I think he is a horrible director. This is the only movie with Jet Li that I didn't like. Everything about it is terrible.

A History of Violence (New Line Platinum Series)

Average customer rating:

The Good & Bad, Fair & Unfair
Not believable
Intensely, perfeclty acted thriller
Worst movie in the history of movies
Trouble in Indiana

A History of Violence (New Line Platinum Series)
Starring: Viggo Mortensen , Maria Bello , Ed Harris , William Hurt , and Ashton Holmes
Director: David Cronenberg
Manufacturer: New Line Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Crime | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Thrillers | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

New Line Platinum Series | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video

( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B000CQLZ0Q
Release Date: 2006-03-14

Amazon.com

On the surface, David Cronenberg may seem an unlikely candidate to direct A History of Violence, but dig deeper and you'll see that he's the right man for the job. As an intellectual seeker of meaning and an avowed believer in Darwinian survival of the fittest, Cronenberg knows that the story of mild-mannered small-town diner proprietor Tom Stall (Viggo Mortensen) is in fact a multilayered examination of inbred human behavior, beginning when Tom's skillful killing of two would-be robbers draws unwanted attention to his idyllic family life in rural Indiana. He's got a loving wife (Maria Bello) and young daughter (Heidi Hayes) who are about to learn things about Tom they hadn't suspected, and a teenage son (Ashton Holmes) who has inherited his father's most prominent survival trait, manifesting itself in ways he never expected. By the time Tom has come into contact with a scarred villain (Ed Harris) and connections that lead him to a half-crazy kingpin (William Hurt, in a spectacular cameo), Cronenberg has plumbed the dark depths of human nature so skillfully that A History of Violence stands well above the graphic novel that inspired it (indeed, Cronenberg was unaware of the source material behind Josh Olson's chilling adaptation). With hard-hitting violence that's as sudden as it is graphically authentic, this is A History of Violence that's worthy of serious study and widespread acclaim. --Jeff Shannon

On the DVD
On a single disc and with little fanfare, this DVD makes an excellent case for the best extras of the year. Dive into the one-hour-long documentary and learn more about moviemaking than on many a double-disc. The secret lies in director David Cronenberg's (and his usual crew) folksy casualness in showing off the craft, be it makeup (green screens were used), directing (Cronenberg doesn't storyboard), or art direction (the diner set). It also is very funny to hear about "fish Fridays" and how Maria Bello's Uncle Pete became an influence. Even the infamous sex-on-the-staircase scene is diagnosed with candor as stars Viggo Mortensen and Bello act as if there is no backstage camera. There's only one deleted scene, but it's uncommonly deconstructed on why it was filmed and why it was cut (it's a very Cronenbergian dream sequence). A short bit on Cannes is also a delight. So much is here that Cronenberg's smart commentary track is nearly superfluous. Isn't that a nice surprise? --Doug Thomas

More to Explore

The Graphic Novel

Other Graphic Novels that Inspired Movies

David Cronenberg Essentials

Why We Love Maria Bello

The work of Viggo Mortensen

The work of William Hurt

Stills from A History of Violence

Viggo Mortensoe as Tom Stall
Ashton Holmes as Jack Stall and Kyle Schmid as Bobby Jordan

William Hurt as Richie Cusack
Ed Harris as Carl Fogarty and Viggo Mortensen as Tom Stall

Maria Bello as Edie Stall
Director David Cronenberg

Description

An average family is thrust into the spotlight after the father (Viggo Mortensen) commits a seemingly self-defense murder at his diner.

DVD Features:
Audio Commentary:Director David Cronenberg Commentary
Deleted Scenes:Deleted scene w/director commentary
Documentary:"Acts of Violence" documentary
Easter Eggs
Featurette:"The Unmakeing of Scene 44" "Violence's History: U.S. vs. International Versions" "Too Commercial for Cannes"

Customer Reviews:

The Good & Bad, Fair & Unfair.......2007-09-13

This was a very intriguing movie, for the most part. It had some things that really turned me off, but also things that made it extremely interesting at times.

I liked the fact that the action, although violent at times, was not overdone. Most of the movie is pretty low-key.

What I didn't care for, or thought stretched credibility, was our hero's wife, who was way too big-city-hard looking and profane to be some small-town country girl who would marry such a nice guy as "Tom." Speaking of profanity, 14 uses of the Lord's name in vain in less than 80 minutes was offensive, at least to me.

William Hurt gets third billing in the film but only shows up with 14 minutes left! Granted, his role is a memorable one, however. Ed Harris also had few lines for someone who gets good billing. Another guy I thought was pretty cool was the sheriff, played by Peter MacNeill. He had bigger roles than Harris or Hurt but got no billing.
Go figure.

Overall, offensive material notwithstanding, this was a unique film and one I would would watch again.

Not believable.......2007-08-26

I didn't find the story line believable in this movie.

Corey Cotta, Author of All of Yesterdays Tomorrows.

Intensely, perfeclty acted thriller.......2007-08-23

This movie is one of those uncomfortable -to -watch -at- times movies but you cant stop watching it. The acting is superb, especially by the always perfect Viggo Mortensen. His expressions are always believable and I cannot belieive he was not nominated for an Oscar for this role. This movie is tense at times and you are always left wondering, especially at the ending, which I thought was done very smartly. I would not categorize this as an action movie, but there are some pretty brutal scenes in here and one pretty explicit sex scene that was pretty unconventional and brutal and sexy all at the same time. One of the best movies of last year.

Worst movie in the history of movies.......2007-08-19

I don't understand it, maybe I got the wrong movie. I went on the various websites and read the reviews and heard good things in the past about the film. This movie had good reviews. Had a pretty good cast. But, after watching for about 10-20 minutes; things kind of go south. The dialogue is flat. Character/Goons show up and then suddenly get killed. The main character Viggo, kind of just stands there and doesn't really say anything throughout the film. History of Violence just felt like one of those made for TV USA movies.

I don't even feel like this movie is worth my time, for me to go into detail about all of the elementary plot elements and B-movie acting.

Horrible, horrible, horrible. You can shrug off my negative review; personally I hate reading those "this movie sucks" reviews, also. But, I couldn't live with myself if I didn't warn other souls about yet another uninspiring, American movie murder-fest. Life is just too short.

EDITED: I am reading some of the other Amazon reviews, it must be a conspiracy on the part of the film-makers. People must be paid to post positive reviews about this film. I guess if my million dollar acting/directing career were on the line, I guess I would do it to. That is the only way I can explain how I was duped into watching this.

Trouble in Indiana.......2007-08-12

I have always been known to love a good action/thriller flick. And this didn't let me down. It was everything an action/thriller is meant to be. The narrative is a sprint. David Cronenberg just straps you in and takes you for a spin through the beautiful roads of a small town in Indiana. There are no pit stops or rest areas. This is not a marathon but a sprint.

One of the most beautiful aspects of this movie, is the characterization of the 'bad guys'. Ed Harris and William Hurt play these with an exquisite blend of coldness and creepiness, that has been very rarely been seen on film. Also the shorter length of the movie (96 min) was a refreshing change.

Tom Stall is your ideal family man. Great father, great husband and a diner owner who is loved by the people of this small town. The family portrait is disturbed one day when two criminals on a murder spree turn up at Tom Stall's diner. He reacts with alacrity to save his female worker and send these criminals to their fate. With that comes the swarm of TV cameras. And that brings some visitors from out of town. What follows is a peek into Tom Stall's past.

Is he the family man that his wife, kids, community and us believe him to be?

Warning: It has some serious graphic violence. Not over drawn out gore but authentic depictions of violence which may make you squirm.

I should also mention that this movie contains one of the most intense sex scenes seen on film in the recent past. As with all the best scenes of this nature, it is not about the nudity but about the two people involved in it.

Average customer rating:

Peace for over an hour
Caillou DVD
Great for kids and the whole family!!!!!!
A Little Different
Wonderfully sensitive and realistic

Caillou - Caillou, The Everyday Hero
Starring: Caillou
Manufacturer: Pbs Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Animation | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

3-6 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

PBS Kids | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

All | PBS | Specialty Stores | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B000CSUNKC
Release Date: 2006-03-28

Description

Includes CAILLOU TO THE RESCUE: Caillou Helps Out, Caillou the Firefighter, and Caillou to the Rescue; CAILLOU THE DETECTIVE: Where's Gilbert?, Where I Saw it Last, and Lost in the Jungle; CAILLOU THE BRAVE: Caillou and the Water Slide, Caillou the Sailor, and Creepy Crawlies!; and CAILLOU THE BUILDER: Caillou the Road Builder, Caillou's Building Adventure, and House in the Sky.

Customer Reviews:

Peace for over an hour.......2007-05-02

I haven't any issues with the pbs thing playing. It jumps right in.

If you put this into your computer you have some CD-ROM aspects too like coloring pages and games.

You can play any episode first and it will play that and the subsequent episodes in order.

I have a screamer. He sits for this. I am a happy mom.

P.S. The Canadian way people in the video never say "yes" they say "ya". I'm American it's a bit annoying to me to hear my two-year-old yelling YA!

Caillou DVD.......2007-04-14

My son (3) loves Caillou and I bought this DVD as it was a nice price and if it is possible to wear a DVD out that will happen soon, good stories good value for money>

Great for kids and the whole family!!!!!!.......2007-01-10

Calliou its great my daughter love's it and we do too because it includes the whole family in his stories, along with good learning for kids and parents.

A Little Different .......2006-12-21

The new Caillou dvds are a little different from what we're used to. They don't have the puppets in between the segments. They are still great and the kids don't seem to mind.

Wonderfully sensitive and realistic.......2006-06-14

There's a lot to praise about the Caillou series, but three things stand out especially in my mind. First: having myself three kids in or slightly past the age of Caillou (4) and his sister (2), I must say I have never seen video-stories so sensitive and accurate in portraying the mental world of the two age levels. The author is reported to be a children's psychology specialist, and it certainly shows.
The second point is related: the stories unfold in a wonderfully gentle, serene, every-day manner. They're in total contrast to the prevalent action-packed, slightly hysterical type of children's movies, yet somehow they're very powerful in drawing the audience into the little joys and pains of a kid's life.
Finally, though perhaps less uniquely: Mum and Dad are depicted in a refreshingly modern, realistic way which does more than just break the dualist Dad-as-career-hero, Mum-as-saintly-guardian stereotype. It shows them as people who sometimes want to have fun on their own, and who call in a nanny for the kids when they throw a party.

Average customer rating:

The first in a spectacular series!

Dr. No
Starring: Sean Connery , Ursula Andress , Joseph Wiseman , Jack Lord , and Bernard Lee
Director: Terence Young
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Espionage | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B000RPCK10
Release Date: 2007-09-04

Customer Reviews:

The first in a spectacular series!.......2007-08-10

I remember watching the 007 movies back when I was really young. Now, going back, renting all the 007 movies and re-watching them, I have now redeemed my 007 fandom!

Dr. No is the first ever 007 movie. It starred Sean Connery, and back in the 60's, it was ahead of its time. Now, 35 years later, it still looks great!

STORY: James Bond 007, an MI-6 Agent, has been sent on an exciting mission to the Indies to investigate the death of one of his co-workers. Whilst there, he finds himself on the trail of a cold-blooded killer. This trail leads to a scientist who's also a madman. His name is Dr. No, and there are very further but CRAZY implications.... that his Dr. No might just be this killer!

THOUGHTS: Whoa! What a movie for it's time! Great action, very sexy ladies, and great dialogue too. I remember the scene where they hide underwater from the henchmen. I don't think I could hold my breath underwater for THAT long!

So rent this today if you wanna be on the 007 path!

DVD:

The Graphic Novel	Other Graphic Novels that Inspired Movies	David Cronenberg Essentials
Why We Love Maria Bello	The work of Viggo Mortensen	The work of William Hurt

Viggo Mortensoe as Tom Stall	Ashton Holmes as Jack Stall and Kyle Schmid as Bobby Jordan
William Hurt as Richie Cusack	Ed Harris as Carl Fogarty and Viggo Mortensen as Tom Stall
Maria Bello as Edie Stall	Director David Cronenberg