Evita

Amazon.com

After more than a decade of false starts and several potential directors, the popular Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musical finally made it to the big screen with Alan Parker (The Commitments) at the helm and Madonna in the coveted title role of Argentina's first lady, Eva Perón. A triumph of production design, costuming, cinematography, and epic-scale pageantry, the film follows the rise of Eva Perón to the level of supreme social and political celebrity in the 1940s. Like Madonna, Perón was a material girl (she was only 33 when she died); she was instrumental in the political success of her husband, Juan Perón (Jonathan Pryce). But Eva was also a supremely tragic figure whose life was essentially hollow at its core despite the lavish benefits of her nearly goddess-like status. The film has a similar quality--it's visually astonishing but emotionally distant, and benefits greatly from the singing commentary of Ché (Antonia Banderas), who serves as a passionate chorus to guide the viewer through the elaborate parade of history. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Few times in the history of Hollywood has a film been released with the scope and daring of EVITA! Now, experience this landmark achievement as entertainment megastar Madonna -- in the role of a lifetime -- joins Antonio Banderas (ASSASSINS, DESPERADO) for the year's most talked about motion picture event! Directed by award-winning filmmaker Alan Parker (MISSISSIPPI BURNING), EVITA is the riveting true-life story of Eva Peron (MADONNA), who rose above childhood poverty and a scandalous past to achieve unimaginable fortune and fame. Despite widespread controversy, her passion changed a nation forever! Winner of the coveted Academy Award(R) for Best Song (1996) and 3 Golden Globe Awards (Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Song) -- critics nationwide hailed EVITA as a triumphant must-see masterpiece -- and so will you!

Customer Reviews:

Amazing Amazon.......2007-07-14

I wanted this product long time ago, finally I got it in my hands, I can't believe, Thanks a lot Amazon.

Savior in the Eyes of Argentina.......2007-05-01

Evita is a historically relevant musical about a woman named Evita Peron who, in the early twentieth century, rose to the top and became a significant influence to the people of Argentina. She started her life out on the lowest ranks of society, an outcast in her own right, she slowly rose her way up to become a national figure in the political spectrum. I thought it was a very well made movie with a great deal of historical accuracies incorporated into it. Madonna was an excellent choice for casting. This movie has an excellent entertainment value while also incorporating historical value into it!

Terrific musical.......2007-04-26

Evita is the best contemporary historical musical out there. Madonna shines in this film, as does Antonio Bandaraz. Anyone who doesn't appreciate Evita, obviously doesn't know their history.

My one complaint is that the DVD has NO extra features! There really is no point in purchasing the DVD over the VHS unless you want to be able to flip through the chapters or care about wide screen. I would have liked to see some director's commentary as well as an interview with Madonna. Some historical notes would have been nice too.

Original and flawed.......2007-04-18

Evita is not really a musical. It is an uneasy combination of tableau and opera. There is no spoken dialogue. It is worth seeing just for the great costumes and production values and the exquisite cinematography. Crowd scenes are well staged and exciting. There are also some great dance scenes. With powerful voices and a convincing star this could have been an extraordinary film. However, with the exception of Antonio Banderas, the singing is surprisingly thin and weak. Jonathan Pryce as Juan Peron gives a fine understated performance, but Madonna is miscast: past her prime and out of her depth. The first rule of acting is "look good on screen" and unfortunately she doesn't. Gaunt and sallow, with garish makeup and inexplicably bloodshot eyes, she cuts an unconvincing and depressing figure. As he did in Cats, Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote one great song and a whole lot of junk. Sequences of rock music here and there are jarring and anachronistic.

Great.......2007-04-16

I haven't heard the original cast recording so I can't compare this to it but, I think this is a very good movie/musical. Madonna and Antonio Banderas did a great job! The music is really good.This musical is not as good as The Phantom of the Opera but it is hard to be better than Phantom. You MUST see EVITA!

Average customer rating:

Great story, entertaining and exciting.
great movie
The Wild, Wild Mideast
The kind of movie I never get tired of seeing
Painted Horse

Hidalgo (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Viggo Mortensen , Zuleikha Robinson , Omar Sharif , Louise Lombard , and Adam Alexi-Malle
Director: Joe Johnston
Manufacturer: Touchstone / Disney
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00005JMOW
Release Date: 2004-08-03

Amazon.com

Director Joe Johnston has always had an entertaining sense of adventure, and with Hidalgo he proves it in spades. It's yet another underrated film for Johnston (along with such enjoyable popcorn flicks as The Rocketeer and Jurassic Park III), dismissed by many critics but a welcome treat for anyone drawn to good ol'-fashioned movie excitement. In his first role since playing Aragorn in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Viggo Mortensen brings handsome appeal to his low-key portrayal of Frank T. Hopkins, a real-life long-distance horse racer who, as the movie opens, has witnessed the appalling massacre of Native Americans at Wounded Knee in 1890. Drifting into Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, he agrees to compete, with his trusty mustang, Hidalgo, in "The Ocean of Fire," a treacherous 3,000-mile horse race across the Arabian desert. Toss in a bunch of conspiring competitors, a noble sheik (Omar Sharif), his lovely daughter (Zuleikha Robinson), and enough fast-paced danger to fill 133 minutes, and you've got a rousing, humorous, and lightly spiritual adventure that's a lot of fun to watch. It hardly matters that it's almost pure fiction (the real Hopkins was known by many as "a pathological liar"). More important is the love of movies and moviemaking that Johnston so delightfully conveys. --Jeff Shannon

Description

A sandstorm of epic proportions. A swarm of locusts so massive it obliterates the relentless sun. Deadly traps that defy imagination. These are just a few of the astonishing obstacles Frank T. Hopkins, the greatest long-distance racer ever, faces in the rousing action-adventure HIDALGO. Based on a true story and starring Viggo Mortensen (THE LORD OF THE RINGS Trilogy), Hopkins (Mortensen) and his mustang Hidalgo enter the ultimate extreme sport of its time -- the Ocean Of Fire. Underdogs challenging the finest Arabian horses and riders, they must not only survive the grueling race across 3,000 miles of the Arabian Desert's punishing terrain, but they must thwart the evil plots of competitors who vow victory at all costs! A great story of personal triumph, amazing special effects, and memorable characters make HIDALGO one of the most thrilling adventures ever.

Customer Reviews:

Great story, entertaining and exciting........2007-08-06

Great movie - you will watch it more than once!
Excellent acting, wonderful story! An exciting movie that keeps your interest.

great movie.......2007-07-19

if you love a great movie and like horses, this is the movie for you. i have watched this movie more time than i can count.

The Wild, Wild Mideast.......2007-07-11

The strong presence of Viggo Mortensen makes this movie work as well as it does, and also carries it: a slightly ironic statement since it is the dogged mustang, Hidalgo, who carries Mortgensen's character across the Arabian peninsula. This is a "based on actual events" film about a death-defying horse nineteenth-century race that pits all comers against both one another and the nearly indomitable hazards of the desert terrain. While many begin the contest of living will against mindless nature, few, one, even none typically live to finish it, and never before has a white man so much as tried. Beginning in the vanishing realm of the American west around the time of the Wounded Knee massacre and soon transferring to the scenic desert of southern Asia, this tale of a rugged man named Frank Hopkins and his legendary horse Hidalgo has moments of greatness but overall spreads its brave plot too thin. There is a brief subplot about Buffalo Bill and some of the others in his colorful and refreshingly non-PC traveling show, and Omar Sharif is always nice to see in any movie, but these are all more distractions than additions. Mortgensen's fans will adore this movie, as will those who go in for animal flicks or the historical genre, but others who might see it strictly for its being an adventure story (which it really isn't) will probably find it disappointing.

The kind of movie I never get tired of seeing.......2007-05-11

My profile. 43 yo (and getting better). No qulaifications as a movie critic whatsoever

This is one of those adventure movies I just cannot stop seeing... everything is perfect, the production, the choosing of the actors, the action.. and the love between man and horse united in such way that makes you actually hear the horse's thoughts..

Painted Horse.......2007-03-15

Know one thought Frank Hopkins horse would win, Hidalgo went the 3,000 miles, over the desert of fire. This horse out ran a sand storm, This movie will be my favorite for a long tine.

Average customer rating:

Great story, entertaining and exciting.
great movie
The Wild, Wild Mideast
The kind of movie I never get tired of seeing
Painted Horse

Hidalgo (Full Screen Edition)
Starring: Viggo Mortensen , Zuleikha Robinson , Omar Sharif , Louise Lombard , and Adam Alexi-Malle
Director: Joe Johnston
Manufacturer: Touchstone / Disney
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00024I2TA
Release Date: 2004-08-03

Amazon.com

Description

Customer Reviews:

Great story, entertaining and exciting........2007-08-06

Great movie - you will watch it more than once!
Excellent acting, wonderful story! An exciting movie that keeps your interest.

great movie.......2007-07-19

if you love a great movie and like horses, this is the movie for you. i have watched this movie more time than i can count.

The Wild, Wild Mideast.......2007-07-11

The kind of movie I never get tired of seeing.......2007-05-11

Painted Horse.......2007-03-15

Know one thought Frank Hopkins horse would win, Hidalgo went the 3,000 miles, over the desert of fire. This horse out ran a sand storm, This movie will be my favorite for a long tine.

Average customer rating:

Can watch this one over and over again
Not how I remembered it
Happy with Lone Wolf McQuade
An Old Favorite
LONEWOLF MCQUADE

Lone Wolf McQuade
Starring: Chuck Norris , David Carradine , Barbara Carrera , Leon Isaac Kennedy , and Robert Beltran
Director: Steve Carver
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00005O06Q
Release Date: 2001-11-20

Amazon.com

Chuck Norris fans will find Lone Wolf McQuade to be one of his best. Playing a rebellious Texas Ranger, Norris single-handedly wipes out an entire gang of horse thieves--and that's just the opening scene. From there the plot involves arms smuggling, McQuade's daughter being kidnapped, and a dwarf in an electric wheelchair. But the movie's real trump card is a face-off between Norris and David Carradine of the TV show Kung Fu, who plays a badass villain with a penchant for argyle sweaters (though truth be told, Norris's wardrobe is very 1980s as well). Barbara Carrera makes a suitable bad girl/love interest and science fiction fans will enjoy some familiar faces (Robert Beltran, who would later be part of Star Trek: Voyager, and William Sanderson, a supporting actor from Blade Runner). All in all, an action-packed romp with a reverent, almost mythological view of the Texas Rangers. --Bret Fetzer

Description

Martial arts master Chuck Norris (The Delta Force) takes on kung fu king David Carradine (Kung Fu) in this modern-day western/action adventure that packs a wallop! An Â"unabashedly action-oriented and skillfully crafted filmÂ" (The Hollywood Reporter), Lone Wolf McQuade is simply Â"a thrill machineÂ" (LA Herald-Examiner)! Legendary renegade Texas Ranger J.J. McQuade (Norris) is fierce with his gun Â- but lethal with his black belt! When his teenage daughterÂ's life is threatened by hijackers attempting to steal a truck full of weapons and ammunition, the job becomes personal for McQuade. Uncovering a colossal arms-smuggling outfit that is selling guns and ammo to terrorists all over the world, McQuade comes face to face with its kingpin, Rawley Wilkes (Carradine) Â- a world-renowned martial arts expert who has never lost a battle! Does the Ranger have what it takes to save his daughter and his honor Â- or has he finally met his match, and ultimatelyÂ...his demise?

Customer Reviews:

Can watch this one over and over again.......2007-08-16

Superb theme music and action packed film. Excellent fight scenes. Stunning leading lady.Good fight scene between Chuck Norris an David Carradine.

Not how I remembered it.......2007-07-05

I've been a Chuck Norris fan since I saw this movie a number of times when it came out in theaters years ago. As I watched it again after purchasing the DVD recently, I was extremely disappointed with the plot, script, and direction. However, Chuck Norris, as the lone wolf Texas Ranger, turned a zero-star movie into a two-star movie that wasn't a complete waste of time ... but it's not a movie I would watch again.

Happy with Lone Wolf McQuade.......2007-05-17

I was very happy to get this movie. I have had trouble finding it locally. I just wish it was closed captioned as I have trouble hearing. Thanks

An Old Favorite.......2007-04-14

A must-have for Chuck Norris fans. Masterful martial arts action, and the added bonus of seeing Kung Fu star David Carradine, too! Norris always shines as a Texas Ranger.

LONEWOLF MCQUADE.......2006-11-07

An excellent movie. Chuck Norris as a Texas Ranger is at his best. Its an oldy but a goody made in 1983.
Its a story of love set in an western action adventure genre. When the bad guy (David Carradine) kidnaps his daughter Chuck Norris rises to the challenge and over comes all odds in this excelent martial arts adventure. Coupled with sexy love scenes with Barbara Carrera, this movie is a must see. I give it two thumbs up.

Average customer rating:

It's as bad an adaptation as they get.
Not an great adaptation
A brief historical document
A must know history
good movie

In the Time of the Butterflies
Starring: Salma Hayek , Edward James Olmos , Mía Maestro , Demián Bichir , and Pilar Padilla
Director: Mariano Barroso
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000063K0I
Release Date: 2002-05-07

Amazon.com

In the Time of the Butterflies tells the real-life story of the Mirabal sisters, courageous revolutionaries known covertly as las Mariposas ("the Butterflies"). The sisters' years of dissent during the Trujillo dictatorship in the Dominican Republic led to their eventual murder in 1960, a brutal crime that signaled the beginning of the end for Trujillo. Told through the eyes of Minerva Mirabal (Salma Hayek), the story follows a somewhat predictable plot line as the sisters progress rapidly from naive to idealistic to victimized and on to resolved as they become leaders in an elaborate plot to assassinate the dictator. As with so many biographical depictions on film, even though this one is based on a highly acclaimed novel by Julia Alvarez, the narrative shifts from past to present are clumsy and excessively sepia-toned; the script delivers its life-was-better-before-sequence with little to no grace before quickly connecting the dots of history. Nevertheless, Edward James Olmos, as Trujillo, does a remarkable job of conveying the unique mixture of political intuition and ruthlessness needed to maintain a dictatorship for 30 years, while Hayek delivers a spirited lead performance. --Fionn Meade

Description

Academy Award® nominee* Salma Hayek gives a powerful, passionate performance as an idealistic young woman who wages a daring struggle for freedom against a murderous dictator (Academy Award® nominee** Edward James Olmos) in this moving thriller that, "with brutal simplicity, dramatizes the personal toll of political tyranny" (San Francisco Chronicle). For generations, General Rafael Trujillo (Olmos) has ruled the Dominican Republic with a mixture of terrorand savagery until Minerva Mirabal (Hayek) dares to oppose him. Inspired by her love for a rebel leader (Marc Anthony), Minerva and her sistersknown as Las Mariposas ("The Butterflies")endure unimaginable hardships in a battle for the very soul of a nation. But as their acts of bravery gain notoriety, Trujillo's forces close in, determined to put an end to Minerva's heroics. *Actress, Frida (2002) **Actor, Stand and Deliver (1988)

Customer Reviews:

It's as bad an adaptation as they get........2007-08-09

This is a poor adaptation of the book... I mean really bad. The book was great... this movie on the other hand is NOT worth buying.

Not an great adaptation.......2007-04-04

Although the film was entertaining, it was in no way an accurate adaptation of Alvarez's novel. I'm very disappointed.

A brief historical document.......2007-03-13

I think this is a good briefing for foreing people to understand the kind of life the Dominican Republic lived and why dominican appreciates democracy and try to defend the road to a steady democracy. Although there are some details a little bit unreal, most of the movie is good for it purposes.

A must know history.......2006-07-31

The historical interpretation of the movie was on target. It portrays the atrocities commited by the dictator of Dominican Republic, Trujillo. The movie captured the essence of the life of Dominicans at the time. It is definately a must see movie because it is a part of history that we must not forget.

good movie.......2006-02-24

I love Selma Hayeck and Marc Anthony. They did a great job. I wish the movie would have shown more of the prison scenes. But all in all it was a good movie.

Average customer rating:

Waste of time...
If Stephen King had been born in South America....
Symbolical political drama
We Must Use Imagination To Find Our Humanity
Disappearance in Argentina: Unnesesarry Plot Devices Spoil the Impact of the Historical Truths

Imagining Argentina
Starring: Irene Escolar , Fernando Tielve , Hector Bordoni , Antonio Banderas , and Emma Thompson
Director: Christopher Hampton
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000AMWIUI
Release Date: 2005-10-11

Description

Antonio Banderas and Academy Award winner Emma Thompson star in this gripping political thriller from Academy Award-winning director Christopher Hampton. Carlos Rueda (Banderas) is the director of a children's theater in Buenos Aires, a city haunted by the disappearance of thousands who have spoken up against the dictator in power. When his wife, Cecilia (Thompson), disappears after writing a controversial article, Carlos discovers he has the power to look into the faces of those seeking the missing and see the fate of the people they love. But no matter how desperately he searches for his own wife, he always finds himself one step behind. Pushed to the limits of survival, it's up to Cecilia to find her way to Carlos in a journey filled with danger, horror and suspense.

Customer Reviews:

Waste of time..........2007-04-01

Imagining Argentina is, simply put, a poorly crafted film.
I have not read the novel on which it is based but being familiar with the subject matter makes me furious about the lack of substance with which the story has been treated. There is a sheer absence of research, which constitutes clear proof of negligence as there is plenty of material available to learn about it. The film also fails on all levels on the very basics of film-making. We never get to know the characters -therefore we don't really care about them- and the little we see is basically a contrived commonplace of mellow idealists. We see the military as just a bunch of perverted Nazis with refined, obscure fixations, when the truth is that they were extremely well organized and coordinated in their systematic goals of control and extermination. The director fails to tell the most basic aspects of the story, relying instead on silly, melodramatic details [such as a shoe] and confusing, tourist-inspired scenes in which you see a Brazilianesque carnival, tango dancers, and gauchos all living happily together in La Boca. Nothing farther from the truth.
In short, don't waste your time watching this parody of a film.
If you are interested in learning about the tragic events that happened in South America 30 years ago, I recommend watching 'The Official Story' and 'Missing'.

If Stephen King had been born in South America...........2006-10-13

I really feel hesitant about giving this movie a poor review because it's very well-made and everyone in it is excellent...but it doesn't work. I agree with the other review that criticizes the film for trivializing the sad horrors of South America by playing them out in a movie about a psychic. The 1982 film MISSING with Jack Lemmon and DEATH & THE MAIDEN with Sigourney Weaver touch on the same topic and do a better job of handling it.
You almost feel guilty for watching a form of entertainment about a dark and despicable part of history.

Watching IMAGINING ARGENTINA is kind of like watching THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION if that film had included numerous brutal prison gang rapes.

Symbolical political drama.......2006-03-15

Mix one part magical realism with two parts government corruption and a heavy dose of good acting and you've basically got the idea for this unflinching portrayal of the Videl dictatorship in Argentina in the 1970s. I admit I am not altogether familiar with the history behind this story but this film, under the assumption that it is portrayed somewhat correctly, gave me a fairly good idea of what happened. However, it is not entirely heavy on the political realm for much symbolism is used throughout. Indeed, the political backstory is almost put on the back-burner in favor of the more dramatically-pleasing plot of finding missing family members.

Antonio Banderas proves that he can actually act and gives a fine performance (if at time slightly cheesy). Emma Thompson is, as always, brilliant in a surprising South American accent which she does very well. The film is emotionally charged throughout, especially the last shot. It's a good thing the writers didn't opt for a happy-everyone-returns-safely-ending (cough*War of the Worlds*cough).

I can't think why this movie was so badly received at the Venice Film Festival where it was first premiered. The plot moves slowly at times (are all those 'garden' scenes really necessary?) but otherwise I found the plot quite tightly-knit with the appropriate symbols reappearing in the correct places. The major asset to the film, however, is the performances of the two lead actors. The supporting cast is slightly weak, though passable.

All in all, a recommended film, especially if you are a fan of either Banderas or Thompson.

note: The DVD is woefully bereft of extras.

We Must Use Imagination To Find Our Humanity.......2006-02-21

A fine movie about true events,adapted from a book,and yes, very brutal. Nothing is spared as the viewer relives this horrific era in Argentinian history. Although at the beginning I thought this movie was kind of choppy and uneven, as it progressed I was drawn in completely by the characters, the story and their suffering, and believe the director could have been using this intentionally to put the viewer off balance. A part of this movie's beauty- it feels real, like one is there with them. I really felt I was there with these people, and Carlos relationship with his daughter, wife, and friends were well portrayed. No one was doing the typical phony overemoting hysterics, which drowns out real emotion, (which was very evident). Banderas was very convincing with just his eyes, and his soft spoken ways. People in the movie make some bad decisions, there is confusion, and one can feel them floundering to find a way to fight back. I thought to myself, geez, I would be fleeing the country! Yet, history shows people do not generally flee, but, endure. Carlos clairvoyance( I thought he conveyed well his clumsiness of being new to that gift, and as is often the case with clairvoyance,the Seer cannot always use it for their own gain or turn it off and on at will), the growing numbers of the "disappeared", the flashes of memory of happy lives, the symbolism of the birds- by the end one is unsure of reality- until the very moment of the ending- which brings back hope, love and yes, imagination. Genocide and torture are never easy to watch. We need to all imagine Peace. Change all the bad endings in the world story. Now. Imagine Peace.

Disappearance in Argentina: Unnesesarry Plot Devices Spoil the Impact of the Historical Truths .......2005-12-23

Christopher Hampton adapted and directed Lawrence Thornton's novel of the same title, and the film stars Antonio Banderas and Emma Thompson. The theme of the film is very serious, for it deals with the historical fact in Argentina during the late 70s and early 80s, the time of dictatorship when, as the film says, as many as 30,000 people disappeared without trace.

The film starts with such a `disappearance of one journalist in Argentina. Cecilia (Emma Thompson) is suddenly taken away, and her husband and stage director for kids Carlos cannot find a single trace of her. Around him, many similar cases had happened, but Carlos never dreamed that it could happen to Cecilia.

However ... now, here is the point that divides the opinions, but we are told that Carlos has a certain kind of gift - clairvoyance. He is surprised to find (as much as we would do) that he can see things. Tell Carlos the name and the place of the ones who have vanished, and he can 'see' what happened to them. In fact, he can sometimes tell you what will happen to them, and while Carlos searches his missing wife, his strange psychic-like ability starts to attract people as well as the government.

[MAGIC REALISM?] Perhaps Antonio Banderas himself would explain, if asked about Carlos's unique ability, that it is based on the idea often associated with South American literature, the tradition of magic realism. I know the idea, and that works on paper (and in books), but when I see the acting of Banderas in thick beard grimacing at table, I just don't buy the idea simply because his acting is too bad to sustain the heavy weight of the truths about the victims of the brutal violence done by the dictators. And tell me, please, if he can predict the future events, why didn't he think of hiding his own daughter, most sensible thing that even I can think of without supernatural power.

Emma Thompson is much better, but when Christopher Hampton mixes many things with the serious social issue so carelessly that `Imagining Argentina' defeats its purpose in the end. There is a message Carlos proudly says -- that is, no violence can kill the imagination of people, but the film's graphic torture scenes suggest otherwise. The symbolism about birds, or the spiritual `guidance' by an owl, could be interesting if the film had presented them with more sophisticated hand. Christopher Hampton (who adapted `Dangerous Liaisons' for screen in 1988) is a good writer but not a great director, and his heavy-handed direction only leaves us bemused when Banderas' Carlos is literally (yes, literally) led by the birds to the place where he should go.

And this is about the worst period of this country, which many people must still vividly remember. I do not disagree with the film's violence, which I believe is tamed for the general audiences. I am not against the use of supernatural concept as long as it shows the pains of the people who suffered. But `Imagining Argentina' does them so clumsily and heavy-handedly, with unnecessary flashbacks (about the happy lovers by the seaside, for example); the Great-Escape-like action that has no meaning, and these plot devices all look merely weak and cumbersome before the cruel and shocking historical fact. I admit the film's intention is laudable, but clairvoyance is not the way to tell this story, not the right way to confront the hard reality.

Average customer rating:

Could have used more science about the life froms and less about the scientists and mission
Truly Thought Provoking, But...
Not what i expected
Not bad, right up till the end.
Wonders of the Deep

Aliens of the Deep
Starring: Dr. Michael Atkins , Genya Chernaiev , Dr. Jim Childress , Pamela Conrad , and David L. Dubois
Director: Steven Quale
Manufacturer: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000AJJNHW
Release Date: 2005-11-01

Amazon.com

James Cameron takes another foray into the depths with a new deep-sea documentary. Following the shipwreck of Ghosts of the Abyss, Cameron focuses his abundant energies on where life is not powered by sunlight. These implications are taken a bit further, thanks to some dandy effects, on how life may develop in the ice-covered waters of Jupiter's moons. Some of the newly seen creatures are truly amazing: a fish with feet, shrimp that can swim between boiling hot steam and icy currents. Plus there's a cute creature that looks like something from an animator's portfolio: an albino octopus with fins. Like Ghosts, this film is significantly different on DVD. Both were presented in IMAX 3-D but are only 2-D on DVD; however, also included are extended versions, doubling the original's 45-minute run time. The added footage gets you more in-depth coverage of the crew and the missions. Cameron is also an expert host, showing his enthusiasm for the project ("I love this stuff!") while letting his younger scientist co-stars lead the way. (Ages 6 and older) --Doug Thomas

Description

Take a once-in-a-lifetime journey with Academy Award(R)-winning director James Cameron (Best Director, TITANIC, 1997) in ALIENS OF THE DEEP, and make contact with another world. This incredible underwater adventure gives you extraordinary glimpses of unbelievable creatures that live in an alien world in the deepest depths of the sea. Could these alien life forms be clues to life in outer space? It's an exciting exploration you'll not soon forget.~~(c)Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc. and Walden Media, LLC ~~

Customer Reviews:

Could have used more science about the life froms and less about the scientists and mission.......2007-09-03

While I was hoping for more of a nature documentary than this ended up being, what it was ended up being pretty interesting. The DVD has the 45 minute IMAX version and a 99 minute extended version, which is the one I watched. The movie is more about the mission to explore the deep vents and the life there than about the creatures that live there. Although, there are some amazing photos of the some amazing life forms, we don't get a lot of scientific content. Mostly some gee whiz photos and the reactions of the folks on the expedition.

I am not sure why these particular scientists were chosen, but they do seem to have a range of actual expertise, but some seem to be chosen more for the photogenic qualities than their ability to explain anything. Some of the language they use and their pronunciation is quite embarrassing, let alone for a PhD. Maybe they are the scientific equivalents of jocks. I don't know. However, I bet there are people out there with the same or better expertise who can actually speak properly. Other scientists were there, shown, but never really heard from.

The movie strays from the deep into outer space. Part of the reason, so they filmmakers say, is to study life in extreme environments so we can learn what life might be like on Europa and elsewhere in the galaxy. While this discussion also ranges from interesting to silly, I liked the attempt to connect these environments.

One thing I didn't appreciate much was the blending of animation into the actual photography so the viewer isn't really sure that he is looking at animated lava rather than the real thing. My son was quite upset about it when I explained that something he thought was really cool wasn't really real.

But it is still definitely worth viewing.

Truly Thought Provoking, But..........2007-07-19

I viewed the extended version, and I have mixed feelings about this film. With a name like "Aliens of the Deep," I would have liked to see more underwater footage and strange species. Too much time was spent on footage above water and getting to know the crew, who were lucky enough to be a part of it. Unfortunately, I will never be so lucky, and so I was hoping Aliens of the Deep would share much more than it did.

The film explores the correlation between the exploration of our oceans and that of planets within our solar system--which is thought provoking--and is reason enough to watch this film. All in all however, it just didn't satisfy my own appetite for exploration. I wanted to see more

Not what i expected.......2007-06-17

I thought this dvd was going to show awsome creatures deep within the ocean. All they show is like 3 brief creatures and everything else is people talking about thier expirences. Dont like it at all.

Not bad, right up till the end........2007-01-04

Aliens of the Deep (James Cameron, 2005)

James Cameron does another deep-sea documentary. I was halfway hoping that after the horror that was Titanic, Cameron would retire from feature filmmaking and just do these from now on. IMDB says that's not the case, but we can always look back on what was.

The DVD release of Aliens of the Deep is about half an hour longer than the feature film release, which is quite nice. We get a lot more of what we came to see the movie to experience-- pretty pictures of areas of our world which most of us will never get to see close up. Yes, there's a lot of speculation that sets up for a big special-effects extravaganza at the end (and really, if anyone could find a way to put a big special-effects extravaganza at the end of a documentary, wouldn't it be James Cameron?), and there's a lot of "ZOMGWTFBBQWE'REKILLINGTHEPLANET" to put up with, but when you expand the movie to ninety-seven minutes, it's diluted by a lot more footage of scientists running around studying creatures neither they nor anyone else has ever seen before. And that's the fun part. If you liked Ghosts of the Abyss, you'll probably like this one, too. ***

Wonders of the Deep.......2006-10-30

I enjoyed 'Aliens of the Deep'. Yes, I would've liked more underwater footage and more information on some of the creatures and features that are encountered - but this film certainly serves to whet your appetitie for further exploration into the mysteries of the deep sea, as well as those of other worlds. If anything, my main complaint about 'Aliens of the Deep' is that it was over too quickly. It was wonderful to see young scientists given such a prominent role in this film. Here's hoping that children watching 'Aliens of the Deep' may have their curiosity piqued by the wonders of space and the deep sea - and science in general - and will point to the screen and say 'I want to do that'.

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Ensenanza del Maestro de Cnageracht

Conga Virtuoso
Starring: Giovanni Hidalgo
Manufacturer: Warner Brothers Pub.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | International | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000DI87P
Release Date: 2004-02-03

Product Description

English / Spanish. This special bilingual program offers a three-part conga masterclass on rhythms, techniques and improvisation. It includes advanced techniques, rudiments and exercises, and singles, doubles, ruffs and combinations. The rhythms of Puerto Rico are explored in depth. Special DVD features include: legendary conga performances from Raul Rekow and Giovanni Hidalgo/Changuito, interactive drums from around the world, additional product previews, Latin percussion glossary of terms, tuning/maintenance, and Internet connectivity.

Customer Reviews:

Ensenanza del Maestro de Cnageracht .......2006-04-10

For the Intermediate to Advanced players. Warning note that Giovanni is left handed (zurdo or citeog), most patterns will mirror for right handers.

Covered are 2-3 v's 3-2 Clave, using Bass, 2 Tumbadoras, Fast Tempos, Timbales & Bongos (and their patterns), 3 Tumbadoras, Development of Improvisation, Puerto Rico Styles (Jibaro, Cuas/Kata, Plena, Bomba, Xica, Cuembe, 6/8 Juba de Louza, Holandes) and exercises (section 8.).
There is an excellent accompanying pamphlet and sheet music.

Also, a Health Warning, the additional feature showing Giovanni Hidalgo and Changuito on Congas 'De Plutinio a Martes' is an addictive version of CRAIC after four hearings,(Ceoil-music, Rince-dance, Amhranaiocht-singing Is-and Caint-chat).
A Genuine Class of it's own from a Genius of the Congas (Cnageracht - Percussion in Gaelic).

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William Tyndale: His Life, His Legacy
Director: Christian Hidalgo
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Religion | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

Product Features:

Interviews with World Renowned Scholars

ASIN: B000J3YOBO

Product Description

William Tyndale 1494-1536 Tyndale translated and printed a forbidden book -- the English Bible. In so doing, he created the modern English language we speak today. Yet this great scholar was an exile, a hunted criminal and like the Lord he served, he was betrayed by a proclaimed friend. After being imprisoned for 500 days without a trail he was burned at the stake. This is his story... Winner of the Gold Special Jury Award - Worldfest International Film Festival 2004. DVD. Approximately 1 hour.

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Wonderfully deranged movie

Muertos de Risa
Starring: Santiago Segura , El Gran Wyoming , Álex Angulo , Carla Hidalgo , and Eduardo Gómez (IV)
Director: Álex de la Iglesia
Manufacturer: Lolafilms Home Ent
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0001O3YLC
Release Date: 2004-07-13

Customer Reviews:

Wonderfully deranged movie.......2006-01-19

While I can't speak very well about this DVD, I can say that this movie had me laughing to tears.
It tells the story of a comedy duo who become extremely popular, not to mention rich. They work very much like every famous comedy duo, with a clown and a straight man, like Abbot and Costello. You would think this would make them happy, but seeing as how most of their comedy comes from the straight man slapping, punching, or otherwise hurting the clown, the hate begins to grow.

Darkly funny, this film is perfect for anyone who likes dark humor.

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