The Lost World (Special Edition) - 1960 & 1925 versions

Description

An eccentric scientist (Claude Rains) returns from the Amazon with news of a distant plateau where creatures from the dawn of time still prowl the jungle. To prove his story, he gathers a team of explorers, including a journalist (David Hedison), a playboy-adventurer )Michael Rennie), a beautiful socialite (Jill St. John), and a pilot (Fernando Lamas) with a secret plan of revenge. But an unexpected attack on their camp leaves the group stranded in a world of dinosaurs and other exotic creatures, where humans are no longer the lords of the earthÂ¿they are helpless prey.

Customer Reviews:

Four Star DVD, Two Star Movie.......2007-09-13

"How bad can it be?" asked one reviewer here. The answer is "Pretty bad." This is probably the worst adaptation done of Conan-Doyle's classic novel, primarily because producer/director Irwin Allen's approach was so juvenile, but I doubt the movie was meant to be more than a Saturday matinee feature. It looks and feels cheap, with lizards and baby alligators used as stand-ins for dinosaurs. One of the effects technicians was -- unbelievably -- Willis "King Kong" O'Brien, who also worked on the classic 1925 silent version of "Lost World." This must have been a very depressing experience for him. I know that one of the film's star's, David Hedison, has said several times that he was depressed making this movie. All that said, if you saw this as a small kid, you probably have fond nostalgic memories of it, and it can be enjoyed on a purely kitsch level, though you really have to be masochistic to get into this sort of cinematic schlock. Surprisingly, Fox video has done a really nice job presenting this feature on DVD. The anamorphic transfer of the Cinemascope film looks as good as it possibly could and the old-fashioned 4-channel stereo sound is nicely rendered in 4.0 Dolby Digital. The extras include all that any fan of this movie could want, with the exception of interviews with surviving cast members and a running commentary by someone who cares -- but perhaps that would have been asking too much? Instead you get an interactive pressbook --a very nice feature that Fox has just staring including on its recent library reissues --, a rather lame little "featurette" from the period, an ad and concept art gallery, and a still gallery that plays for an incredible -- or perhaps interminable? -- nine minutes! And, of course, the original theatrical trailer. (This is a 2-disc release. The second disc contains the silent, yet superior, 1925 version. I can not attest as to that discs qualities because, you see, I merely rented disc one from Netflix. No way I'd buy this Irwin Allen "masterpiece." Sorry, but I'd rather spend my money on something else.) But wait, there's more... a vintage Fox Movietone Newsreel segment showing the NYC premiere at the Warner Theatre in July 1960. A smiling David Hedison is shown signing autographs for an audience of -- what else? -- prepubescent kids and their moms. Hedison looks really happy to be there. Now that's great acting!

The Lost World.......2007-09-03

I have always loved Sir Arthur Canon Doyle's best known works, the Sherlock Holmes stories. My favorites among these are the Universal Sherlock Holmes movies starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce. Though these are not true to Doyle's original writings, Rathbone and Bruce did an outstanding job in their respective roles. The 1960 version of The Lost World is in my opinion the best. It does differ from Doyle's original novel. What makes this film great is the excellent performances by Claude Rains, Michael Rennie and David Hedison. Rains is a legend with such masterpieces under his belt as Sir John Talbot in the Wolfman and the title role as The Phantom of the Opera. David Heddison will go on to a very successful role as the Captain of Seaview in Irwin Allen's TV Series in Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea.

No Comparison.. just enjoy..made in 1960 not 2007.......2007-08-26

When I was 7 years old I thought that this was indeed the greatest movie so far..except the 7th voyage of sinbad.How can we compare a vintage movie from 1960 to the special effects we have today. At 54 years old now. who cares that the horns are pasted on the lizards and all that. Enjoy this movie for it's escapism and adventure.I wonder sometimes how anyone can enjoy a movie picking it apart all the time. I guess you had to be there in 1960.

A Favorite .......But Not Great.......2007-08-09

A true Cinemascope film, hopefully the DVD release by Fox (unlike the VHS version) will actually be letterboxed in the correct ratio as stated in the above product details. You couldn't find a more obvious example of 'pan and scan' editing than the scene where David Hedison is dodging the lunging dinosaur while climbing the rock wall (he hugs the wall, dinosaur's head pops into view, pops out of view, back to Hedison, then to dinosaur, pops back into view, etc.) As to the movie itself, though a childhood favorite (I must have seen it 25 times between the theater and on TV) it promises more than it delivers. When you're 12 years old looking for adventure involving dinosaurs, this filled the bill, even though you knew that they weren't like the dinosaurs in your playset, books or King Kong. It was big and colorful. That probably won't be good enough for today's kids; the big won't be there on the small screen and color is taken for granted. And no CGI. I'll pass without comment on those lizard "dinosaurs" as well as Jill St. John's dog. I'll get it because of nostalgia and to finally see it again in 'scope.

This is a double feature!.......2007-07-22

According to the Fox Store, this DVD also contains the 1925 silent version of Lost World, with Wallace Berry, Lewis Stone (Judge Hardy), and Bessie Love. A DVD of this film is available from Image Entertainment, but costs as much as this DVD. I've never seen the 1960 version, but with Raines, Rennie, and Lamas together, how bad can it be?

Average customer rating:

Great movie
The most beautiful mini-series
Something different in a world of copycats.
Comes the Kingdom!
Addictive Movie

The 10th Kingdom
Starring: Kimberly Williams , Scott Cohen , John Larroquette , Dianne Wiest , and Camryn Manheim
Director: Herbert Wise , and David Carson
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000648XE
Release Date: 2002-05-28

Amazon.com

This epic 10-hour miniseries from the Emmy-winning writer of Gulliver's Travels was a ratings bust on television, but on video and DVD, where it can be enjoyed at one's leisure, it has a better chance to cast its magical spell. Kimberly Williams has never been more enchanting than as Virginia, a waitress who still lives with her janitor father (John Larroquette) and yearns for something exciting to happen to her. Her wish comes true when she and her father are transported from New York City into a dimension that, with apologies to Rod Serling, can only be called the Fairy Tale Zone; nine kingdoms populated by characters from fairy tales of yore. They team up with a dog who's really a prince--Wendell, grandson of Snow White--changed into canine form by the evil Queen (Dianne Wiest), who plots to usurp Wendell's throne. Father, daughter, and his royal dogness are relentlessly pursued through the nine kingdoms by the Troll King (Ed O'Neill) and his three bumbling and horrible children, and the conflicted Wolf (Scott Cohen), who is allied with the Queen but, with the aid of some Oprah-esque self-help books, tames his inner beast and falls in love with Virginia. The 10th Kingdom is a special effects extravaganza. There is indeed, as one character marvels, magic to behold here. But despite the Hallmark brand name and the presence of a grown-up Snow White (Camryn Manheim) and Cinderella (Ann-Margret), bewitched animals, magic mirrors, and trolls, this is not kid's stuff. It can get scary, surprisingly violent, and quite intense; you know, just like real fairy tales. --Donald Liebenson

Customer Reviews:

Great movie.......2007-08-23

This is a great movie, I received it promptly and in perfect condition, I recommed this to anyone.

The most beautiful mini-series .......2007-08-11

This is the most beautiful mini-series you're liable to see. A modern woman from contemporary New York City still living with her father ends up on an adventure beyond her imagining when a gateway between her world and the strange and surreal world of the 9 kingdoms is opened. The 9 kingdoms is an alternate reality where the fairy tales are strangely true and wolves (werewolves actually) do seduce young women, princes are put under wicked spells and dark, deep secrets are hidden behind the villainous wicked queen. (I won't spoil it for you.)

One character I love in particular in this is the neurotic Wolf. Wolf is a half-wolf (werewolf) and apparently a descendant of The Big Bad Wolf. Wolf becomes the love interest in the story.

There are some amazing acting talents in this mini-series including Diane Weist in her very first villain role. It's shocking to see her out of the sugary sweet motherly role we're used to such as her role as Peg in Edward Scissorhands and the mother role in Lost Boys.

Another thing I like is the beautiful yet full figured woman who played Snow White- the actress from the practice. The writers paid close attention to detail in remembering that the original Snow White story's protagonist was fair and plump and they didn't follow the modern trend of the sickly-thin conception of beauty.

The fairy tales return to their roots with this mature- yet decent enough for people of all ages- fantasy. It's simply beautiful.

Something different in a world of copycats........2007-08-10

What I can't believe is how intricate this whole story is. I really shows a lot of different story lines, characters and twists and turns along the way. It is inventive and enjoyable. I have watched bits and pieces since the first time I watched the entire thing at once. Everytime I watch, I see something I didn't see before.

Scott Cohen as "Wolf" is totally amazing. He is the perfect lead male in a twisted fairytale. He is charming, sexy, daring, and yet flawed in a number of ways. John Larroquette is great as "Tony" and he has the comic timing down pat. Kimberly Williams holds it all together while being brave and vulnerable all at once.

My kids are 10 & 7 and they love it. My Mom is in her 60's and she loves it so it appeals to many age groups.

If you can't handle fantasy, don't watch. If you are sick of the same old formulas, then give it a try for something new.

Comes the Kingdom!.......2007-08-05

This is a delight for anyone who enjoys fantasy and folk lore. In a modern age it is so delightful to find the old stories coming to life!

Addictive Movie.......2007-08-01

This is a very addicting movie! You just can't stop watching. My Aunt had this movie when we went to visit her and we promptly came home and ordered it, my Aunt then watched with me and I had to order it for her too, and she is a teacher. She brought this to class for thier "free Friday's" and now her class has seen it several times. This is a light hearted fantasy type movie. I reccomend it for all ages!

Jurassic Park Adventure Pack (Jurassic Park/ The Lost World: Jurassic Park/ Jurassic Park III)

Average customer rating:

For Jurassic Park Lovers
An All Time favourite!!!
Dino-tastic!!!
Movie review
A LIFETIME WORTH'S OF DINASOURS

Jurassic Park Adventure Pack (Jurassic Park/ The Lost World: Jurassic Park/ Jurassic Park III)
Starring: Rona Benson , Blake Michael Bryan , Laura Dern , John Diehl , and Bruce French
Director: Joe Johnston
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000BCE918
Release Date: 2005-11-29

Amazon.com

Jurassic Park
Steven Spielberg's 1993 mega-hit rivals Jaws as the most intense and frightening film he'd ever made prior to Schindler's List, but it was also among his weakest stories. Based on Michael Crichton's novel about an island amusement park populated by cloned dinosaurs, the film works best as a thrill ride with none of the interesting human dynamics of Spielberg's Jaws. That lapse proves unfortunate, but there's no shortage of raw terror as a rampaging T-rex and nasty raptors try to make fast food out of the cast. The effects are still astonishing (despite the fact that the computer-generated technology has since been improved upon) and at times primeval, such as the sight of a herd of whatever-they-are scampering through a valley. --Tom Keogh

The Lost World - Jurassic Park
In the low tradition of knockoff horror flicks best seen (or not seen) on a drive-in movie screen, Steven Spielberg's sequel to Jurassic Park is a poorly conceived, ill-organized film that lacks story and logic. Screenwriter David Koepp strings along a number of loose ideas while Jeff Goldblum returns as Ian Malcolm, the quirky chaos theoretician who now reluctantly agrees to go to another island where cloned dinosaurs are roaming freely. Along with his girlfriend (Julianne Moore) and daughter, Malcolm has to deal with hunters, environmentalists, and corporate swine who stupidly bring back a big dino to Southern California, where it runs amok, of course. Spielberg doesn't seem to care that the pieces of this project don't add up to a real movie, so he hams it up with big, scary moments (with none of the artfulness of those in Jurassic Park) and smart-aleck visual gags (a yapping dog in a suburb mysteriously disappears when a hungry T-rex stomps by). A complete bust.--Tom Keogh

Jurassic Park III
Surpassing expectations to qualify as an above-average sequel, Jurassic Park III is nothing more or less than a satisfying popcorn adventure. A little cheesier than the first two Jurassic blockbusters, it's a big B movie with big B-list stars (including Laura Dern, briefly reprising her Jurassic Park role), and eight years of advancing computer-generated-image technology give it a sharp edge over its predecessors. While adopting the jungle spirit of King Kong, the movie refines Michael Crichton's original premise, and its dinosaurs are even more realistic, their behavior more detailed, and their variety--including flying pteranodons and a new villain, the spinosaurus--more dazzling and threatening than ever. These advancements justify the sequel, and its contrived plot is just clever enough to span 90 minutes without wearing out its welcome.

Posing as wealthy tourists, an adventurous couple (William H. Macy, Téa Leoni) convince paleontologist Alan Grant (Sam Neill) and his protégé (Allesandro Nivola) to act as tour guides on a flyover trip to Isla Sorna, the ill-fated "Site B" where all hell broke loose in The Lost World: Jurassic Park. In truth, they're on a search-and-rescue mission to find their missing son (Trevor Morgan), and their plane crash is just the first of several enjoyably suspenseful sequences. Director Joe Johnston (October Sky) embraces the formulaic plot as a series of atmospheric set pieces, placing new and familiar dinosaurs in misty rainforests, fiery lakes, and mysterious valleys, turning JP3 into a thrill ride with impressive highlights (including a T. rex versus spinosaurus smack-down), adequate doses of wry humor (from the cowriters of Election), and an upbeat ending that's corny but appropriate, proving that the symptoms of sequelitis needn't be fatal. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

For Jurassic Park Lovers.......2007-08-26

All three movies in one convenient box! I purchased this set to replace my combination of VHS and DVD singles that made up my personal copies. The prints are excellent and well worth the price and convenience of having them as a stand alone set.

An All Time favourite!!!.......2007-08-24

Well, Well, Well!!! Jurassic Park 1,2 & 3. I have saw all of these movies on numerous occassions, however I decided to buy the boxset so I may watch them at my leisure. Jurassic Park ( all 3) deserve a 5star rating but I have a reason for giving them a 4star in this review which I will explain in a moment. Jurassic Park is the result of a brilliant mind combined with modern day technology and special effects. Its results are realistic dinosaurs in modern day and mans ability to get up close and personal with these critters. Tricerotops, brachiosaurs, T-Rex and an even more dangerous dinosaur than T-Rex whose name escapes me appears in the third. An ingenious idea of re-awakening a long extinct species comes true which I believe may have formed the basis of many a youngsters dream! In fact, it is the youngsters that cause me to give this review a 4star. The movies are geared towards all ages. What is needed is a realistic approach to what a dinosaur would do when the kids are NOT watching. Please, Please, Please make a Jurassic Park with an over 18's certificate. I bet the two kids would not escape the kitchen with the 3 raptors if it were for viewing only by an older audience!!! Even though such a movie may only exist in my dreams, for now JP 1,2&3 still amaze me. Thank you Stephen Spielberg, I cant wait to see what you come up with next!!!

Dino-tastic!!!.......2007-08-11

These movies let us live out the fantasy that dinosaurs still roam the earth. Special effects, storyline and creativeness of the director/writer is most enjoyable. Recommend to all prehistoric reptile lovers. Acting is a bit strained and characters could have been developed more. It's like most of the attention to detail was on the dino's and special effects and actors were thrown in as backdrop/afterthought.

Movie review.......2007-08-10

I am so happy I got this. It is a great deal for I love these movies

A LIFETIME WORTH'S OF DINASOURS.......2007-07-31

The first film here is the real wonder of the trilogy. Up to 1993 we simply hadn't seen anything special effects like those before, mix that with Spielberg's hability for suspense and you have yourself a classic. To me Jurassic Park has aged pretty well even though we've seen so many CGI movies since it first came out, perhaps many more than we would have wanted to.
"Lost World" is a mixed bag, most of the excesive human characters range from mediocre (the leads) to plain indifferent (the villains) and they really kill the film despite (again) great and improved special effects. I absolutely hated the "rich people are all bad " and "child in jeopardy" routines and found the gymanstics vs. raptors scene the worst thing Spielberg has done/will ever do in his life. Also, after a while of the raptors missing the heros you start to doubt if they're really motivated on getting them or keep on "just missing" them. Ad a first half hour when absolutely nothing relevant occurs and you get the idea what kind of sequel this is. Perhaps the problem is what Spielberg claims in the "making of" regarding the movie being born out of "popular demand", in other words, simply money.
I liked the third movie a lot more than I expected even though the raptors keep on miraculosly missing the leads. At the end of the movie you come to realize Sam Neil is a lot more capable on carrying this kind of movie by himself than Jeff Goldblum
I recently read they'r gearing up for Jurassic Park IV for 2008, personally after this trilogy and the new King Kong I feel I've had plenty of dinasours for a lifetime.

Average customer rating:

Nicely done
I AM IRON MAN!
Excellent intro to Iron Man
Yet another excuse to hate marvel!!!!!!!!!
Ending out of character. Good rental.

The Invincible Iron Man
Starring: Marc Worden , Gwendoline Yeo , Fred Tatasciore , Rodney Saulsberry , and Elisa Gabrielli
Director: Patrick Archibald , and Frank Paur
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000K7UBTI
Release Date: 2007-01-23

Description

Past and present collide in this epic adventure that reveals the origin of Iron Man. While raising the ruins of a long buried Chinese kingdom, billionaire inventor Tony Stark digs up far more than he bargained for. He unleashes an age-old prophecy that foretells the resurrection of the Mandarin, the emperor of China's darkest and most violent dynasty. In order to confront the destructive force, Tony creates an armored suit infused with high-tech weaponry. To stop the evil that he himself has raised form the earth, Tony must become his greatest invention everâ€"Iron Man! The newly born champion must travel to the four corners of the earth to battle the Mandarin's henchmen, the Elementalsâ€"four magical warriors who harness the power of the elementsâ€"earth, water, wind, and fireâ€"with deadly chemistry. But is the Iron Knight, as he his known in the prophecy, strong enough to defy fate and turn back the malevolent forces hell-bent on earth's destruction?

Customer Reviews:

Nicely done.......2007-09-13

It's a well done mix between CGI and hand drawn anymation and also it's a modern way to present a legendary Marvel hero. Recomended for all kind of Marvel fans.

I AM IRON MAN!.......2007-09-11

I thought this was a pretty good DVD. I think Marvel does a good job at the animation and also at making it interesting enough for adults and not on an insulting 'kiddy' level. One thing that you will find with these Marvel DVD's (at least the ones I have seen) they are not a 30 minute action fest like you would see on Saturday morning. They are really into telling the story so some might think it moves slowly. I like this cause it is more like a movie and less like a cheap roller coaster ride.

Excellent intro to Iron Man.......2007-08-14

I really liked the animation. The story, though diiferent in many ways from that of the comic, is very good. I have watched it several times and I continue to enjoy it.

Yet another excuse to hate marvel!!!!!!!!!.......2007-08-14

As a once die hard Marvel comic book fan, who still owns hundreds of mint condition X-men, Spider man, Punishers and various other titles. Let me say that these past recent years, I've been utterly disgusted with the heads currently in charge at Marvel. Much like the crappy Spider Man 3, Iron Man is yet another assembly line mediocre attempt by marvel to cash in off die hard fans nastalgia.
I wont go into detail concerning the plot of Iron Man, simply because its predictable, unbelievable, and just crappy all across the board.

As a kid, I hated D.C. comics, for reasons only die hard marvel fans can understand. Those cardboard cutout plots, the cape's, and generic goodguy badguy lines in the sand. While marvel represented a rebelousness, gen X, characters who were neither good nore bad, but existed in shadowy shades of gray. Yet thats how I felt as a kid.
Today, I cant pull myself away from the brilliance that is the Justice League cartoon series, Batman cartoons, and other D.C. projects. Simply because they go above and beyond creativity, allowing the artist to stay true to the characters while boldy pushing boundries. Iron Man, much like Spidey 3, the Fantastic Four movies, Dare Devil, the Punisher movie, Avengers cartoons, and other weak attempts by marvel to cash in, should be avoided at all cost people.

Ending out of character. Good rental........2007-08-11

I am old school too. Iron Man was born in Vietnam not China. In the interest of making the story more today that was okay. The story line was decent too. The ending was out of character. Are you an Iron Man fan? You know the movie is taking liberties with the character too. A bit overpriced at the moment. Definitely a good rental.

Average customer rating:

OUSTANDING - but long as heck
Visually stunning HD DVD with a so-so plot.
Excellent Showcase for HD-DVD
Higher Definition on Low Quality
The Bigger they are. . . . The harder they . . . well, you know!

King Kong (HD-DVD)
Starring: Adrien Brody , Kyle Chandler , Thomas Kretschmann , Naomi Watts , and Jack Black
Director: Peter Jackson
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: HD DVD

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ASIN: B000ICM5VW
Release Date: 2006-11-14

Customer Reviews:

OUSTANDING - but long as heck.......2007-09-13

This is really two movies in one if you ask me, there is the original King Kong in New York but then there was the addition of were he came from in the beginning.

This movie was probably the longest I've watched in many years but well worth the time invested. They managed to keep you on the edge in many parts while relaxing a little in others. My family actually stayed awake through the whole thing, this is a first in a long time as well. For a new version of a classic it really did the original justice and then some. It could have been easily split into 2 parts but was well worth leaving it as one as well.

Even though it's long I'm sure I'll be glad to watch this a few more times, though I'll have to make sure that I only do so on days that I know I will have the 3+ hour to sit around and do nothing. I think this a good bi-yearly video.

VIDEO QUALITY was just remarkably outstanding throughout the entire film! I don't think there was one scene that was not simply outstanding as far as quality goes.

Visually stunning HD DVD with a so-so plot........2007-08-14

This HD DVD is arguably the king of HD DVD demo material right now. The colors are sharp and vibrant, and the film is crystal clear. The audio is just as good. The only reason I took a star off is because the actual movie script is decent at best. Adrian Brody does a pretty good job, but overall the movie's plot is average. Luckily, I bought this movie for the stunning visual experience, so I'm not disappointed.

Excellent Showcase for HD-DVD.......2007-07-06

This is, by far, the best picture quality I have ever seen in HD. I have a half-dozen HD-DVDs and this one is clearly the best looking. Now I know why Microsoft packed this title in with the Xbox360 add-on drive. If you want to see what your HDTV can really do, check out this movie on HD-DVD. All I could say throughout watching this was "wow!". Every shot is ultra-sharp, no compression artifacts at all. Great colors, especially on the sky shots. Basically some of the most amazing footage I've ever seen.

I've never seen the movie before (not even the original) and I totally loved it. The whole production is top-notch. I didn't find it to be long at all. Jackson took as long as was necessary to tell the story properly. In fact, more movies should be 3 hours long. Despite what other people are saying about the CG effects, it is really only even barely noticeable on the stampede scene. Most people don't even realize how much special effects are used in the movie. Do you think King Kong is a man in a suit? Do you think Peter Jackson traveled back in time to film on location in new york city? Pretty much the whole movie is using some 3d graphics and green screen work. And it looks absolutely fabulous in HD.

Bottomline, this is an excellent showcase for HD-DVD. It is worth picking up just to see how good an HD-DVD can be on your HDTV. Highly recommended.

Higher Definition on Low Quality.......2007-06-01

The WETA folks must have took the year off when they were working on King Kong because this movie looks horrible in HD. The compositing errors and weak green screen work are only highlighted by the HD DVD's quality.

The Bigger they are. . . . The harder they . . . well, you know!.......2007-04-22

This movie is good.... The people on the island were more interesting than anything. King Kong did look cool and a little sense of sadness with his face expression and everything. I bought the HD DVD because they said this movie was amazing on it! Well, I must say that this HD DVD rocks! The clarity and clearness of the picture. Uhm, wow! The color of the pictures so alive! Uhm, wow! Even lol Jack Black look pretty good on HD. Uhm, another wow is the Actors. If you love the movie KING KONG, but the HD, you won't be disappointed. Can we be honest for a moment? I dont even care for the movie, but HD is AWESOME when it comes to the Big Black Kong of this movie! BUY IT! Atleast just for the HD! I give HIGH props for the picture of the Definition of this movie!

Average customer rating:

4 Hours of this?!
Fabulous graphics, refreshing scenes with min violence, cute love story & entertaining!
Dinorific!
Dinosaurs
Boringtopia

Dinotopia
Starring: David Thewlis , Tyron Leitso , Wentworth Miller , Katie Carr , and Jim Carter
Director: Marco Brambilla
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000687CX
Release Date: 2002-07-30

Product Description

Two brothers find themselves castaways on Dinotopia, a secret world where dinosaurs and humans coexist in harmony until their sources of power, the sunstones, begin to fail. The boys are the keys to Dinotopia's survival, and must journey to a dangerous forbidden territory in a last attempt to save their new home.

System Requirements:
Starring: David Thewlis, Katie Carr, Jim Carter, Alice Krige, Tyron Leitso, Wentworth Miller, Colin Salmon, and Stuart Wilson.
Directed By: Marco Brambilla.
Running Time: 240 Min., Color.
This film is presented in "Standard" format.
Copyright 2002 Artisan Entertainment.

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

Kids will love this sweeping story of two brothers whose plane crashes on a mysterious island called Dinotopia, where human beings live in harmony with dinosaurs--the herbivores, anyway. The carnivores present a problem, as the humans' defenses against them--a mystical power source called sunstones--are losing strength. As they try to save the island, Carl and David (Tyron Leitso and Wentworth Miller) struggle not only with tyrannosaurs and prehistoric crocodiles, but also with repressive Dinotopian traditions and a scheming malcontent (David Thewlis) who stirs up all kinds of trouble. Meanwhile, they also wrestle with each other over the lovely daughter of the mayor of Waterfall City (Katie Carr). The pacifist ideals of Dinotopia are refreshing, but it's the special effects that will hook viewers: riding on the backs of brachiosaurs, flying atop pteranadons, arguing in court with triceratops and ankylosaurs--anyone fascinated with dinosaurs (and who isn't?) will enjoy this whimsical fantasy. A host of British character actors also helps keep the human side of this four-hour miniseries lively; Alice Krige (also known as the Borg Queen in Star Trek: The Next Generation) gets a much more benevolent role here. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

4 Hours of this?!.......2007-08-14

4 hours of sheer stupidity, poorly told, totally ridiculous fantasy. Watch something else, believe me!

Fabulous graphics, refreshing scenes with min violence, cute love story & entertaining!.......2007-06-25

I never read the Dinotopia books as a child so watching this movie was a real treat! I did not have any book storylines to make comparison while watching it so I just went along for the ride and watched all three series on Sci Fi channel one night. The two brothers, David & Tyron, (Wentworth Miller and Carl Scott in real life) had a love & hate or typical rivalry many brothers go through, especially "half-brothers" and it could teach some lessons to kids that "love defeats everything". When their father's plane crashed and they ended in an uncharted island, the adventure begins. Naturally, the two were in awe of the place where dinosaurs and humans live in harmony. Humans are descendants of those who also ended up in the island but could not go back to their former homes. The brothers became infatuated with the same girl, Marion (Katie Carr, the Waterfall City's daughter who studied Dinasaurs since her childhood. She loves nature and animals so Tyron and David learned many things from her about Dinotopia. There is also an intelligent/professor dinosaur named Zippo who helped the two brothers save the island. Of course, there is a villain who's main goal is to get out of the island so just watch for him.

As the movie progress, David, an introvert, became a pilot flying on skybacks in a place that resembled The Grand Canyon while the extrovert David had to learn patience through nursing a baby dinasaur. I puchased the DVD set so my toddler can watch it and enjoy the story when he's old enough to understand the plots... This is a great family movie despite the negative reviews others have posted. Don't let that deter from watching it because it is a treat for those who appreciate good movies other than sex and violence which you won't find here! The graphics especially of Waterfall City was just fab! Need not to mention Prison Break star Wentworth Miller starred here as one of his first major roles.

Dinorific!.......2007-06-08

Along with my kids (ranging in age from 5-17), I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. The graphics are excellent and the storyline kept us all glued to the television. Violence is at a minimum and there is no swearing or nudity. Clean family enjoyment.

Dinosaurs.......2007-04-17

I bought this DVD for my boys ages 4 and 7. They absolutely love this movie. Since it is a mini series they never actually get through watching the whole thing but they do like what they end up seeing. The story is, of course, completely unrealistic but what isn't these days? The acting is just OK and the story is a little over my younger ones head but there are dinosaurs...and that's all that really matters.. It is worth it if your kids like anything having to do with prehistoric creatures.

Boringtopia.......2007-04-12

I'm not even sure why ABC thinks they can get away with naming their movies after books. They aren't usually very inspired about following the books or they do a bad job getting actors, set makers, and CGI artists. The vast majority of their movies I have seen were boring. So unless you really are bored or you just want background for something else you are doing I can't recommend this movie. I hadn't read the book, but I knew enough about them to know this movie did a poor job trying to emulate it. Not only that I approached this with an open mind, but about a half hour in I knew this was a stinker. Small children may be slightly entertained but I doubt it as the two boys fight all the time and do really stupid things.

Average customer rating:

SHE's the one...
WOW! But then.........what would you expect?
Review of the other Reviews
Lost World Classic Found!
SHE...who must be obeyed

She (Deluxe Two Disc Edition)
Starring: Helen Gahagan , Randolph Scott , Helen Mack , Nigel Bruce , and Noble Johnson
Director: Lansing C. Holden , and Irving Pichel
Manufacturer: Kino Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000RW5C2W
Release Date: 2007-08-21

Customer Reviews:

SHE's the one..........2007-09-13

This is in response to the viewer who wanted more details about the 2-disc special edition of SHE. Without giving away too much of the plot, the story basically involves some brave adventurers who head off on an expedition to a faraway land with the hope of finding a lost civilization rumored to possess a mysterious power source that can give eternal youth. After a perilous journey, the explorers eventually locate the ancient people but run into trouble when they meet the cold-blooded female leader of the kingdom.

This new edition of SHE includes both a colorized version of the film and a restored print of the original B&W feature, along with a second disc full of bonus material. For me, however, the main reason for getting this newer release of the film is that it's an expanded version that runs about 8 minutes longer than the original.

As for the film itself, SHE is one of the all-time great adventure movies. One might quibble that there could have been a little more action instead of some lengthy sequences dealing with the sacrificial ceremonies and such, but it still has a thought-provoking mix of mystery and excitement that truly holds your attention. If you liked the original KING KONG or JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH with James Mason, you're bound to enjoy this movie and it's certainly worth adding to your collection.

If you already own the previous Kino edition of SHE, this new version does indeed offer some impressive enhancements, so if you really love the movie I'd say it's worth the price to replace your old copy. If you're just a casual fan, though, the older DVD is perfectly acceptable. Bottom line: SHE is always a winner.

WOW! But then.........what would you expect?.......2007-09-13

Ah, they don't make them like this any more. Still my favorite version of a truly classic love story - think of it as a distaff version of the 1933 "The Mummy". H. Rider Haggard's "She" is one of those classics that has been filmed EIGHT times. This version, from 1935, is probably the most faithful to the spirit of Haggard's novel, despite some very, VERY odd changes to the plot.

Everyone will associate Nigel Bruce with his unforgiveably buffonish portrayal of Dr. Watson in the Basil Rathbone Holmes series. Here, four years before the first of those were filmed, he plays the part of Holly, a bit of miscasting if ever there was one. Fortunately, he quickly fades into the background once things get moving. Helen Gahagan, a well-known stage actress, plays the immortal Ayesha, "She Who Must Be Obeyed". The agonized, piercing shriek she makes when seeing her injured lost love for the first time in 500 years is worth the entire film - its horrifying notes of despair and loss raise my hair just remembering it. Randolph Scott and Helen Mack are more products of their time - a bit stiff and stolid, working their ways through the film rather than really grabbing you. Surpringly good special effects and make-up, especially at the avalanche scene and the ending.

This release features both the original black-and-white version, and one that's been "colorized". Colorization technology has come a long way since it's introduction over 20 years ago, and those of you who remember those early efforts, where the monotone shades seemed to follow their subjects a few milliseconds behind the action, should at least audition this DVD to see how far things have progressed. MOST effective is the shading given to the extensive matte paintings (thank goodness!), in many scenes giving a terrific sense of scale and distance missing from the B&W version. The massive sets also come across very convincingly and to me are the closest to what I'd pictured in reading the novel. Anyone who considers themselves a "purist" needs to consider that this isn't "Citizen Kane": Cooper would have filmed it in color if he'd had the budget, and this is a far cry from the cheesy early attempts.

The letdown: the human sacrifice scene. I haven't seen so much camp since "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls". Besides the dancing cavemen (what, do they do this so often that they're really good at synchronized syncopations?), we get a marching band! (Watch for the drummer in the middle with the psychotic grin on his face. Makes me wonder what the heck was going on in his head!)

Good extras, including the Harryhausen interview on the colorization. Recommended to all.

Review of the other Reviews.......2007-09-08

I just read the four posted reviews of this movie hoping to get some inkling of what it's about in order to decide if I should buy it or not. Unfortunately I find I know no more about the movie plot or theme after reading the posted reviews than I did before I read them. My review is directed to all who post reviews for all movies on Amazon. Write your review for people who haven't seen the movie and have little or no knowledge of it. Having read the posted reviews, I still don't know if this movie is about a chimpanzee in a hot air ballon, a murder mystry, a comedy or an what happens to an ice cream cone on a hot day. Somebody, anybody, what's the movie about?????

Lost World Classic Found!.......2007-09-02

"SHE" is a perfect example of classic Hollywood adventure film. Merian C Cooper produced spectacular moments ( the avalanche) and some priceless camp (during the human sacrifice production number I expected Fred and Ginger to appear at any moment). The colorized version reminds me of those Maria Montez technicolored extravanzas which were clearly influence by this films rich if slightly wacky art direction which feature both Art Deco palaces and dancing cave men. ( Was this film suppose to be a musical?) One thing for sure- they don't make them like this anymore !

SHE...who must be obeyed.......2007-08-25

Wouldn't you think that the studio that gave us the greatest of fantasies of it's age in KING KONG would have garnered so much more in financial kudos than they recieved ? It seems RKO was to go the fateful route that Carl Denham took into obscurity and financial ruin. After SON OF KONG, RKO released SHE and without the financial support needed for the undertaking. It was to be in color and to include scenes of wooly mammoths and saber-toothed tigers and such but all was not to be as the budget was drastically cut. Back again was Helen Mack from SON OF KONG and also starred Randolph Scott, which who's part was supposed to be played by Joel McCrea who played aside Fay Wray in THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME which was filmed during the production of KING KONG.

This DVD release honors the desire of Merian C. Cooper to release this film in color as it never was but done so now under the cooperation and direction of our beloved Ray Harryhausen, I'm sure as a tribute to the desires of Cooper himself.

Do not be put off by the "colorization" of this film. It was the desire of Merian to be seen this way-we've just increased the budget a bit so we can all see what he wanted us to see.

RKO went away quietly with the Desilu buy out but will always be remembered as the studio that brought us some of the great films of the 30's, as we should not forget SHE, She who must be obeyed.

Tideland: Jeremy Thomas Presents A Film By Terry Gilliam

Average customer rating:

Jeliza-Rose In Wonderland
Alice in Wonderland for the criminally insane
An underrated gem!
The Tide is High
A challenging, phantasmagorical clash between child id and Gilliam ego

Tideland: Jeremy Thomas Presents A Film By Terry Gilliam
Director: Terry Gilliam
Manufacturer: Velocity / Thinkfilm
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000KB4898
Release Date: 2007-02-27

Description

A young girl (Jodelle Ferland) lives in a terrifying and gruesome world. When her father (Jeff Bridges) takes her away to a rural farmhouse, she finds herself in a bizarre fantasy world where only her dolls' heads keep her company. When she meets a mentally damaged man and a tall ghost-like woman, the line between her imagination and reality quickly disappears. Tideland is a spine-chilling tale from the visionary mind of acclaimed director Terry Gilliam.

Customer Reviews:

Jeliza-Rose In Wonderland.......2007-08-27

Terry Gilliam pretty much sums up what I would say about this gem of a movie in his introduction on the DVD. "If it's shocking, it's because it's innocent." {You'll know what I mean when you see it}. And it is true, you will either love it or you will hate it. It's easy to tell why for both reasons. He directs a very interesting and creative interpretation of Alice in Wonderland. I personally liked it a lot, and it's very interesting to see a modern, twisted version of Wonderland as a child's odd imagination: Throughout Tideland, Jeliza-Rose is kept company by her doll's heads on her fingers while roaming the prarie looking for imaginative adventure. She gets more than she bargained for after meeting some strange people with even stranger intentions. Not only that, but reality becomes ancient history with the stuff she experiences because of her "over-spontaneous" imagination and a few squirrels...

I also thoroughly enjoyed the interview with Terry Gilliam on the second special features DVD. He talked about the tough times in making the film, and he talks about the easy ones, and he also speaks about working with the actors. It can be funny that even he forgot certain aspects about the details of the film, such as the names of Jeliza-Rose's doll heads.

If you keep an open mind about Tideland, you're bound to enjoy it as much as I did with some quite amazing performances. I recommend it for anyone who wants to go on a fun kind of journey into the unpredictably strange.

Alice in Wonderland for the criminally insane.......2007-08-21

As was stated by the director, you'll love it or hate it. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was darkly funny, sad, and morbidly fascinating. The acting was outlandish, and it fit the surreal quality of the film. If you lack imagination, don't bother. Watch it with an open mind, and you may really enjoy this gem of a film.

An underrated gem!.......2007-08-10

As stated on Terry Gilliam's introduction to the DVD, there will be those who will love this film, and there will be those who will hate this film. Then, there will be those who are left in the middle. Admittedly, the first time that I saw this film, I was in the latter group. That's probably because I was watching it with a group of friends who were totally not into it at the time, and that may have ruined the vibe. Later on, when I was reflecting over what I had seen, I realized that it was an experience that I wanted to have again - only this time, I would have it alone, in the privacy of my own room, no interruptions. Let's just say, I was captivated.

This is one of the most bizzare, disturbing, and powerful films that I've ever seen. Terry Gilliam is right. TRY to see this film through the eyes of a ten year old. Give over to the imaginitive quality of the film. You will find that if you do this, it's like being transported into an entirely different world. A world you would never want to encounter in real life, but that's really beside the point. What we have here, adventurous cinephiles of the world, is a masterpiece. A masterpiece that was misunderstood and overlooked by almost everyone. Mainstream audiences aren't going to "get it". It's not for the mainstream, really. It's an adult - and I stress ADULT - fantasy into a nightmarish world. It reminded me of "Pan's Labyrinth". Both strong films, but strong in entirely different ways. Terry Gilliam is a visionary, right up there with David Lynch. I have a feeling that later on down the road, "Tideland" will be considered a classic.

It already is, in my opinion! Highly recommended! For adults only.

The Tide is High.......2007-08-04

My how fashions change! This film came out the same time as Guillermo de Toro's frighteningly overpraised "Pan's Labyrinth". The films share very simillar themes- especially the power of childish magical thinking in the face of appalling adult realities. The trendy del Toro can do no wrong right now. In a land where fashionable consumption defines one's self worth- fashionable film makers like del Toro thrive (for the time being), while been-around-the-block directors like Terry Gilliam languish.

Terry is no longer fashionable. Maybe it was "The Brothers Grimm" that did it- who knows?

Why did people think "Pan's" was manna from heaven and "Tideland" should be burned? Maybe they were made uncomfortable by the later film's more adult themes- especially the sexual ones which are admitedly somewhat shocking- although presented as tastefully as possible. Maybe because this is a frightening and truly American nightmare world- one that more people here could identify with- a world ravaged by drugs, poverty, abuse and ingrown fundamentalism. It's easier to stand in judgement of the Spanish civil war than it is the modern American heartland.

"Pan's" ultimately left the viewer with a new-agey feel-good ending and "Tideland" doesn't pander. Gilliam's is a Godless world.

While I wouldn't exactly call "Tideland" entertaining, I could not take my eyes off of it. While some of it's images and situations were undeniably bizarre and disturbing, I would wince but kept watching. This film, unlike most these days, is completely original, with a truly unpredictable plot. While it is certainly outrageous and artsy, it is also completely accessible. We know exactly what is happening to our child heroine at all times and what she is thinking, no matter where her little mind takes her or which of her disembodied doll heads is speaking.

This movie has "cult" written all over it. It's long and slow and truly weird- it will never be a party cult film like "Rocky Horror" or "Showgirls". File this one next to "Eraserhead".

In the meanwhile, wait a few decades for the rest of the world to catch up. By then del Toro will be on the "out" list and the critics will have "rediscovered" this truly one-of-a-kind creation.

A challenging, phantasmagorical clash between child id and Gilliam ego.......2007-08-02

You'll squirm, you'll laugh, you'll be (at times) captivated by the creativity. You may even wince. And you may swoon.

Co-screenwriter and director Terry Gilliam has long been fixated on the phantasmagoria of life, the clash of those titanic forces, Id and Ego. And "Tideland" is thusly tempest tossed.

Gilliam, with his signature visual sense and non-sense, goes to the jugular of the dichotomy between the brave light we would like ourselves to be, masters of our surroundings and fate, the love and innocence and comfort we wish to hold dear, the desire to be cared for... and the dark dangers and disasters and ghosts and creeping, tragic doubts and failings and frailties in ourselves that can scare us half to death and bring us down and even drive us crazy.

Not all children have rich fantasy lives. Not all children are tested early on by such things as the death of a parent, of abandonment, of surreal confusion, of utter isolation and imagination gone wild. And grown-ups tend to turn away from those fantastical riches of childhood. (Some of those adults have expressed their distaste and distress in other reviews of "Tideland".) Gilliam is drawn to characters who DO sink and swim in the deep recesses of the raucous, raging, sensual Id.

"Tideland" is challenging and, in a few scenes, disturbing. And it is, in many scenes, lovely and lyrical to see. AND it is a test of each viewer. Those who enjoy "Tideland" most, I am sure, are liberal, in the overarching sense of the word, glad to see others try, no matter how much they might disagree -- and able to walk a ways in another man's shoes -- as Atticus said to Scout in "To Kill a Mockingbird," just one literary and artistic reference which comes to mind while watching this film. And "Alice in Wonderland" doesn't just appear in the film by chance; this is Gilliam's Alice, who was, we should recall, not only a literary character but also a real little girl, on whom the author Lewis Carroll had a rather taboo crush. Yes, here too, as has been said, taboos abound.

Artistic endeavors often relish tackling taboos, and Gilliam is an old swashbuckler in this vein. He seems to ask: what wonder would heaven be without the horror, the horror of our darkest trials. He doesn't just rattle the skeletons in our closets, he intends to show we ARE those skeletons.

Those viewers who do not shy away from recognizing the fears of youth and being compassionate toward those fears, those who can recall the interplay of fear and relief, of conquering ghosts, of going through hell and being resilient enough to find comfort, to accept love and to come out the other side finding their own sanity both in doubt and enriched, may come to appreciate "Tideland."

Average customer rating:

Excellent take on Atlantis
Very authentic source for Atlantean language (Dig Adlantisag)
Does just as much things right as it does wrong
Grand, song-free adventure
Holes in the Plot but Nice to Watch

Atlantis - The Lost Empire
Starring: Michael J. Fox , Corey Burton , Claudia Christian , James Garner , and John Mahoney
Director: Kirk Wise , and Gary Trousdale
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005RDSQ
Release Date: 2002-01-29

Amazon.com

The Disney Studio was built on innovation in animation, so it seems ironic that Atlantis is both a bold departure and highly derivative, borrowing heavily from anime, video games, and graphic novels. Instead of songs and fuzzy little animals, the artists offer an action-adventure set in 1914: nerdy linguist Milo Thatch (Michael J. Fox) believes he's found the location of the legendary Lost Continent. An eccentric zillionaire sends Milo out to test his hypothesis with an anachronistic crew that includes tough Puerto Rican mechanic Audrey (Jacqueline Obradors), demolition expert Vinnie (Don Novello), and butt-kicking blond adventurer Helga (Claudia Christian). When they find Atlantis, its culture is dying because the people can no longer read the runes that explain their mysterious power source--but Milo can. Nasty Commander Rourke (James Garner) attempts to steal that power source, leading to the requisite all-out battle.

Atlantis offers some nifty battle scenes, including an attack on a Jules Verne-esque submarine by a giant robotic trilobite and fishlike flying cars. But the film suffers from major story problems. If Princess Kida (Cree Summer) remembers her civilization at its height, why can't she read the runes? Why doesn't Milo's crew notice that the Atlanteans live for centuries? The angular designs are based on the work of comic book artist Mike Mignola (Hellboy), and the artists struggle with the characters' stubby hands, skinny limbs, and pointed jaws. The result is a film that will appeal more to 10-year-old boys than to family audiences.

Suitable for ages 8 and up: violence, scary imagery, tobacco use, and a difficult-to-follow story. --Charles Solomon

Description

From the creative team who brought you THE LION KING and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST comes an exciting quest of adventure and discovery. Join the expedition and search below the sea for one of the greatest mysteries of all time ... ATLANTIS: THE LOST EMPIRE. The world's most highly qualified crew of archaeologists and explorers are led by historian Milo Thatch as they board the incredible 1,000-foot submarine Ulysses and head deep into the mysteries of the sea. The underwater expedition takes an unexpected turn when the team's mission must switch from exploring Atlantis to protecting it. Filled with stunning visual effects, this captivating story is loaded with laughs and messages of friendship and teamwork. Dive into ATLANTIS: THE LOST EMPIRE -- it's an adventure your family will enjoy taking over and over again.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent take on Atlantis.....