John Wayne-John Ford Film Collection (The Searchers Ultimate Edition / Stagecoach Two-Disc Special Edition / Fort Apache / She Wore a Yellow Ribbon / The Long Voyage Home / They Were Expendable / 3 Godfathers / The Wings of Eagles)

Amazon.com

There may be no better representation of America's love of the old West than the 10-disc John Ford-John Wayne Collection. The iconic star and iconic director collaborated on 14 films, eight of which appear here. Four--Fort Apache (1948), The Long Voyage Home (1940), The Wings of Eagles (1957), and 3 Godfathers (1948)--are appearing for the first time on DVD, and the two most famous, Stagecoach (1939) and The Searchers (1956), are represented in brand-new two-disc editions that add new and old featurettes as well as the outstanding American Masters documentary John Ford/John Wayne: The Filmmaker and the Legend. (This Ultimate Edition of The Searchers adds a variety of printed materials as well, such as reproductions of press materials and a 1956 comic book.) Two other landmark films previously available on DVD, They Were Expendable (1945) and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949), round out the set. The three non-Westerns in the set have military settings, with They Were Expendable arguably the greatest World War II picture ever.

The Movies:
A favorite film of some of the world's greatest filmmakers, including Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg, John Ford's The Searchers has earned its place in the legacy of great American films for a variety of reasons. Perhaps most notably, it's the definitive role for John Wayne as an icon of the classic Western--the hero (or antihero) who must stand alone according to the unwritten code of the West. The story takes place in Texas in 1868; Wayne plays Ethan Edwards, a Confederate veteran who visits his brother and sister-in-law at their ranch and is horrified when they are killed by marauding Comanches. Ethan's search for a surviving niece (played by young Natalie Wood) becomes an all-consuming obsession. With the help of a family friend (Jeffrey Hunter) who is himself part Cherokee, Ethan hits the trail on a five-year quest for revenge. At the peak of his masterful talent, director Ford crafts this classic tale as an embittered examination of racism and blind hatred, provoking Wayne to give one of the best performances of his career. As with many of Ford's classic Westerns, The Searchers must contend with revisionism in its stereotypical treatment of "savage" Native Americans, and the film's visual beauty (the final shot is one of the great images in all of Western culture) is compromised by some uneven performances and stilted dialogue. Still, this is undeniably one of the greatest Westerns ever made.

The landmark Western Stagecoach began the legendary relationship between Ford and Wayne, and became the standard for all subsequent Westerns. It solidified Ford as a major director and established Wayne as a charismatic screen presence. Seen today, Stagecoach still impresses as the first mature instance of a Western that is both mythic and poetic. The story about a cross-section of troubled passengers unraveling under the strain of Indian attack contains all of Ford's incomparable storytelling trademarks--particularly swift action and social introspection--underscored by the painterly landscape of Monument Valley. And what an ensemble of actors: Thomas Mitchell (who won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar as the drunken doctor), Claire Trevor, Donald Meek, Andy Devine, and the magical John Carradine.

Fort Apache stars Wayne as a Cavalry officer used to doing things a certain way out West at Fort Apache. Along comes a rigid, new commanding officer (Henry Fonda) who insists that everything on his watch be done by the book, including dealings with local Indians. The results are mixed: greater discipline at the fort, but increased hostilities with the natives. Ford deliberately leaves judgments about the wisdom of these changes ambiguous, but he also allows plenty of room for the fullness of life among the soldiers and their families to blossom. Fonda, in an unusual role for him, is stern and formal as the new man in charge; Wayne is heroic as the rebellious second; Victor McLaglen provides comic relief; and Ward Bond is a paragon of sturdy and sentimental masculinity. All of this is set against the magnificent, poetic topography of Monument Valley. This is easily one of the greatest of American films.

She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, the second installment of Ford's famous cavalry trilogy (which also includes Fort Apache and Rio Grande), continues the director's fascination with history's obliteration of the past. It features one of John Wayne's more sensitive performances as Capt. Nathan Brittles, a stern yet sentimental war horse who has difficulty preparing for his impending military retirement. It's a film about honor and duty as well as loneliness and mortality. And Oscar-winner Winton C. Hoch beautifully photographs it in Remington-like Technicolor tones. The combination of melancholy and farce (Victor McLaglen makes a perfect court jester) evokes comparisons to Shakespeare. Best of all, the scene in which Wayne fights back tears when receiving a gold watch from his troops is unforgettably bittersweet. If you view the whole trilogy, it actually makes sense to save this for last.

It's hardly shameful that Three Godfathers ranks as the slightest John Ford Western in a five-year arc that includes My Darling Clementine, Fort Apache, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, Wagon Master, and Rio Grande. The story had already been filmed at least five times--once by Ford himself. Just before Christmas, three workaday outlaws (John Wayne, Pedro Armendáriz, Harry Carey Jr.) rob a bank and flee into the desert. The canny town marshal (Ward Bond) moves swiftly to cut them off from the wells along their escape route, so they make for another, deep in the wasteland. There's no water waiting for them, but there is a woman (Mildred Natwick) on the verge of death--and also of giving birth. The three badmen accept her dying commission as godfathers to the newborn. Motley variants of the Three Wise Men, they strike out for the town of New Jerusalem with her Bible as roadmap. Ford's is the softest retelling of the tale, but it's all played with great gusto and tenderness--especially by Wayne, who's rarely been more appealing. Visually the film is one knockout shot after another. This was Ford's first Western in Technicolor, as well as his first collaboration with cinematographer Winton Hoch. What they do with sand ripples and shadows and long plumes of train smoke is rapturously beautiful. It's also often too arty by half, but who can blame them?

Eugene O'Neill loved The Long Voyage Home, the feature-length adaptation of his one-act sea plays, with intelligent bridging material written by Dudley Nichols and a final movement, both hellish and elegiac, appropriate to the onset of World War II. John Ford directed, in his more self-consciously arty vein but with no loss of power or passion. The focus is on the working seamen aboard a merchant ship making its way from the Caribbean to New York harbor and then England, with dangerous cargo on the transatlantic leg. Thomas Mitchell (who had won a 1939 Oscar in Ford's Stagecoach) gives a career-best performance as Driscoll; Ian Hunter plays the enigmatic shipmate known only as "Smitty"; Ford regulars Barry Fitzgerald, John Qualen, Ward Bond, Arthur Shields, and Joseph Sawyer fill key roles; and the top-billed John Wayne contributes a surprisingly effective supporting performance as Ole, a gentle Swedish giant who really belongs on a farm somewhere. Although neglected in recent years, this movie has a permanent place of honor in one of the most amazing three-year creative streaks any director ever had.

John Ford had a big emotional investment in The Wings of Eagles, and his favorite star John Wayne rewarded the director with one of his strongest performances. The subject is Frank "Spig" Wead, Naval aviation legend turned Hollywood screenwriter, who had written Ford's very good 1932 movie Air Mail and his magnificent WWII elegy They Were Expendable (1945). Ford was fond of exploring the theme of "victory in defeat." Wead's life was made to order for that. The hell-raising flyboy shenanigans, and his flailing marriage to a scrappy Irish redhead (The Quiet Man's Maureen O'Hara reporting for duty), were abruptly curtailed by a fall that left him with severe spinal damage. He should never have been able to walk again, but he fought his way back to limited mobility and built a new career as a writer. And when WWII broke out, Wead made a key contribution to the Pacific air war. It would be satisfying to report that The Wings of Eagles is a triumph--that the broad comedy of the early reels cuts brilliantly against the raw pain of the Weads' marriage, the grief of a family broken and mended and broken again, the film's specters of death and deep frustration. There are powerful moments, but the low comedy is very low, the visual style sometimes stark but more often just drab, and the screenplay is very choppy about the passage of time.

They Were Expendable is the greatest American film of the Second World War, made by America's greatest director, John Ford, who himself saw action from the Battle of Midway through D-day. Yet it's been oddly neglected. Or perhaps not so oddly: for as the matter-of-fact title implies, the film commemorates a period, from the eve of Pearl Harbor up to the impending fall of Bataan, when the Japanese conquest of the Pacific was in full cry and U.S. forces were fighting a desperate holding action. Although stirring movies had been made about these early days, they were gung ho in their resolve to see the tables turned. They Were Expendable, however, which was made when Allied victory was all but assured, is profoundly elegiac, with the patient grandeur of a tragic poem. "They" are the officers and men of the Navy's PT boat service, an experimental motor-torpedo force relegated to courier duty on Manila Bay but eventually proven effective in combat. Their commander is played by Robert Montgomery, who actually served on a PT and later commanded a destroyer at Normandy (he also codirected the breathtaking second-unit action sequences). John Wayne's costarring role as Montgomery's volatile second-in-command initially looks stereotypically blustery, but as the drama unfolds, Wayne sounds notes of tenderness and vulnerability that will take Duke-bashers by surprise. They Were Expendable is a heartbreakingly beautiful film, full of astonishing images of warfare, grief, courage, and dignity. This is a masterpiece.

Description

John Ford was easily one of the greatest, most prolific and versatile directors Hollywood ever produced. Combined with a star of the caliber and magnetism of John Wayne, what emerges is pure cinematic magic. WHV now introduces a ten-disc set featuring eight of the team's finest collaborations: The Searchers: Ultimate Collector's Edition (1956) Stagecoach: Special Edition (1939) Fort Apache (1948) The Long Voyage Home (1940) Wings of Eagles (1957) She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1948) They Were Expendable (1945) 3 Godfathers (1948)

Customer Reviews:

What a collection.......2007-08-29

John Ford and John Wayne had a true kinship with each other. This shows on the films featured in this collection. Ford could always bring out the best in Wayne and the proof of that is in "The Searchers". Probably the best role that Wayne ever played. This is a great collection and the films will remind you of when Hollywood still knew how to make films....

What a Deal........2007-04-28

A lot has been said about this collection. I would just like to point out that the price can't be beat either. The Searchers disk alone would set you back 35 dollars. The Stagecoach another 20. The other six DVD's are free. About 60 to 70 dollars worth. Man you can't do any better. I already had The Wings of Eagles and The Long Voyage Home. The set DVD's are identical to the DVD's I already had, so this isn't a stripped down set at all.

Superb John Wayne.......2007-03-22

An excellent selection of John Wayne movies. The Searchers has been rated one of his best with She Wore a Yellow Ribbon my all time favorite. Fort Apache is excellent also. The Long Voyage and They were Expendable were minor roles for him but all in all a great collection of films. The man became the all american hero even before his passing.

8 Films By Two Screen Legends.......2007-03-19

This is one of the larger collections that came out last year and whatever else you may think about John Wayne, he was the most prolific star of his (perhaps of all) time, twice the output of Humphrey Bogart, for example.

John Ford was also quite prolific but many of his early ones are lost. Still, his place and time as one of the great auteurs intrigues many of cinephile.

Some favorites are missing but are available, such as "Rio Grande", "The Quiet Man" and "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance". The extras for this set are in some cases, non existant, while some are repeats, but the main reason to own this set is for the films themselves.

"Stagecoach" - This 1939 Western stands as the turning point for both Ford's and especially Wayne's careers. This is also quite an ensemble piece for which Donald Meek, Thomas Mitchell (was Oscar for this), John Caradine, Andy Devine, George Bancroft, Louise Pratt and Berton Churchill spend much screen time as the occupants of the stagecoach along with JW and Clair Trevor. Wayne and Trevor provide the love story, she as the whore being run out of town, he the vengeful outlaw who Bancroft wants to lock up for Wayne's own good. But all are misfits in this journey and even though quite laughable today, a fun movie to watch. Alas, the native Americans are basically just ducks in a shooting gallery.

"The Long Voyage Home" is another ensemble piece and does have the odd casting of Wayne as the big Swede who doesn't hit back. Mitchell returns and is actually the main character in this movie, which does have the great bittersweet language of Eugene O'Neil. This offers what a good actor Ward Bond was when called to be when he has his death scene.

"They Were Expendable" Ford won two Oscars for documentaries shot in World War Two. Wayne made many war pictures but this is my favorite one. The dialogue and settings are quite believable for the most part and Robert Montgomery displays dignity as the one in charge. A nice haunting scene is when Wayne gets caught off talking to Donna Reed with the realization he might never see her again. This also has none of the crazy heroics that many films had (Wayne guilty in many of those) and a good humor with the supporting characters.

"3 Godfathers" is truly an offbeat film. Wayne, Pedro Amadariz and Harry Carey, Jr., are actually bank robbers, quite likable though, who save a woman's baby while running away from sheriff Ward Bond. It is through this baby that the three find redemption though it's only Wayne who has the happy ending. In its way, this is a very spiritual film.

"Fort Apache" is actually my favorite film here. Fords prints the facts and shows them distorted by Wayne for his benefit who he can effectively lead the troop. Henry Fonda plays quite the unsympathic custer character who tricks Cochise to come back. The scene that Fonda has with Cochise, who laments in Spanish the deplorable conditions but chills the white man's chilling response, is brilliant. The adult Shirley Temple provides support here with the bland John Agar. Also very good, Ward Bond, Victor McLagden and Pedro Armandariz.

"She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" is quite a melodramtic film with Wayne talking to tombstones and weeping half the time. Still, great comedic support from Victor McLagden. "Don't apolagize, it's a sign of weakness" Wayne repeats over and over. However, both Agar and Carey, Jr., aren't given much to do. Ben Johnson does what he does best. It's interesting that George O'Brien was Ford's big star in the silent era and here and Fort Apache just strictly a sad character actor. Still, John Wayne makes this watchable and the gold watch scene quite effective.

"The Searchers" which along with "Stagecoach" gets a second disk of extras. This is the definitive Wayne-Ford movie, as good as any film noir as the antihero makes good. Wayne plays the racist Ethan Edwards and Jeff Hunter co stars as the other searcher who must accompany Wayne before Wayne finds and murders his niece, played by the beautiful Natalie Wood. The firing into the dead Indian's eyes, the shooting of buffalo, the shooting of Indians in the back, the digust of looking at white women are among the most powerful scenes Wayne or Ford have ever done. It would have been interesting if Wayne actually killed Wood because that's the actual story, but thank God he didn't. This film is not a comfortable film to watch and it's not intended to be. The race issues it addresses still hold true today.

"The Wings of Eagles" is in my opinion, the weakest Wayne-Ford movie. There's no sense of period. The slapstick doesn't work for me and Maureen O'Hara's character's alcoholism is never addressed. However, Wayne's determination to move that toe, strongly assisted by Dan Dailey, makes up for a lot. Also, way too briefly, Ward Bond as John Ford. Also fun is hearing Wayne's comment of bringing in the seventh calvary when viewing an early Clark Gable movie.

SPANISH SUBTITLES MISSING - IT'S A PITY!!!!.......2007-03-11

Despite the DVD label states subtitles available in English, French and Spanish, NO SPANISH SUBTITLES ARE AVAILABLE IN THIS FILM. Unbelievable such a top level collection with this mismatch!

I would have enjoyed a complete understanding of the film, given I am an enthusiastic cinematography student, and even worse: I am a Spanish speaker!!! My sister is now writing for me!!

Thanks to Amazon for its fine service in Argentina.

PABLO GALARZA

Average customer rating:

Morally Bankrupt
Great movie and great music
It isn't pretty, but it's real.
Skins
powerful!!!

Skins
Starring: Joseph American Horse , Nathaniel Arcand , Wilda Asimont , Dave Bald Eagle , and Bruce Bennett (IV)
Manufacturer: First Look Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000087F0X
Release Date: 2003-03-25

Amazon.com

A dark and moving tale of bitter helplessness turned to vigilante rage, Skins is the second feature film directed by Chris Eyre (Smoke Signals). As with the previous movie, Skins concerns two very different and determined protagonists who have grown up together: a cop, Rudy Yellow Lodge (Eric Schweig), on the Lakota reservation's police force, and his older brother Mogie (Graham Greene), an unrepentant drunk. Frustrated by Mogie's self-destruction and outraged by rampant alcoholism throughout the rez (with the disease's concomitant social violence and general hell-raising at an all-time high), Rudy resorts to off-duty, anonymous jungle justice--beating suspects and torching a Nebraska border-town liquor store--with tragic consequences. Eyre's unflinching eye for reservation horrors and the exploitation of Indians is compelling; his compassion for characters grasping at hope is equally strong. Skins benefits mightily from Schweig and Greene's strong performances; in all, this is an underrated drama waiting for a real audience. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Morally Bankrupt.......2007-08-29

Sorry, but I have to disagree with all these high ratings. I was extremely disappointed with this movie and I am still even a bit depressed by it.

The acting is good, the setting is marvelous and the story is real -- but only real if you're fine with protagonists who represent the lowest common denominator in human moral experience.

Rudy Yellow Lodge, the main character, looks like a pretty good guy on the surface. He's a cop. He's intelligent, clean cut, articulate and serious about his work. However, his way of handling his rage is that he goes around at night in blackface and a stocking cap engaged in helpful public services -- breaking some teenager's kneecaps with a baseball bat, torching a liquor store and vandalizing Mt. Rushmore with oil paint. That's the sort of thing he likes to do when he's not busy enabling his alcoholic brother and sleeping with his married girlfriend. What's up with that? I read somewhere that the Sioux are traditionally very family-oriented people, but if this movie was my only source of information, I'd have a very different impression.

Not only is Rudy the worst kind of violent criminal -- a cop with no respect for the law -- he's also almost completely remorseless. The kids he sends to the hospital for broken knees confess their actual crime (yes, they murdered someone). All he cares about when he interviews them is: Do they know who messed them up? In other words, do they have ID on him and is he going to jail yet? A brave Lakota warrior in the making.

Then, rather than acknowledge to himself that he is creating a lot of pain in people's lives, he attributes many of the tragic consequences of his acts to the contributions of Iktomi, the trickster spirit in Lakota spiritual beliefs. That is because he keeps seeing little spiders. Rudy goes to a sweat lodge to see if he can clear Iktomi out of his life, but do you think that he ever considers, for one minute, changing the hostile and illegal course of his life? Nah.

In case you're in doubt about the real theme of this movie, listen closely. It's repeated two or three times and it goes something like this: whatever happens in this life, we have no control. We're completely at the mercy of unseen forces. Right.

The clincher is that his brother Mogie, who rarely takes anything seriously, has written Rudy a very long letter on his deathbed, asking him to take good care of his son, because Rudy is the only GOOD role model the kid has. Oh his way back to the Rez, after dumping oil paint on Rushmore, what do you think Rudy sees? It's his 18 year old, handsome nephew trying to thumb a ride out of town! Do you think he turns around, to at least give this kid a lift so he doesn't end up facedown in a ditch somewhere? Heck no! He laughs and drives away!

Wow!

Even though I totally understand the defacing of Mt. Rushmore, and I understand the appalling poverty depicted in all its truth in this film, I think the Oglala Sioux were very unfavorably portrayed by Chris Eyre. If I were Native American, I'd be asking Eyre to chose another profession quickly -- or at least another subject! And all this time I thought the Cheyenne and the Sioux got along together very well .... What a rotten movie, and what a disgusting portrayal of sadly overlooked and under-represented minority in this country!

For once, how about a movie that depicts GOOD pepole who are also Native? That is what they always used to say about the westerns with whooping hostiles scalping everybody. I never thought I'd have to make that complaint about an N.A. producer filming on a real reservation in the 21st century. If Eyre wants to straighten his karma out, how about a movie about the life of Donehogawa?

Great movie and great music.......2007-08-12

If you want to get an idea how American Indians portray themselves today, watch Chris Eyre's films. They are not documentaries, yet I am left with the feeling that despite poverty, alcoholism, drug abuse, unemployment, and other problems, reservations are tight-knit communities which are normally closed to whites. Chris Eyre lifts the curtain a bit, lets us catch a glimpse of what holds them together, and he does this with a wonderful sense of humor, tenderness, and poetry.

ETA: I just finished reading the book and must say Eric Schweig and Graham Greene did outstanding jobs portraying Rudy and Mogie. Fortunately, the movie is a "sanitized" version of the book (whose pubertal language I found annoying at times), and especially Rudy is much more mature than his literary model.

It isn't pretty, but it's real........2007-08-01

This video is excellent for college students learning about Native American life in modern America. I use it as a teaching tool, and find it very effective. "Skins," has well developed characters and story line, The story crosses culture lines, as it portrays the dangers of and reasons for, alcohol abuse. I recommend this movie to teachers of psychology, Native American Issues, and contemporary literature.
Jinna Wilson, MFA

Skins.......2007-07-25

Chris Eyre's deeply affecting "Skins," adapted from a novel by Adrian C. Louis, is a small but potent film about the complex ties that bind families, and an unblinking look at the dire conditions of reservation life. Among a solid cast, actor Graham Greene gives a towering performance as Mogie, a hard-luck case in the advanced stages of alcoholism. Even though his character is perpetually cranky, unkempt and irresponsible, Greene still manages to win our sympathy and compassion--no small feat.

powerful!!!.......2007-06-01

I must have seen this film (at least) four years ago. I loved it then, and, upon recalling the plot, still appreciate the power and intensity it presented to us, through its depiction of the turbulence and pain of the Plains Indian experience on the "rez" (reservation). Rudy Yellow Lodge (Eric Schweig), a man employed to uphold honor and accountablity, snaps in the face of his brother, Mogie (Graham Greene)'s alcoholism and the desolate existence of his fellow residents. In defiance, Rudy decides to take part in random acts of violence (beating a white supremacist, destroying a liquor store in a fiery act of arson, fueled by anger). Though, Rudy's original intention is to take a bold (but violent) stand against the multitudes of injustice laid on the heads and hearts of his Native brothers on sisters, his plan backfires on him.

Director Chris Eyre (SMOKE SIGNALS) boldly directs this film and takes us all on a gothic, violent and very disturbing journey down the path of anger, oppression and (attempted) redemption. I really got a sense of the rage blazing behind the camera (in the director's chair) as I did in the eyes of the actors who so masterfully portrayed such powerful and disturbed characters. SKINS challenges the stereotype (and stigma) of alcoholism in the Native American community, as well as everyday racism that occurs as easily as breathing in and out. Eyre's unflinching account of these experiences is beautiful and heartbreaking. Watch SKINS purely for the reason that not enough people have heard of the film (but ought to). What's more, you will walk away with a perspective that you may not have possessed upon initially pressing the "play" button on your DVD player.

The Black Crowes - Freak N Roll into the Fog

Average customer rating:

With the Crowes it's about the music...as always
Good Crowes Performance
Great live band captured.
If you are a Black Crowes fan, you will love this!
well i knew it

The Black Crowes - Freak N Roll into the Fog
Starring: Chris Robinson (VIII) , Rich Robinson (III) , Marc Ford , Steve Gorman (II) , and Ed Hawrysch
Director: Mark Lucas
Manufacturer: Eagle Vision USA
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000EHSVO6
Release Date: 2006-03-21

Description

Shot live at San Francisco's Fillmore Auditorium in August 2005, The Black Crowes present a set of their all-time greatest hits with their first-ever DVD, Freak `N' Roll ...Into The Fog.

Shot in Hi-Def, this two-and-a-half-hour concert features an impressive mix of material from The Crowes' 6 studio albums, including hits like "Sting Me", "Jealous Again" and "Hard To Handle". Acoustic versions of "She Talks To Angels" and "Sunday Night Buttermilk Waltz" are also highlights of this show.

Tracklisting:
1) (Only) Halfway To Everywhere
2) Sting Me
3) No Speak No Slave
4) Soul Singing
5) Welcome To The Goodtimes
6) Jealous Again
7) Space Captain
8) My Morning Song
9) Sunday Night Buttermilk Waltz
10) Cursed Diamond
11) She Talks To Angels
12) Wiser Time
13) Non Fiction
14) Seeing Things
15) Hard To Handle
16) Let Me Share The Ride
17) Mellow Down Easy
18) Remedy
19) The Night They Drove Ol' Dixie Down

Bonus Feature:
Behind-the-scenes short film.

Customer Reviews:

With the Crowes it's about the music...as always.......2007-06-30

I laugh out loud when i read the reviews of anyone who says this sucks or it's not as good as it could have been. The Crowes put the music first! No big fanfare, no fireworks, no gimmicks! It could be said the Black Crowes are the opposite of Kiss. Both bands give you your moneys worth, but with the Crowes its the music. No spectacle, no posturing and best of all NO Pretense! This shows the band with their best line up at the top of their game. That being said, I would have prefered to watch the band during the extended jamms instead of them walking around town. Also, I would have liked to see a longer soundcheck...but those are small gripes because the rest of this DVD is just awesome classic rock done with a style and class most bands don't have a clue about. I've seen the Crowes live several times and with different members and I just have to say I'm totally impressed with this DVD...Crowes fans have been waiting a long time for this and we were not dissapointed...you can play this for your children(it's not angry or weird) and you could play it for your folks(they won't say 'what the hell is this?)...this is what music and watching music should be...REAL!

Good Crowes Performance.......2006-11-05

This one is pretty straight forward - the band comes out, plays their set and then good night. The song selection was representative of the best of the albums with Mark Ford on guitar with a few extras and some from the first album. They did em pretty much note for note with a little jam band stuff in the middle of some songs. I could have lived without the montage segments durning the jams. The back stage extras were OK but not really worth revisiting. A few with Kate Hudson hanging out with the band. This is a good overview of the Black Crowes and a solid performance. I don't regret the purchase and have watched it many times over by this point, as I am a big fan of their music.

Great live band captured........2006-09-25

The Black Crowes certainly never treaded any new territory, musically speaking...and they never claimed to. All they do is play great rock-n-roll, and they do it very well. This relatively inexpensive dvd captures them intimately. The sound is very good, and there are very few cheesy film effects in this dvd. What you get is a classic rock band performing their songs. No gimmicks. For $15 usd, you can't go wrong.

If you are a Black Crowes fan, you will love this!.......2006-07-27

I was at this concert and couldn't wait unitl this DVD came out. The Fillmore is such an awesome venue and the concert was one of the best Black Crowes concerts I've ever been to. The setlist is great and to see them up close doing there're thing is very cool. Lots of shots of San Francisco. This is a great music DVD. Highly recommended.

well i knew it.......2006-07-26

well i knew it. first off, I like to LISTEN to this band. but in a concert, borrrrringggggggg. not much going on here, all just jammed on a small stage, plugging along.

And Chris, how DOES these guys get the babes? I have a cousin that looks pretty close to him, greasy hair beard and all. and my cousin sings kinda of, not even as good, but still, he is a real nice guy. and his chicks? haha, looks nothing like Goldies daughter! oh wait, he is middle class wages, yea like that has nothing to do with it! hahaha.

but anyway, glad I bought the dvd, just to see, even tho I had a feeling it was going to be boring no action like this. better on dvd money than concert money! music is cool tho, jam it when its on the radio

Listened with Sennheiser 595's, the best that I have found, had 555 for a couple years they are nice too, but cant touch 595's, pay the dif and see, er I mean hear.

Black Label Society: The European Invasion - Doom Troopin' Live

Average customer rating:

Zack Wylde does it again
Zakk's BLS Rules!!!...
Doom Troopin' Devistation
i was there
Zakk and Company at their best!

Black Label Society: The European Invasion - Doom Troopin' Live
Starring: Craig Nunenmacher , James Lomenzo , Nick Catanese , and Zakk Wylde
Director: Eric Zimmerman , and Nik Jamgocyan
Manufacturer: Eagle Vision USA
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000FP2ZVW
Release Date: 2006-08-22

Description

Black Label Society is the brain child of guitar great Zakk Wylde. Hard and heavy, big on riffs and even bigger on the solos, BLS is the bastard child of Black Sabbath only pumped up on steroids. Having graced the world's stages for the last 18 years, both as Ozzy Osbourne's right hand man as well as fronting BLS, Zakk Wylde has established himself as one of the few remaining guitar heroes. "European Invasion" captures BLS live on their sold out European tour last year - one of the most anticipated tours of the year and they didn't disappoint. Witness the full Paris show as well as 4 tracks from the Astoria in London. Bonus footage includes a 1 hour long On The Road documentary, 3 promo videos taken from the Billboard top 20 album "Mafia" and the making of documentary for the promo video "Suicide Messiah".

Tracklisting:

Disc 1
Paris Chapter
1. Stoned and Drunk 2. Destruction Overdrive 3. Been a Long Time 4. Funeral Bell 5. Suffering Overdue 6. In this River 7. Suicide Messiah 8. Demise of Sanity 9. Spread Your Wings 10. Solo Acoustic Jam 11. Spoke in the Wheel 12. Fire it Up 13. Stillborn 14. Genocide Junkies

London Chapter
1. Been a Long Time 2. Suicide Messiah 3. Stillborn 4. Genocide Junkies

Disc 2
Backstage Pass - On the Road Documentary.
Promo videos for Suicide Messiah, Fire it Up and In This River.
The making of the Suicide Messiah promo video.

Customer Reviews:

Zack Wylde does it again.......2007-05-14

If you like heavy metal hard rock and roll, this is the DVD for you. The band is tight and Zack shows why he is one of the leading guitar players out there today. Lot's of shredders are fast, but he is fast and melodic with outstanding tone. The mumerous audience shots during the concert show about 3 women out there, the rest are head banging hard core rockers, so that alone will tell you what your getting with this DVD.

Zakk's BLS Rules!!!..........2007-03-29

As a big fan of Zakk Wylde I have to tell you that this dvd is espectacular!!!, great sound, great image plus 3 video clips!!!...
I can't wait to have a dvd with all the videos of BLS!!!...
Buy it, you can't lose!!!...

Doom Troopin' Devistation.......2007-03-26

Being both a guitarist and collector of concert dvd's - I must say that the most recent Black Label dvd sets a new standard. The production and sound are fantastic, and the song selection and playing are KILLER! I'm pretty critical of most music/concert dvd's, and for all the BLS fans - this one blows the previous dvd away (and the first one was great). May sound cliche, but a MUST HAVE for all who like hard rock! These guys have out done themselves with this one.

i was there.......2007-01-15

i was stationed in landstuhl germany when the tour came to paris so i went. All i can say is that the sound tech did an amazing job on the dvd because at the show it sounded like zakks mic was just about dead and zakks guitar smothered what everyone else was doing. the only reason i bought the dvd was because i saw a clip and could actually hear everyone elses instrument and hear the vocals.............really wish it sounded that way live, it would have been awesome. im beginning to wonder when zakks ego will deflate and stop taking advantage of his fans. oh well the 3 stars is for the set list and the dvd sound techs, good job guys keep making a big egoed wanna be biker sound awesome.

Zakk and Company at their best!.......2007-01-10

Love seeing Black Label live and on DVD. Enjoyed this tremendously. Zakk Wylde is the the new guitar God!

John Lee Hooker - Come and See About Me: The Definitive DVD

Average customer rating:

Bluesman John Lee Hooker: The 'Real Deal'
Johnny Lee
Mr. Hooker ... One of Americas all time best.
Excellent!
Keeps going back into the player

John Lee Hooker - Come and See About Me: The Definitive DVD
Starring: Paul Butterfield , The Rolling Stones , Eric Clapton , Ry Cooder , and John Lee Hooker
Manufacturer: Eagle Vision USA
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0001XAMH2
Release Date: 2004-06-01

Product Description

Come And See About ME illustrates the career of John Lee Hooker through complete archival performances of his most popular songs, many featuring special guests. Includes tributes to "The King Of The Boogie" form a number of the guests and comments from John Lee Hooker himself.

Baby Please Don't Go - 1992 - with Van Morrison
Maudie - 1960
Hobo Blues - 1965
It Serves Me Right To Suffer - 1969
Crawlin' Kingsnake - 1978 - with Foghat
The Boogie - 1980
Never Get Out Of These Blues Alive - 1981
Worried Life Blues - 1981
Too Many Women - 1984
Boom Boom - 1984
I'm Bad Like Jesse James - 1986
I'm In the Mood - 1990 - with Bonnie Raitt
Bottle Up And Go - 1991 - with John Hammond
Tupelo Blues - 1993
Hobo Blues - 1990 - with Ry Cooder
The Healer - 1990 - with Carlos Santana
Boogie Chillen' - 1989 - with Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones
I Need Love So Bad - 1994

Format: DVD VIDEO

Amazon.com

The back cover promises "complete archival performances of [John Lee Hooker's] most popular songs," all courtesy of the Hooker estate. That's good news for anyone used to music programs containing only frustratingly brief clips of their subjects at work, and it's exactly what Come and See About Me delivers--in spades--in this superb, two-hour compilation featuring the late bluesman in live performance by himself, with various bands, and in collaborations with a host of famous partners. Hooker's blues was a dark, menacing, sexy sound, and some of the best moments here come when he is playing solo, with only his guitar, his stomping foot, and what guitarist Ry Cooder (who joins him for "Hobo Blues") calls his "deep, well-like" voice accompanying songs like "It Serves Me Right to Suffer" (from 1969) and "Bad Like Jesse James" (1986). But the collaborations are swell too, including those with Van Morrison, Cooder, Bonnie Raitt, John Hammond, and the Rolling Stones ("Boogie Chillen'" comes from the Stones' Steel Wheels tour, with Eric Clapton on hand as well); there's even an appearance with Brit blues rockers Foghat from 1978, with the great Paul Butterfield adding harmonica. The bonus features (a couple of interviews, discography, another "Boogie Chillen'" take) aren't much, but little matter--for blues fans, this is the motherlode. --Sam Graham

Customer Reviews:

Bluesman John Lee Hooker: The 'Real Deal'.......2007-09-05

If you love the blues, you will love this DVD: plain and simple. It features one of the all-time greats and a lot of his music, all done by him.

This has more of a concert feel to it than a documentary. It does span three decades of John Lee Hooker's singing career, so you get both Hooker seen in many concerts and you also get many famous singers talking about him. You see some black-and-white footage of him way back in 1960 at the Newport Jazz Festival, through other TV and concert performances, all the way to the 1990s. Mostly, you hear him sing, and that's why I got this DVD.

"The Boogie Man," as John Lee refers to himself here, had a unique sound of his own and he knew it. He isn't that modest about where he stands among blues greats, but who can argue? Not me, because I enjoyed every song in here. The nine-minute "Boogie" number he does with Foghat and Paul Butterfield ALONE is worth the price of this DVD. It had me tears just watching and listening to it. It's just an unbelievable number.

As Bonnie Raitt comments here, whether Hooker performed alone with just his guitar, or with a band and an electric guitar, "he was the real deal." On this disc, you can watch Hooker and a dozen other big-named musicians, all of them good and all of them big fans of this blues legend. Even some not-so-big names help out with some nice instrumentation. I don't know who the piano player was on "Boom, Boom, Boom," since he isn't listed, but he was fantastic.

As mentioned, this DVD is a lot more music than documentary and that's fine with me. I just want to hear this guy sing and play. It's blues at its best.

Johnny Lee.......2007-06-28

John Lee Hooker is a national treasure and anyone who grew up loving the blues, as I did, will have to have this DVD in their collection. Don't even consder passing on this one.

Mr. Hooker ... One of Americas all time best........2007-02-21

This DVD got 5 stars due to some great footage and interviews that I have never come across. The only down side is the fact that due to limited live recordings available, not only for Mr. Hooker, but all the blues greats, there is a fair share of footage that is also from other sources. It is a reminder of what a crime it is that these great musicians cannot be replaced, and we failed to record their work as we should have for future generations.
I hope we are not allowing current greats slip by the wayside.

Excellent!.......2004-09-27

I've watched this 4 times now. It's amazing how JLH could give you so much with and E chord and that steady driving foot stomp. The high points of this DVD for me were the interviews with JLH and the duet of "In the Mood" with Bonnie Raitt. This is a first class performance. I would highly recommend that anyone reading this review---who loves blues and blues history---buy this DVD.

Keeps going back into the player.......2004-07-12

I keep going back to this DVD to hear "Boogie Chillen", where the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton are the backup band, just to hear him sing and play. The inspiration for most of the Brisitsh rockers of the 60s and 70s, as Carlos Santana points out he influenced everyone in rock. On this DVD you notice Van Morrison, Santana, Clapton and others lifting his licks in their styles.

Great foot-stompin' boogie, but also killer blues from a giant talent. Not so much a greatest hits as an exploration of his style in role in defining the sound for blues rock.

Well worth the price.

Average customer rating:

Classic set from a southern rock marvel

Wow Black Crows still knock me out!

Amazing show by an Awesome band!!

The Black Crowes: Freak 'N' Roll... Into the Fog [Blu-ray]
Starring: The Black Crowes
Manufacturer: Eagle Vision USA
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

General | Rock | Styles | Music
General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
General | Blu-ray | Formats | DVD | Video
Music Video & Concerts | Blu-ray | Formats | DVD | Video
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Planet Earth - The Complete BBC Series [Blu-ray]

Elvis Costello & the Imposters: Club Date - Live in Memphis [Blu-ray]

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Incubus - Alive at Red Rocks [Blu-ray]

Pirates of the Caribbean - The Curse of the Black Pearl [Blu-ray]

ASIN: B000I5XDTW
Release Date: 2006-11-21

Description

Shot live at the famous Fillmore in San Francisco in August 2005, this is The Black Crowes caught at their very best. After taking a break to pursue solo ventures in 2002, their 2005 tour became one of the hottest tickets of the US summer. With a set featuring all their greatest hits, and some stunning acoustic versions, in the middle of a two and a half hour show performed by one of the greatest live bands of all time, this is a concert simply not to be missed.

Tracklisting: 1. (Only) Halfway to Everywhere 2. Sting Me 3. No Speak No Slave 4. Soul Singing 5. Welcome to the Goodtimes 6. Jealous Again 7. Space Captain 8. My Morning Song 9. Sunday Night Buttermilk Waltz 10. Cursed Diamond 11. She Talks to Angels 12. Wiser Time 13. Non Fiction 14. Seeing Things 15. Hard to Handle 16. Let Me Share the Ride 17. Mellow Down Easy 18. Remedy 19. The Night They Drove OlÂ' Dixie Down

Bonus Features: Behind-the-scenes film.

Customer Reviews:

Classic set from a southern rock marvel.......2007-08-25

How can you not love the Black Crowes. This disc is a testament to their grooviness. If you like infectious, soulful jams, you need to pick up this disk!

Wow Black Crows still knock me out!.......2007-06-06

This is a great Disc, incredible sound, crisp clean rocking! Great clearity of visuals, nice camera work. I am very happy with this disc on a technical level. Also it's a damn fine show. First real Blu Ray disc, I have Ricky Bobby which I got with my PS3 it basically sucked in all aspects so I was a bit soured on Blu Ray Especially after such a great experience wit HD DVDs. This Blu Ray really chages my whole outlook on the the format! I can't wait to get more Blu Rays after the latest PS3 firmware update because now I can view my discs in 720p as opposed to 480p downgraded. that was a big problem for me with the PS3 solved and now very happy. Bring on the Blu Ray! What can I say about the Black Crows performance? Absolutely incredible! the finest line of the band I have seen, the set list was great. Just an A+ concert! If you have Blu Ray and you love rock and blues you must own this disc. GO GET IT !

Amazing show by an Awesome band!!.......2007-03-18

This is the best Black Crowes line-up ever and they are totally on fire. Stopping reading my bs and buy this gem now! Oh yeah, and Marc Ford needs to get back with the Crowes!!

Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society - Boozed Broozed & Broken-Boned

Average customer rating:

A must have.
God Damn Good
This idiot barely walks upright
fresh metal society
Zakk Wyldes Black Label Society - Boozed Broozed and Broken Boned

Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society - Boozed Broozed & Broken-Boned
Starring: Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society
Manufacturer: Eagle Vision USA
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Southern Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000A02XM
Release Date: 2003-08-12

Description

First ever DVD from Zakk Wylde & BLS. Features full concert from Detroit plus footage from Japan and Zakk Unplugged as well as rare and behind the scenes footage

Customer Reviews:

A must have........2006-11-05

If you like Zakk you really should buy this DVD. It Rocks.

God Damn Good.......2006-07-24

I'm a big fan of Zakk and this great stuff. If you like Zakk and BLS then you won't be disappointed at all. SO GET IT!!! Of course if you're a jealous no named wanna be then this DVD may enhance your feelings of inadequacy and force you to rate this DVD low.

This idiot barely walks upright.......2005-11-24

the only thing you need to know about this DVD is that at the end of it he yells "Pray for mother f**cking war!" This was recorded before the US invaded Iraq. Its one thing to support the troops, but to pray for war? What a sociopath.

Between his repetitive and boring songs, a drunken Zakk rants like an amphetamine addicted pre-pubescent boy with Turrette's Syndrome. Sure, he's a pretty decent guitarist, but he's a one trick pony. If you've heard 3 of his songs, you've heard his entire repertoire of pyrotechnics. Too bad there's no song writing to go with the posturing. I've enjoyed watching Zakk play with Ozzy, but on his own, this idiot and his music is just a mess.

fresh metal society.......2005-11-10

zakk wylde is the man of the moment in metal music.since 1991 the last great metal year,that nothing new was done in metal music,it was all of the same.then came the 'black label society'.the bls was fresh metal,something new to our ears.god bless zakk wylde.the first 3 metal albums were great '1919..,strong...and hellride.this dvd has got the songs from those 3 albums.zakk wylde is one of the best guitar heroes of the world'maybe the best'and the sound of the dvd is great'dts dolby sorround'buy it now and you ill love it.

Zakk Wyldes Black Label Society - Boozed Broozed and Broken Boned.......2005-09-19

F'king AWESOME. Zakk proves why he's the metal god once again. Its refreshing to see someone who has mastered his trade and give that gift to his fans. If you're a fan of hard driving music that leaves you wanting to raise hell, this dvd is for you.

Blind Boys of Alabama - Go Tell it on the Mountain : Live in New York

Average customer rating:

A gospel Christmas with Joy to the World, from The Blind Boys of Alabama.

Blind Boys of Alabama - Go Tell it on the Mountain : Live in New York
Starring: Blind Boys of Alabama
Manufacturer: Eagle Vision USA
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00070EBGC
Release Date: 2005-02-22

Description

The Blind Boys of Alabama have spread the spirit and energy of pure soul gospel music for over 60 years, ever since the first version of the group formed at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind in 1939. Today, founding members Clarence Fountain, Jimmy Carter and George Scott joined by more recent arrivals Joey Williams, Ricky McKinnie, Bobby Butler, and Tracy Pierce are on a mission to expand the audience for traditional soul-gospel singing while incorporating contemporary songs and innovative arrangements into their hallowed style.

In December 2003, the band came to New York City to perform a special holiday concert at the famed Beacon Theater with Aaron Neville, John Medeski, Duke Robillard, Chrissie Hynde, Mavis Staples, Michael Franti (Spearhead), Robert Randolph (Sacred Steel player), and Charlie Musselwhite (Blues harmonica icon). This show aired on PBS in December 2004 as part of their pledge drive with the individual band members appearing in pledge breaks.

Track Listing:
1. Opening
2. Run On
3. Go Tell It On The Mountain w/John Medeski
4. Little Drummer Boy w/Michael Franti
5. If I Had A Hammer w/Michael Franti, Charlie Musselwhite & Robert Randolph
6. Nobody's Fault But Mine w/Mavis Staples
7. Born In Bethlehem w/Mavis Staples & Duke Robillard
8. Joy To The World w/Aaron Neville
9. People Get Ready w/Aaron Neville
10. In The Bleak Midwinter w/Chrissie Hynde
11. Higher Ground w/Chrissie Hynde & Robert Randolph
12. Amazing Grace
13. Look Where He Brought Me From
14. Someone Watches Over Me
15. Soldier
16. Down By The Riverside w/Ensemble

Customer Reviews:

A gospel Christmas with Joy to the World, from The Blind Boys of Alabama........2006-01-06

It is a wonderful suprise to hear for the first time a group whose core members have been performing together for over 60 years. The Blind Boys of Alabama's current tour brought them to my attention, though I was unable to attend their Christmas concert at Disney Hall. So I decided to check out their Christmas 2003 DVD, "Go Tell It On The Mountain, Live In New York". Oh my God! With various special guest accompaniment on about half these gospel and Christmas songs, they literally blow the roof off the Beacon Theatre, and before the concert reaches the halfway point almost everyone is on their feet, jumping up and down. For me the high point in a concert that was chock full of them had to be the collaboration with Mavis Staples on Nobody's Fault But Mine, and Born In Bethlehem. No doubt that the Blind Boys' Grammy Award winning 2003 studio CD of the same name that just preceeded this live concert DVD may be more technically perfect, but it's the rough edges of these live performances as they work themselves out that spice up the songs, and they rock! The spiritual magic that infuses their music is never in doubt, and the ecstatic crowd lets it wash over them like a waterfall.

Average customer rating:

The Day of the Locust
hollywood babylon redux redux redux ...
Take Another Look
Truly memorable, bleak, surreal, disturbing....
Adore!!!!!

The Day of the Locust
Starring: Donald Sutherland , Karen Black , Burgess Meredith , William Atherton , and Geraldine Page
Director: John Schlesinger
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0001WTUE4
Release Date: 2004-06-08

Amazon.com

Nathanael West's The Day of the Locust is by consensus the great Hollywood novel, a poison-pen letter aimed squarely at the tinsel heart of the movie biz. Only in the 1970s could Hollywood actually hazard a film of this story, and the result is suitably corrosive. William Atherton is the observer Tod, Karen Black the blond starlet Faye, and Donald Sutherland the hulking Homer--but they are easily out-acted by the colorful supporting cast. In particular, Burgess Meredith's exhausted showbizzy salesman and Billy Barty's strutting dwarf are superbly crafted gargoyles in this Hollywood wax museum. Director John Schlesinger piles on the rancid atmosphere and rampant hypocrisy until the movie fairly drowns in its own grotesque vision. Long before the climactic apocalyptic riot, the film has torn itself up. There's no substitute for West's wicked prose, so the adaptation comes across as a literal-minded screech rather than a true bonfire of the vanities. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

The Day of the Locust.......2007-07-05

A blistering adaptation of Nathanael West's novel, "Locust" might be the most audaciously cynical movie ever made about Tinseltown. Peopled with deranged healers, petulant dwarves, painted child stars, and washed-up never-weres, Schlesinger's film creates a stark divide between the pampered starlets and studio bosses of La La Land and the impoverished hangers-on and wannabes whose crushed desires fuel their fortunes. Black, Sutherland, and Meredith are mesmerizing in their respective roles, playing fringe types with utmost authenticity. By the time the film's cathartic, apocalyptic finale arrives to resolve all the dramatic and sexual tension, Hollywood has already begun to look more like hell than any place on earth.

hollywood babylon redux redux redux ..........2007-06-11

it takes longer to watch this movie based on nathaneal wests short story than it takes to read the source material. this tale has been told too many times, yet filmmakers continue to think that the seedy side of hollywood is as fascinating to us as it is to them. well, its not. that said, there ARE terrific performances to be found here: donald sutherland, burgess meredith, and others, tho william atherton is his usually vapid self in the central role. im glad i saw it, but if i ever want to pay a return trip, i will visit the library and mr wests tome.

Take Another Look.......2006-09-20

THE DAY OF THE LOCUST was slammed critically in its initial release, and many reviewers here seem irritated by both the film and the current DVD transfer. But the soft focus and grainy look here are true to Conrad Hall's brilliant, Oscar-nominated cinematography -- this picture was hazy in theatres in its first run, and certainly this transfer's a vast improvement over the VHS and laser versions, which were virtually unwatchable. As for the film itself, perhaps it's best regarded as a fantasia on West's classic novel, rather than a literal adaptation. If the viewer doesn't expect a slavish version of the book, LOCUST holds many pleasures. The acting's marvellous (has a performer ever been more bravely and cruelly exposed than Karen Black as Faye?), and Schlesinger found a style unlike his other films, a sort of acrid romanticism that isn't West's surrealism, but packs a punch nonetheless. I've seen this film several times over the years, always finding things in it with which to disagree, but images here have stuck more completely in my mind than those from many more perfect works. Ripe for reevaluation.

Truly memorable, bleak, surreal, disturbing...........2006-08-22

I just saw this film for the first time in nearly 15 years. It had always stayed with me (especially the climax, one of the greatest in cinema history), and upon seeing it again, it is even sadder, more depressing, and nihilistic than before. The names change in Hollywood, but never the substance, because there was never any substance to begin with. Many people go there with dreams of fame and fortune, but end up miserable, even the "successful" ones. Even those who "make" it still are so uneasy and unsure of everything that they're just as vulnerable as those left on the outside. L.A. has never looked so horrid. While the lead performers are adequate (William Atherton and Karen Black), the performances by Sutherland and Meredith (why Meredith didn't get a supporting actor nod is beyond me) are amazing. The supporting roles are extremely well done as well (with special kudos going to Billy Barty as a sarcastic [...]). There is a surreal tinge to this film that explodes at the climax, one of the most amazing in cinematic history. A film like this could never be made today, because Hollywood has become so terrified of doing anything different, which is a damn shame. This is very much a 1970's film, where Hollywood took chances and let chips fall over the place. They could do it again if they wanted to, you know. A must see...

Adore!!!!!.......2006-06-10

I had forgotten that I had bought the DVD version back in 2004 and I'd have to say I wasn't struck by the feeling that it was a bad transfer. I will say there was much purposeful graininess and soft focusing to the photography that could be interpreted as a bad transfer. Although, I'll have to compare my VHS copy to be positive. I won't comment on the adaptation of the West novel that I haven't read.

Yes, Karen Black may be a bit too old for the role but she is the perfect in type with the look and the style of the period. Atherton is also perfect as is everyone else in this movie. Sorry to see Atherton receiving crappier and crappier roles after doing such a solid job here so early in his career. I would have liked to see him find the kind of niche that Jonathan Pryce or Richard E. Grant have found. However, Barty, Meredith and Sutherland steal the show in supporting parts. They're work here is brilliant.

This is a morally sick film. It's sexually frustration can only be matched by That Obscure Object of Desire but not really. This is an even deeper abyss. Making this story something that can be watched is an achievement in its self but to be able to make it totally fascinating is something only Schlesinger, one of the greatest directors(Midnight Cowboy, Cold Comfort Farm, Darling), could pull off.

The story of Todd (Atherton) coming to 1930's Hollywood as an art designer, sharing the collective, tainted dreams of all of Tinsel Town's inhabitants is one of utter disillusionment. That may sound simple but this is no simple disillusionment. It's in every corner, every nook and cranny. Even for those who have cashed in on the dream there is no salvation, only more assuredness of a soulless end.

Now that the picture is sufficiently blackened let me say this is great filmmaking. There are innumerable, unforgettable scenes. Almost every the scene involving Sutherland or Meredith are burned into the psyche. Being a story about an art designer, the art design is appropriately elaborate. It appears to be the same artist who provided the artwork for the Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas book.

At 140 minutes, this is a substantial meal and one not easily digested but you will be satiated for a long, long time.

Average customer rating:

Spoilers ***** Alpha-The Thirteenth Guest aka Lady Beware
A real shocker

The Thirteenth Guest
Starring: Erville Alderson , James C. Eagles , Paul Hurst , Crauford Kent , and John Farrell MacDonald
Director: Albert Ray
Manufacturer: Alpha Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Thrillers | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Mystery | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Detectives | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B0009XT8KG
Release Date: 2005-08-23

Customer Reviews:

Spoilers ***** Alpha-The Thirteenth Guest aka Lady Beware.......2006-11-20

While I agree with the previous reviewer about the overall summary of this film in general, the transfer is extra hazy, even for Alpha and being a 1932 film. This is one of the worst transfers I have ever seen from the company. This is a British print of the American made movie. Very distracting buzzing throughout as occurs with some other Alpha titles, even to the point where it distorts the actor's voices a couple of times. People, Beware of this print! Don't waste your money!
P.S. I don't know anything about the "new" Tapeworm company version. I have never before heard of the Tapeworm company, so buy at your own risk.

A real shocker.......2006-02-18

Thirteen years later one of 13 guests returns to the Morgan mansion to the scene of a last supper of which the last guest never appeared and ended in the death of the host.

There is a big bang and a hideous scream. When the police captain Ryan, (J. Farrel MacDonald), arrives they find a creepy old dusty mansion with a new telephone and a girl (Ginger Rogers) sitting at the table. As is his habit Captain Ryan calls on his intuitive friend Phil Winston (Lyle Talbot when he was still young and hansom) to sort out the clues.

Who is the dead woman?
How did she die?
Why was she there?
What is the secret of the "Thirteenth Guest?"

The length of the movie is too short to set up the proper environment and has to move too fast to enjoy the anticipation and speculation. However it is well acted and will keep you guessing even if the audience gets more of the inside track than Phil Winston.

We get all the regular suspects and the standard gathering of suspects while Phil fills in the holes and if we are lucky may beat him to the conclusion.

DVD:

DVD

DVD